RWTH Aachen University Courses and Fees 2026-27
RWTH Aachen University fees for Indian students are the lowest headline cost of any TU9 engineering leader, charging €0 tuition for regular Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and only a semester contribution near €340 (INR 32,810) per term. Popular Indian-applied programmes like MS Computer Science, MS Data Science, and MS Mechanical Engineering follow this tuition-free structure, while non-consecutive Master’s like MSc Management and Engineering in Production Systems carry programme fees from €19,000 (INR 18.34 Lakhs).
Your realistic entry is the Winter Semester 2027/28 intake starting October 2027, with the non-EU uni-assist deadline on 1 March 2027. Summer Semester 2027 (April 2027) admits a small set of Computer Science and Data Science tracks with a 15 January 2027 deadline; most Master’s are Winter-only.
- Regular UG and PG tuition: €0 (INR 0)
- Semester contribution: about €340 (INR 32,810) per term, INR 65,620 per year
- Non-consecutive Master’s tuition: €19,000 to €30,000 (INR 18.34 to 28.95 Lakhs) per programme
- Blocked account requirement: €11,904 (INR 11.49 Lakhs) per year
- Deutschlandstipendium at RWTH: €300 (INR 28,950) per month for one year
An Indian family should budget INR 10 to 11 Lakhs per year for a regular MSc at RWTH, with academic fees under INR 70,000 and the rest going to living costs, health insurance, and the blocked account funding. A three-year Bachelor’s totals near INR 32 Lakhs including all living.
Exchange rate used throughout: 1 EUR = INR 96.50.
Winter Semester 2027/28 Intake: Planning Window
Intake: Winter Semester 2027/28 (October 2027) is the open planning intake for Indian applicants, with the non-EU uni-assist deadline on 1 March 2027. Summer Semester 2027 (April 2027) accepts a limited set of Computer Science and Data Science programmes with a 15 January 2027 deadline; most Master’s at RWTH admit only in the Winter intake.
Fee update: Regular Bachelor’s and Master’s remain tuition-free for 2026/27, with the semester contribution near €340 (INR 32,810) covering the NRW-wide Deutschlandticket, Studierendenwerk services, and AStA. Non-consecutive Master’s routed through RWTH International Academy price from €19,000 (INR 18.34 Lakhs).
When to pay: The semester contribution is due within four weeks of enrolment each term. A blocked account of €11,904 (INR 11.49 Lakhs) must be funded before the German student visa appointment. Full instalment mechanics in the Blocked Account and Payment Options section.
Scholarships: DAAD Study Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year close 31 October 2026. Deutschlandstipendium applications at RWTH open after enrolment. Inlaks Shivdasani (closes 12 March 2027) and JN Tata Endowment (closes 18 January 2027) are the two India-side awards to line up first.
Check Out: For eligibility, TestAS, APS, and step-by-step application timelines, see the RWTH Aachen University Admissions guide for Indian students.
Table of Contents
- RWTH Aachen University Tuition Fees by Programme
- RWTH Aachen University Semester Fee Trend by Year
- RWTH Aachen University Cost of Living in Aachen for Indian Students
- Total Cost of Studying at RWTH Aachen University
- RWTH Aachen University Scholarships for Indian Students
- RWTH Aachen University Blocked Account and Payment Options
- Hidden Costs of Studying at RWTH Aachen University
- Fee Saving Strategies for RWTH Aachen University Indian Students
- Is RWTH Aachen University Worth the Cost for Indian Students
- FAQs
RWTH Aachen University Tuition Fees by Programme
RWTH Aachen prices its degrees in two tiers. Regular Bachelor’s and consecutive Master’s charge €0 tuition and only the semester contribution of about €340 (INR 32,810). Non-consecutive and continuing-education Master’s, delivered via RWTH International Academy, carry full programme fees ranging from €19,000 to €30,000 (INR 18.34 to 28.95 Lakhs) across the degree.
RWTH Aachen University Undergraduate Fees for Indian Students
Every regular Bachelor’s programme at RWTH is tuition-free for both EU and non-EU students. The only recurring cost is the semester contribution, which funds the Deutschlandticket for national public transport, Studierendenwerk welfare services, and student self-administration.
| Bachelor’s Programme | Annual Tuition (EUR) | Annual Tuition (INR) | Semester Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Computer Science | €0 | INR 0 | €340 (₹32,810) |
| BSc Mechanical Engineering | €0 | INR 0 | €340 (₹32,810) |
| BSc Electrical Engineering | €0 | INR 0 | €340 (₹32,810) |
| BSc Materials Science and Engineering | €0 | INR 0 | €340 (₹32,810) |
| BSc Data Science | €0 | INR 0 | €340 (₹32,810) |
Source: RWTH Aachen University Semester Fees notice and RWTH programme catalogue.
