What is free
- No tuition fees for any nationality, at bachelor's, master's or doctoral level.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None, for any nationality |
| Semester contribution: about €350 in 2026/27, changing slightly each semester. It funds student services and includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket (the mobility component alone is €234.57 for winter 2026/27) | You, every semester |
| Living costs: for a German student visa you normally have to show €11,904 for your first year (€992 a month), usually through a blocked account | You; RWTH does not pay living costs, so pair admission with a scholarship such as the DAAD scholarships |
Who can apply
- Open to every nationality. Admission is competitive and set programme by programme.
- Master's applicants need a relevant first degree; RWTH checks your transcript and module descriptions against each programme's entry requirements.
- Many master's programmes are taught in English and ask for proof of English. Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German, so plan for German at C1 level (for example TestDaF or DSH).
- Some programmes ask for extra evidence such as GRE or TestAS results; the programme page says which.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
How to apply
- Choose your programme and read its admission requirements on RWTH's course pages.
- Create an account and apply online through RWTHonline (online.rwth-aachen.de). Everything is uploaded as PDF; nothing is posted.
- Upload your transcript or diploma supplement, module descriptions, a CV in table form and any programme-specific documents.
- Submit by the non-EU deadline: 1 March for the winter semester or 1 September for the summer semester for open-admission master's programmes. Restricted-admission (NC) programmes use 15 July and 15 January.
- Once admitted, book your visa appointment straight away; waiting times at German missions can run to several months.
Before you apply: things to know
- Non-EU deadlines come months before the EU ones. The widely quoted 15 July date applies only to restricted-admission programmes, so most international master's applicants who aim for July are too late.
- The application window for a summer-semester start opens around 1 June of the year before.
- Tuition-free is not cost-free: budget for the €11,904 proof of funds, health insurance, rent and the semester contribution.
- Aachen's student housing fills quickly before the winter semester; apply for a residence as soon as you are admitted.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Mar 1, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Dec 7, 2026Research the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Dec 21, 2026Ask your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Jan 4, 2027Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Jan 18, 2027Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Feb 1, 2027Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Feb 15, 2027Finalise every document and complete the online form
Feb 22, 2027Submit, but never on the last day
Mar 1, 2027Deadline