• Is the Data Science program located in Eichstätt or in Ingolstadt?

The program is located in Ingolstadt, i.e. all Data Science courses will be offered in Ingolstadt. Our home is the newly renovated Georgianum.

• When should I arrive?

You should try to arrive at the beginning of October so that you have some time to settle in and can take part in the preliminary course.  The regular lectures at the KU typically start in mid-October.

• I am a student from outside the EU, what if I get my Visa a bit late?

We are aware that international students sometimes have to wait months for a Visa. For this reason, we issue admissions as quickly as possible and grant a very late deadline for enrollment so that applicants have the best possible chance of obtaining a Visa. The final enrollment deadline (according to the admission letter) is usually only a few days before the start of lectures. All required documents including Visa must be submitted by mail to the Student Office by this deadline.

• How much self-study is an average student who is studying in this course expected to do daily?

As at all universities, there will be a significant part of self-study. Exemplarily, in the course ‘Linear Algebra’ you have about 6 contact hrs and 5hrs of self study per week. The overall effort is comparable to other German universities. Studying Data Science at KU is a full time job.

• Should I revise any mathematics topics from home such as calculus or probability or will the faculties teach us all topics from scratch in a way that there is no need for any prerequisites?

Our beginner courses are all self-contained. Usually the toughest part for some is the formal math, such as ‘Linear Algebra’ and ‘Analysis’. A good level of prior knowledge is helpful for the beginning. For example, you can look up what a vector space is and learn a little about matrices. However, a preliminary course is also offered before the start of the semester, in which some mathematical basics are covered. The math courses during the semester are structured in such a way that all topics are covered from the ground up and can be followed without much prior knowledge.

• Do people normally finish this degree course in the given time span of three years or does it take more time than that? 

This is a new study program.  We expect people to finish in three years, the program is very streamlined towards that. 

• What is the schedule during a week?

Via the link

https://www.ku.de/en/mgf/studiengaenge/bachelor/data-science

you will find the current schedules for the different semesters under ‘Documents’.

• Could you please provide me with access to the module handbook or guide me to the appropriate resource?

You can find such a course catalog on

https://www.ku.de/en/mgf/studiengaenge/bachelor/data-science

under 'Study materials'. The English version of the exam regulations can be found there under 'key documents'.

• Does the University provide free German lessons for its enrolled students?

We will support at least going to the mandatory A2 level, as this level must be proven after one year. The university regularly offers free German lessons at least up to this level. These are typically scheduled to fit in with your regular timetable, e.g. Monday morning.

• Is it possible to study data science online or hybrid at the KU?

The program is designed as an in-person study. However, you will usually be provided with online teaching materials and for some courses even with video recordings. This means that you can also learn the course content on your own, although we highly recommend that you actively participate in the courses. However, examinations must always be taken in person.

• When do I have to choose one of the focus area offered? And is it possible to change it afterwards?

At the end of the second semester, you should decide on a specialization (so-called focus area) and choose your courses accordingly from the third semester onwards. However, a change of specialization is possible at any time.

• Is it possible to spend a semester abroad and when should I do it?

We are happy to support you in spending a semester abroad. If you are interested, we recommend this in the fifth semester. For more information please see

www.ku.de/international/studierende-der-ku/studienaufenthalt-im-ausland

The lectures and exams are provided in English. However, all professors are able to speak German as well, such that you can adress them likewise in German. On request, we also offer exams in German. As science and industry become more and more international, communication in English is nowadays a necessary skill. The KU also offers courses to improve (English) language skills. Further information is available here:

https://www.ku.de/sprachenzentrum

Please fell free to watch the following videos to get an impression that for understanding the basic lectures in data science you really do not need to have sophisticated language skills:

• Prof. Götz Pfander: Linear Algebra 1, Systems of linear equations
• Prof. Götz Pfander: Linear Algebra 1, Ring theory
• Prof. Nadja Ray: Analysis 1, Sequences

Some courses (such as Linear Algebra and Analysis) can also be substituted by German-language courses in Eichstätt.

• Is this university a private university or a public university? Are the degrees provided here equally valid in other countries?

The university is funded 85% by the state of Bavaria, all degree programs follow the same rules as at any other Bavarian university. It is considered a private university, but the degrees are the same as at another German university and are also equally valid in other countries. The Data Science degree program is internationally accredited. Furthermore, studying at the KU has no tuition costs.

• What will be the chronological order of things that will happen once I arrive in Ingolstadt? Kindly guide me for the same and tell me if there is any buddy program in the University.

Before traveling to Ingolstadt, please ensure that you start looking for accommodation in Ingolstadt (or surrounding area) in due time. The KU International Office international@ku.de / welcome@ku.de is happy to help. Please contact the KU International Office if you require more practical information. We have a student union (Fachschaft) which will help you getting settled. Moreover, we offer a preliminary course before the regular lectures begin, where students can get to know each other.

• Does KU provide accommodation to its students and if yes then how can I apply for one?

The International Office international(at)ku.de helps to find an accommodation and offers a housing service, see

https://www.ku.de/fileadmin/1907/Dokumente_Incoming/Download_Incoming/Housing_Guide_New.pdf

However, we recommend that you look for accommodation as early as possible.

• Does the University have a swimming pool and a gym and are they free to use?

There are many different sports that you can get involved in at the KU, see

https://www.ku.de/en/campus-life/sports

Most sports courses are held Eichstätt and the gym is also located there. However, there are special offers for students on the public market in Ingolstadt. Generally, swimming pools and gyms have very reasonable student prices. KU is currently trying to extend its free sports offering in Ingolstadt.

• If possible, kindly guide me about the monthly expenses I can expect during my stay as a student in Ingolstadt. 

First information in this direction can be found here.

If you have any further questions on this topic please contact the International Office welcome(at)ku.de

• I would like to know about the situation of speaking English in Ingolstadt. Do people typically know English or do they rather refuse to speak English?

Ingolstadt is a fairly large town with plenty of English speakers, e.g. working at Audi, and an international atmosphere. Also, many people in Ingolstadt commute for work to Munich, which is very cosmopolitan.

• What should I expect to be doing after I am done with this degree course? Will I get a job and will the University help me with this?

In the field of data science, there is a very high demand in the job market. The Career Center of the KU offers information surrounding internships and career. Moreover, it regularly organizes various workshops and lectures on topics such as job applications.

• What does the collaboration of the university with Audi, Continental and Airbus mean?

They and numerous other companies in the area appreciate the study program we offer and benefit from good job applicants. To get to know the companies, you can apply for an internship at their places.