Full Name: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
Established: 1870
Type: Public university
Student Population: Over 45,000 students
Academic Staff: Approximately 5,600, including 540 professors
Campus: Urban, with a main campus centered in downtown Aachen and several additional facilities spread across the city.
RWTH Aachen University is renowned primarily for its engineering and technical programs, but it also offers a wide range of studies in natural sciences, economics, humanities, and medicine. The university is especially noted for the following faculties:
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering: One of the largest and most historic faculties, known globally for its research and teaching excellence.
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology: Highly regarded for its cutting-edge research and strong industry connections.
Faculty of Civil Engineering: Known for a practical and research-oriented approach in the areas of construction, environmental engineering, and resource management.
Excellence Initiative: RWTH Aachen is a recipient of funding from the German government’s Excellence Initiative, enhancing its research profile and infrastructure.
Collaborations: The university has extensive collaborations with industrial giants, especially in the automotive, electrical, and information technology sectors, such as Siemens, Ford, and Microsoft. This close industry collaboration provides students with numerous opportunities for internships and practical experience.
Research Centers: It houses several interdisciplinary centers and collaborative research centers, including the Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), a unique collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich.
Global Networks: RWTH Aachen is an active participant in numerous international networks and has partnerships with top universities worldwide, facilitating a vibrant exchange of students and researchers.
Programs in English: The university offers an increasing number of graduate programs in English, attracting a substantial international student population.
Facilities: Modern laboratories, libraries, and learning centers. The university also boasts a new "SuperC," a central service center for students.
Student Life: There are numerous student organizations, sports clubs, and cultural events, providing a well-rounded campus experience.
Location: Aachen is located at the borders of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, offering a unique European cross-cultural atmosphere. This historic city is known for its architectural landmarks, notably the Aachen Cathedral.
Many bachelor's programs at RWTH Aachen are primarily taught in German, requiring proficiency in the language. Here are a few notable programs:
1. Mechanical Engineering
2. Electrical Engineering
3. Civil Engineering
4. Computer Science
5. Business Administration & Engineering: Mechanical Engineering
6. Applied Geosciences
7. Biology
8. Physics
RWTH Aachen offers a range of master’s programs, many of which are taught in English, attracting international students. Some key master's programs include:
1. Automotive Engineering (M.Sc.) - Taught in English, focuses on modern automotive technologies with a strong emphasis on design, production, and innovation.
2. Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Engineering (M.Sc.) - Offers various specializations like Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Software Systems Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering.
3. Media Informatics (M.Sc.) - An interdisciplinary program taught in English, bridging computer science with digital media design.
4. Robotics, Cognition, Intelligence (M.Sc.) - Focused on advanced robotics and cognitive systems, taught in English.
5. Sustainable Resource Management (M.Sc.) - Focuses on sustainable management and conservation of resources, taught in English.
6. Physics (M.Sc.)
7. Chemistry (M.Sc.)
8. Data Science (M.Sc.) - A highly interdisciplinary program covering the latest methodologies and technologies in data analysis.
RWTH Aachen is especially noted for its strong doctoral programs that foster deep research collaborations across various disciplines. PhD candidates often work closely with industry partners and international research institutions. Doctoral studies at RWTH Aachen cover nearly all academic departments, with substantial support from the university’s graduate schools and research clusters.
Course Program Name |
Duration of the Course |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Mechanical Engineering |
3 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Electrical Engineering |
3 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Civil Engineering |
3 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Computer Science |
3 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Business Administration & Engineering: Mechanical Engineering |
3 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Applied Geosciences |
3 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Biology |
3 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Physics |
3 years |
No tuition fees |
Course Program Name |
Duration of the Course |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Automotive Engineering (M.Sc.) |
2 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Engineering (M.Sc.) |
2 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Media Informatics (M.Sc.) |
2 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Robotics, Cognition, Intelligence (M.Sc.) |
2 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Sustainable Resource Management (M.Sc.) |
2 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Physics (M.Sc.) |
2 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Chemistry (M.Sc.) |
2 years |
No tuition fees |
|
Data Science (M.Sc.) |
2 years |
No tuition fees |
Course Name |
Duration of the Course |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Mechanical Engineering |
3-5 years |
No tuition fees |
|
PhD in Electrical Engineering |
3-5 years |
No tuition fees |
|
PhD in Computer Science |
3-5 years |
No tuition fees |
|
PhD in Civil Engineering |
3-5 years |
No tuition fees |
|
PhD in Materials Science |
3-5 years |
No tuition fees |
|
PhD in Chemistry |
3-5 years |
No tuition fees |
|
PhD in Physics |
3-5 years |
No tuition fees |
|
PhD in Biology |
3-5 years |
No tuition fees |
Application Process:
Undergraduate Programs: Most bachelor's programs are taught in German, and international students must demonstrate proficiency in German (e.g., TestDaF, DSH). Applications are typically processed through Uni-Assist or directly through the university’s application portal.