RWTH Aachen University Postgraduate Fees for Indian Students
Consecutive Master’s programmes charge €0 tuition; only the semester contribution applies. Non-consecutive Master’s run through RWTH International Academy carry full tuition, usually payable in one or two instalments before enrolment.
| Master’s Programme | Total Tuition (EUR) | Total Tuition (INR) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Computer Science | €0 | INR 0 | Consecutive, semester fee only |
| MSc Data Science | €0 | INR 0 | Consecutive, semester fee only |
| MSc Mechanical Engineering | €0 | INR 0 | Consecutive, semester fee only |
| MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology | €0 | INR 0 | Consecutive, semester fee only |
| MSc Management and Engineering in Production Systems | €19,000 | INR 18.34 Lakhs | Non-consecutive, RWTH International Academy |
| MSc Automotive Engineering | €30,000 | INR 28.95 Lakhs | Non-consecutive, RWTH International Academy |
Source: RWTH Aachen University programme pages and RWTH International Academy fee schedule, fetched 27 July 2026.
Note: The €0 tuition applies to regular consecutive Master’s admitted through RWTH’s central International Office. If your programme is listed under RWTH International Academy (Automotive, Production Systems, and similar professional tracks), it carries full tuition. Confirm your specific programme’s category on its own course page before budgeting, since the same subject name can exist in both tiers.
Explore: Compare intake windows, entry scores, and fee-tier by subject at the RWTH Aachen University Programs list.
RWTH Aachen University Semester Fee Trend by Year
Regular tuition has been €0 across the last five years and is expected to remain €0 for the foreseeable planning window. The only figure that moves is the semester contribution, which has risen with the Deutschlandticket public transport upgrade.
| Academic Year | Semester Contribution (EUR) | Semester Contribution (INR) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | €287 | INR 27,696 | Baseline |
| 2023/24 | €308 | INR 29,722 | +7.3% |
| 2024/25 | €326 | INR 31,459 | +5.8% |
| 2025/26 | €338 | INR 32,617 | +3.7% |
| 2026/27 (est.) | €340 | INR 32,810 | +0.6% |
Source: RWTH Aachen University Registrar’s Office historical semester fee notices, fetched 27 July 2026.
Key Insight: Whether you enter for Summer Semester 2027 or Winter Semester 2027/28, your mandatory academic outlay stays under INR 70,000 per year, a rounding error next to UK or US programmes. What actually determines your budget is the blocked account and Aachen living costs, not tuition. Plan your INR conversion around those two heads, not around any fee inflation.
RWTH Aachen University Cost of Living in Aachen for Indian Students
Aachen sits in the affordable tier of German university cities. Studierendenwerk Aachen and the German federal government peg the monthly student budget at about €850 to €992, with rent making up more than half of it.
| Expense | Monthly (EUR) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (INR) | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (WG shared / Studierendenwerk) | €380 | INR 36,670 | INR 4.40 Lakhs | WG rooms cheapest; halls fill first, apply early |
| Food and groceries | €200 | INR 19,300 | INR 2.32 Lakhs | Mensa lunches run €3.50 to €5 |
| Health insurance (public) | €130 | INR 12,545 | INR 1.51 Lakhs | TK, AOK, Barmer are common student rates |
| Utilities and internet | €50 | INR 4,825 | INR 57,900 | Often included in WG rent; verify before signing |
| Transport | €0 | INR 0 | INR 0 | Deutschlandticket-Semester is inside the semester contribution |
| Phone, personal, leisure | €90 | INR 8,685 | INR 1.04 Lakhs | Prepaid SIM cards from €10 per month |
| Total | €850 | INR 82,025 | INR 9.84 Lakhs | Matches Studierendenwerk Aachen guidance |
Source: Studierendenwerk Aachen Cost of Living page and German Federal Foreign Office student cost estimate, fetched 27 July 2026.
Note: The German visa authority requires you to prove access to €992 per month, or €11,904 per year (INR 11.49 Lakhs), through a blocked account. This is a visa gate, not your actual spend. Aachen students routinely live on €850, leaving a monthly buffer of about €140 (INR 13,510) that you can save or use for weekend travel.
The Deutschlandticket-Semester embedded in your semester contribution covers all regional and local trains across Germany, including day trips to Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf, and Brussels-adjacent border towns via Aachen Hauptbahnhof. This is a genuine INR 60,000 annual benefit you would otherwise pay for separately.
Currency Tip: Fund your blocked account through Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle rather than a raw SWIFT wire; each is an RBI-compliant partner and saves you 2 to 3% on the €11,904 transfer, roughly INR 25,000 to 35,000 for the same amount. Book the transfer only after you have the RWTH admission letter, not before, to avoid re-conversion if plans slip to the next intake.
