RWTH Aachen: Tuition, English Programs & How to Apply (2027/28)

RWTH Aachen does not charge tuition fees to non-EU students in its regular programs. Its official financing page says the university "continues its policy of not charging additional tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries" and that all students pay only the standard semester fee.

That makes RWTH one of the best-value choices in Germany if you want an English-taught engineering or science master's. Below you will find what you actually pay, which programs are taught in English, the 2027/28 deadlines and how to apply step by step.

Why RWTH Aachen is good value for international students

RWTH is a large public technical university in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its English-taught offer is heavily focused on engineering, computer science and natural sciences, which are the fields where many international students later look for jobs in Germany.

• No tuition for regular degree programs, for German, EU and non-EU students alike.
• No uni-assist step for master's applications: you apply directly in the RWTHonline portal, so you do not pay the uni-assist handling fee.
• A wide engineering range in English: automotive, electrical, civil, materials, biomedical and battery engineering, plus data science and software.
• Two intakes for some programs (winter and summer semester), which gives you more than one chance per year.

RWTH Aachen tuition fees and costs for non-EU students

You do not pay tuition, but studying is not free of cost. Every student pays a semester fee at each re-registration. It covers the student body contribution, a mobility (public transport) ticket and the social services contribution. RWTH does not print the amount on its costs page; the student government (AStA) publishes the current rate each semester.

English-taught programs at RWTH Aachen

Our database lists 31 English-taught master's programs and 13 doctoral options, but no English-taught bachelor's programs. RWTH states that it currently does not offer any fully English-taught bachelor's degree, so bachelor's applicants need German (DSH or TestDaF).

Examples of tuition-free English master's programs

• Automotive Engineering (2 years)
• Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Engineering
• Data Science and Software Systems Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering and Battery Science and Technology in Engineering
• Materials Engineering (International Profile) and Simulation Sciences
• Applied Geophysics (joint with TU Delft and ETH Zurich)
• Sustainable Management, Transforming City Regions, and Physics

For a wider view of English options across the country, read our guide to English-taught programs in Germany.

Admission requirements for the master's

There is no university-wide minimum grade. Each program's examination board checks whether your bachelor's content and grades match the program. You can apply before you finish your bachelor's; the last two semesters may still be missing from your transcript.

• English: TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS 6.0 (some programs accept 5.5), or Cambridge B2 First (grade B), C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. Proof is needed by enrolment.
• Documents: bachelor's transcript, module descriptions, CV in table form, English certificate.
• Translations: documents not in German or English need a certified translation; upload both the translation and the original or a copy.
• Tests: some programs require the GRE (RWTH institution code 8504) or TestAS.

For the general rules on recognition and grades, see our Germany university admission requirements guide.

RWTH Aachen deadlines for 2026/27 and 2027/28

RWTH states these as final deadlines for non-EU applicants. Applications that arrive later are not considered.

Most English-taught programs are open admission, so for an October 2027 start your real deadline is usually 1 March 2027. The portal opening date varies by program, so check each program page early.

Scholarships and funding

Because there is no tuition, funding is mainly about living costs. RWTH points students to the Deutschlandstipendium and DAAD scholarships, which are not linked to admission. The DAAD Study Scholarship for master's studies pays €992 per month, but it is very competitive and generally not for students who are just starting out. See our scholarships in Germany guide for deadlines.

Living in Aachen

RWTH recommends budgeting at least €1,100 per month for living expenses. For the visa you need proof of €11,904 per year, usually in a blocked account. Non-EU students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year, which helps but rarely covers everything. Our cost of studying in Germany guide breaks down a full budget.

How to apply to RWTH Aachen step by step

1. 1

   Shortlist programs

   Pick English-taught master's programs and note whether each is open or restricted admission, and whether it charges tuition.

2. 2

   Check subject requirements

   Compare your bachelor's modules with the program's required credits; find out if a GRE score is needed.

3. 3

   Prepare documents

   Transcript, module catalogue, CV, English certificate and certified translations of anything not in German or English.

4. 4

   Apply in RWTHonline

   Submit before 1 March 2027 (open admission) or 15 July 2027 (NC) for the winter semester 2027/28.

5. 5

   Arrange your funds

   After admission, open a blocked account with €11,904 per year or arrange another accepted proof.

6. 6

   Apply for the visa

   Book your national (D) visa appointment early; processing can take months. See how to apply to universities in Germany for the full timeline.

Want reminders before each RWTH deadline? You can track deadlines for free on FindUniPath and compare RWTH with other universities in Germany.