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Aachen, Germany

RWTH Aachen University

#95 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#95

Acceptance Rate

20%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$500

On-Campus Housing

Available

Application Deadline

May 15

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

47,000

students

International Students

25%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Germany's premier engineering university with the highest third-party research funding and industry partnerships.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#9Engineering – Mechanical#16Engineering & Technology#35Computer Science & IT#43Materials Science

Notes for US Students

Germany's top engineering university. Many programs in English. Strong ties to BMW, Bayer, and Ford.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to RWTH Aachen University

Acceptance Rate

20%

Selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

May 15

Instruction Language

English/German

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$500

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via Uni-Assist
  • High school diploma equivalent (SAT required to prove equivalency for US students)
  • German language proficiency (DSH-2 or TestDaF) for German-language programs
  • English proficiency for English-language programs (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 85+)
  • Mathematics background essential for Engineering/CS programs

Class Size

Avg. Lecture250 students
Avg. Seminar30 students
Student : Faculty19:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermMid-OctoberMid-February
Spring TermMid-AprilLate July
BreaksFeb–Apr, Aug–Oct

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English/German
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$500 / year
Application Deadline
May 15
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
20%

Programs Offered

EngineeringSciencesComputer ScienceMathematicsBusiness

Scholarships to Explore

  • DAAD Scholarship
  • Deutschlandstipendium

Cost of Living — Aachen, Germany

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$700/mo
Groceries & dining$250/mo
Transportation$65/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$160/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,175

vs. avg US college student

38% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Aachen is one of Germany's most affordable university cities. Tri-border region: Belgium and Netherlands are minutes away. Charming historic city center.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at RWTH Aachen University as a US Student

RWTH Aachen University is located in Aachen, Germany and is ranked #95in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Engineering, Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, Business. Instruction is offered in English/German. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$500 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 20%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of May 15. Scholarships available include the DAAD Scholarship.