STUDYING IN AACHEN GUIDE · 28 JUNE 2026
Planning to study in Aachen? This guide covers RWTH and FH Aachen; admission requirements, language of instruction, semester fees, and how to apply as an international student.
Aachen is home to two universities that together enrol more than 60,000 students and attract talent from over 120 countries. If you are considering studying in Germany, Aachen deserves serious attention, not just for the academic reputation of its institutions, but for the quality of life the city offers students on a realistic budget.
This guide covers everything international students need to know before applying: the difference between the two universities, which programmes are taught in English, what the admission process looks like, how much it costs, and what to do once you receive your acceptance letter.
The two universities are fundamentally different in character, and choosing between them is the first decision you need to make.
RWTH Aachen University (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen) is a research university and one of Europe’s leading technical institutions. It is ranked #105 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #92 in the Times Higher Education rankings, placing it among the top universities in Germany and in the top tier globally for engineering and technology. With around 45,000 students from more than 120 countries, it has a strong international culture, particularly at master’s level. RWTH is the better choice if you want to pursue research, aim for a PhD, or are interested in cutting-edge academic work in engineering, computer science, natural sciences, or medicine.
FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule Aachen) is a university of applied sciences with around 15,000 students across campuses in Aachen and Jülich. Its focus is on practical, application-oriented education with strong industry ties. WirtschaftsWoche has ranked its mechanical engineering programme first among German universities of applied sciences for four consecutive years. FH Aachen’s acceptance rate is around 45%, making it more accessible than RWTH, and its programmes are designed with a direct career path in mind. It is the better choice if you want hands-on training, close contact with professors, and faster entry into the job market.
For many international students, particularly those coming from countries with strong vocational education traditions, FH Aachen offers a more structured and supportive path into the German engineering and technology sectors.
At RWTH Aachen, no bachelor’s programmes are taught fully in English. Some combine English and German instruction, but the bachelor’s level is primarily German. At master’s level, however, RWTH offers a growing number of fully English-taught programmes, particularly in engineering, computer science, and natural sciences. Examples include the MSc in Computer Science, MSc in Data Science, MSc in Electrical Engineering, and MSc in Biomedical Engineering. Check the RWTH programme finder at rwth-aachen.de for the full list, as new programmes are added each year.
At FH Aachen, the Internationally Oriented Studies (IOS) programmes are taught in English and German and are available in Applied Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physical Engineering. The Freshman Programme also offers a fully English track for students who want to prepare for German-language bachelor’s programmes without prior German knowledge.
If you are set on studying in English without learning German first, RWTH master’s programmes or FH Aachen’s IOS and English Freshman tracks are your most realistic entry points.
For bachelor’s programmes:
For master’s programmes:
NC (Numerus Clausus) vs. open admission: Some RWTH programmes have restricted admission (NC), meaning places are limited and applicants are ranked by GPA. Others have open admission: if your credits match the module requirements, admission is essentially guaranteed. Engineering programmes at master’s level are frequently open admission. Medicine, psychology, and business are typically NC with very competitive cutoffs.
Application is free at RWTH Aachen and is submitted online via the RWTHonline portal. Do not use external agencies; the university warns against this explicitly.
For bachelor’s programmes:
For master’s programmes:
FH Aachen has an acceptance rate of around 45%, making the admission process considerably less competitive than RWTH for most programmes.
Intake
Programme type
Deadline
Winter semester (October start)
Master’s, open admission
March 1
Winter semester (October start)
Master’s, restricted (NC)
July 15
Winter semester (October start)
Bachelor’s, open admission
July 15
Summer semester (April start)
Master’s, open admission
September 1
Summer semester (April start)
Master’s, restricted (NC)
January 15
Non-EU applicants should note that applications for open-admission master’s programmes for the summer semester 2027 open on June 1, 2026.
This is one of the most important facts for international students to know: neither RWTH Aachen nor FH Aachen charges tuition fees for most programmes, regardless of whether you are an EU or non-EU student. Germany’s public university system is funded by the state, not by student fees.
What you do pay is a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which covers administrative costs, student union services, and most importantly, the Semesterticket — a public transport pass valid across North Rhine-Westphalia for the duration of the semester.
At RWTH Aachen, the semester contribution is approximately €298 per semester (around €600 per year). At FH Aachen, it is in a similar range. This is not tuition; it is a services fee, and the Semesterticket alone is worth considerably more than the total contribution.
Some specialized programmes, MBA degrees, and continuing education offerings may charge fees. Always check the specific programme page.
Even if your chosen master’s programme is taught in English, learning German will significantly improve your experience in Aachen. Daily life, flat hunting, dealing with the Ausländerbehörde, and many job opportunities all require at least conversational German. RWTH Aachen offers free and subsidized German language courses for enrolled students; take advantage of them from your first semester.
If you are applying for a German-taught programme, the minimum requirements are typically:
These tests must usually be taken before you apply. Some universities accept conditional admission pending language certification, but this is programme-specific.
Your acceptance letter is the starting point for several parallel processes, and timing matters.
As a student in Germany on a student residence permit, you are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half-days per year. This is roughly equivalent to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during semester breaks. EU students have no restrictions.
Student jobs (Werkstudent positions) are common among RWTH students and often offered by the university’s industry partners. The RWTH Career Centre and FH Aachen’s Career Service both connect students with part-time and internship opportunities.
Income from student jobs is often tax-free up to a certain annual threshold and does not affect your student health insurance rates, provided you stay within the working hour limits.
One of Germany’s most student-friendly policies is the post-graduation job seeker visa. After completing your degree at RWTH or FH Aachen, you are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to look for work in Germany without needing a new visa. During this period, you can work in any role to support yourself. Once you find a qualified job, you can transition to a work permit or EU Blue Card.
Given Aachen’s strong engineering and tech employer base, and RWTH’s deep industry connections, graduates who want to stay in Germany are well positioned to make that transition.
Germany offers several scholarships specifically for international students:
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is the largest scholarship provider for international students in Germany. It offers full and partial scholarships at all levels, with particular strength in engineering, science, and development-related fields. Apply well in advance as deadlines are typically 12 to 18 months before the start of studies.
Deutschlandstipendium is a merit-based scholarship of €300 per month, available to enrolled students at RWTH and FH Aachen. Apply directly through your university after enrolment.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, and other political foundations offer scholarships for students with demonstrated civic engagement, typically at master’s or PhD level.
Neither RWTH nor FH Aachen directly funds scholarships for international students from their own budgets; you will need to apply through external bodies.
Between university applications, visa requirements, accommodation hunting, and Anmeldung appointments, relocating to Aachen as a student involves a lot of moving parts happening simultaneously. If you want expert, on-the-ground support, ABOUT Aachen’s relocation services are designed for exactly this situation.
The 60-Minute Expert Strategy Session (€170) covers your specific situation and gives you a clear action plan for your move, including visa steps, housing options, and administrative requirements. The Kickstart Relocation Package (€990) takes care of your city registration and gets you into a furnished apartment from day one, so you can focus on your studies from the moment you arrive.
Resource
Details
RWTH Aachen application portal
rwth-aachen.de (RWTHonline)
FH Aachen international admissions
fh-aachen.de/en/studies/applying/international-applicants
Anabin database (degree recognition)
anabin.kmk.org
Studierendenwerk Aachen (student housing)
studierendenwerk-aachen.de
DAAD scholarships
daad.de/en
ABOUT Aachen relocation support
aboutaachen.com/relocation-service
Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only. Admission requirements, deadlines, and fees are subject to change. Always verify current details directly with RWTH Aachen or FH Aachen before submitting your application.