Graduate Programs: Master’s and doctoral programs often have English-taught options. The application may require specific documents like a CV, motivation letter, references, and proof of language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS for English; TestDaF, DSH for German).
Deadlines: Vary by program but generally,
For summer semester: around mid-January
For winter semester: around mid-July
RWTH Aachen offers a broad spectrum of programs, particularly strong in engineering fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. There are also substantial offerings in natural sciences, economics, humanities, and medicine.
German Programs: Proficiency in German is necessary for most undergraduate programs and some graduate programs.
English Programs: Many master’s and doctoral programs are available in English, requiring proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
No Tuition Fees: Like most public universities in Germany, RWTH Aachen does not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and PhD programs to EU and non-EU students alike. Master's programs in English might have tuition fees for non-EU students, depending on the program.
Semester Fee: There is a semester contribution fee that covers administrative costs and includes a semester ticket for public transport, ranging from about 200 to 300 USD.
International Office: Provides comprehensive support services including help with visas, accommodation, insurance, and orientation programs.
Student Life: There are numerous clubs, sports, and cultural activities tailored to a diverse student body. RWTH Aachen encourages international students to engage with the local and academic community through various initiatives.
Housing: The university assists with finding accommodation through partnerships with local housing providers. Options include student dormitories and private rentals.
Aachen is a historic city located at the border of Belgium and the Netherlands, offering a high quality of life, relatively low living costs compared to other parts of Germany, and an extensive public transport network. The city is student-friendly and rich in history, providing an enriching experience outside the classroom.
Industry Connections: RWTH Aachen has strong ties with industry leaders, especially in engineering and technology sectors, providing ample internship and job opportunities for students.
Career Services: Offers career counseling, job application training, and networking events to help students transition from academic to professional life.
1. Choose Your Program: Decide which bachelor’s program you are interested in. Most undergraduate courses at RWTH Aachen are taught in German.
2. Check Language Requirements: For programs taught in German, prove your language proficiency through tests like TestDaF or DSH.
3. Prepare Your Application: Collect necessary documents such as a high school diploma (or equivalent), a certified translation of your diploma, a copy of your passport, and language certification.
4. Application Submission: Apply through the Uni-Assist portal, which is used by many German universities to process applications from international students. This portal evaluates whether your secondary education is equivalent to the German Abitur (high school diploma).
5. Application Review: After submission, your application will be reviewed by both Uni-Assist and RWTH Aachen to ensure it meets all entry requirements.
6. Acceptance and Enrollment: If accepted, you’ll receive an admission letter. The next step is to formally enroll at the university and pay the semester fee.
1. Choose Your Program: Select a master’s program. RWTH Aachen offers numerous courses taught in English, particularly in engineering, IT, and sciences.
2. Check Language and Program-Specific Requirements: Check for required language proficiency (English or German depending on the program). Additional requirements may include GRE scores, a relevant bachelor’s degree, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
3. Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documents, including university transcripts, bachelor’s degree certificate, CV, proof of language proficiency, and other program-specific documents.
4. Application Submission: Most master’s programs at RWTH Aachen require direct application through their online portal, RWTHonline.
5. Interviews or Additional Assessments: Some programs may require interviews or additional assessments as part of the admission process.
6. Acceptance and Enrollment: Successful applicants will receive an offer and must then complete the enrollment process, which includes submitting final documents and paying the semester fee.
RWTH Aachen primarily has two main intakes for its programs:
Winter Semester:
Starts: October
Application Deadline: For most programs, especially bachelor's and state examination programs, the deadline is July 15. For master’s programs, deadlines can vary; they are often earlier, around March or April for international students to allow time for visa processing.
Summer Semester:
Starts: April
Application Deadline: January 15 for most programs. Again, master’s programs can have earlier deadlines.
School Leaving Certificate: Applicants need a secondary school diploma equivalent to the German Abitur. Non-German certificates must be checked for equivalence.
