RWTH Aachen University (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen) stands as one of Germany’s premier technical universities and a global leader in engineering and scientific research. Founded in 1870, it has established itself as a center of excellence in education and innovation, particularly in engineering disciplines. With approximately 47,000 students and over 9,000 staff members, it represents one of Europe’s leading institutions for technological education.
RWTH Aachen University Overview
RWTH Aachen is known for its strong emphasis on research and close ties to industry. Located in Aachen, a city in western Germany near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, the university benefits from a strategic position in the heart of Europe. This location facilitates international collaboration with research institutions and enterprises across the continent.
The university’s campus consists of several locations spread throughout Aachen, with the main campus (Campus Mitte) situated near the city center. RWTH Aachen’s institutional structure includes nine faculties covering various disciplines, though its primary reputation lies in engineering and natural sciences.
- Established: 1870
- Type: Public Research University
- Location: Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Total Students: Approximately 47,000
- International Students: Over 14,000 from more than 125 countries
- Academic Staff: Over 6,000
- Faculties: 9
- Programs Offered: Over 170
RWTH Aachen University Acceptance Rate
RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s most prestigious technical institutions, renowned for its rigorous academic programs and competitive admissions process. As of 2025, the university maintains a highly selective acceptance rate, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.
| Category | Acceptance Rate |
| Overall | Approximately 15% |
| Master’s Programs | Approximately 15% |
| International Students | Competitive |
In the 2024 academic year, the university admitted approximately 8,363 students, with 5,509 undergraduates and 2,854 postgraduates.
Undergraduate Acceptance Rate at RWTH Aachen
RWTH Aachen offers several bachelor’s degree programs in German, especially in engineering, physics, and computer science. For most bachelor’s programs, especially in engineering fields, the competition is high due to the university’s global reputation.
| Metric | Value |
| Total Applicants (Bachelor’s) | 40,000+ |
| Offered | 5,000 |
| Estimated Acceptance Rate | 11% – 12% |
| Most Competitive Programs | Mechanical Eng., CS, EE |
| Language of Instruction | Primarily German |
| Minimum GPA (German scale) | 2.5 or better |
| Language Proficiency Requirement | Goethe B1 TestDaF level 4 or DSH-2 |
Indian students should ensure their CBSE/ISC or IB scores are converted appropriately to meet German “Abitur equivalency.” APS certification is also required for Indian applicants.
Master’s Acceptance Rate at RWTH Aachen
RWTH Aachen offers over 50 English-taught Master’s programs in 2025, especially in technical fields like Mechanical Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics. Master’s programs are highly competitive, especially for international applicants.
| Metric | Value |
| Total Applications (Master’s) | 30,000+ |
| Seats Available | 3,500 |
| Estimated Acceptance Rate | 10% – 12% |
| Most Competitive Programs | Data Science, Robotics, AI, CS |
| Tuition Fees (Non-EU) | Free (Semester Fee: ~€300) |
| English-taught Programs | Yes (IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 90+) |
| German-taught Programs | Yes (Goethe – B1/ DSH-2 / TestDaF level 4) |
| Average GPA Required (Intl.) | 2.5 – 1.8 (German scale) |
| GRE Requirement | Optional (Recommended for CS, AI) |
RWTH Aachen University QS Ranking
RWTH Aachen University has consistently maintained impressive positions in global university rankings, particularly in engineering and technology disciplines. According to the latest QS World University Rankings 2025-2026, RWTH Aachen holds the following positions:
| Ranking Category | Position |
| Overall World Ranking | 104th |
| Engineering & Technology | 23rd globally |
| Mechanical Engineering | 14th globally |
| Electrical Engineering | 20th globally |
| Chemical Engineering | 30th globally |
| Materials Science | 38th globally |
| European Universities | 33rd |
| German Universities | 5th |
These rankings reflect RWTH Aachen’s strong international reputation, particularly in its core engineering disciplines. The university performs especially well in employer reputation metrics, demonstrating the high regard that employers worldwide have for RWTH graduates.