Total Cost of Studying at RWTH Aachen University
Year one at RWTH costs an Indian family INR 10.50 Lakhs for a regular Master’s and INR 19.67 to 24.98 Lakhs for a non-consecutive Master’s like MEP or Automotive Engineering. Tuition contribution to that total is INR 0 for regular programmes.
| Scenario | Tuition (Year 1) | Living (12 months) | Mandatory Fees (Year 1) | Total Year 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Computer Science (regular) | INR 0 | INR 9.84 Lakhs | INR 65,620 | INR 10.50 Lakhs |
| MSc Mechanical Engineering (regular) | INR 0 | INR 9.84 Lakhs | INR 65,620 | INR 10.50 Lakhs |
| MSc Management and Engineering in Production Systems | INR 9.17 Lakhs | INR 9.84 Lakhs | INR 65,620 | INR 19.67 Lakhs |
| MSc Automotive Engineering | INR 14.48 Lakhs | INR 9.84 Lakhs | INR 65,620 | INR 24.98 Lakhs |
| BSc Mechanical Engineering (regular) | INR 0 | INR 9.84 Lakhs | INR 65,620 | INR 10.50 Lakhs |
Living costs are 12-month for both UG and PG since German student accommodation is annual. Mandatory fees cover two semester contributions per year. The blocked account funding of INR 11.49 Lakhs is a one-time deposit refunded to you monthly, so it is not counted in the annual outlay above; it is a working-capital requirement, not a fee.
Full-programme totals: a two-year regular MSc lands near INR 21 Lakhs, well inside the reach of a small education loan. A two-year MEP runs to INR 39.33 Lakhs, and MSc Automotive to INR 49.94 Lakhs. A loan of INR 40 Lakhs at 10.5% over 10 years works out to an EMI of approximately INR 54,000 per month; a INR 25 Lakhs loan settles at roughly INR 33,500 per month.
Key Insight: A DAAD Study Scholarship of €934 per month (INR 90,131) covers the bulk of Aachen living costs and includes health insurance, cutting your Year 1 net cash outflow to essentially INR 65,620 in semester fees. Apply by 31 October 2026 for the 2027/28 academic year; this single award is the highest-leverage action for any regular Master’s applicant to RWTH.
Related: Deadlines, entry cut-offs, and the uni-assist workflow are covered in the RWTH Aachen University Admissions guide.
RWTH Aachen University Scholarships for Indian Students
Because tuition at RWTH is already €0 for regular programmes, scholarships here are living-cost grants rather than fee waivers. Two Germany-side awards and five Indian-side awards do the heavy lifting for the Winter Semester 2027/28 intake.
RWTH Aachen University and Germany-Side Scholarships
| Scholarship | Value | Value (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschlandstipendium at RWTH | €300 per month for one year | INR 28,950 per month | Enrolled RWTH students, merit-based, applied after enrolment |
| DAAD Study Scholarship for Master’s | €934 per month, up to 24 months | INR 90,131 per month | Indian graduates, closes 31 October 2026 for 2027/28 |
| DAAD WISE (research internship) | €934 per month, 2 to 3 months | INR 90,131 per month | Indian UG students in STEM, research at RWTH |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (RWTH consortia) | Full fees + €1,400 stipend | INR 1.35 Lakhs stipend | Master’s applicants to joint programmes with RWTH partners |
Source: DAAD India scholarship database and RWTH Aachen Scholarship Office, fetched 27 July 2026.
External Indian Scholarships for RWTH Aachen University Applicants
These awards are open for the 2027 application cycle, which funds the September 2027 onwards study period. Deadlines below are for applications supporting Winter Semester 2027/28 entry.
| Scholarship | Value | Deadline (2027 cycle) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation | Up to USD 100,000 (INR 83.50 Lakhs) | 12 March 2027 | Master’s applicants under 30, all fields |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | INR 10 Lakhs loan + gift up to INR 7.5 Lakhs | 18 January 2027 | All Master’s fields, merit and need |
| KC Mahindra Scholarships for PG Studies Abroad | Up to INR 10 Lakhs | 31 March 2027 | Top 60 selected from India |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation | Interest-free loan up to INR 25 Lakhs | 20 April 2027 | Master’s and doctoral, all disciplines |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | 50% grant, 50% loan | 31 March 2027 | Master’s applicants with financial need |
Source: Individual scholarship trust websites (inlaksfoundation.org, dorabjitatatrust.org, kcmet.org, nsfoundation.co.in, akdn.org), fetched 27 July 2026.
Tip for Indian Students: For Winter Semester 2027/28 entry, treat the DAAD Study Scholarship deadline of 31 October 2026 as your first hard milestone; it needs a research statement, two academic referees, and a language certificate. Line up Inlaks (12 March 2027) and JN Tata Endowment (18 January 2027) in parallel; the two together can cover an Indian family’s full cash outlay for a two-year regular MSc at RWTH.
RWTH Aachen University Blocked Account and Payment Options
RWTH has no tuition deposit for regular programmes; the CAS-equivalent for Germany (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, the visa-enabling document) is the blocked account of €11,904 (INR 11.49 Lakhs), which secures your student visa and releases €992 (INR 95,728) back to you each month for living costs. It is your own money held in escrow, not a payment to the university.
RWTH Aachen University Payment Milestones for Indian Students
- Blocked account funding: €11,904 (INR 11.49 Lakhs) before the German student visa appointment, typically 6 to 8 weeks before your intake.
- Semester contribution, Semester 1: about €340 (INR 32,810) within four weeks of enrolment.
- Non-consecutive Master’s tuition (if applicable): €19,000+ (INR 18.34 Lakhs+) in one or two instalments per RWTH International Academy invoice.
