RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, Germany
RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, Germany
Founded
1870
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
44,000+
International Students
15,000+
Discover RWTH Aachen University: Germany's Leading Technical University
Discover RWTH Aachen University: Germany's Leading Technical University
RWTH Aachen University, officially Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, is a public research university located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Founded in 1870 as the first Prussian institute of technology, it has grown into one of the oldest and most prestigious technical universities in Germany and a founding member of the TU9 alliance and IDEA League.
The university comprises ten faculties and approximately 290 institutes, offering more than 190 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Recognized as a German University of Excellence since 2007, RWTH Aachen is continuously funded under the national Excellence Strategy for its outstanding research and teaching.
With over 15,000 international students from more than 140 countries, RWTH Aachen thrives as a hub of international collaboration. The university is particularly renowned for its strengths in engineering, natural sciences, and economics, and maintains strong ties with industry through its research campus, one of the largest in Europe.
Key Milestones
- 1870: Founded as Königliche Rheinisch-Westfälische Polytechnische Schule zu Aachen, opening with 223 students and 32 professors.
- 1965: Philosophical and medical faculties established, transforming RWTH from a purely technical school into a more comprehensive university.
- 2007: Selected as one of nine German Universities of Excellence for its future concept RWTH 2020: Meeting Global Challenges.
- 2019: Received continued Excellence Strategy funding, reinforcing its status as one of Germany's elite research universities.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
RWTH Aachen University is organized into ten faculties spanning engineering, natural sciences, humanities, business, and medicine. The university offers over 190 degree programs and is especially recognized for its engineering disciplines, which consistently rank among the top in Germany and Europe.
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
One of the largest and most historic faculties at RWTH, globally recognized for research and teaching excellence in mechanical engineering, ranked 1st in Germany and 23rd worldwide by QS.
- B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering
- M.Sc. Automotive Engineering
- M.Sc. Production Systems Engineering
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Highly regarded for its cutting-edge research in electrical engineering, information technology, and strong industry connections with leading technology companies.
- B.Sc. Electrical Engineering
- M.Sc. Information and Communication Technology
- M.Sc. Electrical Power Engineering
Faculty of Civil Engineering
Known for its practical and research-oriented approach in construction, environmental engineering, and resource management, with strong ties to the construction industry.
- B.Sc. Civil Engineering
- M.Sc. Environmental Engineering
- M.Sc. Structural Engineering
Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences
Covers mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science, with programs consistently ranked among the best in Germany for natural sciences and data science.
- M.Sc. Data Science
- M.Sc. Computer Science
- B.Sc. Physics
Faculty of Business and Economics
Offers programs combining business administration with engineering and technology, ranked among the top 10 business faculties in Germany by Handelsblatt.
- M.Sc. Management and Engineering
- M.Sc. Business Administration
- Executive MBA
Faculty of Medicine
Established in 1966, this faculty operates in conjunction with the University Hospital Aachen, covering the entire medical spectrum with 36 specialist clinics and 28 institutes.
- State Examination in Medicine
- M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering
- State Examination in Dentistry
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Academic QualificationHigh school diploma equivalent to German Abitur; international credentials assessed via anabin database
- Minimum GradeAverage grade of 2.5 or better (German scale) for international applicants
- German ProficiencyTestDaF TDN 4 in all sections, DSH-2, or C1 Telc/Goethe certificate
- Application PortalApply through RWTHonline portal with certified transcripts and documents
- Additional RequirementsAPS certificate required for applicants from certain countries (e.g., China, India, Vietnam)
Graduate Admission
- Academic QualificationRecognized bachelor's degree in a relevant field with minimum GPA of 2.5 (German scale) or equivalent
- English ProficiencyTOEFL iBT 88-95+ or IELTS 6.5+ (varies by program) for English-taught programs
- German ProficiencyTestDaF TDN 4 or DSH-2 for German-taught programs
- Standardized TestsGRE or GMAT may be required for select programs (e.g., business, management)
- Supporting DocumentsStatement of purpose, CV, letters of recommendation, and certified academic transcripts
Application deadline for most bachelor's and master's programs starting in the winter semester for international students.
Application deadline for programs with summer semester intake. Not all programs accept summer semester applications.
Extended deadline for select master's programs for non-EU applicants for the summer semester.
Some master's programs have a September 1 deadline for non-EU applicants. Always confirm on the specific program page.
Tuition Fees, Semester Contributions and Scholarships
Tuition Fees, Semester Contributions and Scholarships
RWTH Aachen University does not charge tuition fees for most degree programs, regardless of nationality. All students pay only a mandatory semester contribution that covers administrative services, student union fees, and a public transport ticket valid across North Rhine-Westphalia.
| Cost Component | Domestic / EU Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (per semester) | EUR 0 | EUR 0 |
| Semester Contribution | ~EUR 330 | ~EUR 330 |
| Health Insurance (per month) | ~EUR 120 | ~EUR 120 |
| Living Expenses (per month) | EUR 900 - 1,100 | EUR 900 - 1,100 |
| Total | ~EUR 12,000 - 15,000 per year (total cost of attendance) | ~EUR 12,000 - 15,000 per year (total cost of attendance) |
Deutschlandstipendium (RWTH Education Fund)
A merit-based scholarship funded jointly by the German federal government and private sponsors, supporting talented students with financial aid.
