RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen is Germany's largest technical university and is best known for engineering, especially mechanical engineering. It was founded in 1870 in Aachen, on the border with Belgium and the Netherlands.

RWTH is known for its close ties with industry (automotive, mechanical engineering, energy) and its large-scale research base. Many master's programs are taught in English.

RWTH Aachen in brief:

• 106th in the world — QS World University Rankings
• University of Excellence of Germany
• Leader in engineering and mechanical engineering

RWTH has extensive engineering laboratories, research clusters and joint centers with industrial companies.

RWTH is strong in technical fields:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and IT
• Natural Sciences
• Civil Engineering
• Technology Management

Admission depends on your school certificate (Studienkolleg may be required). German or English is needed depending on the program.

Admission to RWTH Aachen University takes six months or more; here are the key stages:

1. Choose a program (9–12 months ahead). Decide on the field — engineering, mechanical Engineering and natural Sciences — and the level: bachelor’s or master’s. Programs differ in requirements, deadlines and fees.
2. Language certificate. For German-taught programs — yes (TestDaF/DSH). But many master's and some bachelor's programs are in English, in which case IELTS/TOEFL is required.
3. Application. Applications are submitted online; once reviewed, the university sends an offer — with it you can plan finances and housing.
4. Student visa and relocation. After the offer, StudyU helps prepare visa or residence-permit documents for Germany; the consular or migration authority makes the decision.

After 11 years of school. Not directly: you need 12–13 years of education. The standard route is a Studienkolleg year with the Feststellungsprüfung exam, or 1–2 university years at home.

• Passport
• School certificate and transcript
• Language certificate
• Motivation letter

Exact requirements depend on the program — we'll help you prepare.

Start with the slowest items — translations, apostille and the language exam: they take 1–2 months. We do the final package check for you.

RWTH charges no tuition for its regular degree study, including international students; RWTH Academy programs are an exception. The winter semester 2026/27 student-body and social contribution is $425 (€375.19), including the mobility ticket. RWTH tuition policy; RWTH Academy fees; RWTH student-body fee breakdown.

For a German study visa, proof of funds is separate from university fees. In 2026, a blocked account holding at least $13,520 (€11,904) is one accepted route; a qualifying scholarship or declaration of commitment can also be used. This is a funding-evidence threshold, not LMU or RWTH tuition. German federal visa guidance.

The $425 (€375.19) semester contribution includes a mobility ticket. Budget separately for housing, insurance, visa fees and journeys outside its coverage.

Dollar amounts use the ECB reference rate of 29 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1355) and are rounded.

Aachen is a compact and relatively affordable student city at the junction of three countries.

Working while studying. Students may work part-time, and after graduation they can stay for a period to look for a job in Germany.

RWTH Aachen University is strongest in engineering, mechanical engineering and natural sciences. Use the career service, job fairs and internships from your first semesters: practical experience matters most for a first job.

Graduates can also go on to a master’s, in Germany or elsewhere.