- Semester contribution, subsequent semesters: about €340 (INR 32,810) at each re-registration window.
Methods of Payment for International Students
- Blocked account provider: Expatrio, Fintiba, Coracle, or Deutsche Bank; the first three are online RBI-compliant partners preferred by Indian applicants.
- Semester contribution: Direct bank transfer (SEPA) from your German account after arrival, or a one-time international wire before arrival where permitted.
- International Academy tuition: International wire (Convera or Flywire) or credit card, invoiced by the Academy after admission.
- Forex card: useful for on-ground spending in the first weeks; avoid using it for the semester contribution itself, as the university prefers SEPA.
Steps to Pay Your Fees at RWTH Aachen University
- Accept the RWTH admission letter and confirm the enrolment window on your applicant portal.
- Open a blocked account with Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle and fund it with €11,904 through a compliant Indian bank wire.
- Attend the German student visa appointment with the blocked account confirmation; wait 3 to 8 weeks for the visa decision.
- Arrive in Aachen, open a German current account, register with the city (Anmeldung), and enrol into public health insurance.
- Pay the semester contribution of about €340 (INR 32,810) to RWTH within four weeks of enrolment; retain every receipt for residence permit renewal.
Source: RWTH Aachen International Office payment instructions and German Federal Foreign Office blocked account guidance, fetched 27 July 2026.
Tip for Indian Students: For a Winter Semester 2027/28 entry, initiate the blocked account transfer no later than the last week of June 2027; RBI-compliant wires clear in 3 to 5 working days, but the German visa appointment slots at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai VFS centres fill 8 to 10 weeks in advance. Late booking, not late funding, is what usually delays Indian students by one full semester.
Related: The full visa checklist and APS timeline are set out in the RWTH Aachen University Admissions guide.
Hidden Costs of Studying at RWTH Aachen University
For the Winter Semester 2027/28 intake, the German student visa application at your VFS Global centre is the most time-sensitive hidden cost: €75 (INR 7,238) with a 6 to 8 week booking window.
- German student visa fee: €75 (INR 7,238) at VFS.
- APS certificate (mandatory for Indian applicants): INR 18,000 one-time, valid indefinitely.
- uni-assist application handling: €75 (INR 7,238) for the first programme, €30 (INR 2,895) per additional.
- Travel health insurance (bridging first weeks): €38 to €40 (INR 3,670 to 3,860) before public insurance activates.
- City registration and residence permit: €100 to €110 (INR 9,650 to 10,615) total.
- German language course (optional, A1 to B1): INR 40,000 to 80,000 through Goethe-Institut or Max Mueller Bhavan.
- TestAS (for some Bachelor’s applicants): €80 (INR 7,720).
- Blocked account admin fee: €49 to €99 (INR 4,730 to 9,555) one-time, depending on provider.
Budget approximately INR 1.20 to 1.60 Lakhs for first-year hidden costs, front-loaded before you land in Aachen.
Note: The APS certificate from the German embassy in New Delhi is the one hidden cost most Indian families miss. It costs INR 18,000 and takes 3 to 4 weeks to issue, and uni-assist rejects any Indian application submitted without it. Start APS as soon as you have your Bachelor’s transcripts, well before you finalise the RWTH programme choice.
Fee Saving Strategies for RWTH Aachen University Indian Students
The single most valuable action for Winter Semester 2027/28 applicants is the DAAD Study Scholarship deadline on 31 October 2026, worth up to INR 21.63 Lakhs across a two-year Master’s if awarded, which comfortably outweighs the entire cash outflow for a regular MSc at RWTH.
- Take Studierendenwerk housing: at €280 to €340 (INR 27,020 to 32,810) per month it saves INR 5,000 to 10,000 monthly versus a private WG.
- Work 120 full days or 240 half days per year: the legal limit for non-EU students; HiWi (research assistant) positions at RWTH pay €12 to €14 per hour (INR 1,158 to 1,351) and cover monthly living costs when combined with any scholarship.
- Claim Section 80E on your education loan: full interest deduction for 8 years, tightens the effective loan cost meaningfully for Indian tax filers.
- Verify your programme’s fee tier: if your programme sits under regular consecutive Master’s, do not accept an International Academy invoice for the same subject; escalate to the RWTH central International Office.
- Plan for post-study work in Germany: the 18-month post-study job-search visa converts to an EU Blue Card once you secure a role at €48,300+ per year (INR 46.60 Lakhs), speeding up loan repayment.
Tip for Indian Students: For Winter Semester 2027/28, the DAAD Study Scholarship application closing 31 October 2026 is the single highest-value lever: over a two-year Master’s, it is worth INR 21.63 Lakhs in stipend plus travel and health insurance, larger than the entire family cash outlay for a regular MSc. Even if uncertain, apply; the marginal cost is one strong SOP and two referee letters.
Explore: Full profile, campus, and Indian-student outcomes at RWTH Aachen University on Collegedunia.
Is RWTH Aachen University Worth the Cost for Indian Students
A two-year regular MSc at RWTH costs an Indian family about INR 21 Lakhs all-in, against a graduate starting salary in German engineering of €55,000 to €65,000 per year (INR 53.08 to 62.73 Lakhs). Payback on any education loan is under three years; on a self-funded programme, savings begin in the first year of work.