Top Courses at RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University offers over 170 degree programs, including both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, across nine faculties. Its strongest offerings are in engineering, natural sciences, computer science, and business-related fields, making it one of Europe’s most prestigious technical institutions.
| Program | Popularity |
| Mechanical Engineering | 30% |
| Computer Science | 22% |
| Artificial Intelligence | 15% |
| Electrical Engineering | 12% |
| Data Science | 10% |
| Civil Engineering | 6% |
| Business & Engineering | 5% |
Most Popular Programs at RWTH Aachen
| Course Name | Degree Level | Language of Instruction | Intake per Year |
| Mechanical Engineering | BSc / MSc | German / English (MSc) | 1,000+ |
| Computer Science | BSc / MSc | German / English (MSc) | 700+ |
| Data Science | MSc | English | 350+ |
| Artificial Intelligence and Data Science | MSc | English | 250+ |
| Electrical Engineering | BSc / MSc | German / English (MSc) | 600+ |
| Energy Engineering | MSc | English | 200+ |
| Industrial Engineering (Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen) | BSc / MSc | German | 800+ |
| Civil Engineering | BSc / MSc | German | 500+ |
| Automotive Engineering | MSc | English | 180+ |
| Architecture | BSc / MSc | German | 400+ |
Top Computer Science & Tech Programs
RWTH Aachen is ranked among the Top 100 globally in Computer Science (QS Subject Rankings 2025) and offers a variety of advanced, interdisciplinary programs that merge theory and application:
Featured CS/Tech Courses
- MSc Computer Science (English-taught)
- MSc Software Systems Engineering
- MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- MSc Media Informatics (Joint with Bonn University)
- MSc Biomedical Engineering
- MSc Computational Social Systems
These programs often require strong programming skills, GRE scores (optional but recommended), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+).
Top Engineering Courses
RWTH Aachen is Germany’s #1 university for mechanical and industrial engineering and among the top in Europe for innovation, with deep collaboration with industries like BMW, Siemens, Bosch, and Airbus.
Flagship Engineering Courses
- BSc / MSc Mechanical Engineering
- MSc Automotive Engineering
- MSc Production Systems Engineering
- MSc Sustainable Energy Supply
- MSc Mechatronics
- MSc Simulation Sciences
Many of these programs are offered through the RWTH International Academy and are taught in English, catering to global students.
Top Natural Sciences & Interdisciplinary Courses
RWTH is also strong in physics, chemistry, and interdisciplinary research in areas like materials science and nanotechnology.
| Program Name | Degree Level | Language | Seats | Research Focus Area |
| MSc Physics | MSc | English | 150+ | Quantum Mechanics, Nano |
| MSc Chemistry | MSc | German | 150+ | Materials, Catalysis |
| MSc Materials Engineering | MSc | English | 120+ | Polymers, Metals |
| MSc Biomedical Engineering | MSc | English | 180+ | Biotech, Imaging, Sensors |
Business and Management Courses at RWTH Aachen
RWTH’s Faculty of Business and Economics offers integrated technical-business degrees and is ideal for students looking to work in tech-heavy industries.
- MSc Management and Engineering in Technology, Innovation, Marketing & Entrepreneurship (MME TIME)
- MSc Management and Engineering in Production Systems
- BSc/MSc Industrial Engineering
These are English-taught, interdisciplinary, and often require prior coursework in math or science.
RWTH Aachen University Top rated German English Courses
RWTH Aachen University offers a wide range of programs across its nine faculties, with particular strengths in engineering and technical disciplines. The following are some of the university’s most renowned and sought-after programs:
| Program | Degree Level | Teaching Language | Special Features |
| Mechanical Engineering | BSc, MSc | German/English | Industry partnerships with automotive companies |
| Electrical Engineering | BSc, MSc | German/English | Strong focus on automation and robotics |
| Computer Science | BSc, MSc | German/English | Specializations in AI and cybersecurity |
| Civil Engineering | BSc, MSc | German | Excellence in structural engineering |
| Industrial Engineering | BSc, MSc | German | Combines technical and business education |
| Materials Science | BSc, MSc | German/English | Advanced laboratory facilities |
| Architecture | BSc, MSc | German | Strong design focus |
| Medicine | State Exam | German | Modern university hospital |
| Physics | BSc, MSc | German/English | Connection to research centers |
| Chemistry | BSc, MSc | German | Industry-relevant research |
English-Taught Master’s Programs
RWTH Aachen has increasingly developed English-language master’s programs to attract international talent:
- Computer Science: With specializations in Data Science, Software Systems Engineering
- Automotive Engineering: Focusing on future mobility concepts
- Management and Engineering: Combining technical knowledge with business skills
- Production Systems Engineering: Advanced manufacturing technologies
- Communication Engineering: Networking and telecommunication systems
- Materials Science: Advanced materials development and analysis
- Energy Science and Technology: Sustainable energy solutions
- Textile Engineering: Innovative textile technologies
RWTH Aachen University Top Computer Science Ranking
Computer Science at RWTH Aachen has gained significant recognition globally. The department benefits from connections to various research institutes, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology.
