Admission & Application

Every semester, about 20 students begin their Technology Management program at the CDTM.

All students go through a strict selection process consisting of an online or written application and the interview round which is passed by approximately 20% of all applicants. Its components guarantee our students' high qualification.

Dates & Deadlines

The application deadline for intake in March (spring term) is November 30 of the previous year, for intake in August (fall term), please apply until May 30 of the same year.

Please note that the deadline mentioned above is the latest dates when an application may be handed in. The admission board welcomes applications at any time before those dates. This allows us to examine the applications and contact the applicant if for example further information is needed. So please do not hesitate to send in your application early.

Information events for students will take place in November and May.

Online Application System

If you intend to apply for the Honours Degree Program in Technology Management at the Center for Digital Technology & Management, please visit the CDTM Online Application System and register as a new user. Once registered, you will receive further information on the online application procedure.

Using the online application tool you are requested to give information about yourself in the following areas:

Grades and language skills (transcripts of records, certificates)
Curriculum Vitae (periodical listing of your previous work experience, educational background and international experience)
Statement of purpose (a brief statement explaining why you want to take this opportunity and how you think you can benefit from it)
Personal and social skills (social commitment, sports, arts, talents)

Please remember that if you are invited for the interview round, we require copies of any certificates of work experience and transcripts of your previous studies as mentioned in your application.

» Start Online Application

Further Information

Requirements

Formal Requirements

You must be registered as a student for a Diploma-, Bachelor- or Master-level studies program at a Bavarian university (Fachhochschulen/universities of applied sciences do not qualify). Most of the CDTM students come from the fields of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Business Administration. Students of other majors can also apply.
You should have completed (or are this term completing) your undergraduate studies (e.g. Vordiplom) and your Abitur (Abitur, A-Level, International Baccalaureate or High School equivalent etc) with above-average results. If you're in a Bachelor program (and don't get a Vordiplom) you need to be at least in your 3rd semester when applying for Technology Management.
Show prove of at least 10 weeks of work or internship experience (industry or university level related).

Please note, that CDTM does not offer a stand-alone master program. Rather you will get enrolled in a Honours Degree in Technology Management program, that you pursue in parallel to your main studies.

We select exceptionally talented students from around the world on the basis of four criteria: experience, strong academic aptitude, managerial potential and student diversity. Significant importance is given to personal interviews. We try to interview as wide a spectrum of applicants as possible, in order to ensure fair and well-rounded decisions.

You should

be an open-minded, curious and motivated person,
be willing to take an active role in our projects and activities,
like to work in teams,
be able to express yourself in English,
have obtained above average results in your undergraduate studies

Experience

Having a minimum of professional experience is prerequisite for understanding management issues. We therefore give preference to candidates with professional experience from apprentice- or internships. Students, who had summer internships before or during their university years, normally meet the minimum criteria for experience.

Strong Academic Aptitude

As the CDTM Program is rigorous and challenging, entering students must possess a solid academic foundation. Typically applicants have completed degree programs representing a minimum of 15 years of schooling, with at least 12 years at the elementary and secondary levels.

Managerial Potential

We closely look at applicants’ level of motivation and independence, their communication and interpersonal skills, intellectual diversity and the extent to which they have taken advantage of opportunities. We are interested in who applicants are as a person and in how the combination of their personal qualities and achievements have led them toward a career in high tech management.

Diversity Among Students

We define diversity in the broadest possible terms, encompassing educational and professional experiences, culture, citizenship and nationality, and personal experiences and goals, indicating special qualities and perspectives students bring to CDTM. We want to create a community of diverse backgrounds and interests because a good portion of students learning will result from comparing experiences and perspectives with other classmates.

Financial Aid

Currently there is no tuition fee to be paid by students (as long as the program is not assessed as a so called “Zweitstudium” for you, which is generally not the case if you apply with a pre-diploma or a bachelor degree). However, we ask each student for a one-time contribution of 200€ to cover expenses related to the studies within the time at the CDTM (Kickoff-Weekend, course material, printing, etc.). If you wish to apply for individual financial aid please refer to the institutions below.

CDTM Scholarships

CDTM is supporting students to go abroad for one term. For these stays, CDTM has set up a scholarship program to support its students by covering tuition and higher living expenses.

Bafög

For comprehensive information on BAföG please refer to the web sites of BAföG-Forum or the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung. For a contact person at one of the affiliated Universities in Munich please see the local Studentenwerk.

» BAfög Information

» Studentenwerk München

Other Scholarships

Financial aid is, e.g. provided by the Begabtenförderungswerke in Germany. A comprehensive list of all possible financial aid programs can be accessed at the Index Deutscher Stiftungen (http://www.stiftungsindex.de/) or BRalpha. For admission criteria please refer to the relevant institutions.

» Stiftungsindex

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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How many people applied last term? How many were admitted?

Of the approximately 160 applications received last term for the Technology Management Program, about 50 were invited for a personal interview and 20 were admitted.

Can you tell me my chances given my background?

It is unlikely that an admissions committee member would be able to assess your chances for admission without first seeing a completed application.

Do I need to have work experience to apply?

Show prove of at least 10 weeks of work or internship experience (industry or university level related). Some experience is helpful to get the most out of the CDTM experience. People who already have a framework against which to apply their education and to understand workplace issues generally are able to get more out of the program and contribute to classroom discussions.

What is the teaching style at CDTM?

CDTM faculty employ a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, case studies, team projects, writings, problem sets, presentations, company visits, guest speakers, and other theoretical and applied teaching methods. The teaching method used in class is the choice of the individual instructor and is chosen to best facilitate learning for that subject matter.

