Master of Science [MS] (Data Science)
Field of Study:
RWTH Aachen University's MS in Data Science is a 2-year (4-semester), 120-credit English-taught program based in Aachen, Germany. The university ranks #105 globally (QS World University Rankings 2026) and RWTH places in the 101–200 band for Data Science & AI (QS Subject Rankings 2026). Germany charges no tuition fees for this program — only a semester contribution of €300 (₹32,835) — making it one of the most cost-effective Data Science master's programs in the world for Indian students.
The program is jointly offered by the Faculty of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics. It covers machine learning, statistical modeling, data systems engineering and applied specializations including Business Analytics, Computational Life Science and Physics. Graduates are eligible for Germany's 18-month post-study job seeker visa, with entry-level Data Science salaries starting at €45,000/year (~₹49.3 lakh/year).
Admission Status (April 2026): The Winter Semester 2026/27 application window for non-EU/non-EEA students (including Indians) opened in December 2025 and closed on March 1, 2026. The next application window for Winter Semester 2027/28 will open in December 2026. The Summer Semester 2027 application window opens June 2026 and closes September 1, 2026 (IST deadline: September 1, 2026, 11:59 PM IST).
- Why Study MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen — Key Reasons for Indian Students
- RWTH Aachen MS Data Science Fees for Indian Students (2026)
- Cost of Living in Aachen for MS Data Science Students
- RWTH Aachen MS Data Science Admission Requirements & Deadlines
- MS Data Science Curriculum at RWTH Aachen — Brief Overview
- RWTH Aachen University Rankings — Data Science & AI
- Scholarships for MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen — Indian Students
- Placements & Career Outcomes After MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen
- ROI — Is MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen Worth It for Indian Students?
- FAQs
Why Study MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen — Key Reasons for Indian Students
- Zero tuition fees: No tuition fees for non-EU students; only €300/semester (₹32,835) semester contribution applies.
- Top-ranked program: RWTH ranks 101–200 globally in Data Science & AI (QS Subject 2026) and #105 overall (QS 2026).
- Strong employer reputation: RWTH scores 70.9 on Employer Reputation in QS Data Science & AI rankings 2026.
- Post-study work rights: Graduates get an 18-month job seeker visa in Germany under Section 20 AufenthG.
- Part-time work allowed: International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year during studies.
RWTH Aachen MS Data Science Fees for Indian Students (2026)
Exchange rate used: 1 EUR = ₹109.45 (ECB reference rate, April 20, 2026). All INR figures are approximate.
| Fee Component | Per Semester (EUR) | Per Year (EUR) | Per Year (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | €0 | €0 | ₹0 |
| Semester Contribution | ~€300 | ~€600 | ~₹65,670 |
| Total Academic Cost | ~€300 | ~€600 | ~₹65,670 |
The MS Data Science program at RWTH Aachen charges no tuition fees for international students, including Indians. The semester contribution (~€300/semester) covers student services, the AStA student council fee and a semester transport ticket valid across Aachen's public transport network.
Cost of Living in Aachen for MS Data Science Students
RWTH officially recommends budgeting at least €1,100/month (~₹1,20,395/month) for living expenses.
| Expense Category | Min/Month (EUR) | Max/Month (EUR) | INR/Month (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 | €600 | ₹43,780 – ₹65,670 |
| Food | €200 | €300 | ₹21,890 – ₹32,835 |
| Health Insurance | €100 | €150 | ₹10,945 – ₹16,418 |
| Study Materials | €20 | €40 | ₹2,189 – ₹4,378 |
| Internet & Mobile | €20 | €50 | ₹2,189 – ₹5,473 |
| Miscellaneous | €50 | €200 | ₹5,473 – ₹21,890 |
| Total | ~€790 | ~€1,340 | ~₹86,466 – ₹1,46,663 |
Accommodation options:
| Type | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Student dormitory (Studierendenwerk) | €300 – €400 | ₹32,835 – ₹43,780 |
| Shared flat (WG) | €350 – €500 | ₹38,308 – ₹54,725 |
| Private studio/apartment | €500 – €700 | ₹54,725 – ₹76,615 |
Students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Student part-time jobs (Werkstudent) in Aachen typically pay €12–€15/hour (~₹1,313–₹1,642/hour), which can cover a significant portion of monthly living costs.