According to various ranking systems, RWTH Aachen’s Computer Science department holds the following positions:
| Ranking Category | Position |
| QS World University Rankings by Subject (Computer Science) | 61st globally |
| Times Higher Education (Computer Science) | 78th globally |
| Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking (Computer Science) | 45-50 range |
| National Ranking within Germany | 4th |
RWTH Aachen University Tuition Fees
As a public university in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, RWTH Aachen University charges relatively low tuition fees compared to many international institutions, especially those in the US, UK, or Australia. However, all students must pay a semester contribution that covers administrative costs and provides benefits like public transportation.
| Student Category | Tuition Fee per Semester | Semester Contribution | Total per Semester |
| German/EU Students (Bachelor’s) | €0 | €329 | €329 |
| German/EU Students (Master’s) | €0 | €329 | €329 |
| Non-EU International Students (Bachelor’s) | €1,700 | €329 | €2,029 |
| Non-EU International Students (Master’s) | €1,700 | €329 | €2,029 |
| All PhD Students | €0 | €329 | €329 |
The semester contribution (€329 as of 2025/2026) includes:
- Administrative fee: €55
- Student body fee: €12
- Student union fee: €98
- Public transportation ticket: €164
This transportation ticket (Semesterticket) allows unlimited use of public transportation throughout the North Rhine-Westphalia region, representing significant value.
Cost of Living in Aachen
Aachen is a historic university town located in western Germany, near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. Known for its rich Roman history, medieval architecture, and vibrant student life, Aachen is a welcoming and safe city for international students. It has a population of approximately 250,000, with students making up nearly 20% of the total — giving it a youthful, dynamic vibe. Compared to other major German cities like Munich or Frankfurt, Aachen offers a more affordable cost of living for students. Here’s a monthly breakdown of typical expenses:
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
| Student Accommodation | 250 – 450 |
| Food & Groceries | 150 – 250 |
| Health Insurance | 110 |
| Public Transportation | Included in Semester Fee |
| Internet & Phone | 30 – 50 |
| Miscellaneous (leisure, clothes) | 100 – 150 |
| Total Estimated | €650 – €1,000 |
RWTH Aachen University Scholarships
RWTH Aachen University offers various scholarship opportunities for both domestic and international students across different study levels. These financial support mechanisms help attract talented students regardless of financial background.
| Scholarhips | Eligibility | Amount | Duration |
| RWTH Education Fund | All students facing financial hardship | €300-€600 per month | Up to degree completion |
| RWTH International Academy Scholarships | International master’s students | Partial tuition waiver | 1-4 semesters |
| Deutschlandstipendium | All students with excellent academic records | €300 per month | 1 year |
| DAAD Scholarships | International students | €850-€1,200 per month | Varies by program |
| Erasmus+ | EU/EEA students for exchange | €300-€600 per month | 3-12 months |
Application Process for Scholarships
Most scholarship applications require:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of language proficiency
- Letters of recommendation
- Motivation letter or research proposal
- CV/resume
- Sometimes an interview
Students are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarship opportunities as competition is high. The university’s International Office provides guidance for international students seeking financial support.
For doctoral candidates, additional funding options include research assistant positions and grants from organizations like the German Research Foundation (DFG).
