RWTH Aachen University

Short answer: which route is there if your German is not good enough?

RWTH's language requirements page says: "Die RWTH Aachen bietet ihren zukünftigen Studierenden derzeit leider keine studienvorbereitende Deutschkurse an."

• International Bachelor's applicants must prove German at C1 level at enrolment.
• For both NC and admission-free programmes, language certificates must be submitted by the end of the enrolment period. You can apply without the certificate, but this is not a German-course admission.
• RWTH's international FAQ and some older pages still say that German-course participants can be enrolled "under certain conditions". This conflicts with the current pages stating that no courses are offered; contact the university for a definite answer.

Universities that do offer conditional admission are listed in our comparison.

Application steps and deadlines: Bachelor's and Master's

• Bachelor's: online application through RWTHonline. International applicants: admission-free programmes 20 October (winter) and 20 April (summer); NC programmes 15 July and 15 January.
• Master's (non-EU): the application is submitted entirely online. Admission-free programmes 1 March (winter) and 1 September (summer); NC programmes 15 July and 15 January.
• The official pages do not mention uni-assist; applications go through RWTH's own system.

Our guide to German language certificates compares the exams.

Fees and residence

• Fees: RWTH states that there will be no additional tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries; only the regular semester contribution applies (amount on the AStA page). The page does not say from which semester this applies.
• Residence: according to the official page, applicants from outside the EU can only receive a residence permit for a limited time, at most twelve months.

English-taught Master's examples

RWTH also offers Master's programmes taught in English. Two examples from the official programme pages:

• Data Science (M.Sc.)
• Data Analytics & Decision Science (M.Sc.)

The language labels of RWTH programmes in our catalogue have not yet been verified against official sources; check the language of instruction on the official programme page.

Why Choose RWTH Aachen?

RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany's most prestigious technical education institutions, with a worldwide reputation, especially in engineering and technology. Its membership in the TU9 group and support under the "Excellence Strategy" (Exzellenzstrategie) confirm the university's quality in research and teaching. If you want to shape your future with technology and innovation, RWTH Aachen offers you unique opportunities.

The university has a broad academic spectrum with 10 faculties and approximately 290 institutes. This structure offers students opportunities for multidisciplinary study and research. For example, RWTH Aachen's University Hospital (Universitätsklinikum) is Europe's largest hospital building, hosting groundbreaking research in medicine and engineering. The university is also known for its strong ties with industry, making it easy for students to find internships and job opportunities. Its graduates are sought-after professionals in global companies and research institutions. Studying at RWTH Aachen, a topic often discussed among students, will build a strong foundation for your career.

Aachen City and Student Life

Aachen, the heart of RWTH Aachen University, stands out with its location in western Germany, close to the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. This strategic position allows you to explore not just Germany, but also neighboring countries. The city boasts a captivating atmosphere with its historical fabric, especially the Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site. But Aachen isn't just about its history; it's also a vibrant city with a young and dynamic student population.

Among students, the cost of living and social opportunities in Aachen are frequently discussed. Aachen offers more affordable living costs compared to larger metropolitan areas, while still being a city full of countless cafes, bars, and cultural event options for students. Although the university's campuses are spread across different parts of the city, the public transport network is well-developed, and getting around is very easy thanks to the Semesterticket (semester public transport ticket) for students. Bicycle use is also quite common in the city. Thanks to its international student community, Aachen offers a warm and welcoming environment that brings different cultures together.