RWTH Aachen ranks 104 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 92 in Times Higher Education 2026, placing it alongside IIT Bombay (QS =134, 2027) at a materially lower cash outlay. In subject rankings, RWTH is 25th globally for Mechanical Engineering (QS 2026), 22nd for Materials Science (QS 2027), and 35th for Engineering and Technology (THE 2026), which drives its pull with Indian STEM applicants. It also holds the Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 rank of 75 globally and 6 in Germany.
Post-study, Germany’s 18-month job-search visa auto-converts to an EU Blue Card once you secure a qualifying role, and the Blue Card puts you on a 21-to-33-month track to permanent residence. On a INR 25 Lakhs loan at 10.5% over 10 years, the EMI of approximately INR 33,500 per month lands under 8% of the expected first-year German engineering salary, well inside comfortable debt-service ratios.
Key Insight: Adjusted for tuition, RWTH’s two-year regular MSc costs roughly one-quarter of a comparable UK Russell Group Master’s and about one-eighth of a US STEM Master’s, while ranking above most of them in engineering subject tables. For Winter Semester 2027/28 entry, that gap alone makes RWTH the highest ROI destination among top-100 world universities for Indian engineering applicants.
Plan for a Winter Semester 2027/28 Indian family budget of about INR 22 Lakhs across two years for a regular Master’s, dropping to under INR 5 Lakhs of actual cash outflow if you secure a full DAAD Study Scholarship. A loan of INR 25 Lakhs services at approximately INR 33,500 per month over 10 years, well inside the salary band you can expect from a German engineering role after graduation. Your immediate action for the 2027/28 intake is the DAAD Study Scholarship application closing 31 October 2026.
FAQs
Ques. Is RWTH Aachen University really tuition-free for Indian students?
Ans. Yes, RWTH Aachen charges €0 tuition for regular Bachelor’s and consecutive Master’s programmes, and this applies equally to Indian and EU students. Only non-consecutive Master’s run through RWTH International Academy (like MSc Automotive Engineering at €30,000 total, INR 28.95 Lakhs) carry programme fees. Every enrolled student pays a semester contribution of about €340 (INR 32,810).
Ques. What is the total cost of an MSc at RWTH Aachen University for an Indian student?
Ans. A two-year regular MSc at RWTH costs an Indian family about INR 22 Lakhs all-in, including semester contributions (INR 1.31 Lakhs), Aachen living costs (INR 19.68 Lakhs), and one-time hidden costs (INR 1.20 to 1.60 Lakhs). Non-consecutive Master’s like MEP add another INR 18.34 Lakhs in tuition on top of that base.
Ques. How much is the blocked account requirement for RWTH Aachen in 2026?
Ans. The German federal government sets the blocked account minimum at €11,904 (INR 11.49 Lakhs) per year for 2026, releasing €992 (INR 95,728) back to you each month. This is your own money held in escrow to prove financial capacity for the German student visa, not a fee paid to RWTH or the German government.
Ques. When is the RWTH Aachen application deadline for Indian students?
Ans. For Winter Semester 2027/28 (October 2027 start), the non-EU deadline via uni-assist is 1 March 2027 for most Master’s programmes. Summer Semester 2027 (April 2027) accepts a small set of Computer Science and Data Science programmes with a 15 January 2027 deadline. Bachelor’s programmes with restricted admission (NC, Numerus Clausus) share the 15 July 2027 deadline for Winter entry.
Ques. What scholarships can Indian students get at RWTH Aachen University?
Ans. The four highest-value awards for Indian students are the DAAD Study Scholarship (€934 per month, INR 90,131, closes 31 October 2026 for 2027/28), the RWTH Deutschlandstipendium (€300 per month, INR 28,950, applied for after enrolment), Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation (up to USD 100,000, INR 83.50 Lakhs, closes 12 March 2027), and JN Tata Endowment (INR 10 Lakhs loan plus gift, closes 18 January 2027).
Ques. Do I need to pay a deposit to secure my seat at RWTH Aachen University?
Ans. No, RWTH does not charge a tuition deposit for regular programmes; you secure your seat by returning the enrolment (Einschreibung) form and paying the semester contribution of about €340 (INR 32,810) within four weeks of enrolment. The blocked account of €11,904 (INR 11.49 Lakhs) is a German visa requirement, not a deposit to the university.
Ques. What is the cost of living in Aachen for an Indian student?
Ans. Aachen is one of the more affordable German university cities, with monthly living costs of about €850 (INR 82,025), or INR 9.84 Lakhs per year. Rent in a shared WG or Studierendenwerk hall runs €280 to €380 (INR 27,020 to 36,670), food adds €200 (INR 19,300), and public health insurance is €130 (INR 12,545). Regional and local transport is free within the semester contribution’s Deutschlandticket-Semester.
Ques. Are there tuition fees for Indian students in North Rhine-Westphalia?
