Study Destination Guide: Aachen

Aachen is a city in Germany and a particularly attractive destination for international students. The city is home to the renowned RWTH Aachen University. RWTH Aachen is one of the leading technical universities in Germany and has a great reputation internationally. This university offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's degree programs in engineering, sciences, and technology. Aachen is also home to other universities, such as FH Aachen University.

Aachen has a rich historical and cultural background. The most famous building in the city is the Aachener Dom, the palace of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. This Gothic-style church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aachen is also notable for its historic streets, squares, and old buildings in the city center.

Three important factors make Aachen attractive for international students:

Quality of Life: Aachen is a city that offers a favorable quality of life for students. The city offers a wide range of cultural events, restaurants, cafés, and bars. In addition, transportation between the city center and the university campus is easy, and cycling is common. Aachen is also strategically located between Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, making travel opportunities very convenient.

International Student Community: Aachen is home to many international students. RWTH Aachen University offers various support and integration programs for international students. Furthermore, social connections between international students are encouraged through student organizations, clubs, and events.

Entertainment and Sports: Recreational and sporting opportunities are also available in Aachen. The city has many sports facilities, gyms, swimming pools, and parks. In addition, students often meet in cafes and bars where they can spend time with friends. Aachen also hosts many events, festivals, and fairs. It would not be wrong to say that 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 depending on 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 students' biggest expenses. There are different accommodation options available in Aachen, such as student residences, private rentals, and shared apartments. On average, accommodation in student halls of residence can cost 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: It can often be a more economical option for students to buy groceries instead of eating in restaurants. A monthly budget of 200–300 Euros for basic food and daily necessities is usually sufficient. Of course, these expenses may vary depending on personal preferences and eating and drinking habits.

Transportation: Public transportation in Aachen is well developed, and discounted transportation options are available for students. Students can travel on trams, buses, and trains at an affordable price through monthly subscription cards or discount tickets. Transportation costs can usually range between 40 and 60 Euros per month.

Entertainment and Cultural Events: There are many free or affordable events and cultural activities in Aachen. Students can often reduce costs by joining university clubs or attending events organized by the university. Expenses for cinema, theater, concerts, and other entertainment activities may vary depending on personal preferences.

World-famous universities in Aachen

Aachen is home to important universities in Germany. We can list the famous universities in Aachen as follows:

RWTH Aachen University: RWTH Aachen is one of the leading technical universities in Germany. It has 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 has strong links with industry and aims to give students practical experience.
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University School of Medicine: The Faculty of Medicine of RWTH Aachen University is an educational and research institution specializing in medicine. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine, dentistry, and molecular medicine. In addition, the university hospital, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, is an important teaching and research center for medical students.

Popular Departments at Universities in Aachen

At Aachen universities, students have the chance to study in any department they wish. However, it is possible to list under a few headings the schools' most well-liked departments, which are particularly popular with international students. Since universities in Aachen are home to popular and reputable departments in various disciplines, students have the chance to study without any shortage of departments. Nevertheless, we have gathered the most popular departments for you.

Engineering: Aachen is a city with a strong reputation for engineering. RWTH Aachen University has many specializations in 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 the field of 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. There are courses in areas such as business management, business engineering, finance, and marketing that are of interest to students. 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?

The concept of conditional admission at German universities refers to an admission process in which a prospective student is admitted to an undergraduate program, but with certain conditions that must be met before full enrollment. It is usually granted to international students.

Language Proficiency Requirement

Many undergraduate programs in Germany are taught in German, and although some programs are offered in English, a certain level of German proficiency may be required. If students do not meet the language requirements of German universities, they may be admitted on the condition that they take an internationally recognized language proficiency test, such as the TestDaF or DSH, or complete a language course before being allowed to start their undergraduate studies.

Studienkolleg

Studienkolleg is a preparatory course designed to equip international students with the skills needed to study in Germany, 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 is important for prospective students to understand the specific admission requirements of the universities to which they wish to apply. Once students fulfill the relevant requirements, their admission becomes unconditional, and they are free to enroll in the study program of their choice.

Who Can Apply for Conditional Admission?

Students who graduated from science high schools, Anatolian high schools, basic high schools, private high schools, or colleges within the borders of the Republic of Turkey or TRNC have the right to apply for conditional admission to university education in Germany.

Students who have not graduated from such high schools can apply for conditional admission after successfully completing an associate degree program within the scope of formal education, after successfully completing the first year of a 4-year formal university recognized by the Council of Higher Education, or after successfully completing the Studienkolleg education in Germany.

Erasmus+ Program in Aachen

Universities in Germany are active participants in the Erasmus+ program and provide international student exchange through this program. The European Commission supports the Erasmus+ program, which promotes staff and student mobility between European nations. Financial support is provided to students under the Erasmus+ program. Students 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 offers students the opportunity to study at a university in another country for a semester or an academic year. Universities in Aachen offer and accept international students to participate in such exchange programs. This way, students can experience a different culture, improve their academic skills, and meet new people.