Master of Science [MS] (Computer Science)
Field of Study:
RWTH Aachen University's MS in Computer Science is a 2-year (4-semester), 120-credit program based in Aachen, Germany. The university ranks #105 globally (QS 2026) and its Computer Science faculty ranks 60th worldwide by THE (2025) and 122nd by QS Subject Rankings (2026). Germany's top engineering university charges zero tuition fees — Indian students pay only a semester contribution of approximately €304 (~₹33,100) per semester.
The total 2-year cost for an Indian student is roughly €7,300–€11,700 (~₹7.9–12.7 lakhs) — a fraction of comparable programs in the US or UK. Germany's post-study work visa allows 18 months to find a job, and CS graduates in Germany earn €46,000–€56,000/year (~₹50–61 lakhs) at entry level.
Current Admission Status: Applications for the Winter Semester 2026/27 are open. The deadline for non-EU/EEA international students (including Indians) is March 1, 2026 for open-admission programs. The application portal is live at RWTHonline.
- Why Study MS Computer Science at RWTH Aachen?
- RWTH Aachen MS Computer Science Fees for Indian Students
- Cost of Living in Aachen for Indian Students
- MS Computer Science RWTH Aachen Admission Requirements
- Curriculum Overview
- RWTH Aachen Computer Science Rankings
- Scholarships for Indian Students at RWTH Aachen
- Placements & Career Outcomes
- ROI: Is RWTH Aachen MS CS Worth It for Indian Students?
- FAQs
Why Study MS Computer Science at RWTH Aachen?
- Zero tuition fees: RWTH confirmed in 2026 it will not charge additional tuition for non-EU students — you pay only ~€304/semester.
- Top-ranked CS faculty: Ranked 3rd in Germany and 60th worldwide for Computer Science by THE (2025).
- 18-month job-seeker visa: After graduation, you can stay in Germany to find work without needing a job offer upfront.
- Work while studying: International students can work up to 20 hours/week during semester and full-time during semester breaks (140 full days/year).
- Industry access: Aachen borders Belgium and the Netherlands — graduates access tech employers across three countries.
RWTH Aachen MS Computer Science Fees for Indian Students
Exchange rate used: 1 EUR = ₹109 (as of April 21, 2026). Rates fluctuate — verify before transferring funds.
| Fee Component | Amount (EUR) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Contribution (per semester) | €304 | ~₹33,100 |
| Semester Contribution (per year) | €608 | ~₹66,300 |
| Total Semester Contribution (2 years) | €1,216 | ~₹1.33 lakhs |
| Blocked Account Requirement (per year) | €11,904 | ~₹12.98 lakhs |
| Total Blocked Account (2 years) | €23,808 | ~₹25.95 lakhs |
The blocked account is not a fee — it is proof of funds required for your student visa. You retain and use this money for living expenses throughout your studies.
Cost of Living in Aachen for Indian Students
RWTH officially recommends budgeting a minimum of €1,100/month (~₹1.20 lakhs).
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400–€600 | ₹43,600–₹65,400 |
| Food | €200–€300 | ₹21,800–₹32,700 |
| Health Insurance | €100–€150 | ₹10,900–₹16,350 |
| Study Materials | €20–€40 | ₹2,180–₹4,360 |
| Internet & Mobile | €20–€50 | ₹2,180–₹5,450 |
| Clothing & Miscellaneous | €50–€200 | ₹5,450–₹21,800 |
| Total (Minimum) | ~€1,100 | ~₹1.20 lakhs |
Accommodation note: On-campus student housing (Studierendenwerk) costs €250–€400/month. Off-campus shared apartments (WG) typically cost €400–€600/month. The semester contribution includes a Germany-wide public transport ticket — no separate commute cost.
Part-time work: Minimum wage in Germany is €12.82/hour (~₹1,397/hour). Working 20 hours/week can offset €1,025/month (~₹1.12 lakhs) of living costs.
MS Computer Science RWTH Aachen Admission Requirements
Intake & Deadlines
| Semester | Start | Application Deadline (Non-EU/EEA) |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Semester 2026/27 | October 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| Summer Semester 2027 | April 2027 | September 1, 2026 |
Eligibility (Indian Equivalents)
- A completed Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a closely related field.
- Indian students need a minimum 6.5–7.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale (equivalent to a German grade of 2.5 or better).
- Demonstrated knowledge in: programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, software engineering, operating systems, theoretical CS and mathematics (discrete math, linear algebra, stochastics).
Application Process
- Apply online via RWTHonline portal — no physical documents required.
- Upload: transcripts (all semesters except last two), module catalog/course descriptions, CV (list format), GRE scores (recommended for CS), and English language proof.
- The Examination Board reviews each application individually for subject eligibility.
- You do not need to have completed your Bachelor's at the time of application.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 (overall) |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 |
| PTE Academic | 60 |
Waiver for Indian students: If your Bachelor's thesis was written in English, the Examination Board may accept it as sufficient proof of English proficiency. RWTH does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores — the minimum must be achieved in a single sitting.
German language: The MS Computer Science program is taught in both German and English. Some modules may require basic German. RWTH recommends beginning German preparation before arrival.
Curriculum Overview
The 120-credit program covers:
- Core areas: Theoretical CS, applied CS, software and communication, data and information management.