- Award Amount: EUR 300 per month
- Duration: Minimum 2 semesters, renewable
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance and social engagement; open to all nationalities
DAAD Scholarships for International Students
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships for international students pursuing master's or doctoral studies at German universities including RWTH Aachen.
- Award Amount: EUR 934 - 1,300 per month (varies by program level)
- Coverage: Living expenses, health insurance, travel allowance
- Application: Apply through the DAAD portal; deadlines vary by program
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
RWTH Aachen's 250-hectare campus is integrated throughout the city of Aachen, with two main areas: the Midtown campus near the historic city center and the Melaten district housing major research clusters. The university blends historic architecture with modern research infrastructure, including the iconic SuperC service center and the CARL auditorium building.
The iconic SuperC building serves as RWTH's central service hub, offering administrative services, event spaces, and student support just 200 meters from the city center.
Opened in 2017, the Central Auditorium for Research and Learning (CARL) is RWTH's largest lecture hall complex with capacity for 4,000 students.
One of Europe's largest research campuses, Campus Melaten hosts 11 research clusters fostering collaboration between academia and industry partners.
Housing and Dining
Student Housing
RWTH Aachen does not operate its own dormitories, but the Studierendenwerk Aachen manages student residences throughout the city. Students are advised to begin their housing search two to three months before arrival.
- Studierendenwerk student residences across Aachen
- Private shared apartments (WG) ranging from EUR 250 - 500 per month
- 285 temporary student housing units on Campus Park
Dining and Services
Multiple refectories (Mensen) operated by Studierendenwerk Aachen offer affordable meals throughout the campus areas, with menus catering to diverse dietary needs.
- Main refectory near the city center with daily meal options
- Cafeterias and bistros across Midtown and Melaten campuses
- Comprehensive university library system with digital and physical resources
Student Life at RWTH Aachen
Student Life at RWTH Aachen
RWTH Aachen offers a vibrant and diverse student life, with approximately 100 accredited student organizations and numerous cultural, social, and academic activities. The university's integration into the city of Aachen means students enjoy a lively urban atmosphere where about 20% of the city's 250,000 residents are students.
Aachen: A Historic City at the Heart of Europe
Aachen: A Historic City at the Heart of Europe
Life in Aachen
Aachen is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city of approximately 250,000 residents, located at the tripoint where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands converge. With over 2,000 years of history dating back to Charlemagne's imperial capital, the city combines rich cultural heritage with a youthful, student-friendly atmosphere where about 20% of residents are university students.
Tri-Border Location
Aachen sits at the heart of Europe, just kilometers from the Belgian and Dutch borders, offering easy access to cities like Maastricht, Liège, and Brussels for weekend excursions.
Affordable Student Living
Compared to major German cities like Munich or Berlin, Aachen offers a relatively affordable cost of living with monthly expenses estimated between EUR 900 and EUR 1,100.
Cultural Heritage
The Aachen Cathedral, Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gothic city hall, and the cathedral treasury reflect the city's significance as Charlemagne's imperial capital.
Excellent Connectivity
Well-connected by public transport and rail, Aachen provides easy access to Cologne, Düsseldorf, and international airports. The semester ticket covers all public transit in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of RWTH Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The International Office provides comprehensive support for international students, including guidance on visas, residence permits, health insurance, and integration into campus life in Aachen.
RWTH offers German language courses, academic tutoring programs, and bridge courses in subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry to help international students succeed.
The Career Center provides job application advice, CV workshops, career fairs, and a database of job offers to help students and graduates connect with employers in Germany and beyond.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
RWTH Aachen University World Rankings
RWTH Aachen University World Rankings
RWTH Aachen University consistently ranks among the top universities globally, with particularly strong showings in engineering, natural sciences, and technology. It holds a University of Excellence designation from the German government and is recognized as one of Europe's leading technical institutions.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | QS Subject Rankings | #23 worldwide, #1 in Germany |
| Engineering and Technology | THE Subject Rankings | #36 worldwide |
| Computer Science | THE Subject Rankings | #60 worldwide |
| Chemical Engineering | ARWU Subject Rankings | #1 in Germany |
Features
RWTH Aachen University exploits strong research networks and the intellectual curiosity of its staff to address bold scientific questions, transfer forefront knowledge and drive innovative discoveries that impact global challenges.
Accommodation
Accommodation service is available\n
Work While Studying
Students can work while studying\n
Co-op/Internship Participation
There is an internship service\n
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
November - March
Location
Templergraben 55, 52062 Aachen, Germany
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