FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences
Quick Snapshot & Key Statistics
| Institution Type | State-Accredited Public University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) |
| Established | 1971 |
| Total Enrolment | ~14,500+ Students (~19% International Students) |
| Faculties & Programs | 10 Academic Faculties | 90+ Degree Programs |
| Main Campus Locations | Aachen Campus & Jülich Campus (North Rhine-Westphalia) |
| National Ranking | Ranked #1 in Germany for Mechanical, Electrical Engineering & Informatics (WirtschaftsWoche) |
| Tuition Fees | €0 / year (100% Tuition-Free for all Bachelor's & Master's students) |
| Semester Contribution | ~€384.60 per semester (Includes statewide NRW & nationwide public transit pass) |
About FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences
Established in 1971, FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule Aachen) is one of Germany's largest, most prestigious, and top-ranked public universities of applied sciences. With over 14,500 students and more than 90-degree programs across 10 faculties, FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences is widely recognised for its strong emphasis on practical engineering, applied sciences, business, and design.
According to leading national rankings (WirtschaftsWoche), FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences consistently ranks as the #1 Fachhochschule in Germany for Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Informatics. FH Aachen maintains close partnerships with multinational industrial leaders, local research institutes (such as Forschungszentrum Jülich), and corporate firms, ensuring that curricula align directly with modern technological needs.
Why Choose FH Aachen?
- One of Germany's top Universities of Applied Sciences
- Strong industry-oriented education
- Excellent laboratories and modern research facilities
- Close partnerships with German industries
- Internship and practical semester opportunities
- International student-friendly environment
- Strong graduate employability
- Affordable education with low tuition costs
- Opportunities for research projects and innovation
- Easy access to Belgium and the Netherlands
Location
FH Aachen is divided across two primary geographic campuses in western Germany:
- Aachen City Campus: The primary urban location housing the Faculties of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Business Studies, Design, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, and Aerospace Engineering.
- Jülich Campus (Campus Jülich): A dedicated science and engineering campus located 30 km northeast of Aachen. Houses the Faculties of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Medical Engineering and Applied Mathematics, and Energy Technology.
Popular Courses & Top Degree Programs
FH Aachen is structured into 10 main academic faculties (Fachbereiche): Architecture, Civil Engineering, Chemistry and Biotechnology, Business Studies, Design, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Medical Engineering and Applied Mathematics, Energy Technology, and Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics. Together, these faculties host over 15,000 students in small-group, laboratory-focused environments.
Most Popular English-Taught Programs (International Favourites)
- M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering (Aachen Campus): Focuses on aircraft construction, flight propulsion dynamics, avionics, and space exploration.
- M.Sc. International Automotive Engineering (Aachen Campus): Tailored for future mobility engineers, covering powertrain engineering, vehicle dynamics, interior design, and e-mobility.
- M.Sc. Information Systems (Aachen / Jülich): Consistently ranked as the #1 most popular Master's degree at FH Aachen, bridging advanced computer science, cloud architecture, data analytics, and IT management.
- M.Sc. Mechatronics (Aachen Campus): Combines mechanical systems, robotics, control engineering, and embedded software for modern smart manufacturing.
- M.Sc. Energy Systems (Jülich Campus): Specialised in renewable energy generation, smart power grids, hydrogen systems, and thermal engineering.
- M.Sc. International Business Development (Aachen Campus): Focuses on global market expansion, strategic management, corporate finance, and cross-cultural leadership.
- B.Sc. Global Business and Economics (Aachen Campus): An international business degree incorporating supply chain management, finance, international marketing, and exchange semesters.
Top German-Taught & Dual Programs (Industry Standard)
- B.Eng. / M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering & Mechatronics: FH Aachen's flagship program, highly rated by German corporate recruiters.
- B.Sc. Applied Chemistry & Biotechnology (Jülich Campus): Features tracks in Sustainable Chemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, and Polymer Technology.
- B.A. / M.A. Architecture & Design (Aachen Campus): Combines sustainable urban planning, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and spatial structural design.
- B.Eng. Civil Engineering (Aachen Campus): Covers structural engineering, construction site management, water management, and mobility infrastructure.
- B.Sc. Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (Dual Study): Allows students to combine university studies at FH Aachen with paid corporate apprenticeship training.
Language Requirements (English & German)
Admission to FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences requires proof of language proficiency depending on the medium of instruction for your chosen degree program.
German Language Requirements (German-Taught Programs)
For degree programs taught in German, non-native applicants must demonstrate C1 CEFR proficiency through one of the following recognised certificates:
- TestDaF: Minimum level of 4x4 (TDN 4 in all 4 examination sections).
- DSH: DSH-2 or DSH-3 (DSH exam passed at FH Aachen or any accredited German university).
- telc: telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.
