Project & Funding

Who funds the AI4CI program and how long does it run?

The program is co-funded by the European Commission under the Digital Europe Programme (Grant No. 101123524) and runs from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2027.

Program Details & Overview

What is special about the AI4CI Master’s program?

AI4CI is an international, part-time Master of Science (M.Sc.) program that combines Artificial Intelligence, automation, networked systems, and industrial applications in a modular, practice-oriented format – funded through Erasmus+ under the Digital Europe Programme.

Who is the program suitable for?

The Master’s program is aimed at professionals in technology, IT, engineering, automation, robotics, or related fields who want to deepen their knowledge in AI and connected industrial systems.

Study Focus & Structure

How many ECTS does the program include, and how are they distributed?

The program comprises 90 ECTS, divided into compulsory modules (36 ECTS: AI/ML and Master Thesis), elective modules (36 ECTS in three groups), and free elective modules (at least 6 ECTS).

Is the 90-ECTS Master a full Master’s degree?

Yes, it is a full Master’s degree and qualifies graduates for doctoral studies. The admission requirements ensure that graduates have studied at least 300 ECTS in total.

What does part-time study mean?

Programs at SAPS are designed for part-time study, are highly flexible, and fully modularized. There are few in-person sessions, typically scheduled in blocks on Fridays or Saturdays. All materials are provided on a learning platform using a flipped classroom model.
Each participant chooses how many modules to take per semester. The number of credit points indicates the expected workload (about 25–30 hours per credit).

Can I complete everything online?

We do not guarantee 100% online participation. We strive to minimize the number of on-site and synchronous sessions or offer them online. However, please plan to come to Ulm for exams.

Do I need to come to Ulm, or can I complete everything in my home country?

We cannot guarantee that all content and exams will be online. Please plan for occasional travel to Ulm.

Am I entitled to online exams, virtual attendance days, and virtual labs?

No, there is no entitlement to these. However, we aim to minimize on-site time as much as possible.

I received funding for a module but failed the exam. What costs will I incur for retaking it?

Retakes are not funded. Each module can only be funded once.

Partner Universities & Study Modes

At which partner universities can I study, and in which mode?

Cnam Paris: Full-time (Campus France)
Cnam Grand-Est Mulhouse: Apprenticeship (TMM platform)
Avignon Université: Full-time (starting winter semester 2025/26)
UPC Barcelona: Full-time (starting winter semester 2025/26)
UBB Cluj-Napoca: Full-time (starting winter semester 2025/26)
NTUU Kyiv: Full-time (starting winter semester 2025/26)
Ulm University: Part-time (starting winter semester 2025/26, SAPS Ulm)

Admission Requirements

What are the admission requirements?

A degree with 210 ECTS + 1 year of professional experience, or 180 ECTS + 2 years of professional experience.

What language proficiency is required?

English at B2 level. Note for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: You typically meet the requirement if you studied English in the final two school years and passed with at least 5 points.

Do language skills need to be formally certified?

Yes.

What is a continuing education (Kontaktstudium) program, and how does it relate to the degree?

A continuing education program is a type of academic professional development, typically part-time and practice-oriented. It is aimed at professionals or interested individuals who want to deepen their knowledge in a specific field without completing a full degree. It usually ends with a certificate, and earned credits can be recognized in a future degree program.

Costs & Fees

How much are the tuition fees, and what funding is available?

Fees vary by module. Please refer to the price list on the website. During the project period and as long as funds are available, around 80% of the fees can be covered. Funding is only available for enrolled students.

If I apply now, am I entitled to complete all modules with funding?

No, there is no legal entitlement. Funding depends on availability each semester. Please inquire when booking modules.

What is the semester fee and how much is it?

The semester fee is currently €172 and must be paid once per semester by enrolled students, regardless of the number of modules. It is not eligible for funding.

Application & Registration

When can I apply for a study place?

Winter semester: Apply from June 1 to July 15. Summer semester: Apply from October 15 to January 15.

Are there conditions attached to admission?

Yes, in some cases admission may come with conditions (e.g., an additional math course).

Can the university help me with visa and residence permit issues?

No, please contact the embassy or the Federal Foreign Office for that.

Contact & Advisors

Who can I contact with questions?

Rebecca Schöninger – rebecca.schoeninger(at)uni-ulm.de (organizational questions)
Steffen Moser – steffen.moser(at)uni-ulm.de (academic questions)