RWTH Aachen Undergraduate Admission 2026: The Ultimate Engineering Hub for Indian Students

Introduction

Are you an engineering aspirant looking for world-class education at zero tuition fees? RWTH Aachen Undergraduate Admission 2026 is the perfect gateway for you. Ranked #105 in QS World Rankings 2026, RWTH Aachen University is Germany’s largest technical university and a dream destination for Mechanical and Automotive engineering students.

For Indian students, the path to RWTH Aachen is unique because it values your entrance exam scores (like JEE Advanced) alongside your 12th-grade marks. This blog covers everything you need to know about eligibility, fees, deadlines, and the application process for the 2026 intake.

Highlights: RWTH Aachen at a Glance

Feature	Details
University Name	RWTH Aachen University (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen)
QS World Rank 2026	#105
Location	Aachen, Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia)
Intake	Winter Semester (October Start)
Tuition Fees	€0 (Free) for International Students
Application Deadline	July 15, 2026 (Winter Semester)
Top Courses	Mechanical Engineering, Automotive, Electrical Engineering
Language of Instruction	German (100% for Bachelors)

What is RWTH Aachen University?

RWTH Aachen is part of the TU9, the alliance of the nine leading Technical Universities in Germany. It is heavily focused on industry collaboration, meaning students get practical exposure with companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Siemens.

Unlike many US or UK universities, RWTH is a public university, which means the German government subsidizes your education. This makes it an incredibly affordable option for Indian families.

Important Dates for 2026 Intake

Missing a deadline in Germany means waiting a full year. Mark these dates on your calendar for RWTH Aachen Undergraduate Admission 2026.

• Application Start Date: May 2026

• Application Deadline (Non-EU/Indian Students): July 15, 2026 (Strict Deadline)

• Semester Start Date: October 1, 2026

Note: We recommend starting your application process in March 2026 because gathering documents (like the APS Certificate) takes time.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

This is the most critical section. Germany does not accept the Indian Class 12th certificate as directly equivalent to the German "Abitur" (school leaving certificate).

To qualify for a Bachelor’s degree at RWTH Aachen, you must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Direct Subject-Restricted Admission (The "JEE" Route)

If you have passed your Class 12th AND have qualified for JEE Advanced, you can apply directly for a Bachelor's degree in a related subject (e.g., Engineering).

• Benefit: You save 1 year. You do not need to do a foundation course.

• Requirement: Proof of JEE Advanced Ranking/Qualification.

2. Indirect Admission (The "Studienkolleg" Route)

If you have only cleared Class 12th (CBSE/ISC/State Board) but did not qualify for JEE Advanced:

• You must attend a Studienkolleg (Preparatory College) in Germany for 1 year.

• After finishing this course and passing the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) exam, you can apply to RWTH Aachen.

3. Language Requirements (Very Important!)

Almost all Undergraduate (Bachelor) programs at RWTH Aachen are taught in German.

• English: Not sufficient for Bachelors.

• German: You need C1 Level proficiency.

• Accepted Tests: TestDaF (TDN 4), DSH-2, or Telc C1 Hochschule.

Admission & Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for RWTH Aachen Undergraduate Admission 2026:

1. Get Your APS Certificate: The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate is mandatory for Indian students. Apply for this immediately after your 12th results.

2. Learn German: Start learning German in India. Aim to reach at least B2 level before flying and finish C1 in Germany if needed.

3. Check Documents: Prepare your transcripts and JEE scorecards.

4. Apply via RWTHOnline: RWTH Aachen has its own portal called RWTHOnline. You usually do not apply via Uni-Assist for this university.

5. Submit Application: Upload documents before July 15, 2026.

6. Visa Process: Once you get the admission letter, apply for a German Student Visa.

Fees & Cost of Living

One of the biggest reasons to choose RWTH Aachen is the cost.

• Tuition Fees: €0. There are no tuition fees for international students at RWTH Aachen (unlike some universities in other German states).

• Semester Contribution: Approx. €320 per semester.

  • This includes a "Semester Ticket" which allows you free public transport in the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

• Cost of Living in Aachen: Approx. €934 per month.

  • This covers rent, food, health insurance, and internet. Aachen is a student city and is cheaper than Munich or Berlin.

RWTH Aachen Cutoff (Grades)

German universities use a grading scale from 1.0 (Best) to 4.0 (Pass).

• To be safe, Indian students should aim for above 85% in Class 12th (PCM).

• If you are applying via the Studienkolleg route, high marks in the FSP exam are crucial.

• NC (Numerus Clausus): Some top courses like Mechanical Engineering may have "NC" (restrictions), meaning only the top applicants get in.

Documents Required

Make sure you have these scanned and ready:

• Class 10th and 12th Marksheets.

• School Leaving Certificate.

• APS Certificate (Original).

• JEE Advanced Scorecard (if applicable for Direct Admission).

• TestDaF or DSH German Language Certificate.

• Passport Copy.

• CV / Resume (Europass Format).

Tips for Indian Students

• Start German Early: Do not underestimate the language barrier. Engineering in German is tough; B2 level is the bare minimum to survive, C1 is needed to study.

• Focus on Math: The first year at RWTH is math-heavy. Revise your 11th and 12th calculus thoroughly.

• Housing: Apply for student dorms (Studierendenwerk) as soon as you get admission, as waiting lists are long.

FAQs: RWTH Aachen Undergraduate Admission 2026

1. Is RWTH Aachen Undergraduate Admission 2026 open to Indian students?

Yes, absolutely. Indian students can apply if they meet the academic and language requirements.

2. Is JEE Advanced mandatory for RWTH Aachen?

It is not mandatory, but it is the "Golden Ticket." If you have cleared JEE Advanced, you can skip the 1-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg) and get direct admission into the first year of Engineering.

3. Are there English-taught Bachelor programs at RWTH Aachen?

No. Currently, all core Engineering Bachelor programs (Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science) at RWTH Aachen are taught in German. You must have C1 German proficiency.

4. What is the tuition fee for Indian students?

There is zero tuition fee. You only pay a semester contribution of approx. €320 every six months.

5. Can I work while studying?

Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) to support their living expenses.

6. What is the deadline for the 2026 winter intake?

The application deadline is July 15, 2026.

Conclusion

Securing RWTH Aachen Undergraduate Admission 2026 is a challenging but rewarding process. With a #105 QS Rank, zero tuition fees, and direct access to German industry, it is the best investment for your career. If you are willing to learn German, this university offers an ROI that no US or UK college can match.

Next Step: Start your German language course today and apply for your APS certificate immediately!