ACTIVE

Hessen International Summer University (ISU) 2026 - German Engineering & Language

Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)
🇩🇪Germany
Duration:18 May 2026 - 30 Jun 2026
Nomination Deadline:15 Mar 2026
Application Deadline:30 Mar 2026

The Hessen International Summer University (ISU) 2026 at Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany offers undergraduate engineering students an immersive program combining cutting-edge German engineering courses, intensive German language training, and cultural experiences including company visits to Mercedes-Benz AMG Factory and European Space Agency (ESA/ESOC).

1. Program Overview

  • Duration: May 18 – June 30, 2026 (6 weeks total)
    • Virtual Phase: May 18 – May 31, 2026 (2 weeks online)
    • On-Site Phase: June 1 – June 30, 2026 (4 weeks in Darmstadt, Germany)
  • Arrival Day: Sunday, June 1, 2026
  • Departure Day: Monday, June 30, 2026
  • Academic Credits: 12 ECTS (6 US/Canadian credits)
  • Language of Instruction: All engineering and culture courses taught in English. German language courses in German (beginner to intermediate levels).

2. Academic Tracks (Choose ONE)

Students can choose from two engineering tracks:

  • Track A: Mechanical Engineering (6 ECTS / 3 US Credits)
    • Automotive Engineering
    • Aeronautical Engineering
    • Mechatronics Engineering
    • Production Engineering (Lasers in Manufacturing, Industry 4.0)
  • Track B: Electrical Engineering (6 ECTS / 3 US Credits)
    • Programming & Algorithms for Power Systems
    • Microfluidics & BioMEMS

Plus (Mandatory for All Students):

  • German Language Course (4 ECTS / 2 US Credits) – 120 hours
    • Level A1 (Beginner): No prior German knowledge required
    • Level A2 (Beginner with Prior Knowledge): Some German background
    • Level B1 (Intermediate): For advanced learners (placement test required)
  • Cross-Cultural Competencies Training for Engineers (2 ECTS / 1 US Credit) – 60 hours
    • Topics: Intercultural communication, engineering cultures, studying/working in Germany

3. Eligibility Criteria

  • Level: Currently enrolled undergraduate students with profound interest in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
  • Enrollment Status: Must be enrolled and remain enrolled at home university (IIT Madras) throughout the program duration
  • Language: Sufficient English proficiency required. No German language skills required (beginner courses available)
  • Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites, but basic knowledge in engineering recommended
  • Disciplines Welcome: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and similar fields within Engineering and Sciences

4. Program Cost & What's Included

  • Program Fee: €2,990
  • Fee Includes:
    • All engineering and German language courses (course materials, workshops)
    • Cross-cultural competencies training and intercultural practice
    • On-campus accommodation (greet Hotel – single room with own bathroom)
    • Health insurance (covers entire Schengen area)
    • Public transportation ticket (Deutschland Ticket – valid throughout Germany for regional transport)
    • Student services
    • Company visits (Mercedes-Benz AMG Factory in Affalterbach, ESA/ESOC)
    • Excursions (Munich weekend trip, city tours)
    • Social activities
  • Fee Does NOT Include:
    • International airfare and visa fees
    • Meals (students should budget €392-759 for 4 weeks, or less if cooking in hotel kitchen)
    • Day-to-day personal expenses
    • Individual travel during free time
  • Scholarships: Partial scholarships available for nominated students from partner institutions (including IIT Madras).

5. Program Highlights & Cultural Activities

  • Company Visits:
    • Mercedes-Benz AMG Engine Factory (Affalterbach)
    • European Space Agency (ESA/ESOC) in Darmstadt
    • Various engineering museums
  • Excursions & Cultural Activities:
    • Munich weekend trip (included)
    • Darmstadt city rallye (orientation)
    • Optional trips to Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Frankfurt
    • Group dinner and Mensa vouchers (some days)
    • Farewell event
    • Free time for independent European travel on weekends
  • Accommodation: greet Hotel (single rooms with private bathroom, shared kitchen, laundry facilities, gym, study/lounge areas, 24h reception)

6. Application Process & Deadlines

For IIT Madras Students (Partner University):

  1. Step 1: Internal Nomination (Deadline: March 15, 2026)
  2. Step 2: Online Registration (Deadline: March 30, 2026)
  3. Step 3: Pay Program Fee
  4. Step 4: Receive Letter of Acceptance (for visa application if required)

Important Notes:

  • Nomination does not guarantee placement
  • Successful nomination may qualify students for partial scholarship
  • Start visa application early (can take up to 3 months)
  • Letter of Acceptance provided after fee payment

7. Virtual Information Sessions

Join one of the live Q&A sessions to learn more about the program:

8. Cancellation Policy

  • Before May 1, 2026: Full refund minus €150 non-refundable service fee
  • After May 1, 2026: No refund possible
  • Visa Denial: Full refund (excluding bank charges and €150 service fee) if official visa refusal letter submitted and not due to personal fault. Cancellation possible up to 1 week before program start.

9. Travel & Accommodation Information

Arrival:

  • Arrive at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) on Sunday, June 1, 2026
  • Recommended arrival time: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (local time)
  • Pick-up service available (email flight details to summer@zv.tu-darmstadt.de by May 21, 2026)
  • Alternative: AIRLiner bus from FRA to Darmstadt Luisenplatz (€€, 35 minutes)
  • Check-in at greet Hotel from 11:00 AM onward

Accommodation: greet Hotel, Darmstadt

  • Single rooms with private bathroom (90-120cm bed)
  • Shared kitchen facilities (dishwasher, fridge, ceramic hob, oven, microwave)
  • 24h reception, WiFi, laundry room, gym, study/lounge areas
  • No meals included (hotel restaurant/bar available at own expense; breakfast ~€9.50)
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM on June 30, 2026

10. Additional Resources