RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, GERMANY
University Info | Exchange Student Info
Fast Facts
- RWTH Aachen University is not only one of the finest universities of technology in Germany but also the one with the highest third-party funding acquisition which shows our close links between industry and science.
- With RWTH Research Campus, one of the largest research environments is being created in Europe—16 research clusters will provide a contextual framework for the long-term collaboration between industry and science.
- Business magazines and HR professionals rank RWTH alumni as among the most highly sought-after graduates in the employment market. Many of the top management positions in both the private and public sectors are held by RWTH alumni and the innovative potential of RWTH graduates has yielded countless startups and business enterprises.
- RWTH Aachen University is a pioneer in innovative approaches to teaching and online technologies which are aimed at enriching the educational experience. RWTH Aachen University has won prizes for teaching concepts, innovative projects in teaching and the ongoing support of students throughout their studies.
- Aachen as a location does not only offer four but five seasons in a year! Our carnival season is generally called the “fifth season” of the year and offers an unprecedented fun experience for everyone.
Introduction
With its 260 institutes in nine faculties, RWTH Aachen University is among the leading European scientific and research institutions. More than 47,000 students are currently registered in 150 different courses of study, including more than 12,470 international students from 138 countries.
Teaching at RWTH Aachen is first and foremost application-oriented. Its graduates are therefore sought-after as junior executives and leaders in business and industry. Teaching and Research at RWTH are characterized by an interdisciplinary approach and have relevance to real-world problems. In 2020, collaboration with industry and the acquisition of research funding, e.g. from public bodies such as the EU, resulted in an external funding budget of about € 404 million.
RWTH Aachen University's success in Germany's Excellence Initiative reflects its outstanding reputation for research and education in the science, technology, and engineering fields.
The University receives funding for the implementation of its institutional strategy, RWTH 2020: Meeting Global Challenges, which was endorsed by the German Research Association (DFG) and the German Council of Science and Humanities. Funding was also approved for the University's three clusters of excellence and the AICES Graduate School. This decision in Germany’s Excellence Initiative strengthens the leading position of RWTH Aachen University in Germany and enhances its international competitiveness.
Learn more:
Terms of Exchange
Study Level
- Undergraduate students: Accepted
- Graduate students: Accepted
- Computer Science majors: Accepted
Eligibility Requirements
At least fifth bachelor semester (or two years of academic study)
Language of Instruction
The main language of instruction is German. There are courses offered in English, too, especially at the Master‘s level.
English Proficiency Requirements
Proof of Language Proficiency is required according to the medium of instruction.
German Language Proficiency:
- CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference): B1.1 level
English Language Proficiency:
Study Period
Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
Academic Calendar | Semester Dates (including exam period)
Fall (Winter term): October 1st – March 31st
Spring (Summer term): April 1st – September 30th
Academic Information
Disciplines Available
Courses of Study
Courses from all engineering disciplines are available. Although we do make every effort to ensure satisfactory course choices for exchange students, access to certain modules and courses may be restricted due to capacity reasons.
Restricted Disciplines and Courses
The exchange program is restricted to our engineering faculties:
- Faculty of Civil Engineering
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
- Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Course Contents
B.Sc. | M.Sc.
Exchange students at RWTH are generally permitted to take courses from various subjects and different faculties. They should however choose at least 50% of their courses from their major. Undergraduate exchange students might also choose courses from Master degrees subject to their profile (year and field of study). Therefore the list of Master courses should be also taken into consideration.
Compare courses of study in English language (select Language of Education = English):
Courses of Study
To find course modules and filter according to different teaching languages, see: Subject related preparation
Enrollment Requirements
- Students must be enrolled in their home university during their entire period of stay at RWTH Aachen University.
- Students must have been officially accepted by the host faculty.
Workload per Semester
30 ECTS
Additional Application Materials
After being accepted for their stay at RWTH Aachen University, students have to send in their documents as follows:
Required documents (see Incoming Exchange Students)
- Registration Form for exchange and double degree students of RWTH Aachen University
- Learning Agreement
- Transcript of Records
- Proof of German or English Language Proficiency, depending on the instruction language of selected courses
- Motivation Letter
- Certificate of Enrolment at home university
Deadlines for documents to be sent in to RWTH Aachen University
- May 31st for winter semester and whole academic year
- January 31st for summer semester
If you have questions, please contact the Incoming Student Services (incomings@rwth-aachen.de). Send the Registration Form via email (PDF document) to the same email address.
Note: The Registration Form and the Learning Agreement must be duly signed by the student and the respective coordinator(s) in charge at the home institution.
Recommendation letter from a professor or academic staff:
Students will receive their application packet approximately four weeks after the application has been received.
Housing
Please refer to the Housing Website for all necessary information.
Estimated Cost of Living
Monthly Expenditure
Food/meals and general expenses – € 400
Housing – € 470
Local transportation – public transportation is included in social contribution fee
Academic Expenses (e.g., books, stationery) – approximately € 80 per semester
Other administrative fees
A Social Contribution for Student Services (Student Service Fee) of approx. € 300 per semester is required after enrolment. This is not a tuition fee. The money is used to provide services for all students such as bus and rail ticket, cafeterias and sports facilities.
Contact
Office Responsible for International Exchange Students
Incoming Student Portal
Phone +49 241 80 90831
E-mail incomings@rwth-aachen.de
City Info
Aachen is Germany’s westernmost city. It lies near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands and is nestled between the large national parks of the Eifel and the Ardennes.
The city has a population of 245,000, which includes about 60,000 students and more than 5,000 academic staff from across the world. Its lively student community lends the city just as much character as its history. Aachen is famous for its Printen gingerbread, its hot springs, its Mardi Gras carnival and one of the world’s largest equestrian tournaments. The historic city centre and a wealth of bars, cafés and restaurants, combined with the nearby nature parks, such as the Eifel, make Aachen a city where everyone feels at home.
City of Aachen | Extracurricular and Leisure Activities | Aachen and the Surrounding Region