RWTH Aachen MS Data Science Admission Requirements & Deadlines
Intake & Application Deadlines
| Intake | Application Window (Non-EU/Indian Students) | Semester Start |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Semester 2027/28 | December 2026 – March 1, 2027 | October 2027 |
| Summer Semester 2027 | June 2026 – September 1, 2026 | April 2027 |
Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a closely related field from a recognized university.
- Indian students with a B.Tech/B.E./B.Sc. in CS, Mathematics, Physics or related disciplines are eligible.
- Minimum academic profile: 7.5+ CGPA (out of 10) or 70%+ aggregate is generally competitive.
- GRE General Test is mandatory for non-EU/non-EEA applicants: Quantitative Reasoning above 75th percentile, Verbal Reasoning above 15th percentile, Analytical Writing minimum 3.5.
Application Process
- Register and apply via RWTH's online portal at online.rwth-aachen.de
- Upload translated academic transcripts (English or German only)
- Prepare a module descriptions document matching your courses to RWTH's CS/Math/Physics profile requirements
- Submit English language certificate at enrollment (not required at application stage)
- GRE scores must be submitted before the application deadline (ETS code for RWTH: 8504)
- Letters of recommendation and SOP are not explicitly required but module matching is critical
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 100 (single sitting; MyBest Scores not accepted) |
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency | Pass |
Waiver for Indian students: No automatic waiver is available for Indian students. A waiver applies only if your prior degree was taught entirely in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK or USA.
MS Data Science Curriculum at RWTH Aachen — Brief Overview
- Core Area (44–64 CP): Introduction to Data Science (6 CP), Mathematics of Data Science (9 CP), Ethics Technology and Data (4 CP), foundational CS and Math electives
- Seminar & Lab (12 CP): Seminar (5 CP) and Lab Course (7 CP)
- Specialization Area (14–22 CP): Choose from Computer Science, Mathematics, CS + Mathematics, Business Analytics, Computational Life Science or Physics
- Master's Thesis (30 CP): Can be written in core fields or in an application area
- Additional Skills (up to 12 CP): Language courses, non-technical electives
RWTH Aachen University Rankings — Data Science & AI
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | Overall | #105 | 2026 |
| QS Subject Rankings | Data Science & AI | 101–200 | 2026 |
| QS Subject Rankings | Data Science & AI (Germany) | Top 5 in Germany | 2026 |
| RWTH Internal Ranking Note | Data Science Score | World Rank ~70 (THE-linked) | 2025 |
RWTH Aachen scores 70.9 on Employer Reputation in the QS Data Science & AI subject ranking 2026, reflecting strong industry recognition among global recruiters.
Scholarships for MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen — Indian Students
| Scholarship | Provider | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Postgraduate Scholarship | DAAD (German Academic Exchange) | €934/month + travel allowance + insurance | Indian nationals with strong academic record; apply after Bachelor's | November 1 (for following year intake) |
| RWTH Completion Scholarship | RWTH Aachen | Partial funding for final semesters | International students enrolled at RWTH; merit-based | Round 1: Nov 25, 2025; Round 2: June 19, 2026 |
| Deutschland Stipendium | RWTH/Federal Govt | €300/month | Merit-based; open to all nationalities | Varies by semester |
| DAAD IIT Master Sandwich | DAAD India | Project/thesis funding | IIT graduates doing master's thesis | Check DAAD India portal |
DAAD scholarships do not need to be repaid. The DAAD Postgraduate Scholarship also covers health and accident insurance and a one-time travel allowance.
Placements & Career Outcomes After MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen
RWTH Aachen reports that 93% of graduates secure employment within 6 months of graduation (upGrad/RWTH data). Data Science graduates from RWTH work across ICT, automotive, finance, healthcare and Industry 4.0 sectors.
| Role | Entry-Level Salary (EUR/Year) | Entry-Level Salary (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist | €45,000 – €60,000 | ₹49.3L – ₹65.7L |
| Machine Learning Engineer | €50,000 – €65,000 | ₹54.7L – ₹71.1L |
| Data Analyst | €40,000 – €55,000 | ₹43.8L – ₹60.2L |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | €42,000 – €58,000 | ₹46.0L – ₹63.5L |
Sources: PayScale Germany 2026, Levels.fyi Germany, TechPays Europe 2025.
