RWTH Aachen University: Ranking, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarship |Sulekha Study Abroad

RWTH Aachen University Highlights

Many international students prefer pursuing their higherstudies in Germany. This European country boasts multiple top-ranked higher education institutions; RWTH Aachen University is one of them. It is one of the leading institutes for science and research in the European continent. 

The prestigious university welcomes more than 14,000 international students every year who hail from 138 different nations. Through its nine major faculties, it offers over 100 courses across various levels for native and international students. 

In the latest QS World University Rankings, it has secured 147th spot, and 99th is its rank in THE World University Rankings 2023. The position of RWTH Aachen University in the US News and World Report Best Global Universities is 199th. It is very popular among students from India and several other non-European nations.

RWTH Aachen University is sought-after among a considerable number of international students because it is the best technical institution in the entire Europe. It boasts a vibrant, dynamic, diverse community of meritorious students and scholars.

The rankings of certain subjects that this university's faculty teaches are higher than those of some reputed German higher education institutes. The subjects include Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Engineering and Technology, and Computer Science and Information Systems.

RWTH Aachen University has a robust alumni network. Every graduate, faculty member and visiting researcher stays in touch with this network. Some noteworthy alumni of this esteemed German university are B.J. Habibie, Peter Debye, Astrid M. Funderich, Franz Josef Och, and Sonia Seymour Mikich.

This reputed higher education institution stands out despite being so old because it emphasizes providing its students with the highest quality education at an unimaginably low cost.

RWTH Aachen University Rankings

National Ranking: RWTH Aachen University is consistently ranked among the top 5 universities in Germany, particularly noted for its engineering, technology, and natural sciences programs.
World Ranking: Globally, RWTH Aachen University is ranked within the top 100 universities, with its engineering and technology programs often placed in the top 50 worldwide, according to QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.

To know more about other universities in the Germany, click here.

RWTH Aachen University Admission

Like other German institutes, RWTH Aachen University follows a similar path regarding academic semesters. It has two main intakes – winter and summer. The commencement of the academic year takes place in winter. 

The application process is easy for local as well as international students. However, it is advisable to check the university's official website to understand the exact steps and stay aware of the application deadlines. 

Almost 26% of the body of students at RWTH Aachen University comprises Indians and students from several other nations. The student acceptance rate of this institution is only 10%, which is considered highly competitive. The university strictly follows the admission policy and focuses on multiple factors when reviewing every application for admission.

Undergraduate Admission to RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University offers a range of undergraduate degree courses for native and international students. It gives admissions to around 6,010 international students for bachelor's degree courses yearly. Each applicant must prioritize meeting the entry requirements to enroll in a coveted UG program. 

Interested UG program applicants must apply via the RWTH online application portal.
Each student who applies for a UG course must have a high school certificate or equivalent. 
Undergraduate course applicants must achieve at least an aggregate of 80% or 2.5 GPA in higher secondary exams or equivalent.
Proving English language proficiency is a must for applicants, so they must attain a minimum score of 95 in TOEFL iBT or 6.5 in IELTS. 
Achieving level 4 in TestDaF or stage 2 in DSH is essential for UG program applicants to prove German language proficiency.

Besides those mentioned above, each applicant has to submit the below-mentioned documents.

Academic transcripts
Passport copy
Letter of intent
Letter of recommendation
Proof of work experience
Health insurance

UG program applicants do not have to pay any fee for submitting their applications.

Postgraduate Admission to RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University is sought-after among international graduates seeking PG programs in Communications Engineering, Media Informatics, Software Systems, Electrical Power Engineering, Software System Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. This German university admits around 2800 international students for master's degree programs every year. Applicants must complete the application form correctly and fulfill entry requirements to secure admission.

Applying through the university's official online application portal is essential. 
An international graduate must have a bachelor's degree with at least 60% aggregate. 
Proficiency in the German language is necessary for every applicant, which is why achieving level 4 in TestDaF or stage 2 in DSH is of paramount importance.
Proving English language proficiency is essential for applicants to secure admission to this university. So, scoring between 90-95 in TOEFL iBT or 5.5-6.5 in IELTS is crucial for every applicant.

Submitting these necessary documents is imperative for applicants.

Letter of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Passport copy
Updated CV
Work portfolio

The university does not require PG program applicants to pay any application fee.

Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the eligibility requirements can only help a UG or PG program applicant secure admission to RWTH Aachen University. 

Applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course via the RWTH application portal is necessary.
A high school certificate or equivalent with at least a 2.5 GPA or 80% aggregate is vital for UG course applicants.
Indian students who apply for a PG course must have a bachelor's degree with at least an aggregate of 60%.
UG and PG program applicants must provide all official academic transcripts of prior qualifications.
Meeting German proficiency requirements is a must
Proving proficiency in the English language is necessary
Applicants must submit all crucial documentation

RWTH Aachen University Top Programs

B.Sc
B.E./B.Tech
B.A.
BBA
M.Sc
MIM
M.A.
MS
MBA

RWTH Aachen University Intakes

RWTH Aachen University primarily offers intakes in October for most undergraduate and graduate programs. Some graduate programs, particularly in engineering and technology, also have a secondary intake in April. Due to the high demand, especially in engineering and technology programs, early application is highly recommended.

RWTH Aachen University Accommodation

The location of the RWTH Aachen University is at the heart of Aachen in Germany. The university has a few student residences or halls. Studentenwerk Aachen manages these residences comprising fully-furnished apartments or rooms, which are situated near campus. International students can also choose from several off-campus housing options, which include private apartments, shared flats, and homestays. 

RWTH Aachen University Acceptance Rate

RWTH Aachen University has a competitive acceptance rate, especially for its engineering, technology, and natural sciences programs. Admission criteria include outstanding academic performance, relevant qualifications, and sometimes additional entrance exams or interviews. The acceptance rate generally falls between 10-20%, reflecting the university's rigorous admissions standards.

Cost of Living in Aachen

Aachen, located in the western part of Germany near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities. Students should budget for monthly expenses ranging from €800 to €1,200, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Aachen is a historic city with a strong student community and a rich academic atmosphere.

RWTH Aachen University Cost

RWTH Aachen University students who are native and hailing from different countries do not have to pay any tuition fees. However, every student needs to deposit the social contribution fee monthly. A student studying and living in Aachen requires around 1100 EUR a month. Managing all expenses during the tenure of a course that an international student pursues requires spending an average of 10,250 EUR annually.

Cost of Living in Aachen

An international student aspiring to study in Germany must bear around 480-500 EUR to meet accommodation and associated expenses while living in Aachen. Food and general costs for foreign students could be 400 EUR monthly. 

RWTH Aachen University Scholarships

RWTH Aachen University has limited sources for providing financial aid to deserving students. The prudent decision most students who secured admission to this reputed German institute make is to apply for scholarships from other sources. Here are some popular scholarships.

DAAD Program STIBET III Matching Funds – 250 to 850 EUR every month for up to five months
UNITECH International RWTH Aachen – 1000 EUR travel expenses
RWTH IIT Madras Junior Research Fellowship – 900 EUR every month for up to six months

RWTH Aachen University Placement Opportunities

RWTH Aachen University has a Career center that conducts different seminars and career training opportunities. Such efforts help students experience smooth entry into the professional world. Graduates from this prestigious German university bag jobs at Bosch, Audi, Microsoft, Cisco, Broadcom, Devolvo, etc. Here's RWTH Aachen University's graduates' average annual salary.

B.Sc – 57, 500 EUR
M.Sc – 62,000 EUR
M.A. – 58, 500 EUR

MBA – 170,000 EUR

A popular career-building program such as Femtech is available on RWTH Aachen University's campus. 

RWTH Aachen University FAQs

Q: What are the language requirements for international students at RWTH Aachen University?
A: Most undergraduate programs at RWTH Aachen University require proficiency in German, typically demonstrated through exams like TestDaF or DSH. However, many master's programs, particularly in engineering and technology, are offered in English, requiring proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or similar tests.

Q: Can international students work while studying at RWTH Aachen University?
A: Yes, international students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. They are also allowed to work full-time during university breaks, provided it does not interfere with their academic responsibilities.

Q: What scholarships are available for international students at RWTH Aachen University?
A: RWTH Aachen University offers a range of scholarships for international students, particularly at the graduate level. Additionally, students can apply for external scholarships such as those offered by DAAD or other international organizations.

Q: How do I apply for student housing in Aachen at RWTH Aachen University?
A: RWTH Aachen University offers several student housing options, but demand is high, so early application is essential. Many students also find accommodation in private rentals or shared apartments (WG), with the university offering assistance in finding suitable housing.

Q: What is the average class size at RWTH Aachen University?
A: Class sizes at RWTH Aachen University vary by program and year of study. Larger lecture courses, particularly in popular fields like engineering and natural sciences, may have over 100 students, while seminars and advanced courses typically feature smaller, more interactive groups, averaging around 20-30 students.

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