Quick Summary
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH Aachen University), in Aachen, Germany, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1870. Ranked #99 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 47173 students including 30% from outside Germany. Known for strengths in Mechanical Engineering, Mineral & Mining Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Elite technical status in Germany, world-class engineering facilities, and unparalleled industry networking.
Subject Strengths
Mechanical EngineeringMineral & Mining EngineeringElectrical & Electronic EngineeringChemical EngineeringPhysics & Astronomy
Founded1870
TypePublic
Total Students47173
Intl Students30%
Faculty Ratio48
CampusUrban / Integrated
Campus Size620 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUniklinik RWTH Aachen
AccreditationASIIN, FIBAA, German Accreditation Council
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#99
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#92
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, State Examination
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (Blended Learning & Executive Master's)
Online Programs
Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), Cluster of Excellence - Internet of Production
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
ASIIN, FIBAA, German Accreditation Council
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA2.5
GRERequired for specific Master's programs (e.g., Engineering, CS)
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the 'Subject-Specific Suitability' as RWTH requires strict ECTS matching with their undergraduate curriculum for Master's admissions.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€11,000/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$75
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€11,650/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableDeutschlandstipendium, DAAD Scholarships, RWTH Education Fund
Avg Scholarship$3,900
Financial AidBAföG (for eligible students)
Work-StudyExtensive 'HiWi' (Student Assistant) positions available
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, State Examination programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Automotive Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Physics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Civil Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$68,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementMandatory in most Engineering and Natural Science curricula
Industry Connections
Strong partnerships with SiemensBMWBoschFordand Microsoft
Notable Alumni
Bjarne Stroustrup, Peter Debye, Necmettin Erbakan, Yung Ho Chang
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (via Studierendenwerk Aachen)
Sports Facilities
University Sports Center (HSZ) with over 100 sports disciplines
Student Clubs
Over 100 student initiatives and clubs
Library Resources
RWTH University Library (UB) with massive digital archives
Exchange Programs
ERASMUS+, IDEA League, UNITECH
Summer Programs
RWTH International Academy Summer Schools