What are the general selection criteria and desired qualifications for admission?

General Criteria

We look for students whose personal characteristics suggest that they will make the most of the opportunities at CDTM, both in academic and non-academic areas. We also seek those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. Therefore, we value characteristics such as motivation, involvement, interpersonal skills, entrepreneurial aptitude, leadership quality, creativity, analytical skills, and open mindedness.

Desired Qualifications

The Admissions Committee looks for excellence—applicants with high academic potential and achievement, and strong motivation and leadership potential. High academic potential and achievement are normally reflected in excellent academic records, and recommendations that go beyond the usual polite endorsement. Ability to achieve is usually shown in relevant experience, your essays, and recommendations.

Formal Criteria

Students have to be registered for a Diploma-, Bachelor- or Master-level studies program at a Bavarian university. Most of the CDTM students come from the fields of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Management. Students of other related majors are also highly encouraged to apply.

You should have completed (or are this term completing) your undergraduate studies (e.g. Vordiplom) and your Abitur (Abitur, A-Level, International Baccalaureate or High School equivalent etc) with above-average results.If you're in a Bachelor program (and don't get a Vordiplom) you need to have studied at least 3 semester to be eligible.

What subjects/areas of study are offered at CDTM?

A list of courses offered at the CDTM is available on the CDTM web pages. You should also visit our Curriculum pages for a description of our curriculum.

How many students attend the CDTM Technology Management Program?

CDTM has approximately 20 students per class for a total of about 60-80 active students. There are about 250 alumni so far.

What is the average class size?

Core classes have approximately 20 students. These subjects typically have small discussion sections in which you have the opportunity to discuss conceptual issues and work on problem sets. Elective subjects typically have 12 to 20 students and seminars may have even fewer students.

What student clubs exist at CDTM? What if I want to start a new club?

There is a variety of student organizations and clubs at CDTM. They organize events or invite and host speakers, and conduct forums. If there is an area that interests you, but is not represented through a student organization, we encourage you to start one.

Are some parts of the application weighted more than others?

No single characteristic in the application is more important than any other. An area of weakness—for example, moderate scores in your high-school degree—may be successfully offset by strengths in other areas.

How much time do I have to invest for the program?

You'll have to invest about 1,5 - 2 days a week for the program during the semester. In the first phase during the semester break it is a full time program!

Where do most CDTM students live?

Most students are enrolled at TU Munich or LMU Munich and live in or close to Munich.

Does CDTM have rolling admissions? Are there advantages to applying early?

CDTM has 2 application deadlines per year. The online application tool is available some months before the next deadline. There are no competitive advantages to applying earlier. An application after the final deadline is not possible as the decision process is well underway and candidates for the interview round are already chosen.

Do I have to learn/to do programming?

Even though you might find yourself working on real world projects involving cutting-edge technology during your time at CDTM, learning to program a computer is definitely neither a requirement nor necessary. All projects are highly interdisciplinary.

Do you give feedback on denied applications?

We understand that being denied admission can be a disappointment, and it is reasonable that you want to know the reasons behind the Admissions Board's decision. Therefore, as time allows, on request you can get the opportunity to get feedback from one of the interviewers. But please understand that the decision of the Admissions Board is final.

What are the requirements for completing the Technology Management Program?

All degree candidates enrolled in the Technology Management Program complete a required core curriculum (27 credits) in addition to 9 credits of electives.

Most CDTM subjects range from 1 to 6 credits. The credit count is based on weekly class hours, lab or thesis units, and outside preparation time.

The program is tailored to be completed within 4 semesters. However, the program has to be completed latest after 6 semesters in order to be able to graduate with the Honours Degree.

Do I need to mail in copies of my transcripts?

You are not required to mail in copies of your transcripts. You should, however, have official copies of your transcripts so that you may report the information on the transcripts on the self-reported transcript form. Applicants invited to an interview are required to bring in copies of their transcripts. For more information, visit Application Instructions.

Which kind of degree do CDTM Technology Management Program graduates receive?

Upon completion of the degree requirements, candidates receive an Honours Degree in Technology Management issued by two of Germany's leading universities, TU Munich and LMU Munich and supported by the Elite Network of Bavaria.

Do you require recommendations?

Within the application process recommendations are not required.

Is Technology Management a Master Program?

CDTM does not offer a stand-alone master program. Rather you will get enrolled in a Honours Degree in Technology Management program which is part of the Elite Network of Bavaria. The program is pursued in parallel to your main studies. However you have to be enrolled in a regular university program in order to apply for CDTM.

Is it possible to transfer credits to my main studies?

As CDTM offers an additional Honours Degree complementary to (and not integrated in) your primary studies, credit transfer is restricted.

Do I need to take the TOEFL?

The program is taught mainly in English, so applicants will be expected to follow lectures and take exams in English. Therefore the language skills of each student will be tested during the application procedure. The application interview is partly conducted in English language. We do not require TOEFL or similar at this point in time.

Is there a part-time program offered?

No, CDTM does not offer any part-time programs.

When is the next application deadline?

Application Deadline for intakes in August (summer term) May 30 of the respective year, for intakes in February (winter term) November 30 of the previous year.

Are there other joint degree programs?

CDTM does not offer joint admissions with any other programs; it is the candidate’s responsibility to apply to other programs separately, and to design a dual-degree program that will satisfy degree requirements at both programs.

How can I request the CDTM Program sheet?

Visit the download section.