Mid-level Data Scientists in Germany (5–10 years experience) earn €80,000–€92,000/year (~₹87.6L–₹100.7L/year).
ROI — Is MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen Worth It for Indian Students?
| Cost Component | Total (EUR) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (2 years) | €0 | ₹0 |
| Semester Contributions (4 semesters) | ~€1,200 | ~₹1.31L |
| Living Costs (2 years @ €1,100/month) | ~€26,400 | ~₹28.9L |
| Blocked Account Requirement | €11,904/year | ~₹13.0L/year |
| Total Estimated Cost (2 years) | ~€27,600 | ~₹30.2L |
| Break-Even Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Entry-level annual salary (Germany) | €50,000/year (~₹54.7L/year) |
| Total 2-year investment | ~₹30.2L |
| Break-even period | ~7 months of first salary |
With zero tuition fees and a total 2-year investment of ~₹30.2 lakh, the MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen offers one of the strongest ROI profiles among top-ranked global programs. The 18-month post-study job seeker visa gives Indian graduates ample time to convert into a full-time role and eventually apply for Germany's EU Blue Card or permanent residency.
FAQs
Ques. Is GRE mandatory for Indian students applying to MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen?
Ans. Yes. Indian students are non-EU/non-EEA applicants and must submit a GRE General Test result with their application. The required scores are: Quantitative Reasoning above the 75th percentile, Verbal Reasoning above the 15th percentile and Analytical Writing minimum 3.5. GRE scores must be submitted before the application deadline and cannot be submitted afterward.
Ques. Does RWTH Aachen charge tuition fees for the MS Data Science program for Indian students in 2026?
Ans. No. RWTH Aachen has officially confirmed it does not charge additional tuition fees for non-EU international students, including Indians. All students pay only the standard semester contribution of approximately €300 per semester (~₹32,835), which includes a public transport ticket and student services. There were discussions about introducing fees of €3,000–€5,000/semester for non-EU students but RWTH has not implemented this as of April 2026.
Ques. What are the job and visa options after completing MS Data Science at RWTH Aachen as an Indian student?
Ans. After graduating, Indian students can apply for an 18-month job seeker visa (Section 20 AufenthG) to search for employment in Germany. Once employed in a role matching their qualification, they can convert to a work permit or EU Blue Card. Data Scientists in Germany earn €45,000–€60,000/year at entry level (~₹49.3L–₹65.7L/year). After 21–33 months of skilled employment, graduates can apply for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
Important Alert
- Application Deadline for Summer 2027 Intake - Jun 1, 2026 - Sep 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Accomodation | $5664 (EUR 4800) |
| Food | $2832 (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 |
Reviews
26 Reviews Found
Likes
- Half the city is the campus, and it's massive.
- It focuses on independent research and innovation, where you're responsible for everything and there is no hand-holding.
- The cost of living is reasonable compared to other cities in Germany.
Dislikes
- It can be challenging to learn German when everyone around you is speaking English.
- The mathematics courses can be challenging compared to other universities.
- The course structure can be confusing for beginners.
- I opted in for off-campus accommodation, for which I paid 400 euros a month. This included all facilities lile electricity, internet and repairs if needed. I got the accommodation via WG-Gesucht, which is the prevalent platform.
- It can be difficult to find a place as an international student who's outside of Germany due to trust, so starting early is recommended. The city is small, so one is always at max 30 mins away from the campus.
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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Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th May 2026) | USD 1,770 /Yr EUR 1,500 /Yr |
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Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (30th Jun 2026) | USD 3,540 /Yr EUR 3,000 /Yr |
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Application Deadline for Winter 2026 Intake (30th Sep 2026) Application Deadline for Summer 2027 Intake (31st Mar 2027) | USD 3,540 /Yr EUR 3,000 /Yr |
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