AI and sensors: prepare for your Master’s in Siegen.

No. EXCELS prepares you for a Master’s through Digital Prep, the Summer School, and support during the transition. You apply for the Master’s separately and must meet its admission requirements.

Strong international Bachelor’s students in a relevant subject who are aiming for a research Master’s in Siegen and are interested in AI, sensor systems, or microelectronics. The official call defines who can apply.

Yes. EXCELS is for students in the last two years of their Bachelor’s degree.

Computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics, and closely related STEM subjects. See the fit check.

EXCELS recruits mainly in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, but this is not an eligibility rule. It is not for students already studying at a German university, because its funding programme, Academic Horizons, aims to bring new international Master’s students to Germany. The official call states the exact conditions.

Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechatronics, all taught in English. Each has its own requirements, and its examination board decides admission.

Through the EXCELS application form, from October to 15 November 2026.

No. EXCELS has one shared AI and sensor-systems track, not individual projects. Describe the research direction that interests you.

A CV, a current transcript, examples of technical or research work, and a motivation statement. See the document list; the official call confirms what is required.

Your CV should show specific coursework, skills, and projects, and what you contributed to each. Your motivation statement should link these to AI and sensor systems, your preferred Master’s programme, and your goals.

Yes. A thesis, capstone, lab or course project, internship, or project of your own also counts, if you explain the problem, your decisions, your contribution, and what you learned.

The official call sets the English level and accepted evidence, such as a test certificate or proof that your Bachelor’s is taught in English, and any translations or recommendations. Master’s programmes have their own language rules, and an English-taught degree does not automatically replace a test there; see the ETI application overview.

Mainly on grades. Successful applicants are usually in the top quarter of their year. The official call sets the exact criteria.

A separate review looks at your grades, maths and algorithms background, research fit, relevant work, motivation, potential, and how actively you took part in Digital Prep. Shortlisted candidates have a short online technical interview. ETI, ZESS, and the International Office then decide together.

No. The Summer School has its own selection. Active participation in Digital Prep helps but does not guarantee a place.

Most participants are expected to come from Digital Prep. The official call says whether there is any other route.

Yes. Besides grades, the Summer School review can take into account educational barriers you have overcome, intercultural competence, and social engagement. Share personal context only as the official call describes.

Each decision is separate. Not getting a Summer School place does not affect your Master’s application, and EXCELS cannot change a Master’s admission decision.

Online modules in AI and sensor systems, an introduction to studying and exams at German universities, and sessions with lecturers and researchers. It runs from 1 to 4 December 2026; selected participants receive the schedule and workload.

No. It takes place in Siegen: 14 days, 15 participants, July 2027. Later rounds are expected in summer 2028 and 2029.

Digital Prep and the Summer School are free, and Summer School participants receive support for travel and accommodation; the official call gives the details. EXCELS never charges fees, so be wary of anyone who asks you to pay for a place.

EXCELS does not fund your Master’s. The University charges no application fee or tuition, but students pay a semester contribution and need their own funds for living costs, health insurance, and visa requirements. See the University’s financing guidance.

No. The ZESS stipend goes to at most two newly enrolled participants and is decided only after enrolment, so you will not know about it when you apply for your Master’s or visa. Plan your finances without it. Personal mentoring is for a later, selected group, not every Digital Prep participant.

You are responsible for your visa and insurance, and EXCELS selection does not guarantee a visa. The Summer School and later degree study may need different visas; check with the responsible German diplomatic mission and the University’s visa and residence guidance.

For your Master’s, you find your own housing; see the University’s accommodation guidance. Summer School participants receive travel and accommodation details separately.

Use Ask us about EXCELS below. For Master’s applications, see the ETI application guidance; for arrival and student services, contact the International Office.