Language Proficiency:
German-taught programs: Proof of German language proficiency through tests like TestDaF or DSH-2 is required.
English-taught programs: While less common at the undergraduate level, any available would require English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Subject-Specific Requirements: Depending on the program, specific courses or prerequisites may be required.
Bachelor’s Degree: A relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required. The degree must be in a field closely related to the master’s program.
Language Proficiency:
German-taught programs: Sufficient proficiency in German.
English-taught programs: Sufficient proficiency in English, usually evidenced by standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
GRE/GMAT: Some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores.
Additional Documents: Motivation letters, CVs, and sometimes letters of recommendation are needed.
Master’s Degree: A relevant master’s degree is required. Acceptance is often based on the match between the doctoral candidate’s research interest and the supervisor’s research area.
Research Proposal: Applicants generally must submit a detailed research proposal that aligns with the expertise available at the university.
Language Proficiency: Necessary proficiency in the language of instruction, whether German or English.
Ranking Source |
RWTH Aachen University Ranking |
|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Ranked within the top 150 globally |
|
US News & World Report Global Universities |
Ranked within the top 100 globally |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
DAAD Scholarships |
International students and researchers |
Financial support including monthly payments, travel allowances, and sometimes insurance. |
|
Deutschlandstipendium |
High-achieving students at RWTH Aachen |
€300 per month for at least one year. |
|
Erasmus+ Mobility Scholarships |
Students participating in Erasmus+ exchanges |
Financial support for living expenses abroad. |
|
RWTH Aachen Scholarships for International Students |
International master’s students |
often including tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends. |
|
Education Fund Scholarships |
Students in financial need who are also committed to community service |
Tuition assistance, and sometimes additional monthly stipends. |
Facility Type |
Description |
Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
|
University Dormitories |
Managed by the Studierendenwerk Aachen, offering single rooms and shared flats. |
€250 - €450 per month |
|
Private Housing |
Apartments and shared flats in the city, offering more privacy and space. |
€300 - €600 per month |
|
Short-Term Accommodation |
Temporary options like hostels or hotels, useful during initial arrival or when searching for long-term housing. |
€50 - €100 per night |
Innovative Learning: RWTH Aachen is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and innovative research. Students can engage in cutting-edge projects and collaborate with experts in various fields, especially in engineering and sciences.
Interdisciplinary Approach: The university encourages an interdisciplinary approach to learning, allowing students to work across traditional subject boundaries.
Diverse Student Groups: The university supports a wide range of student groups and clubs, including cultural, social, sports, and academic societies. This diversity allows students from all backgrounds to find a community.
Professional Networks: There are numerous professional associations and academic societies that provide networking opportunities and professional development in specific fields of study.
Cultural Activities: Aachen is a city with rich historical significance, and the university often organizes events that explore local and international cultures. This includes music concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions.
Events and Traditions: The university hosts various annual events such as the RWTH Gala Ball, the Rector's League Soccer Cup, and numerous department-specific festivities.
International Office: The International Office offers comprehensive support for international students, including help with accommodation, visa issues, and integration into campus life.
Academic Support: There are numerous tutoring programs and academic support services designed to help students succeed in their studies.
Sports Programs: RWTH Aachen boasts extensive sports and recreation facilities. The university's sports center offers more than 50 sports activities, encouraging students to stay active and healthy.
Outdoor Activities: Located near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen is ideally situated for exploring Europe. The Eifel mountains nearby provide great hiking and cycling paths.
Modern Amenities: RWTH Aachen's campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and study spaces.
Dining and Shopping: There are numerous cafeterias, coffee shops, and eateries on campus, catering to a range of dietary preferences and budgets.
Housing Options: RWTH Aachen helps provide students with housing options through the Studierendenwerk Aachen. This includes dormitories and assistance in finding private housing.
Urban Life: Aachen is a vibrant city known for its friendly atmosphere and high quality of life. It offers a mix of historical architecture and modern conveniences.
Transportation: The city’s public transport system is efficient, and students benefit from a semester ticket that allows free use of public transportation in the region.
Career Center: The Career Center at RWTH Aachen offers a range of services designed to help students transition from university to the professional world. Services include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Career Events: The university hosts various career fairs and networking events throughout the year where students can meet potential employers. These events are excellent opportunities for students to learn about job openings, internships, and thesis collaborations.
Online Job Portal: RWTH Aachen maintains an online job portal that lists job offers, internships, and working student positions targeted at its students. This portal is a crucial resource for job seekers.
