How to get into RWTH Aachen University?

Securing a seat at RWTH Aachen University, one of Germany's premier research institutions, requires more than just good grades. This presents a targeted strategy for Indian students on “How to get into RWTH Aachen University” to make an impact in their first application itself.

If you are someone who is curious about studying how the latest AI systems work, how to invent technology-driven useful products and carry out meaningful research of your own, then RWTH Aachen University might be the right place for your higher education. 

RWTH Aachen University ranked #104 in QS’s World University Rankings 2027. With a 94 score on QS’s Employer Reputation, the university stands out - as a highly sought-after university among Indian students - as it helps them to recover the investments they made during their studies. Additionally, the university does not charge any tuition fees for international students - which ultimately raises the demand for a place at the university.

The main selection criteria at RWTH Aachen University for international students - including Indian students, are their academic grades achieved so far. A minimum grade of 2.5 is generally expected when you apply for a course at the university. 

This article is a guide for Indian students on how to get into RWTH Aachen University and what are the RWTH Aachen University admission requirements for Indian students in 2026-27. 

Why is RWTH Aachen University Popular Among Indian Students?

The biggest reason that acts as an added advantage for Indian students (in addition to its excellent education) is the no-tuition policy of RWTH Aachen University for indian students. RWTH Aachen University does not charge regular tuition fees for most undergraduate and consecutive master's programs for international students - including Indian citizens. Students only pay a mandatory semester contribution of about €300 - €360 (approx. ₹29,000 - ₹35,000) per semester, which includes public transit.

The other reasons that RWTH Aachen University is famous for are listed below. 

1. The cost of living in Aachen is €900 to €1,100 per month (approx. ₹83,000 - ₹1,00,000), which covers accommodation rent, food and personal expenses.

2. RWTH Aachen University is considered the best university for mechanical and automotive engineering in Germany (ranked #25 in the world for Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering by QS).

3. The university has close collaborations with industry giants like Siemens, BMW and Airbus, which not only bridge academic theory and practical application but also help its students secure highly valuable internships and get placed post-graduation. 

4. RWTH Aachen University is a member of the TU9 universities in Germany - which are the elite group of nine leading German institutes of technology.

5. Having gained popularity for its Phyphox app recently, the university is known for its cutting-edge research and is cited by many news and research publications. 

How hard is it to get into RWTH Aachen University?

Getting into RWTH Aachen University is moderately to highly difficult. As per some student reviews about RWTH Aachen University, the difficulty of getting into it depends upon the course you’re applying to. Highly in-demand courses that are also often looked after by industry experts are in demand, and for RWTH Aachen University, these courses are in mechanical, automation and computer engineering.

Though most students describe the difficulty of getting into RWTH Aachen University as something that you cannot predict, with one common quote popular among all students - Those who get an offer from the university don’t understand how hard it is to get into, while those who didn’t - will never find out how simple it was”. While popular courses still remain in demand. 

RWTH Aachen University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate of RWTH Aachen University for international students is said to be in the range of 10-15%. However, as a public German university, it does not use a traditional fixed acceptance quota. Instead, admissions depend on meeting strict qualification standards and navigating Numerus Clausus (NC) capacity limits for selective programs.

The evaluation of non-EU/EEA international applications is based on the previous academic performance (as per GPA converted to the German grade system) and specific subject prerequisites rather than arbitrary selection caps.

RWTH Aachen University Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students 2027

Here are the basic criteria for eligibility for Indian students to be able to apply to RWTH Aachen University:

1. 12 years of Indian schooling (CBSE/ICSE/State Board) recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur - this typically means completing one to two additional semesters at a recognised Indian university, or a Studienkolleg in Germany, before direct entry. You can get more information about this in our article "Studying in Germany after 12th".

2. A minimum grade equivalent to 2.5 on the German grading scale (roughly 70% or higher in the Indian system) in your qualifying certificate.

3. A valid APS Certificate confirming the authenticity of your academic documents.

4. Proof of language proficiency in English or German, depending on whether the programme is English-taught or German-taught.

5. A relevant, recognised bachelor's degree (with all semester-wise marksheets) for applicants to master's programmes.

6. A complete, on-time application submitted through RWTH online or uni-assist with all supporting documents.

RWTH Aachen University Admission Requirements for Indian Students 2027

To enter RWTH Aachen University, Indian students would be required to get a university entrance qualification certificate or HZB (in German). This is the authorisation you need to attend a university in Germany. To learn more, you may read "eligibility for studying in Germany for Indian students".