Ans. No, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the state where Aachen sits, does not charge tuition for non-EU students at public universities including RWTH Aachen. This is different from Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU students pay €1,500 (INR 1.45 Lakhs) per semester. Confirm the fee status on RWTH’s official Semester Fee page before applying, as state policy has been debated periodically.
Ques. Can I work part-time to cover my costs at RWTH Aachen?
Ans. Yes, Indian students on a German student visa can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year without additional permits. HiWi research assistant positions at RWTH pay €12 to €14 per hour (INR 1,158 to 1,351), and Aachen also hosts industrial part-time roles at Ford, Ericsson, and Vodafone. Legal part-time earnings can fully cover monthly living costs of €850 (INR 82,025) once combined with any scholarship.
Ques. What is the return on investment for an RWTH Aachen Master’s degree?
Ans. A regular MSc at RWTH costs about INR 21 Lakhs all-in over two years, against German engineering starting salaries of €55,000 to €65,000 per year (INR 53.08 to 62.73 Lakhs). On a INR 25 Lakhs education loan at 10.5% for 10 years, the EMI of approximately INR 33,500 per month sits under 8% of first-year German salary, giving RWTH one of the strongest ROI profiles among top-100 world universities for Indian students.
Popular Programs and Important Dates
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Final Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (1st Mar 2027) | USD 34,200 /Yr EUR 30,000 /Yr | 50 | IELTS- 6.0, TOEFL-4.5, PTE- 60 | ||
Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (31st Aug 2026) | USD 39,900 /Yr EUR 35,000 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 2.5, IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 90 | ||
Final Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (31st Aug 2026) | USD 34,200 /Yr EUR 30,000 /Yr | 50 | IELTS- 6.0, TOEFL-4.5, PTE- 60 | - | |
EMBA 2 years | Final Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (31st Aug 2026) | USD 51,300 /Yr EUR 45,000 /Yr | - | German | - |
Final Application Deadline for 2026 Intake (1st Mar 2027) | USD 34,200 /Yr EUR 30,000 /Yr | 50 | IELTS- 6.0, TOEFL-4.5, PTE- 60 | - | |
Application Deadline for Winter 2027 Intake (1st Mar 2027) | USD 27,360 /Yr EUR 24,000 /Yr | - | - | - |
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- The Masters programme provided access to diverse courses which can be taken other than the main courses mandatory as part of the Masters Programme. This provided an opportunity to explore other fields by taking the courses and learning more. Although there the programmes are structured the students have the chance to explore a lot which is different from some of the education systems in the world with fixed programmes. This might be overwhelming for students who come from an education system where everything is planned and provided to the students
- The university provides various sports and extracurricular facilities for students to explore and actively pursue them
- The university provides language learning courses which can be very well planned within the courses schedule not disturbing the daily lecture plans
Dislikes
- There is a lot of competition among the available opportunities like research assistant positions and projects among the large number of students in the university
- The sports and extracurricular options are also difficult to get due to large number of students applying for it
- Although there are Student Dorms available, getting a place in the student dorm is really difficult with waiting times sometimes upto 1 year or even more
Course Curriculum
- The Masters Programme was structured with varied courses offering different specialisations. If a student wants to specialise in a specific stream, then as a part of this Programme, they have to put in extra efforts to complete the mandatory courses outside their field of interest. But it offers different courses for students to understand and then take a decision later to decide which field they would like to specialise in. It is both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on the students' outlook.
- The education and examination system is different compared to India. One has to put in a lot of effort to be successful in academics.
- The lecture timings vary depending on what one chooses. The mandatory courses have to be completed by the end of the master's programme and can be completed in any semester. Some courses are prerequisites to other courses to be completed in the programme; hence, they have to be completed in a specific order.
- Generally the lecture timings are from 8am to 6pm. But generally it would not be a complete day but instead there would be breaks in between for a few hours without any Lectures.
- Depending on the courses which the students opt for, the courses with huge demand might have up to 200 students and courses with less demand might have up to 10 students.
- There are also lectures with up to 500 students in auditoriums.
- On a day a student can plan up to 5 lectures depending on their interest. Generally each lecture spans up to 1.5 hours. The number of lectures can be planned by students before choosing the courses at the beginning of the semester.
- Many of the courses in the Masters Programme have up to 70 Students out of which up to 60 Students are Indians.
- Majority of the students are Indians due to increased visa restrictions in the USA and the setting up of University offices in India. The offices in India promote education at RWTH offering summer courses to attract students even before the master's programme in Germany.
Fees
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Total Tuition Fees: For International academy 3500 Eur x 4 Semesters (Planned) + Semester fees to the university around 300 Eur
- Beyond the 4th semester: International academy 500 Eur per semester + Semester fees to the university around 300 Eur
- Fees is supposed to be paid every semester
- Student Dorms cost 300 Eur to 500 Eur
- Shared apartments cost 350 Eur to 600 Eur
- Monthly living expenses cost from 200 Eur to 500 Eur
- Medical Insurance monthy around 100 Eur
Likes
- Lecturers have built their reputation in the fields they teach in
- Access to good research to decide future interests
- Helpful online material
Dislikes
- My course is from RWTH International Academy, a private organisation inside RWTH Aachen University, but we still get the degree from the University. They charge high tution fees.
