Why Is TU Braunschweig a TU9 University?

TU Braunschweig isn't the highest-ranked TU9 name Indian students recognise, but it's the one that started it all. Germany's oldest technical university, founded in 1745, helped shape the TU9 alliance. Here's why TU Braunschweig got a TU9 founding-member status and how that matters for your application and career in Germany.

If you've been comparing TU9 universities by QS rank alone, TU Braunschweig can look confusing. Its QS World University Rankings 2027 position sits well below TUM or RWTH Aachen, yet it belongs to the same TU9 alliance - Germany's most respected group of technical universities.

The TU9 membership was never only about a ranking number. It was built around academic heritage, engineering research depth, and research projects, and TU Braunschweig is not only the oldest technical university in Germany but one of the alliance's founding members. 

For Indian students weighing tuition-free education in Germany along with strong aerospace and automotive research, and a recognised German engineering degree, understanding why TU Braunschweig earned its TU9 seat matters more than chasing a single ranking figure. Here's the full picture.

What is TU9 Alliance & What Made TU Braunschweig a Member?

The TU9 German Universities of Technology e.V. is the official alliance of nine of Germany's leading technical universities, working together on research, industry partnerships, and international outreach. The informal network began in 2003, and the association was formally registered in January 2006.

TU9's nine members share a few defining traits, and here's where TU Braunschweig checks every box:

• Pre-1900 heritage: Germany's oldest technical university, tracing back to 1745 as the Collegium Carolinum, well before the 1900 cut-off that defines TU9's historical character.
• Engineering-first academic structure: TU Braunschweig courses are offered across six faculties spanning engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, with a research-intensive profile matching TU9's engineering-and-technology mandate.
• Known for STEM-designated courses: TU9 universities are popular for their STEM education courses, and the majority of specialisations are offered at TU Braunschweig to Indian and international students. 
• Independent research output: Formal partnerships with the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany's national metrology institute (PTB), and multiple Fraunhofer Institutes place TU Braunschweig inside the same high-output research ecosystem as its TU9 peers.

When TU9 e.V. was founded, it was founded at TU Braunschweig in January 2006, and the university remains active in the alliance. TU Braunschweig's leadership is among those who put their names on the founding certificate. This is how the university's name grew and became an integral part of the TU9 formation, implementation and current standing.

Planning to apply to TU9 universities in Germany soon? Check out which one can be the best suited for you by downloading our free guide on - TU9_Universities_Guide 

Why Is TU Braunschweig a TU9 University? - Top Reasons for Membership

TU Braunschweig was part of the group that founded TU9, not an institution that applied to join later. Its case rests on three pillars - history, research identity, and sustained academic output- and not just a single global ranking score. Here's a quick snapshot of where TU Braunschweig stands today:

In other words, TU Braunschweig's global rankings and its TU9 membership reflect a different, longer-standing judgement. Rankings that are based on academic history and research infrastructure don't reshuffle every year.

Can Indian Students Study at TU Braunschweig? Eligibility & Cost 

Yes, TU Braunschweig admissions are open and available for Indian applicants. TU Braunschweig actively enrols Indian students across the majority of Master's programs, several of which are taught fully in English. Here's what to prepare and what it costs for Indian students at this TU9 university.

Eligibility for Indian Applicants

A few requirements apply specifically to Indian applicants, on top of standard program admission criteria:

• Indian applicants must obtain an APS certificate to apply for both the visa and university enrolment. Processing times from India can run long, so apply as early as possible.
• English-taught programs require TOEFL iBT 88 or 95 (or an equivalent test, depending on the program).
• German-taught programs require a TestDaF score of 4x4 or an equivalent qualification.
• Bachelor's applicants need a recognised higher secondary qualification plus any additional entrance requirements. Master's applicants need a relevant, recognised Bachelor's degree.

Cost of Studying at TU Braunschweig

TU Braunschweig is a TU9 university; thus, it charges no tuition fee for its degree programs. However, when calculating the overall study fee at TU Braunschweig, degree-seeking international students pay a semester contribution of roughly €440 per semester (about ₹48,800 at current exchange rates). This semester fee covers an entire semester, including: 

• Transport ticket
• Student union services
• Administrative costs
• Exchange students pay a slightly lower rate of around €365

How Does TU Braunschweig Compare With Other TU9 Universities?

Indian applicants often shortlist TU Braunschweig alongside better-known TU9 names. Ranking position isn't the only variable worth weighing. But since it's usually the first thing students check, here's how it stacks up on QS 2027, alongside founding year and specialisation:

Why Study at TU Braunschweig based on TU9 Benefits from India?

Based on the TU9 badge, a few practical advantages stand out for Indian applicants applying to TU Braunschweig in 2027:

• Many TU9 universities charge almost no tuition fees. Since TU Braunschweig is a public German university, this significantly lowers the total cost of an engineering degree.
• TU9 branding is widely recognised across popular job sectors in Germany, including employers like Siemens, Volkswagen, and Bosch. So, by graduating with a degree from Braunschweig, Indian students get more exposure to recruiters hiring for engineering roles.
• TU Braunschweig, like other TU9 universities, has a multicultural student body of students from 120+ countries. This reduces the isolation that first-time international students sometimes report in smaller German cities.
• Like other TU9 universities, TU Braunschweig also offers admission in Winter and Summer intakes in Germany. While Winter intake has the maximum enrolments, and the Summer intake records a lower admission rate.

Overall, it can be concluded that TU Braunschweig is a hardcore TU9 university. It shares all common features shared by TU9. Plus, TU Braunschweig degrees are recognised not just in India but in other countries as well. So, if you are looking at TU Braunschweig from a TU9 perspective, then go ahead and apply soon!

If you want to apply and need guidance, sign up for free to get Shiksha Abroad Counselling. Our experts will get in touch with you and help you make the best choice as soon as you put in a request.

Why is TU Braunschweig a TU9 University FAQs