RWTH Aachen University Admission Criteria
Admission to RWTH Aachen is highly competitive, especially for technical and engineering disciplines. The criteria vary depending on whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree and whether your course is taught in German or English.
General Criteria for Bachelor’s Admission
| Requirement | Details |
| Academic Qualification | Must be equivalent to the German Abitur (12–13 years of education) |
| Language Proficiency (German) | TestDaF (Level 4 in all parts) OR DSH-2 Goethe – B2 |
| Language Proficiency (English) | For English-taught programs only: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90+ |
| APS Certificate (India) | Mandatory for Indian students applying with CBSE/ICSE/State Boards |
Indian Students – Additional Notes
- You must apply for APS certification and student visa early.
- CBSE/ICSE students should have first division marks in core subjects (Math, Physics, Chemistry).
- IB diploma holders are directly eligible with required HL subjects.
Master’s Admission Requirements
RWTH Aachen offers over 50 master’s programs in English and many more in German. These programs are highly selective, especially in engineering, data science, and computer science.
| Requirement | Details |
| Academic Background | A bachelor’s degree in a related field with strong academic performance |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 or better (converted to German scale) |
| English Proficiency (for English programs) | IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 90+ / Cambridge C1 Advanced |
| German Proficiency (for German programs) | TestDaF (Level 4 in all parts) OR DSH-2Goethe – B2 |
| GRE | Not mandatory, but recommended for some tech programs (e.g., CS, AI) |
| CV, LORs, SOP | Required for most English-taught Master’s programs |
| Work Experience | Optional but valued (mandatory for MME TIME and other management programs) |
| Application Fee | Free (unless via uni-assist, which may charge €75) |
Faculties and Departments at RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University is structured into 9 faculties, each housing multiple departments, institutes, and research centers. These faculties offer more than 170 degree programs in science, technology, engineering, business, arts, and humanities. Each faculty operates with a strong research focus and close collaboration with industry partners such as BMW, Siemens, Bosch, and Airbus.
| Faculty No. | Faculty Name | Key Departments / Focus Areas |
| 1 | Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences | Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry |
| 2 | Faculty of Architecture | Design Theory, Structural Engineering, Urban Development |
| 3 | Faculty of Civil Engineering | Structural Mechanics, Hydraulic Engineering, Construction Management |
| 4 | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering | Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics, Production Systems, Thermodynamics |
| 5 | Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering | Mining Engineering, Geosciences, Materials Science |
| 6 | Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology | Communication Engineering, Power Electronics, Nanoelectronics |
| 7 | Faculty of Arts and Humanities | Philosophy, Sociology, History, Linguistics |
| 8 | Faculty of Business and Economics | Industrial Engineering, Economics, Innovation Management |
| 9 | Faculty of Medicine | Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Medicine, Clinical Research |
RWTH Aachen University: International Collaborations
RWTH Aachen University is a globally connected institution with over 500 international partnerships across more than 60 countries. It is part of several high-profile networks, collaborates with leading universities, and participates in European research initiatives, making it a top destination for international students, researchers, and institutions.
| Category | Number / Detail |
| International Partner Universities | 500+ institutions in over 60 countries |
| International Students | 14,300+ (approx. 25% of total enrollment) |
| Erasmus+ Partner Institutions | 300+ across Europe |
| Joint Degree Programs | 20+ international double/joint degrees |
| Strategic Research Partners | MIT, TUM, ETH Zurich, NTU Singapore, etc. |
| Global Industry Collaborations | Siemens, Bosch, BMW, Huawei, Intel |
RWTH Aachen University: Top Partner Universities
| Country | Partner Institutions |
| USA | MIT, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley |
| UK | University of Cambridge, Imperial College London |
| Germany | TU Munich (TUM), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) |
| Singapore | Nanyang Technological University (NTU) |
| Switzerland | ETH Zurich |
| India | IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IISc Bangalore |
| Japan | University of Tokyo, Kyoto University |
| Canada | University of Toronto, McGill University |
RWTH also coordinates projects under DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and Horizon Europe.
International Industry & Corporate Collaborations
RWTH’s proximity to major German industrial hubs allows strong ties with multinational corporations.