- Some lecturers tend to read from the presentations
Course Curriculum
- It was a mix of both, but leaning towards theoretical simply due to the nature of the course. Manufacturing cannot really be given a chance to be hands-on for non-trained professionals. A lot of focus on simulations and data-driven decisions. Would describe it as a lot of theory and memory-based, and about moderately difficult based on your course choices
- Mostly structured well, some elective choices don't make sense
- Two or three usually, starting at 8:30 can have breaks in between. Can have classes till 6PM, 1.5-hour periods
- Number of students depends on the degree and subjects and can be anywhere from 2 to 40 due to common subjects between degree courses and bachelor's too. About 6-10;
Fees
- Courses directly from the RWTH Aachen University: Per semester, €300-320€ fees for travel and social benefits
- Courses from the International Academy: Per semester 4500-5500€ + 300-320€ for tuition
- Semester-wise payment-
- For Winter Semesters, social fee before September, tuition fees I think June
- For Summer Semesters, social fee before April, tuition fees, I think, are in January.
- Around €950 basic, + €150 for additional luxury needs
- Rent: 400-550
- Insurance: 150
- Sustenance: 200
- Transportation is included with a "Semester Ticket" within Germany and some places in neighbouring countries. We paid for it with the Travel and Social fees
Likes
- Infrastructure
- They provide me the best study facilities, upto date with suitable realtime experience to the course help of companies and labs.
- Course structure is well advanced according to the current market
Dislikes
- There is nothing I have to dislike
Course Curriculum
- Usually the master's courses in RWTH are a little bit tough for the mechanical-based courses. It is a mix of theory and practical subjects. It is always based on research; it is a results-orientated university. Usually the classes are based on the subjects selected for each semester. Class timings start from 8:30 in the morning up to 7:30 in the evening. There are a lot of Indian students enrolled here in my class.
Fees
- Currently I am doing free education here at RWTH Aachen, but there is a semester contribution that needs to be paid every semester between 290 and 320 euros approximately. That covers the semester ticket, which helps to travel all of Germany for free and also covers a state in the Netherlands called south limburg. Can travel by bus, train, tram and other public transport except express trains like ICE.
Likes
- I like the Campus and Library.
- Professors are well-qualified and have good experience.
- The main building called Super C has all the facilities of documentation for students at one place.
Dislikes
- Less job opportunities around University.
- Sometime schedule feels a bit hectic.
- Difficulty in finding accommodation.
- You can use the university website to apply for student dorms, WG-Gesucht, and other relevant apps. Challenges would be that the process is highly time-consuming and fake ads. Make sure you pay the amount in person after coming here if you don't find the opportunity to be reliable.
- One suggestion would be to make friends in Aachen through LinkedIn who will be your senior so that he can assist you, guide you, recommend you, and possibly check the accommodation options if it's genuine.
Likes
- University follows upto date curriculum with expertise companies such as KUKA, Fraunhofer etc,
- Of course it has Well Experienced Professors who are specialized from ETH, and top 1% researchers
- The Research and Development is good but not on advanced topics or future tech, Industrial Technology usage with partnership of companies
Dislikes
- The courses and Examinations are tricky that we need to implement concepts solve complex problems.
- It usually takes 2.5 to 3 years to clear masters degree since since the examinations are tough and follows strict grading .
- Teaching methodology isnt that good, indeed some phd thinks students know everything and teach how they prepare for there research.
Course Curriculum
- The course was very hard such that it might take 2 additional semesters to clear the exams. The course focuses on more mathematical derivations since it works more on research.
- The positive aspects is content in course, is upto date and negative aspects is the content is not much relevant to practical point of view.
Fees
- The tuition Fee was almost free for most common courses, but for some English taught programs the fee will be 24000 EUR for 2 years. And social contribution of 298 EUR per semester need to be paid. The living expenses are 700 to 850 EUR per month and insurance will be 139 EUR.
- The fee will be charged semester wise.
- Transportation will be covered in Semester tickets, Rent of mine will be 480 EUR, Food will be 150 EUR, Insurance will be 139 EUR, and other things will be 100 EUR.
Likes
- RWTH Aachen has world class reputation and is one of the best technical university in Europe. It is research driven and have strong collaborations with industries.
- It has high cutting edge research opportunities and has very advanced centers and laboratories for many different specializations in AI, robotics and other fields with the help of state of the art labs.
- Has many work student and internship opportunities within the university and in the industry with the help of strong connections and alumni.
Dislikes
- Tough administrative process with a lot of paper work.
- Highly competitive due to being one of the topmost universities. The study pressure is very very high due to this as well
- Large class size and a lot of students in the courses.
Course Curriculum
- The course curriculum is very difficult especially for my course robotics in growth it is one of the most difficult courses. The course is completely theoretical which is like most of the courses in RWTH as it is a research based university.
- A positive aspect is that the course is technical and upto date with modern technology and findings which is very good. Negative aspects are that there are a lot of subjects to be completed, about 10 technical compulsory courses and 5-6 elective courses that can be technical and non technical both.
