🇩🇪 RWTH Aachen University — Tuition, Scholarships & Visa Pathway for International Students
Real tuition figures, real scholarships, and the honest visa pathway after graduation — not marketing copy.
Quick Facts
| Location | Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany |
|---|---|
| Global Ranking | QS World Ranking: #104 (2027 rankings), a slight improvement from #105 the prior year, overall stable in the low-100s — Germany's largest technical university, ranking #22 globally for Materials Science and #25 for Mechanical Engineering. |
| International Students | 12,000+ international students from over 120 countries — nearly a quarter of the student body |
| English Requirement | Varies by programme; English-taught master's programmes typically require IELTS 6.5+ |
Tuition for International Students (2026)
No tuition fees for any student, domestic or international — only a semester contribution of approximately €375–379 (covers social/mobility/student body fees)
Real Scholarships — Not Just a List of Names
DAAD Scholarships
As with all German public universities, RWTH students can apply for DAAD funding based on home country and field of study.
TU9 industry partnerships
As a TU9 member, RWTH has exceptionally strong ties to German industry (automotive, robotics, materials) which translate into funded research assistantships (HiWi positions) rather than traditional scholarships.
Real Outcomes Beyond the Ranking
RWTH Aachen has genuinely strong graduate outcomes: roughly 90% of graduates find employment within 6 months, and the university maintains formal research partnerships with institutions including IIT Madras and Tsinghua University, giving specific pathways for international collaboration beyond the degree itself. With 44,000+ students from 140+ countries, RWTH's scale as Germany's largest technical university translates into genuinely deep industry ties across the automotive, robotics, and materials sectors in the Rhine-Ruhr region.
Visa & Post-Study Work Pathway
Yes — RWTH graduates get Germany's 18-month Job-Seeker visa, convertible to an EU Blue Card or Skilled Worker visa once you secure a qualifying offer. RWTH's materials science and chemical engineering strengths align well with Germany's shortage-occupation Blue Card threshold (€45,934.20 rather than the €50,700 standard rate).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is RWTH Aachen good for international students?
RWTH Aachen University is a well-regarded university in Germany. QS World Ranking: #104 (2027 rankings), a slight improvement from #105 the prior year — Germany's largest technical university, ranking #22 globally for Materials Science. That specific standing is a genuinely strong signal — but weigh it alongside tuition, scholarships, living costs and post-study work rights, which matter just as much for your actual experience.
What tuition does RWTH Aachen charge international students?
No tuition fees for any student, domestic or international — only a semester contribution of approximately €375–379 (covers social/mobility/student body fees)
What IELTS score do I need for RWTH Aachen?
Varies by programme; English-taught master's programmes typically require IELTS 6.5+
Can I work in Germany after graduating from RWTH Aachen?
Yes — RWTH graduates get Germany's 18-month Job-Seeker visa, convertible to an EU Blue Card or Skilled Worker visa once you secure a qualifying offer. RWTH's materials science and chemical engineering strengths align well with Germany's shortage-occupation Blue Card threshold (€45,934.20 rather than the €50,700 standard rate).
See the full Germany university landscape and visa pathway.
🇩🇪 Germany University Types Guide 🔗 Official RWTH Aachen WebsiteMethodology
Tuition, ranking and scholarship figures are compiled from each university's official admissions/scholarship pages and the QS World University Rankings 2026, cross-checked in July 2026. Figures are ranges and change annually — always confirm exact costs on the university's official site before applying or paying any fees.
Limitations
- Tuition varies significantly by specific programme/faculty — the ranges shown are indicative, not a quote for any specific course.
- Scholarship values and eligibility criteria change annually and by nationality — always verify current terms directly with the university.
- This page does not constitute admissions or immigration advice.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute admissions or immigration advice. Page last reviewed July 2, 2026.
VisaCalc is not affiliated with RWTH Aachen University and does not represent the university. All figures are independently compiled for informational purposes. Always confirm tuition, scholarships and admission requirements directly on the official RWTH Aachen website before applying or paying any fees.