Notable Industry Partners
- Siemens: AI, automation, and smart energy grids
- BMW Group: Advanced mobility, autonomous driving
- Bosch: Embedded systems, Industry 4.0
- Huawei: 5G research, embedded AI systems
- Intel: Semiconductor research and high-performance computing
- Airbus: Aerospace materials and simulation sciences
These companies often fund PhD research, offer internships, and support startup incubation at RWTH Innovation Hub.
Notable Alumni of RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University has a long legacy of producing leaders, innovators, and pioneers across diverse fields such as engineering, technology, science, politics, and business. Many of its graduates have gone on to shape global industries, win prestigious awards, and lead multinational corporations or academic institutions.
Below is a curated list of some of the most distinguished alumni from RWTH Aachen
| Name | Field | Notable Role / Achievement |
| Peter Debye | Physics & Chemistry | Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1936); known for the Debye model |
| Walter Thiel | Theoretical Chemistry | Vice President of the Max Planck Society |
| Hermann Josef Abs | Finance | Banker and director at Deutsche Bank; influential post-WWII |
| Juergen M. Geissinger | Business | Former CEO of Schaeffler Group and ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
| Klaus Riedle | Mechanical Engineering | Former Head of Siemens Power Generation Division |
| Eckhard U. Alt | Biomedical Engineering | Renowned innovator in cardiology; over 100+ medical patents |
| Ursula Gather | Statistics & Academia | Former Rector of TU Dortmund; RWTH alumna |
| Martin Brudermüller | Chemical Engineering | CEO of BASF SE |
| Michael Ziesemer | Electrical Engineering | President of ZVEI (German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association) |
| Hans-Joachim Kümpel | Geosciences | Former President of BGR (Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources) |
| Rudolf Ackermann | Industrial Engineering | Former Executive Board member at ThyssenKrupp |
RWTH Aachen University: Career Prospects for Graduates
RWTH Aachen graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects:
- 92% find relevant employment within 6 months of graduation
- Average starting salary for engineering graduates: €55,000-€65,000
- Many students receive job offers before completing their degrees
- The university’s career services office organizes multiple job fairs annually
- Alumni network encompasses over 145,000 professionals worldwide
Average Starting Salaries for RWTH Graduates
| Field | Starting Salary (€/year) |
| Computer Science | €58,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | €60,000 |
| Data Science | €62,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | €59,000 |
| Industrial Engineering | €55,000 |
RWTH Aachen University Application Deadlines
Prospective students should note the following application deadlines:
| Semester | Application Deadline |
| Summer Semester | January 15 |
| Winter Semester | July 15 |
Conclusion
RWTH Aachen University stands as one of Europe’s premier technical universities, combining academic excellence with strong industry connections and an increasingly international outlook. Its strengths in engineering and natural sciences make it particularly attractive for students interested in these fields.
FAQs
What is the acceptance rate at RWTH Aachen University?
The overall acceptance rate is approximately 15%, with some competitive programs like Data Science and Mechanical Engineering having acceptance rates as low as 10–12%.
Are there English-taught programs at RWTH Aachen?
Yes, RWTH offers over 50 English-taught Master’s programs in fields like Computer Science, AI, Mechanical Engineering, and Management.
What is included in the semester contribution at RWTH Aachen?
The €329 includes an administrative fee, student union services, and a public transportation ticket valid across North Rhine-Westphalia.
Is GRE required for RWTH Aachen admission?
The GRE is optional but recommended for some competitive programs, especially in Computer Science, Data Science, and AI. A strong GRE score can strengthen your application.
What are the job prospects after graduating from RWTH Aachen?
RWTH graduates have excellent employment rates. 92% find jobs within six months, and engineering graduates earn an average starting salary of €55,000 to €65,000 per year.
How early should I apply to RWTH Aachen?
It’s recommended to apply at least 6–8 months before the semester starts, especially to accommodate APS certification, visa processing, and securing student accommodation.
How competitive is admission to RWTH Aachen for Master’s programs?
RWTH is highly selective, with acceptance rates for Master’s programs ranging from 10% to 12%. Popular programs like Data Science and Robotics are extremely competitive.
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