🎓 World rank #99Updated June 2026

RWTH Aachen University

📍 Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia

← Back to all universities

Germany's largest and one of its most prestigious technical universities, with an outstanding reputation in mechanical, electrical and automotive engineering. The semester fee includes an NRW-wide transport ticket.

Fields of study

EngineeringComputer ScienceNatural SciencesBusiness

Popular programmes

  • 🎓MSc Mechanical Engineering
  • 🎓MSc Automotive Engineering
  • 🎓MSc Data Science
  • 🎓MSc Software Systems Engineering

Admission requirements

Programme-specific minimums vary — confirm on the official programme page before applying.

Academic / GPA
Bachelor's with ~70%+ (German 2.5 or higher). Competitive programmes (CS, Automotive) expect 80%+.
English (IELTS / TOEFL)
IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 87 (programme-specific)
German language
DSH 2 / TestDaF 4×4 for German-taught programmes; A1 minimum recommended for daily life.
Other documents & expectations
  • Engineering / CS / sciences background expected
  • Detailed Letter of Motivation
  • Some Master's require a coding sample or short proposal

Application deadlines

Deadlines change yearly — always verify on the official programme page.

🍂 Winter intake (starts October)

1 March for most international Master's. Bachelor's: 15 July.

🌸 Summer intake (starts April)

1 September for selected Master's.

ℹī¸ RWTH applications go through its own portal RWTHonline — confirm the right route per programme.

How to apply

Apply directly to the university

This university accepts applications directly on its own portal. Check the programme page for the exact link.

Open the application portal →
Next stepsAfter admission — the visa pipeline

Got admission? Here's what to do next.

Every international student needs the same three things to study at this university: an offer letter, a blocked account, and health insurance. Here's the honest order.

📋 How to apply — step by step

Tailored for this university's application route.

  1. 1Open this university's official application portal (linked above).
  2. 2Create your applicant account and start a new application.
  3. 3Upload digital copies of your degree, transcripts, CV, motivation letter and language test.
  4. 4Pay the application fee if applicable (often â‚Ŧ0–75).
  5. 5Track the application in the portal — admissions usually decide within 6–10 weeks.
  6. 6Accept the offer and complete enrolment (Immatrikulation) to receive your enrolment letter.

đŸ’ŗ Open a blocked account

German embassies require proof you have ~â‚Ŧ11,904 for one year. A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the standard way to show this.

Expatrio

Berlin-based fintech designed for international students — quick, English-friendly, popular bundle option.

Setup: â‚Ŧ49 (one-off, refundable on activation)Monthly: Free
Open Expatrio →

Fintiba

One of Germany's longest-running blocked-account fintechs, very widely used by international students.

Setup: â‚Ŧ89 (one-off)Monthly: â‚Ŧ4.90
Open Fintiba →
Compare all blocked-account providers →Affiliate links — disclosed in our Privacy Policy

đŸŠē Health insurance

You need pre-arrival travel + health insurance for your visa appointment. Once you arrive and enrol, switch to public insurance (TK / DAK) if you are under 30.

DR-WALTER Educare24

Most international students applying via Expatrio — comes bundled with the blocked account.

From â‚Ŧ30/monthOnline in 15 minutes

Mawista Student

Students using Fintiba, or those who want standalone visa insurance without bundling.

From â‚Ŧ33/monthOnline in 10 minutes
Compare all insurance providers →

📋 Student visa process

With your offer letter, blocked account, and insurance in hand, you're ready to apply for the student visa at your German embassy. Plan 4–12 weeks for the visa decision.

Full visa walkthrough →Application checklist

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on the most-asked questions about RWTH Aachen.

Is RWTH Aachen tuition-free for international students?+

Yes. RWTH Aachen University is a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia where tuition is â‚Ŧ0 per semester for international students. You still pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of about â‚Ŧ320, which typically includes a public-transport ticket.

What English language score does RWTH Aachen require?+

For English-taught programmes, RWTH Aachen University typically requires IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 87 (programme-specific). Programme-specific minimums can vary — always confirm on the official programme page.

When is the application deadline for RWTH Aachen?+

For winter intake (programmes starting in October), the deadline is typically: 1 March for most international Master's. Bachelor's: 15 July. For summer intake: 1 September for selected Master's.

How do I apply to RWTH Aachen?+

RWTH Aachen accepts international applications directly through its own portal — see the official website (https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/a/?lidx=1). You'll create an account, upload your documents and submit. Many programmes have no application fee for direct applications.

Is RWTH Aachen a good university?+

Yes. RWTH Aachen University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world — currently around #99 globally. It is particularly strong in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences.

🏙ī¸

Living in Aachen

Average ~â‚Ŧ900/month, rent ~â‚Ŧ400/month.

City guide →

💰

Find a scholarship

DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium and university-specific awards.

Browse scholarships →

📋

Visa walkthrough

Step-by-step from offer letter to embassy appointment.

Read the visa guide →