RWTH Aachen University
Quick Snapshot & Key Statistics
| Official Name | RWTH Aachen University (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen) |
| Institution Type | Public Research University / University of Excellence (Exzellenzuniversität) |
| Established | 1870 |
| Motto | Zukunft denken ("Thinking the Future") |
| Total Enrollment | ~44,000–45,000+ Students (~14,000+ International Students from 130+ nations) |
| Academic Faculties | 10 Faculties | Over 260 Degree Programs |
| Institutional Affiliations | TU9 Alliance, IDEA League, CESAER, UNITECH, DFG |
| Main Campus Hubs | Midtown Campus (Aachen City Centre) & Campus Melaten |
| Global Rankings | Ranked Top 100 Worldwide (THE/QS) | #1 in Germany for Mechanical Engineering |
| Tuition Fees (Regular Degrees) | €0 / year (100% Tuition-Free for all EU & non-EU international students) |
| Semester Contribution | ~€340 per semester (Includes nationwide Deutschlandticket transit pass) |
About RWTH Aachen University
Founded in 1870, RWTH Aachen University (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen) is Germany's largest technical university and a world-renowned centrepiece of engineering and natural science research. Officially designated as an elite University of Excellence under Germany's national Excellence Strategy, RWTH Aachen is a leading member of the TU9 Alliance (Germany's top 9 technical universities) and the European IDEA League.
Located in Aachen—Germany's westernmost city at the tri-border intersection with Belgium and the Netherlands—RWTH Aachen serves as a major European catalyst for high-tech innovation, digital manufacturing, and industrial R&D. Through the Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA) and regional Fraunhofer Institutes, RWTH Aachen integrates academic coursework directly with world-class industrial laboratories.
Why Choose RWTH Aachen University?
- One of Germany's top engineering universities
- Member of Germany's Universities of Excellence
- Strong reputation in engineering, technology, and research
- World-class laboratories and research centres
- Extensive industry collaborations
- High graduate employability
- Wide range of English-taught Master's programmes
- Strong international community
- Excellent internship and research opportunities
- Global alumni network
Location & Campus Structure of RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University is situated in Aachen, a historic city in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), located approximately 70 km west of Cologne and adjacent to the borders of the Netherlands and Belgium.
The university operates as an urban integrated campus spread across two primary hubs in Aachen:
- Midtown Campus (City Centre): Centred around the iconic SuperC student services building, the Main Building (Hauptgebäude), and the Audimax lecture complex. Houses the Faculties of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Arts & Humanities, Business & Economics, and Mathematics.
- Campus Melaten: Located in the northwestern part of Aachen, Campus Melaten is a sprawling, modern technology cluster featuring advanced engineering research centres, the University Hospital (Uniklinik RWTH Aachen), Fraunhofer Institutes, and corporate R&D facilities.
Popular Courses at RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen offers over 260 study programs across 10 academic faculties:
Top English-Taught Master's Degrees (International Favourites)
- M.Sc. Computer Science (Informatik): Advanced algorithm design, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and network systems.
- M.Sc. Automotive Engineering: World-renowned vehicle dynamics, powertrain engineering, autonomous driving, and e-mobility track.
- M.Sc. Data Science: Interdisciplinary program bridging computer science, machine learning, and mathematical statistics.
- M.Sc. Software Systems Engineering: Focuses on modern distributed architectures, web engineering, and software verification.
- M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering: Combines medical technology, biomechanics, cellular tissue engineering, and bio-imaging.
- M.Sc. Metallurgical Engineering / Materials Science: Advanced functional materials, metals processing, and circular materials economy.
Top German-Taught & Dual Programs
- B.Sc. / M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering (Maschinenbau): RWTH Aachen's flagship engineering curriculum, rated #1 in Germany.
- B.Sc. / M.Sc. Electrical Engineering and Information Technology: Focuses on microelectronics, robotics, power grids, and communications.
- B.Sc. / M.Sc. Business Administration and Engineering (Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen): Blends mechanical/electrical engineering with corporate economics.
- Human Medicine (Staatsexamen): Clinical training conducted at the landmark Uniklinik RWTH Aachen—Europe's largest single-building hospital.
Language Requirements (English & German)
Language requirements depend on the medium of instruction for your chosen program at RWTH Aachen.
German Language Requirements (German-Taught Programs)
For programs taught in German (including all standard Bachelor's degrees and many Master's tracks), non-native applicants must prove C1 CEFR German proficiency:
- TestDaF: Minimum level of 4x4 (TDN 4 in all 4 examination sections).
