Erasmus guide RWTH Aachen University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany.
Study abroad at RWTH Aachen University: overview
Study abroad at RWTH Aachen University means choosing one of Germany's largest technical universities, especially strong in engineering, computer science, natural sciences, medicine and business-engineering. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: 44,382 students in winter semester 2025/26; international mix: 15,811 international students from 141 countries in winter semester 2025/26; academically it fits best around Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences. The part to check without romanticising it: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Enrollment
44,382 students in winter semester 2025/26
International Mix
15,811 international students from 141 countries in winter semester 2025/26
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences in Aachen, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Language of instruction: German, English in selected master's and exchange courses
Exchange & application at RWTH Aachen University
Start with home-university nomination, then confirm faculty rules, Learning Agreement, insurance and semester contribution. Do not treat acceptance as the end of the process.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, valid Learning Agreement, insurance proof and faculty-level course eligibility.
📨Nomination Process
Your home university nominates first; the German host then opens application or enrolment steps.
🧭Orientation Week
Events hub: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bqbb/lidx/1
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Usually spring; check faculty and partner instructions. | Usually spring/early summer after nomination. |
| 2nd semester | Usually autumn; summer-semester options can be narrower. | Usually autumn after nomination. |
Arrival Checklist
- Apply for housing immediately
- Check language of every course
- Prepare for German registration and health insurance
- Join INCAS/faculty orientation
Academics & courses at RWTH Aachen University
Expect ECTS, direct feedback, faculty-level course rules and a mix of lectures, seminars or projects. German-taught modules can require stronger language skills than the title suggests.
📝Course Registration
Course access depends on faculty and language; technical courses may have prerequisites and lab capacity limits.
🎓Credit System
ECTS
💯Grading System
Grades often use the German 1.0-5.0 scale; conversion depends on the home university.
✍️Exam Culture
Large lectures can be exam-heavy; labs, seminars, and projects may require strict attendance. German exam periods can extend beyond lecture weeks.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at RWTH Aachen University
Exchange students usually pay no host tuition at German public universities, but semester contribution, insurance, housing and transport still matter. Full-degree tuition differs by state and student status.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + semester contribution | Partner exchange students normally pay no host tuition, but semester contribution, insurance and living costs still apply. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | Usually no tuition at public universities; semester contribution applies | Most German public universities charge semester contribution rather than tuition; Bavaria/Munich rules and special programmes can differ. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Often no tuition in this state; semester contribution applies | Non-EU fees depend on federal state, institution and programme; verify official fee pages before applying. |
EUR 0 tuition + semester contribution
Partner exchange students normally pay no host tuition, but semester contribution, insurance and living costs still apply.
Usually no tuition at public universities; semester contribution applies
Most German public universities charge semester contribution rather than tuition; Bavaria/Munich rules and special programmes can differ.
Often no tuition in this state; semester contribution applies
Non-EU fees depend on federal state, institution and programme; verify official fee pages before applying.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at RWTH Aachen University
Aachen housing should move in parallel with the application. Student residences are limited, and private rooms need careful contract checks.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Aachen
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at RWTH Aachen University
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, orientation and buddy or student groups early. German systems work well once you know which office owns each question.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
EHIC for eligible EU/EEA exchange students
German statutory health insurance
Private student insurance where accepted
Student life at RWTH Aachen University
Student life in Aachen depends on repeated routines: Mensa, sports, student associations, language tandems and neighbourhood plans. Waiting passively can make the semester feel colder than it is.
Student Clubs
- INCAS Aachen
- AEGEE-Aachen
- University sports
- Faculty councils
Buddy Program
INCAS and international office onboarding
Sports & Recreation
- RWTH Hochschulsport
Public Groups & Communities
INCAS Aachen
Studierendenwerk Aachen
Your First 2 Weeks
- Register with city
- Activate RWTH account
- Join INCAS/faculty intro
- Confirm course language and exams
Key exchange dates at RWTH Aachen University
The key dates are nomination, application, semester-fee payment, course registration, housing, arrival and orientation. Keep exam and resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Nomination and application
Spring for winter semester; autumn for summer semester
Home university nomination comes first; the host application and Learning Agreement follow.
-
2
Housing, insurance and semester fee
As soon as acceptance arrives
Aachen housing and German admin move early. Confirm insurance, semester contribution and arrival documents before travel.
-
3
Arrival and orientation
September/October or March/April
Use orientation for enrolment, campus systems, Anmeldung, Mensa, student groups and course changes.