- Classes are about 2-3 on avg per day, usual timings differ from course to course, subject to subject which can be sometimes from morning 8:30am to 4pm or from 10:30am to 12pm.
- Average number of students per class ranges from 40 to 100.
- Indian students are about 30-40% of the class population.
Fees
- The tuition fees for my course is 6000 euros per semester, so accounts to 24000 euros for the course duration. The fees is charged semester wise.
- Apart from this there is another semester contribution fees of about 300 euros per semester which is to be paid. If we extend the duration of the course, the fees for additional semesters is 750 + the 300 euros semester contribution fees.
- My monthly expense along with the rent, health insurance and everything goes upto 800-900 euros.
Likes
- International and diverse culture due to students coming from all over the world
- Variety of courses in all domains
- Student initiatives like clubs
Dislikes
- Groupism of localists due to the language barrier as well as racism
- Accommodation difficulties and no support provided by the university to find accommodations.
- Expensive housing due to inflation
Course Curriculum
- Difficulty level - On a scale of 1-10, the course was 8 difficult.
- The course was 30% theoretical and 70% practical. Students were graded on their in class activities, presentations etc and not just the final examination.
- Hands-on experience instead of just a theoretical approach was positive.
- The lack of AI usage regulation was negative.
- Average number of students - 45
- Indian students - 30
Fees
- Tuition fees - 30000 EUR. 10000 EUR per semester.
- Accommodation - 10000 EUR - to be sent to a blocked account before coming to Germany
- Fees are charged semester-wise. To be paid before the start of each semester
- Monthly expenses - 934 EUR apart from university fees.
- The amount is disbursed from the blocked account by the government. 420 EUR - Rent. 125 EUR - Health Insurance. 100 EUR - Groceries.
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Likes
- German universities offer quality education at 1/3rd or even 1/4th the cost of american colleges. I already was learning German, and being a mechanical engineering student, it seemed like the right choice for me.
- State of the art infrastructure, low tuition fees, happening student life, student benefits, world class research in numerous fields. These are the major plus points.
Dislikes
- Weak placement support, the courses are in english but the job market demands german language. Students are not made aware of this. Almost no lab work is included in the curriculum, even for production-related subjects.
Course Curriculum
My course has been discontinued and replaced by a renewed syllabus under the name 'MSc Networked Production Engineering'. This course has more flexibility and verticals to choose from. Industrial or hands-on experience was not included in the syllabus- you are expected to take up student jobs at the uni for that exposure.
Fees
13,500 EUR for three semesters (90 credits).
Likes
- I chose this particular university because this is one of the best universities in Germany as well as the world and also the research facilities and the post study opportunities of this universities are far better than any other universities that I had surveyed.
- RWTH Aachen is one of the most reknowned and prestigious university in the world and also the top ranking college in Germany in fields of Technology and science. It’s worth mentioning that the courses are not a cakewalk rather they are quite challenging as the end goal of the university is to help students to be the master of the subjects that they are studying.
- Its also not very easy to secure a place at RWTH Aachen University that easily as the application documents are scrutinised by the best of the best professors and only if they find your background, DGPA, internships, and SOP relevant and good enough then only you secure a place. All in all the college grooms you according to the industry standards and make you ready to tackle any real world problems.
Dislikes
- It’s worth mentioning that the courses are not a cakewalk rather they are quite challenging as the end goal of the university is to help students to be the master of the subjects that they are studying. Its also not very easy to secure a place at RWTH Aachen University that easily as the application documents are scrutinised by the best of the best professors and only if they find your background, DGPA, internships, and SOP relevant and good enough then only you secure a place.
Course Curriculum
The course curriculum of my particular course is very much updated with the modern trends like big data and artificial intelligence and deep learning. I will also like to point out that our course is more like a hands on project which helps us to cultivate the basics of various subjects from the ground up and building a stronger base as we move forward.
Fees
22000€ without discount or scholarship.
Likes
- RWTH Aachen is one the best ranked universities for mechanical engineering, and it was a no-brainer to choose it and my course once i received the opportunity! Although my course wasn't free, it was quite affordable compared to other universities in Europe and the United States. As previously mentioned, the amount of research opportunities are high and I was able to choose a track that reflected my interests. Finally, once you know the German language, the job market is also good, and studying in RWTH Aachen will give you an additional boost!
- There was a plethora of student assistant and research opportunities, available at any field you are interested in. The timings were flexible and there was no restriction on the total duration of the study. The university professors were very supportive and are willing to help you with any problems with the subject.
Dislikes
- The examinations were extremely hard, and some went beyond challenging! It needs to be noted that studying in a technical university will take away most of your time, leaving you less for your personal stuff (when compared to FH universities). The university was also spread across the city, unlike those that are bounded within a campus. This sometimes resulted in annoying transport between the classes.
Course Curriculum
The course syllabus is regularly updated. The university added new subjects like Artificial Neural Networks in mechanical engineering! The industrial exposure is limited, unless a student is willing to take up a research work and connect to an external institution.
Fees
18000 euros
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