- DSH: DSH-2 or DSH-3.
- telc: telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.
- Goethe-Zertifikat: Goethe-Zertifikat C2: GDS.
English Language Requirements (English-Taught Programs)
RWTH Aachen offers an expanding portfolio of international Master's degree programs taught 100% in English. Applicants must submit proof of B2 or C1 CEFR English proficiency:
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5 or higher |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 points or higher |
| Cambridge English | C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) |
| PTE Academic | 60 points or higher |
Fee Structure at RWTH Aachen University
As a public research university in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), RWTH Aachen does NOT charge tuition fees for standard Bachelor's and consecutive Master's degree programs for any student, regardless of citizenship.
Bachelor's Programmes
- Tuition Fee: No tuition fees
- Semester Contribution: Approximately €340 per semester
Master's Programmes
- Tuition Fee: No tuition fees
- Semester Contribution: Approximately €340 per semester
- Note: The semester contribution covers student services and usually includes a public transportation ticket for the region.
Mandatory Administrative & Living Costs in Aachen
- Semester Fee: ~€340 per semester (paid twice annually).
- 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 costs.
- Monthly Living Costs in Aachen: Aachen is an affordable student city. Students spend between €800 and €990 per month.
Research & Industry Partnerships
RWTH Aachen University works closely with leading global companies and research institutions, including:
- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz Group
- Bosch
- Siemens
- Ford
- Airbus
- Microsoft
- Ericsson
- IBM
- Fraunhofer Institutes
These collaborations provide students with internships, research opportunities, industry projects, and strong career prospects.
Let's plan your path to studying at RWTH Aachen University
From matching your profile to the right faculty to preparing a compelling application, our counsellors guide every step of your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. RWTH Aachen is a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), where standard Bachelor's and consecutive Master's degrees are 100% tuition-free for both EU and non-EU international students. Enrolled students pay only the mandatory semester contribution of ~€340 per semester.
RWTH Aachen is world-renowned as a premier engineering university, consistently ranking #1 in Germany for Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. It is a prominent member of the elite TU9 Alliance and IDEA League.
Popular English-taught M.Sc. programs include M.Sc. Computer Science, M.Sc. Automotive Engineering, M.Sc. Data Science, M.Sc. Software Systems Engineering, M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering, and M.Sc. Metallurgical Engineering.
Most English-taught M.Sc. programs require an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or higher or a TOEFL iBT score of 90 or higher.
RWTH Aachen University is an excellent choice for students seeking a globally respected degree, affordable public education, outstanding research opportunities, modern facilities, and exceptional career prospects in engineering, technology, science, and business. With its strong industry connections and international reputation, RWTH Aachen University prepares graduates for successful careers in Germany and around the world.
Yes. Selected competitive M.Sc. programs in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Automotive Engineering require a GRE General Test score with high quantitative percentiles for applicants from non-EU countries.
The RWTH International Academy is the executive/continuing education arm of RWTH Aachen. It offers specialised, non-consecutive Master's programs (such as M.Sc. Management and Engineering) that charge tuition fees ranging from €19,000 to €30,000 for the full program.
International applicants holding foreign secondary or undergraduate credentials apply online directly through the RWTH Aachen Online Portal (RWTHonline) or via uni-assist (depending on the specific program and country of origin).
RWTH Aachen is located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. It is an urban campus integrated across the Midtown Campus (city centre) and Campus Melaten (high-tech research cluster).
Aachen is a budget-friendly student city. On average, students spend between €800 and €990 per month, covering shared flat rent (€350–€480), statutory health insurance (~€130–€140), food, and personal expenses.
Yes. RWTH Aachen University, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and other organisations offer scholarships and financial support for eligible students.
RWTH Aachen University is internationally recognised for research in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Sustainable Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Mobility, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Digital Technologies.
Yes. Non-EU international students enrolled at RWTH Aachen can legally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. Working as a student worker (Werkstudent) or research assistant (HiWi) in university labs or local tech hubs pays between €14 and €21 per hour.
Its Excellence Strategy status, world-class engineering education, cutting-edge research, international collaborations, and strong links with industry make RWTH Aachen University one of Europe's leading technical universities.
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Photo credits: RWTH Aachen main building by א (Aleph), CC BY-SA 2.5. Via Wikimedia Commons. All image credits
