TUM Future Learning Fund: Project-Based Teaching
Through the funding line “Project-Based Teaching” (funding line 1), courses can be supported in which students work in a project-based, interdisciplinary, and collaborative manner – across disciplines, curricula, and locations. In concrete projects, they develop solution approaches to current challenges that go beyond the content of individual degree programs, for example in the form of a Project Week or within the framework of the EuroTeQ Collider.
The courses may be offered for a single semester or across multiple semesters.
- Applications for both funding lines were open from 31 January to 15 March 2026.
- New applications and applications for the extension and continuation of funded projects could be submitted.
Call for proposals 2026
Project-based teaching offers instructors and students space for collaboration across disciplines and locations, as well as for an intensive, continuous engagement with specific tasks. It thus provides opportunities to combine the acquisition of interdisciplinary competencies in heterogeneous or multidisciplinary teams with subject-specific content, while also enabling the exploration of new teaching approaches.
Project-based teaching in the winter semester 2026/27 will take place in particular and preferably from 11 to 15 January 2027 (Project Week). In exceptional cases, however, the format may also be offered outside the Project Week during the winter semester 2026/27 or in the summer semester 2027.
Concepts under funding line 1 “Project-Based Teaching” (Project Weeks) may, for example, address the following topics:
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Approaches to complex problem solving
Developing solution approaches for ill-defined questions, comparing different disciplinary approaches and exploiting their potential, and exploring solution spaces for key challenges of the 21st century. -
Developing reflexivity
Building awareness of typical ways of thinking within one’s own discipline and recognizing the need for discipline-specific expertise as well as insights from other fields. -
Working productively in heterogeneous teams
Developing the ability to communicate across disciplines and to experience role changes; understanding how one’s own discipline interrelates with others (for example, linking technical issues with ethical or economic aspects); and learning to appreciate other disciplines.
Challenges for the EuroTeQ Collider are also eligible for funding—please feel free to contact us at tflf@cst.tum.de.
The maximum funding amount per project is €20,000.
If project-based teaching or a Project Week is offered over more than one semester, the funding amount may be increased accordingly.
Eligible expenses include personnel costs and material costs, such as expenses for materials, workshops, or travel. The regulations governing the use of public funds apply; therefore, for example, hospitality costs are not eligible for reimbursement.
In justified cases, a higher funding amount may also be requested. The allocation of such funding will then be decided through a competitive process.
In justified cases, formats that have already been supported under the previous Project Week funding scheme may be funded again. A prerequisite for reapplying in the current competitive procedure is that a clear further development and the transformative character of the project for teaching are evident. The project proposal must explain how sustainable continuation of the project can be implemented.
You can regularly apply for funding for your project for one semester: either the winter semester 2026/27 or the summer semester 2027. With appropriate justification, projects may also be funded for both semesters (the winter semester 2026/27 and the summer semester 2027).
The jury meeting will take place in early summer 2026. You will be informed of the outcome shortly thereafter and can then begin your project. The project-based courses may be offered at the earliest in the winter semester 2026/27.
Eligible applicants include Schools, Integrative Research Institutes, professors, and central service units (for example ProLehre | Media and Didactics, Corporate IT Systems and Services, the University Library, the TUM Language Center, the TUM Center for Study and Teaching, etc.).
Multiple applications per unit are possible. Applications must be submitted to the Vice Dean Academic & Student Affairs or the head of the respective service unit sufficiently in advance. A signed statement from the Vice Dean or the head of the service unit must be submitted with the application. After all applications have been received, the Vice Dean will receive an overview of all applications from their School in order to support a balanced allocation between new teaching offerings and existing core teaching.
The jury, chaired by the current Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, consists of representatives of the professoriate, the student body, academic staff, and non-academic and academic support staff.
Formats may be funded if they are set up as a module or as part of a module in TUMonline and if students receive at least three ECTS credits for their work, ideally as part of an assessed examination. The teaching formats should be evaluated after completion of the project.
Although formal assignment to a degree program is not required, formats that are integrated into existing degree programs are viewed positively.
For content-related preparation and follow-up, projects must be embedded in a module that extends over the entire winter semester or summer semester. In order to integrate the projects with minimal disruption to regular teaching activities, it is recommended to include a block component during the designated Project Week. This Project Week will take place in the winter semester 2026/27 from 11 to 15 January 2027. In exceptional cases, the block component may also take place outside this Project Week.
A complete application consists of the following components:
- Application text: In the application text, please describe the initial situation, objectives, and concrete measures in no more than two pages. Please also explain the criteria you will use to assess whether your project has been successful (evaluation criteria). Please use the template “Application text” provided at the bottom of this page.
- Tabular financial plan: Please attach a tabular financial plan down to your application. Personnel and material costs may be requested. The regulations governing the use of public funds apply; therefore, for example, hospitality costs are not eligible for reimbursement. Please use the Excel form “Tabular financial plan” provided at the bottom of this page.
- Declaration: Please submit a signed declaration from the Vice Dean or the head of your organizational unit together with your application. Please contact your Vice Dean or head well in advance. Please use the template “Declaration Vice Dean / unit head” provided at the bottom of this page.
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A complete online application via the application form; the application text, tabular financial plan, and declaration must be uploaded there.
The application can be submitted in German or English.
Answers to formal questions regarding the application process can be found in the templates. If you require further assistance, please feel free to contact us at tflf@cst.tum.de.
To ensure both the success of the project and the appropriate use of funds, reporting is required. We will inform you of the specific details once your project has been selected by the jury.
The application must be submitted via the application form by 15 March 2026.
A final event takes place each spring, during which the projects implemented up to that point are presented. Active participation by those responsible for the funded projects is an integral part of the event. At the same time, it provides space for joint reflection and professional exchange. We will inform you about the specific format and details once your project has been selected by the jury.