Aachen is a city in Germany, and it is a strong choice for international students. It is home to the well-known RWTH Aachen University. RWTH Aachen is one of the leading technical universities in Germany, with a strong reputation internationally. This university offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's degree programs in engineering, sciences, and technology. Aachen also hosts other universities, such as FH Aachen University.
Aachen has a rich historical and cultural background. Its most famous building is the Aachener Dom, the palace of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. This Gothic-style church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city center is also notable for its historic streets, squares, and old buildings.
Three main factors make Aachen attractive for international students:
Quality of Life: Aachen offers students a favorable quality of life. The city offers a wide range of cultural events, restaurants, cafés, and bars. Getting between the city center and the university campus is easy, and cycling is common. Aachen is also placed strategically between Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, which makes travel very convenient.
International Student Community: Many international students live in Aachen. RWTH Aachen University offers them various support and integration programs. Student organizations, clubs, and events also encourage social ties between international students.
Entertainment and Sports: Aachen also has room for free time and sport. The city has many sports facilities, gyms, swimming pools, and parks. Students often meet in cafes and bars to spend time with friends. Aachen also hosts many events, festivals, and fairs. It is fair to say the city is one of the centers of attraction for students.
What are the Costs of Living in Aachen for International Students?
Costs in the city can vary with your personal preferences, lifestyle, and accommodation options. Here are a few examples of typical living costs for international students in Aachen:
Accommodation: Accommodation is often one of your biggest expenses. Aachen has different options, such as student residences, private rentals, and shared apartments. A place in a student hall of residence can cost on average between 300 and 600 euros per month. In private rentals or shared apartments, costs can usually be between 400 and 800 euros.
Eating and Drinking: Buying groceries is often more economical for students than eating in restaurants. A monthly budget of 200–300 Euros usually covers basic food and daily necessities. These costs may of course vary with your personal preferences and your eating and drinking habits.
Transportation: Public transportation in Aachen is well developed, and discounted options are available for students. With a monthly subscription card or discount tickets, you can use trams, buses, and trains at an affordable price. Transportation costs can usually range between 40 and 60 Euros per month.
Entertainment and Cultural Events: Aachen has many free or affordable events and cultural activities. You can often reduce costs by joining university clubs or attending events the university organizes. What you spend on cinema, theater, concerts, and other entertainment may vary with your personal preferences.
World-famous universities in Aachen
Aachen is home to important universities in Germany. The famous universities in Aachen are these:
- RWTH Aachen University: RWTH Aachen is one of the leading technical universities in Germany. It holds a high reputation for engineering and technology worldwide. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in many fields, such as science, engineering, mathematics, informatics, and economics.
- FH Aachen University: FH Aachen is a university specializing in applied sciences. It offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in many fields, such as engineering, design, informatics, business, health sciences, and social work. FH Aachen keeps strong links with industry and aims to give you practical experience.
- Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University School of Medicine: The Faculty of Medicine of RWTH Aachen University is a teaching and research institution specializing in medicine. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine, dentistry, and molecular medicine. The university hospital, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, is an important teaching and research center for medical students.
Popular Departments at Universities in Aachen
At Aachen universities, you can study in any department you wish. Still, a few headings cover the schools' most well-liked departments, which are particularly popular with international students. The universities in Aachen hold popular and reputable departments across various disciplines, so you face no shortage of departments. We have gathered the most popular ones for you.
- Engineering: Aachen has a strong reputation for engineering. RWTH Aachen University holds many specializations within its engineering departments. Departments such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and materials science are popular with students.
- Computer Science and Informatics: Universities in Aachen also offer important programs in computer science and informatics. RWTH Aachen University has a strong academic and research infrastructure in areas such as computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.
- Medicine and Health Sciences: The Faculty of Medicine at RWTH Aachen University is a major center of teaching and research in medicine. Departments such as medicine, dentistry, and molecular medicine are popular with students. The medical school in Aachen takes an approach that combines innovative research and healthcare.
- Economics and Business: Universities in Aachen also offer different programs in economics and business. Courses in areas such as business management, business engineering, finance, and marketing draw student interest. FH Aachen University is known for its business engineering program, which combines business and engineering disciplines.
- Mathematics and Physics: Universities in Aachen also have strong programs in mathematics and physics. RWTH Aachen University offers a wide range of courses in mathematics, physics, and applied physics.
What is Conditional Admission to Aachen Universities?
At German universities, conditional admission means you are admitted to an undergraduate program with certain conditions. You must meet those conditions before full enrollment. It is usually granted to international students.
- Language Proficiency Requirement
Many undergraduate programs in Germany are taught in German. Some programs are offered in English, but a certain level of German proficiency may still be required. If you do not meet the language requirements of German universities, you may be admitted on the condition that you take an internationally recognized language proficiency test, such as the TestDaF or DSH, or complete a language course before being allowed to start your undergraduate studies.
- Studienkolleg
Studienkolleg is a preparatory course designed to give international students the skills needed to study in Germany. It covers areas such as the methodology and standards of the German education system. It can be offered as a conditional admission to international students who do not fulfill the academic admission requirements of universities in Germany.
However, each university in Germany has different criteria for conditional admission. So it matters that you understand the specific admission requirements of the universities you wish to apply to. Once you fulfill the relevant requirements, your admission becomes unconditional, and you are free to enroll in the study program of your choice.
Who Can Apply for Conditional Admission?
Some students have the right to apply for conditional admission to university education in Germany. That right covers graduates of science high schools, Anatolian high schools, basic high schools, private high schools, or colleges. The school must lie within the borders of the Republic of Turkey or TRNC.
If you did not graduate from such a high school, you can apply for conditional admission after one further step. One route is successfully completing an associate degree program within the scope of formal education. Another is successfully completing the first year of a 4-year formal university recognized by the Council of Higher Education. A third is successfully completing the Studienkolleg education in Germany.
Erasmus+ Program in Aachen
Universities in Germany take an active part in the Erasmus+ program and provide international student exchange through it. The European Commission supports the Erasmus+ program, which promotes staff and student mobility between European nations. The Erasmus+ program provides financial support to students. You can receive scholarships for travel expenses and living costs. In addition, established university departments or Erasmus+ offices can help international students with academic and social support.
Most Popular Erasmus+ Universities in Aachen
The Erasmus+ program lets you study at a university in another country for a semester or an academic year. Universities in Aachen offer such exchange programs and accept international students into them. This way, you can experience a different culture, improve your academic skills, and meet new people.
Here are the most popular Erasmus universities in Aachen:
