Located in Aachen, Germany, RWTH Aachen University or Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen is a university that offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level programs. Known as the largest technical university in Germany, it primarily focuses on engineering. RWTH Aachen University is among the leading scientific and research institutions in Europe.

• Offers up to 144 courses 
• Consists of 260 institutes 
• Comprises of 9 faculties 
• 8,000 international students enrolled in the graduate programs
• International students from more than 120 countries

RWTH Aachen University Ranking

RWTH Aachen is committed to providing an environment where interdisciplinary research flourishes; its diversity and internationalization are its core themes. Furthermore, it aims to be at the top German university of technology and is one of the 5 best in Europe. For those reasons, RWTH Aachen University secures top places in university rankings every year:

• Ranked #99 on ‘World University Rankings’ by Times Higher Education
• Ranked #138 on ‘QS World University Rankings’
• Ranked #179 on ‘Best Global Universities Rankings’ by U.S News & World Report
• Ranked #19 for Mechanical Engineering on ‘QS World University Ranking by Subject’
• RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s Universities of Excellence.

University World Ranking

RWTH Aachen University is among the leading European scientific and research institutions. The university is ranked highly on university world rankings which can be attributed to the numerous, extensive courses it offers and the impressive facilities provided. RWTH Aachen University is proving to be a hotspot with increasing international recognition where innovative answers to global challenges are developed.

University Ranking in the World

According to QS World University Ranking by Subject 

QS Ranking

RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe’s premium educational and research institutions. Every year, numerous international students and scientists come to the university to benefit from its high-quality courses and excellent facilities. The university’s world ranking of #138 by QS is a testimony to that claim.

• Ranked #63 on Graduate Employability Ranking
• World University Ranking by Subject:

RWTH Aachen University Masters

Due to the language of instruction, the English-taught Master’s degree courses at RWTH Aachen University attract international students. Students benefit from high quality of teaching, close collaboration with national and international industrial partners and intercultural exchange with fellow students. The international Master’s degree programs are typically four semesters in duration. A few Masters courses offered at university are mentioned below:

• Civil Engineering M.Sc.
• General Mechanical Engineering M.Sc.
• Computer Science M.Sc.
• Business Administration M.Sc.
• Architecture M.Sc.
• Data Science M.Sc

RWTH Aachen University Fees

There are no tuition fees at RWTH Aachen University; this applies to international students as well. All students are, however, subject to a student body and social contribution fee. The social contribution fee for the Winter semester 2019/20 amounts to 285,02 Euros.

RWTH Aachen University Germany

RWTH Aachen University is a public university that can trace its roots back as far as 1870. Aachen is situated at the heart of Europe and very close to the Dutch and Belgian border, for that reason, RWTH Aachen University benefits greatly from a mix of cultures and languages. The university has always had strong ties with industries, creating a European equivalent of Silicon Valley around it, which attracts exceptional levels of external funding for its researchers.

• RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s Universities of Excellence
• RWTH Aachen’s international student community accounts for 23% of all students
• One of the largest technology-oriented research landscapes in Europe with a size of 800,000 m²

RWTH Aachen University Courses

With over 100 courses of study, the RWTH Aachen faculties offer students a broad range of programs. All of its courses of study have been converted to the Bachelor-Master structure under the 9 faculties, which are, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Business and Economics, Faculty of Georesources and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. A few courses offered at the university are listed below:

• History B.A.
• Architecture B.Sc.
• Mechanical Engineering B.Sc.
• General Mechanical Engineering M.Sc.
• Computer Science M.Sc.
• Data Science M.Sc.

RWTH Aachen University Notable Alumni

RWTH Aachen University’s global stature can be partly credited to the achievements of its charismatic alumni. The university has educated several individuals who have made major contributions to the fields of chemistry, medicine, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Additionally, many have made their mark in other areas. The list of notable alumni includes: 

• Peter Debye (Nobel Laureate)
• BJ Habibie (3rd President of Indonesia).
• Hugo Junkers (pioneered the design of all-metal airplanes and flying wings)
• Franz Josef Och (chief architect of Google Translate)
• Ranganathan Gregoire Yogeshwar (physicist and science journalist)

RWTH Aachen University Admission 

Applications for admission are submitted through RWTHonline. The procedure for applying is given below:

• Check the application deadlines (Applications are only accepted during certain periods and will not be accepted at other times)
• Fill out the online application form via RWTHonline
• Submit the following documents (At the end of your application upload these as PDFs)
• Copy of your transcript or your diploma supplement. 
• A module catalog or course descriptions of all the courses you completed in your studies.
• A copy of your final academic transcript (If you are applying to start a course of study in a higher core semester)
• Tabular resume
• Additional documents of the Master course of study are required by the Examination Board (e.g. Graduate Record of Examination (GRE) result, TestAS).
• If your documents are not issued in German or English, you must have a certified translator to translate them.

Admission requirements RWTH

RWTH Aachen has a few requirements that need to be fulfilled by any applicant with hopes of getting admissions in the university. Such requirements are listed below:

• Students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree need to have a qualifying university degree. 
• The Bachelor’s degree should provide the subject background and preparation prerequisite for their Master’s studies. 
• The language of instruction in Master’s courses of study at RWTH is German, with a few exceptions. You have to prove to you that you have the required language skills chosen to study course– usually with a recognized language certificate.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for applicants who are not nationals of a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area. 
• A successful application – all application documents are completed and submitted by the deadline (refer to the webpages about the application process to find out what documents you need to apply.)

RWTH Aachen University Acceptance Rate

With its 260 institutes, RWTH Aachen is among the leading European scientific and research institutions. Taking that into consideration, the university has an acceptance rate of approximately 10%. Despite the limited number of seats and intense competition, a few factors which can ensure a students acceptance to the university are: 

• Strong CGPA
• GATE score in the 90 percentile
• Fulfillment of the language requirements (TOEFL/IELTS for English language programs and German for German taught programs)
• A strong Letter of Recommendation from staff who know you the most (if possible, get LoRs from lecturers who have completed their Ph.D. or ‘Professors’)
• The Statement of Purpose must explain why you are interested in that domain and why you chose that particular course 
• A clear application which must provide all the information asked for

RWTH Aachen University Ph.D. Admission

Students interested in completing their doctoral studies at RWTH Aachen University need to arrange a professor who will actively support and supervise them while they complete their doctorate. Students can enroll for doctoral studies only if you meet the requirements outlined in Section 4 of the NRW Higher Education Act and are able to present a statement from the Doctorate Committee confirming their admission to doctoral studies.

Mechanical Engineering

At RWTH Aachen University, the study of Mechanical Engineering is offered as Mechanical Engineering M.Sc. The goal of the course is the training of mechanical engineers, who may be employed in all technical fields in the industry in research and development as well as in production and distribution. A solid basis of engineering knowledge in mechanical engineering is ensured through a defined framework of mandatory subjects and focus modules.

• Degree: Master of Science
• Period of Studies: 3 Semesters
• Language of Instruction: German (must provide documentation of your language skills)
• Prerequisite: The exam board determines if the background education is sufficient
• Faculty: Course offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

RWTH Aachen University Computer Science

At RWTH Aachen University, the study of Computer Science is offered as Computer Science M.Sc. The program aims to deepen existing expertise, abilities and methods in computer science eventually leading to higher qualification and independence in the field. The course involves the study of topics such as theoretical computer science, applied computer science, software and communication, data and information management, etc. Within the areas, there is a wide range of electives to choose from. 

• Degree: Master of Science
• Period of Studies: 4 Semesters
• Language of Instruction: German & English (must provide documentation of your language skills)
• Prerequisite: The exam board determines if the background education is sufficient
• Faculty: Course offered by the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Computer Science

RWTH Aachen University IELTS Requirement

• Minimum IELTS score required by RWTH Aachen University is 6.5
• Steps to register for IELTS:
  • Find the nearest IELTS test location
  • Register for your IELTS test (by online or offline means)
  • Provide a copy of your valid identity document
  • After the application has been processed, the center will send a written confirmation of the date and time of your test
• Exempt from the obligation to submit an English language test are applicants who have studied and received their Bachelor in the following countries:
  • United States of America
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • Australia
  • Canada

RWTH Aachen University Indian Students

Indian Students in Germany (ISG), is an initiative by the Embassy of India in Berlin. ISG has played a vital role in spreading information amongst the Indian community, including providing information to students about education and employment in Germany, All that is needed to be a part of the community is to register with ISG. With the primary concern of most Indians put to rest, there are numerous perks that Indian students at RWTH Aachen University can benefit from:

• The cost of education is negligible considering tuition fees are free and one has only the cost of living to worry about.
• Students who wish to study at the university have a plethora of courses to choose from and the best of facilities to facilitate their education.
• By virtue of living in Germany, one is bound to learn German, a language that is high in demand globally.
• After students complete their studies, employment options are promising in Germany due to its secure job market.

Masters in Automotive Engineering

At RWTH Aachen University, the study of Automotive Engineering is offered as Automotive Engineering M.Sc. Within this program, students are taught the technological basics and provided with in-depth knowledge in the conception and development of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and optionally of motorcycles and off-highway vehicles. Graduates will be proficient in relevant technological areas like vehicle dynamics, energy efficiency, acoustics, mechatronics, structural fatigue, and durability.

• Degree: Master of Science
• Period of Studies: 3 Semesters
• Language of Instruction: English (must provide documentation of your language skills)
• Prerequisite: The exam board determines if the background education is sufficient
• Faculty: Course offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

RWTH Aachen University PhD

Those interested in working as a researcher after they graduate often go on to complete a doctorate. They are given an opportunity to independently conduct research and discover new findings in your field, which they can write about in their dissertation. In doing so, students are able to prove that they can conduct research in their discipline and are qualified for a further career in research or for positions in the job market requiring top qualifications.

• All faculties at RWTH Aachen University are entitled to award doctoral degrees. 
• In getting a doctoral degree, candidates have to conduct an independent research project and publish their results in the form of a dissertation or doctoral thesis. They have to pass the oral exam also.
• A doctoral degree is primarily awarded to those who produce a substantive or do independent research under the supervision of a university professor. The Lectures and coursework only play a minor role in the dissertation process
• Doctoral candidates may enroll as students, but they don’t have to do so frequently. Doctoral students are employed as research assistants at university departments or institutes.
• The faculties formally determine the requirements for doctoral studies and the doctoral studies process, both of which are established in a faculty’s own exam regulation.

RWTH Aachen University Application Deadline 

The submission of entrance qualification for Master’s studies is necessary to enroll in a Master’s program. This entrance qualification can be a Bachelor’s degree or Diploma and is reviewed to make sure students fulfill the admissions requirements for their chosen course of study. Applications for admission are submitted through RWTHonline. The procedure for applying is given below:

• Check the application deadlines (Applications are only accepted during certain periods and will not be accepted at other times)
• Fill out the online application form via RWTHonline
• Submit the following documents (upload these as PDFs at the end of your application)
  • Copy of your transcript of records or your diploma supplement. 
  • A module catalog or course descriptions of all the courses you completed in your studies.
  • A copy of your final academic transcript (If you are applying to start a course of study in a higher core semester)
  • Tabular resume
  • Additional documents required by the Examination Board of your Master’s course of study (e.g. Graduate Record of Examination (GRE) result, TestAS).
• If your documents were not issued in German or English, you must have a certified translator translate them into either German or English
• Application Deadline: 

* If you are currently enrolled as a student at RWTH Aachen (for example as an exchange student or in a German course with a student ID number), your application deadline is July 15 for the winter semester and January 15 for the summer semester. These application deadlines also apply to applicants who already have a German university degree.

RWTH Aachen University: MBA

Students who opt for MBA’s at RWTH Aachen University, consequently opt for interdisciplinary education. They acquire engineering and business administration skills which enables them to work in interdisciplinary fields. The curriculum is made up of a flexible system of mandatory, semi-elective and elective modules. Due to its well-balanced mix, graduates of this degree program are sought-after. RWTH Aachen University offers the following MBA degrees: 

• Business Administration and Engineering: Civil Engineering M.Sc.
• Business Administration and Engineering: Electric Energy Technic M.Sc.
• Business Administration and Engineering: Mechanical Engineering M.Sc.
• Business Administration and Engineering: Materials and Process Engineering M.Sc.

• Degree: Master of Science
• Period of Studies: 3/4 Semesters
• Language of Instruction: German (must provide documentation of your language skills)
• Prerequisite: required academic background is described in the exam regulations (determination on whether or not the admissions requirements are met is made by the examination board)
• Faculty: School of Business and Economics

RWTH Aachen University through GATE

RWTH Aachen University is one of the few universities abroad that accepts GATE Scores for admission of students in their postgraduate programs. One of Europe’s most renowned universities, it is ranked 138 by the QS World University Rankings in 2019.

• Eligibility: 
  • GATE Score in 90th percentile
  • Bachelors degree with good CGPA
• Tuition Fee: (around) 240 Euros per Semester
• Application Deadline: 
  • Winter Semester – 1st March (each academic year)
  • Summer Semester – 1st September (each academic year)
• Application Process for International Applicants: 
  • Visit the university website and browse for application forms.
  • Enter the necessary details and upload the necessary documents.
  • Download and print the application form after online submission.
  • Send the hard copy of the application to the International Office.
•  Documents to be submitted along with the Application Form:
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (of the candidate) 
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Transcription of Records

RWTH Aachen University: Data Science

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field with its roots in computer science, mathematics, and statistics and it has a strong link to various application areas. It deals with the extraction of knowledge and usable information from data. The course of study will cover modern methods of data analysis as well as algorithms and techniques for the development of information systems.

• Degree: Master of Science
• Period of Studies: 4 Semesters
• Language of Instruction: English (must provide documentation of your language skills)
• Prerequisite: Bachelors degree in mathematics/ computer science/ physics/ electrical engineering/ a related area.
• Faculty: Course offered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Computer Science.

RWTH Aachen University Requirements

RWTH Aachen University has a lot to offer in terms of postgraduate degrees. While what they require from interested students appears minimal on the surface, they are non-negotiable. Such requirements are listed below:

• Students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree need to have a qualifying university degree. Furthermore, their Bachelor’s degree should provide the subject background and preparation prerequisite for their Master’s studies. 
• The language of instruction in Master’s courses of study at RWTH is usually German, with a few exceptions that are taught in English. You must prove you have the required language skills for your chosen course of study along with a recognized language certificate.
• A successful application is one where all application documents are completed and submitted by the deadline (refer to the webpages about the application process to find out what documents you need to apply.)

RWTH Aachen University Campus

RWTH Aachen University is located in the German city of Aachen which is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, a point that borders Belgium and the Netherlands. The campus of the university is spread across 2.5 km² and extensive plans have been developed in order to make it one of the largest research environments in Europe. RWTH Aachen Campus is a project aimed at highlighting the research competence available at the University.

• The university campus has been divided into two areas, namely Midtown and Melaten.
• At the RWTH Aachen Campus, 16 research clusters are under development in close proximity to major research institutes and facilities.
• The six initial clusters include:
  • Bio-Medical Engineering Cluster
  • Sustainable Energy Cluster
  • Photonics Cluster
  • Production Engineering Cluster
  • Heavy-Duty Drives Cluster
  • Smart Logistics Cluster
• More than 280 companies are currently represented on RWTH Aachen Campus.