Frequently Asked Questions
In this section we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the application and admission process. You can also find detailed information about all our M.Sc. programs at our website here.
Please do not hesitate to contact us in case you have any further detailed question via E-Mail: masters@academy.rwth-aachen.de
M.Sc. Degree Programs in Engineering - Application and Admission
Where can I find information about master programs currently offered at RWTH International Academy?
Answer
You can find all of RWTH International Academy’s courses of study and detailed information about individual programs and admissions requirements on the page M.Sc. Degree Programs.
What is the average cost of study at RWTH International Academy?
Answer
Tuition fees are charged for all programs organized by the RWTH International Academy. Depending on the program these add up to EUR 4,500 to 5,500 per semester (3 or 4 semesters regular study period). Additionally, the semester fees (student body and social contribution fee), which include the cost of the Semester Ticket are charged by the RWTH Aachen University. The exact amount varies each year, but on average it is about 250 Euros per semester. An administration fee of about EUR 150 only applies once for the "Management and Engineering" (MME) programs during their semester abroad at Maastricht School of Management (MSM) in the Netherlands.
Germany is not expensive in comparison with other European countries. However, secure funding is very important for the success of your studies. You should plan to have a monthly budget of about EUR 800 for living costs. This includes rent (around EUR 350 in Aachen), travel expenses, costs for food, clothing, study material, health insurance, phone, Internet, radio and television fees, as well as expenses for leisure activities.
What language skills do I need for Master’s studies at RWTH International Academy?
Answer
English Language Requirements
For all of our master's programs a certified proof of your competence in the English language is required through the completion of one of the accepted examinations listed below:
- TOEFL Internet based minimum of 90 pts/Paper based minimum of 577 pts.,
- IELTS test minimum overall band 5,5 pts.,
- Cambridge Test – Certificate in Advanced English (CAE),
- First Certificate in English (FCE), completed with a B,
- Placement-Test of RWTH Aachen University's language centre (B2).
Please note that you must prove your English language proficiency by taking an official test. Exceptions for the language requirements only apply for nationals or first degree holders from the USA, the UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.
Please do not send the original TOEFL or IELTS score sheets or any other original documents to the university! Please include a scanned copy in your online application. Please keep the original score sheets and bring them to the enrolment (in case of admission).
German Language Requirements
How can I learn German at RWTH Aachen University?
Answer
Learning German is essential to help you integrate into society. Furthermore, having the skills to communicate in German will help you pursue internships or job opportunities in Germany after graduation. We highly encourage all international students to learn at least basic German after arrival in Germany, or even back home before your departure for Aachen.
The RWTH Language Center offers German courses every semester which you are invited to participate in. Please refer to the Language Center website for current information about courses and the registration process. Most of our M.Sc. programs also have a German language course as part of their curriculum. Please refer to the specific
program website and have a look at the section about "German language courses".
Answer
GRE is only a requirement for the following M.Sc. programs:
M.Sc. Textile Engineering
M.Sc. Computer Aided Conception and Production in Mechanical Engineering (CAME)
M.Sc. Management and Engineering in Electrical Power Systems (MME-EPS)
EU, EWG and Bildungsinländer are exempt from this requirement.
GATE is not a requirement for any of our M.Sc. programs.
How do I apply for Master’s studies as an international student at RWTH International Academy?
Answer
If you would like to apply for one of our Master’s degree programs, please refer to the application section of your desired program and all corresponding links, which provide comprehensive information for applicants regarding the application process, requirements, scholarships, fees and expenses.
Please understand that we cannot check applications beforehand. Please read all the requirements carefully, and if you meet them, we are looking forward to receiving your complete application through the online application portal of RWTH Aachen University that will open in December.
Can I apply for more than one program?
Answer
There is a limit to 5 Master’s degree applications per applicant.
What documents need to be sent to RWTH Aachen University?
Answer
You do not need to send any documents to us by post. Even if the online system gives you that option. Should you be receive admission, you will need to show the originals to the International Office at enrolment.
Do I have to learn German to be accepted to your courses?
Answer
For our English-taught M.Sc. degree programmes it is not mandatory to learn German before admission. A basic German course is part of some programmes.
We recommend students to start learning German even though it is academically not requested: it will help students to settle down in a German environment.
Exemption:
For M.Sc. Textile Engineering: Application requirement: A2 Goethe Certificate until enrolment (A1 until 1 July)
Is work experience mandatory in order to apply for RWTH International Academy M.Sc. degree programs?
Answer
Practical professional experiences of as a rule not less than one year is required.
The applicants need to provide a proof of at least six months work experience at the time of application. The total amount of 12 months must be presented upon enrolment then.
Does the RWTH International Academy offer any scholarships?
Answer
Please find an overview about scholarship opportunities
here.
Can I still apply for the next intake, even when the deadline has already passed?
Answer
Please understand that we cannot accept applications after the deadline of 1 March.
When will I be informed about the result of my application?
Answer
Please understand that all applications must be reviewed with the utmost care. As a result, the evaluation of the applications demands a timeframe of about two months. Therefore, letters of admission/rejection will be available in the online application system (RWTH Online) in April-May approximately.
In case I do not have all the required documents before the deadline, is it possible to hand in some documents later?
Answer
In case of admission you will be asked to submit the missing documents. These must be submitted until enrollment at the latest:
- Bachelor Degree Certificate
- Proof of Language Proficiency
- (Only for Chinese applicants: APS)
- (Only for CAME, Textile & MME-EPS applicants: GRE)
All other documents need to be submitted by 1 March.
What do I have to put for ‘Intermediate Exam’?
Answer
If there are no such exams in your University or transcript, then you may fill in ‘not planned’.
What do I fill in for ‘Grade’, just the grade received or a score out of total?
Answer
Please complete the ‘Grade’ field with a score out of total format, e.g. 70/100 or 7/10 or 3.2/4.0 or 13/20 etc.
What do I have to fill in for 2nd and 3rd Subject?
Answer
If you did not elect a minor or second subject in your previous degrees, you may leave these fields empty and just fill in your Major.
How do I upload two recommendation letters if there is only one upload field?
Answer
You combine the two letters into one file and upload that file.
I am unable to upload a certificate of English language proficiency. What can I do?
Answer
You do not have to upload the certificate now. In case of admission, you will need to produce the original certificate at enrolment.