To receive a HZB, you must have completed a Germany-equivalent secondary school (called the Abitur). India’s 12-years of formal school education (such as CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards) is not considered equal to completing the secondary school in Germany (the Abitur, which lasts for 12-13 years) - for direct university admission. 

To fill this gap, you may be required to complete a preparatory course in Germany (Studienkolleg) before starting your main degree course; or, alternatively, you can do some extra semesters in your home country prior to admission to RWTH Aachen University.

There are three main aspects of the admission requirements of bachelor’s and state examination programmes at RWTH Aachen University:

1. Having the HZB

2. Having language proficiency for your course (English or German)

3. Submitting your completed application in time with all required documents attached

RWTH Aachen University Admission Documents

Note that the deadline for submitting an application for the winter 2026 intake at RWTH Aachen University has passed. So, prospective students must prepare for the winter 2027 intake. 

Here is the list of documents required for RWTH Aachen University admissions for Indian students in 2027:

1. An APS Certificate for Germany (mandatory)

2. Proof of English/German language proficiency (such as IELTS or TestDaF)

3. At least 2.5 GPA or at least 70% of the maximum grade for university entrance qualification (HZB)

4. An appropriate higher education entrance qualification - generally 10+2 transcripts, completed extra semesters/Studienkolleg and school leaving certificates for bachelor's applicants. For admission to master’s programs, a relevant undergraduate degree (along with all semester-wise marksheets) from a recognised college/university is required.

Acceptable English Tests

For English-taught programs at RWTH Aachen University, Indian students must submit a recognised English language test score, such as a TOEFL iBT minimum of 90 or an Academic IELTS minimum score of 6.0 to 6.5. It is worth noting that RWTH Aachen University does not accept an MOI certificate for an English test waiver. 

Acceptable Subject/Aptitude Tests

For select programmes, RWTH Aachen University also asks for a subject-specific aptitude test alongside your academic transcripts and language scores. The two most common ones for Indian applicants are:

• GRE General Test - required for several English-taught master's programmes, especially in electrical engineering, computer science and management-oriented tracks. RWTH typically expects a Quantitative Reasoning score of 160 or above and places little weight on the Verbal or Analytical Writing sections.

• TestAS - a standardised aptitude test for international applicants that can be used to compensate for a qualifying grade below the 2.5 threshold. It is offered only a few times a year, so it needs to be planned well in advance, and it must be taken with the subject-specific module relevant to your intended course.

Not every course requires a subject test - GRE is programme-specific rather than university-wide, so always check the requirements listed on the individual programme page before applying.

How many English-taught Programmes are there at RWTH Aachen University?

RWTH Aachen University offers around 30 fully English-taught master’s programmes, concentrated mainly in engineering, computer science, data science, and management and technology tracks. The university also runs professionally oriented master’s programmes through RWTH International Academy and RWTH Business School for applicants with relevant work experience.

Most bachelor’s programmes at RWTH Aachen, on the other hand, are taught in German, which is why German language proficiency (through TestDaF or DSH) is a core requirement for undergraduate applicants. Indian students aiming for a bachelor’s degree should budget time to build German proficiency well before applying, while those targeting a master’s degree have a much wider pool of English-taught options to choose from.

Does RWTH Aachen University Accept Low Grades?

RWTH Aachen University does not have flexibility on its minimum 2.5 GPA (German scale) threshold for most programmes - applicants below this cut-off cannot apply directly, even to open-admission courses. That said, the university does offer a defined route for students whose qualifying grade falls short:

• Submitting a valid TestAS score can compensate for a grade below 2.5 for many programmes.

• Completing additional semesters at a recognised Indian university, or a Studienkolleg in Germany, can also help applicants who do not yet meet the HZB equivalence requirement.

• A generally strong overall profile - relevant internships, research experience and a well-articulated motivation letter - can matter more than a marginal GPA once the minimum academic threshold is cleared.

In short, RWTH Aachen doesn’t reject low-GPA applicants outright, but it does require them to demonstrate their readiness through an alternative, clearly defined pathway rather than granting exceptions on case-by-case basis.

How to get into RWTH Aachen University FAQs