Mechanical Engineering (International) at Carl Benz School

The Carl Benz School of Engineering offers high school graduates the opportunity to study German mechanical engineering in English. The three-year Bachelor's program aims at preparing future engineers for a successful career.
The Mechanical Engineering College of the world-renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), ranked first place in Mechanical Engineering of all German universities, offers high-quality lectures by excellent professors of KIT. All students receive an individualised all-in-one service package, support, and mentoring in order to develop their professional profile.
The Bachelor's program is divided into core studies concluding with a specialization in Energy Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Global Production Management.
The Carl Benz School provides 40 places in its Bachelor's program. The fundamental criteria for admission are excellent grades in mathematics and/or physics (top 80% of class). Furthermore, applicants need to have passed an English language test.
In the course of their mechanical engineering studies, Carl Benz School students choose to specialize in (at least) one of the following specializations:

Global Production Management:

The management of production is a vital key to the operation of companies. This specialization opens doors to countless career opportunities.
Students learn about production planning and control, production logistics, distribution centres, optimisation of logistical networks, material flow processes and project management. The evaluation of methods in terms of technical and economic aspects and virtual product development processes (product life-cycle management) are also important.

Automotive Engineering:
CBS offers a specialization in automotive engineering. At KIT, more than 40 institutes with 800 scientists are researching for safer, more comfortable, and more efficient cars. The automotive industry is currently undergoing a drastic innovation boost with regard to the development of marketable electro motors, optimization of combustion engines and light-weight design.
Students who choose the specialization in automotive engineering profit from the fact that the automotive industry is Germany's largest industry sector, with a turnover of approximately 263 billion EUR, covering 20% of the overall turnover of Germany's industry. Five million people are employed by the automotive industry and their suppliers. Ten out of the 100 largest automotive suppliers have either their headquarters or one of their subsidiaries in nearby Karlsruhe.

Energy Engineering:
The specialization in energy engineering is the best choice for those who want to pursue a future career in an ever-expanding and increasingly important sector.
Students learn about forms and sources of energy, energy production and storage. They also study the management of energy as well as the utilization of renewable energy sources. They learn about economic efficiency in the energy industry and the understanding of technical combustion systems, e.g. engines and turbines.

Benefits for our students:

• World-class mechanical engineering course
• Elite teaching staff
• Mentoring program
• International
• Industry network
• Unique "all-in-one-package"
• Personal guidance & support
• Supplementary courses

Educational organisation

The three-year Bachelor of Science program offers students a well-balanced, theory- and practice-based curriculum. The program is taught entirely in English. It comprises lectures, tutorials and lab courses, with lecturers and tutors from different institutes at KIT.

For details about the content of the curriculum, please refer to our website.

Forms of assessment

The majority of the exams are in written form.

Course objectives

The course objectives of the Carl Benz School of Engineering are to produce highly educated, eminently qualified graduates who are ready to assume professional positions all over the world in the field of mechanical engineering. In addition to their finely honed knowledge and capabilities, graduates will be prepared to competently fulfil the position of their choice, having eliminated any cultural barriers that may have existed prior to their education at the KIT Mechanical Engineering College in Karlsruhe. This mutual understanding and acceptance of other cultures is strengthened thanks to mentoring programmes and lifelong alumni contacts.

Language requirements

Applicants must score at least:
TOEFL paper-based 570, computer-based 250, internet-based 88
IELTS 6.5
 

Academic requirements

Applicants need to meet the following criteria:

• High school diploma, we recommend International Baccalaureate, A-Levels or similar
• Higher level mathematics and physics (and chemistry) for the last two years
• English language proficiency (native tongue, language of instruction or TOEFL/IELTS)
• SAT (Math & Evidence-Based Reading & Writing; at least 1.200 points)
• Motivation Letter

Additional information on the general admission requirements:

• In some countries, high school ends after the 11th, 12th or 13th year. As long as proof of official examination of high school education in the country the student graduated from has been successfully shown, applicants are eligible to apply.
• Transcripts with good maths and physics grades, positive letters of recommendation, a strong interest in studying engineering and motivation to excel in one's studies would increase one's chances of being admitted to the program.

Enrollment fees

For EU students: 7,151 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket for public transportation in Karlsruhe from 6pm to 5am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

For Non-EU students: 8,651 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket for public transportation in Karlsruhe from 6pm to 5am on weekdays and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Costs of living

Normal semester (six months):
Fixed costs:
7,000 EUR for CBS College fees including books, lecture notes, language courses, internship placement assistance, extra tutorial
EU Students: 151 EUR (approx.) for university semester fees

Non-EU students: 1.651 EUR (approx.) for university semester fees
480 EUR (approx.) compulsory German national health insurance

Variable costs:
Accommodation (depends on where one stays - between 1,650 EUR and 2,760 EUR)
Transport (estimated: 120 EUR)
Food expenses (estimated: 1,400 EUR)
Pocket money (estimated: 900 EUR)

Job opportunities

Student assistant jobs at the university

Arrival support

• Assistance with public authorities
• Orientation week
• Administrative Support

Services and support for international students

• Academic and non-academic student counselling and support for freshmen
• Mentoring programmes with professors and visiting lecturers, seminars on learning strategies, etc.
• Excursions and social events

Accommodation

Various student accommodation options are available in Karlsruhe. The International Department offers an attached hall of residence with 122 single and double rooms distributed over three floors. The rooms are comfortably fitted with their own bathrooms and Wi-Fi access. Groups of four to six students share a modern kitchen as well as a dining room and work areas. Students enjoy the privilege of living right in the middle of the city by taking advantage of the accommodation provided. Solidarity is fostered when students spend time studying and living together in the 120-room dormitory, where they also make friends for life.