- Goethe-Zertifikat: Goethe-Zertifikat C2: GDS.
English Language Requirements (English-Taught Programs)
For internationally oriented Bachelor's and Master's programs taught in English, applicants must submit proof of B2 or C1 CEFR English proficiency:
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.0 or 6.5 (program-dependent) |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 to 90 points or higher |
| Cambridge English | B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE) |
| PTE Academic | 58 to 65 points or higher |
Language Requirements for the Freshman Institute (Freshman Program)
- English Track FeP (Foundation Year): Minimum IELTS 4.5 – 5.5 or equivalent B2 level. No prior German language knowledge is required for entry into the Freshman Program.
- English-to-German Track: Begins in English with intensive German lessons during the foundation year to transition into German-taught degree programs.
Fee Structure
As a state-funded public university in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences does not charge tuition fees for standard Bachelor's and Master's degree programs for both EU and non-EU international students.
Bachelor's Programmes
- Tuition Fee: No tuition fees
- Semester Contribution: Approximately €310 to €385 per semester
Master's Programmes
- Tuition Fee: No tuition fees
- Semester Contribution: Approximately €310 to €385 per semester
Mandatory Administrative & Living Costs
- Semester Contribution (Semesterbeitrag): ~€310 to €385 per semester (includes the NRW-wide regional public transit pass).
- Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) for Visa: Non-EU international students must deposit €11,904 per year into an official Blocked Account to draw €992 per month for living expenses.
- Monthly Living Costs in Aachen: Aachen is an affordable, vibrant university city. On average, students budget between €850 and €1,100 per month.
Research & Industry Partnerships
FH Aachen collaborates with leading companies and organisations, including:
- Ford
- FEV Group
- Airbus
- Siemens
- Bosch
- Forschungszentrum Jülich
- Forschungszentrum Aachen
- Fraunhofer Society
- Saint-Gobain
- Grünenthal
These collaborations provide students with internships, applied research projects, industry collaborations, and excellent graduate employment prospects.
Let's plan your path to studying at FH Aachen
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences is a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), where education is tuition-free for both EU and non-EU international students. Enrolled students only pay a semester contribution of approximately €384.60 per semester.
The most popular courses at FH Aachen include M.Sc. Information Systems, M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering, M.Sc. International Automotive Engineering, M.Sc. Mechatronics, M.Sc. International Business Development, and B.Sc. Global Business and Economics.
For English-taught Bachelor's programs, FH Aachen generally accepts IELTS 5.5–6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72+. For Master's programs, FH Aachen requires an IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80–90+.
For German-taught programs, FH Aachen requires C1 CEFR proficiency, proven via TestDaF (4x4), DSH-2, telc C1 Hochschule, or Goethe-Zertifikat C2.
RWTH Aachen is a traditional research university focusing heavily on theoretical engineering and fundamental research. FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) focuses on applied engineering, practical lab training, industry projects, and smaller class sizes.
FH Aachen offers several English-taught Master's programs, including M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering, M.Sc. International Automotive Engineering, M.Sc. Mechatronics, M.Sc. Information Systems, M.Sc. Energy Systems, and M.Sc. Nuclear Applications.
The Freshman Institute of FH Aachen offers a 1-year foundation course (Studienkolleg) for international high school graduates. Passing the Freshman exam qualifies students for direct entry into Bachelor's programs at FH Aachen and partner universities across NRW.
The Freshman Program requires a minimum English level equivalent to IELTS 4.5 – 5.5 for admission. Applicants take an entrance test, and no prior knowledge of German is required for English-track options.
Yes. Under German federal rules, applicants holding academic credentials from India, China, or Vietnam must obtain a verified APS Certificate before applying to FH Aachen and submitting a student visa application.
Yes. According to the WirtschaftsWoche university rankings, FH Aachen – Aachen University of Applied Sciences consistently ranks #1 in Germany among Universities of Applied Sciences for Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Informatics.
Aachen is an affordable student city. On average, students studying at FH Aachen spend between €800 and €992 per month, covering student housing (€300–€450), health insurance (~€120), food, and personal expenses.
The Jülich Campus of FH Aachen is located in Jülich, 30 km from Aachen. It houses faculties for Applied Mathematics, Chemistry & Biotechnology, Medical Technology, and Energy Technology, collaborating closely with Forschungszentrum Jülich.
Yes. Non-EU international students enrolled at FH Aachen can legally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. Student workers (Werkstudenten) in Aachen typically earn €14 to €20 per hour.
International applicants submit their applications through uni-assist or directly via the FH Aachen online portal (Studierendenmanagement), depending on the specific program and country of prior education.
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Photo credits: RWTH Aachen main building by א (Aleph), CC BY-SA 2.5. Via Wikimedia Commons. All image credits