- Specializations (choose from): Artificial Intelligence, High Performance Computing, Databases, Embedded Systems, Computer Graphics, Speech Processing, Communication Systems and more.
- Applied Subject: One minor from business, mathematics, electrical engineering, medicine, physics or other RWTH-approved fields.
- Thesis: A research-based Master's thesis in your chosen specialization area.
RWTH Aachen Computer Science Rankings
| Ranking Body | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| THE World University Rankings (CS) | 60th worldwide / 3rd in Germany | 2025 |
| QS Subject Rankings (CS) | 122nd worldwide / 5th in Germany | 2026 |
| Guide2Research (CS) | 62nd worldwide / 2nd in Germany | 2025 |
| WiWo Ranking (CS, Germany) | Top 3 | 2024 |
| QS World University Rankings (Overall) | #105 | 2026 |
Scholarships for Indian Students at RWTH Aachen
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Study Scholarship (Masters) | €934/month + travel allowance | Bachelor's degree, strong academics, under 36 years | October 15, 2026 (for 2027 intake) |
| RWTH Completion Scholarship (STIBET) | Partial funding | Enrolled RWTH students nearing graduation | Round 1: Nov 25, 2025; Round 2: June 19, 2026 |
| Deutschlandstipendium | €300/month | High academic achievement, social engagement | Varies by faculty |
DAAD scholarships also cover health insurance and a one-time travel allowance. Apply directly via the DAAD India portal (daad.in).
Placements & Career Outcomes
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Employment rate within 6 months | ~93% (upGrad, sourced from university data) |
| Entry-level CS salary in Germany (Master's) | €46,300–€56,000/year |
| Average CS salary in Aachen (all levels) | ~€106,766/year (SalaryExpert, 2026) |
| Post-study work visa duration | 18 months |
Top employers of RWTH CS graduates include companies in automotive tech, software, telecommunications, consulting and embedded systems — sectors where Aachen has a strong regional presence.
ROI: Is RWTH Aachen MS CS Worth It for Indian Students?
| Item | Amount (EUR) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Total 2-year cost (fees + living) | ~€27,600–€29,600 | ~₹30–32 lakhs |
| Entry-level annual salary (Germany) | €46,300–€56,000 | ~₹50–61 lakhs |
| Break-even point | ~7–8 months of working | — |
With zero tuition fees and a starting salary of ₹50+ lakhs, the program pays for itself within the first year of employment. The 18-month post-study visa gives Indian graduates ample time to secure a full-time role without pressure.
RWTH Aachen's MS Computer Science is one of the most cost-efficient CS master's programs globally for Indian students. No tuition fees, a globally ranked CS faculty, access to Germany's tech job market and an 18-month job-seeker visa make this a high-ROI choice. The March 1, 2026 deadline for Winter 2026/27 has passed — the next window for Indian applicants is September 1, 2026 for Summer Semester 2027, or March 1, 2027 for Winter Semester 2027/28.
FAQs
Ques. Does RWTH Aachen charge tuition fees for Indian students in the MS Computer Science program?
Ans. No. RWTH Aachen confirmed in 2026 that it does not charge additional tuition fees for non-EU international students. Indian students pay only the semester contribution of approximately €304 (~₹33,100) per semester, which includes a Germany-wide public transport pass.
Ques. What GRE and IELTS scores do I need for MS Computer Science at RWTH Aachen?
Ans. RWTH requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT of 90 for the MS CS program. GRE is recommended but not officially mandatory — however, competitive applicants from India are advised to submit strong GRE quant scores to strengthen their application. If your Bachelor's thesis was written in English, the Examination Board may waive the language certificate requirement.
Ques. Can I work part-time while studying MS Computer Science at RWTH Aachen as an Indian student?
Ans. Yes. Indian students on a German student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks (up to 140 full days per year). At Germany's minimum wage of €12.82/hour (₹1,397/hour), working 20 hours/week can cover approximately €1,025/month (₹1.12 lakhs) of your living expenses.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline for Summer 2027 Intake - Jun 1, 2026 - Sep 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Accomodation | $5568 (EUR 4800) |
| Food | $2784 (EUR 2400) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | |
| 2023 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline for Summer 2027 Intake | Jun 1, 2026 - Sep 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline for Winter 2027 Intake | Dec 1, 2026 - Mar 1, 2027 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
Online application
Transcripts
Language Proficiency Requirements (German, English)
Copy of Passport
Resume
Motivation Letter
One Letter of Recommendation
APS Certificate


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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| University's Education Fund | 300 euros monthly | The RWTH Education Fund Scholarship supports the top 10% of students based on academic excellence, personal experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and social background, with approximately 20% of applicants receiving funding annually |
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,160/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| MAWISTA Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 7,762/Yr$6,691 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeEasy-to-Apply | |
| Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 11,600/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeNeed-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,320/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 13,920 /Yr EUR 12,000 /Yr |
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| USD 833 /Yr EUR 718 /Yr | ||||
Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (Starts October 1st) (1st Oct 2026) Application Deadline For Summer 2027 Intake (Sttarts April 1st) (1st Apr 2027) | USD 15,869 /Yr EUR 13,680 /Yr |
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