Application Information

Applicants must have previous knowledge of engineering and mathematical-scientific disciplines, which they have acquired in the course of a Bachelor's program. Previous knowledge is described in detail in the examination regulations and corresponds to the basic modules of B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering. Essential modules are e.g. mechanics, higher mathematics, materials science, thermodynamics or machine design. Furthermore, applicants should already have basic knowledge of production engineering, e.g. in production management, manufacturing engineering or machine tools.

Academic First Degree
Bachelor of Engineering/ Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Technology
Good performance in undergraduate studies

Suggested Fundamentals*
Mathematics, Mechanics, Material Science, Thermodynamics, Informatics/Programming/Computer Science, Physics, Machine Design, Fluid Mechanics, Automatic Control, Engineering Design, Production Management, Machine Tools, Manufacturing Technology, Fluid Techniques, Electrical Drives and Energy Storage Systems

*Up to 30 CP of required fundamentals can be achieved via our Master’s Prep Courses

All of our master's programs require certified proof of English language proficiency. We accept the following (click the links to find an examination center):

• TOEFL internet-based minimum of 90 pts
• Academic IELTS minimum overall band 5.5
• Cambridge Test – Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• First Certificate in English (FCE), completed with a B
• Current RWTH students - RWTH Aachen Language Centre - B2 placement-test
• For German applicants: Ein Zeugnis, das englische Sprachkenntnisse auf dem Niveau B2 des "Gemeinsamen europäischen Referenzrahmens (GeR)" ausweist. Dieser Nachweis wird z.B. durch die Vorlage eines deutschen Abiturzeugnisses erbracht, aus dem ersichtlich ist, dass Englisch bis zum Ende der Qualifikationsphase 1 (Jahrgangsstufe 11 bei G8-Abitur, sonst Jahrgangsstufe 12) durchgängig belegt und mit mindestens ausreichenden Leistungen abgeschlossen wurde.

In general:

• The score reports must not be older than two years by the first time you submit the score reports.
• A copy of the score reports needs to be uploaded to the online application system. In case of admission, the original scores have to be presented for personal enrollment.
• Additionally, you can check out the International Office's language requirements page or download the PDF listing all requirements in the Downloads section.

Exemptions from the English language certificate
All applicants who have a school leaving qualification or first degree in English that was issued by an institution in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the US are exempt from the English language certificate requirement. The school leaving qualification or first degree must have been completed in one of the countries listed above.

Please note that having German citizenship or citizenship of an English-speaking country, even those listed above, does not in and of itself exempt you from the respective language certificate requirement. Language tests from other universities will not be accepted either. Please also note that RWTH does not accept MyBest Scores of the TOEFL test. The required minimum TOEFL score must be achieved within one single TOEFL exam.

You'll need the following documents for your application:

1. University transcript of records (preferably with ECTS conversion)
2. GRE General Test with minimum scores (Verbal Reasoning: 145 | Quantitative Reasoning: 160 | Analytical Writing: 3) (applicants from the EU and EEA are exempt)
3. Proof of at least 6 months' work experience (12 months at enrollment**)
4. Curriculum vitae (CV)
5. Letter of intent
6. Two letters of recommendation
7. Proof of English language proficiency (min. TOEFL 90 | IELTS 5.5 or any accepted certificate)**
8. University degree certificate**
9. (APS, only for applicants with a first degree from China)

*If your documents were not issued in German or English, you must have a certified translator translate them into either German or English. These copies do not need to be notarized.

**At enrollment

Proof of Work Experience

Our programs require a minimum of 12 months' work experience by the time of enrollment. The proof of work experience ideally includes the following information:

• The employer's address and stamp
• Contact details of your supervisor
• Date of joining and, if applicable, resignation date (duration)
• Weekly hours
• Job title
• Short task description

Please note: your proof of work experience must be signed by a superior or HR!

Letter of Recommendation

Please note that no standard form or format is required for the letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation can be issued by a university professor/lecturer or by a superior from your employment. It should ideally provide the following information:

• your relationship to the author
• your academic/professional history
• your qualities/achievements/ambitions in your respective field
• your personal traits and goals
• the author’s signature
• be written on the institution’s/company’s letter head
• bear the stamp of the issuing institution/company

Letter of Motivation

Applicants have to answer the following questions in detail:

• Which study track (Smart Factory, Additive Manufacturing, Electric Mobility Production) do you want to choose? What are your motivations and qualifications to sudy the track?
• What perceptions do you have when thinking of studying in Germany?
• Why do you want to study at RWTH Aachen University?
• Why did you choose the program?
• Please mention your past academic or university experiences.
• In what way does the program in question contribute to you achieving your career goals?

English Language Proficiency Proof

A copy of the score reports can be uploaded in the online application system, but it is not a required document at application. In case of admission, it is in students' own responsibility to present the original scores or printed PDF with minimum requirement for enrollment in August/September.
Exemptions for the language requirements are only applicable for degree holders from the USA, the UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Proof that you have studied in an English-language course of study in a country other than one of the countries above is not sufficient! Language tests from other universities will not be accepted either.