Cooperative Projects: Many of RWTH Aachen's academic programs involve collaboration with industry leaders, providing students with practical experience and exposure to real-world applications of their studies.
Internships and Thesis Opportunities: The university encourages students to undertake internships and offers support in finding internship positions. Many students also complete their thesis projects in cooperation with companies.
Global Networks: As a university with a strong international focus, RWTH Aachen has numerous partnerships with universities and companies around the world. This global network can facilitate job opportunities abroad for its graduates.
Alumni Network: The extensive alumni network provides an additional resource for students and graduates looking for career opportunities and advice.
High Employability: Graduates of RWTH Aachen are highly sought after by employers, both in Germany and internationally. The university’s reputation in technical and engineering disciplines contributes to the high employability rate of its alumni.
Sector-specific Placements: Graduates find placements across various sectors, but particularly in industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information technology, and consulting.
Language Courses: RWTH Aachen offers German language courses which are crucial for international students aiming to enter the German job market.
Visa and Legal Advice: For international students, the International Office provides guidance on staying in Germany after graduation, including information on job-seeking visas.
Industry Leaders: Alumni of RWTH Aachen often go on to hold significant positions in major companies like Siemens, BMW, and Bosch, or they launch successful startups within Germany’s thriving tech and engineering sectors.
The admission to programs at RWTH Aachen largely depends on:
Specific Qualifications: For bachelor's programs, admission is based on the German Abitur or an equivalent qualification from other countries. For master's and doctoral programs, it depends on the relevance and quality of the applicant's previous degree(s).
Numerus Clausus (NC): Some programs at RWTH Aachen have a Numerus Clausus, which means they have a limited number of places available and the admission is based on the grades of the applicant's previous academic qualification. This is common in fields where there is high demand.
Language Requirements: For programs taught in German, a certain level of German proficiency is required, usually demonstrated by tests like TestDaF or DSH. For English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS is necessary.
Program Competitiveness: Programs in engineering, technology, and sciences at RWTH Aachen tend to be highly competitive due to the university’s strong reputation in these fields.
Application Quality: The completeness and quality of the application, including letters of motivation, recommendation letters, and prior academic performance, also play a critical role in admissions decisions.
International Applications: For international students, the university assesses whether their educational background meets the German university entrance criteria, which can be checked using tools like the Anabin database.
Open Admission Programs: Some courses, particularly at the master’s level, might be "open admission" if they do not exceed capacity, assuming the applicant meets all the specific entry requirements.
Capacity Limits: Especially for bachelor’s programs and some highly sought-after master’s programs, the number of applications can exceed the number of places available, which makes these programs selective.
Central Campus
Location: Templergraben, Aachen
Facilities: This area hosts a large number of the university’s faculties, particularly those related to humanities and social sciences. The iconic main building, the "SuperC," which is the student service center, and several other administrative buildings are also located here.
West Campus
Location: Near Aachen West train station
Facilities: This part of the campus is home to many of the engineering faculties, including mechanical engineering and materials science. It features extensive laboratories, research facilities, and the RWTH Aachen Campus GmbH, a core part of the university’s collaboration with industry partners.
Melaten Campus
Location: West of the city center
Facilities: Houses several institutes related to medicine and biomedical research, as well as the University Hospital Aachen. It is a hub for health science and technology research.
Hörn Campus
Primarily includes facilities for natural sciences and some engineering departments.
Sports Facilities
Located primarily on Königshügel, which has extensive sports fields, gymnasiums, and a swimming pool available for student and faculty use.
Public Transport: Aachen is well-connected by public transport, making all parts of the university easily accessible. The city’s bus and train network efficiently links the different campus areas and provides easy access to and from the city center.
Biking: Aachen is bike-friendly, with many students and staff members choosing to cycle between different parts of the campus and the city.
Semester Ticket: Students receive a semester ticket that allows unlimited use of public transport in the region, facilitating easy travel not only within Aachen but also to nearby cities and countries.
Urban Integration: Unlike universities with a defined campus boundary, RWTH Aachen's integration into the city provides students with a unique urban experience where academic facilities are intermixed with city life.
Cultural Access: Being in the city center, students have easy access to Aachen’s cultural and historical sites, along with cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas.
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Engineering, Science & Technology | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 3 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Engineering, Science & Technology | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 3 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Engineering, Science & Technology | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 3 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
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