RWTH Aachen University Admissions 2026: Complete Guide to Programs, Deadlines, Costs, GRE Requirements & Application Steps
- Rajesh Kulkarni
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s most recognized technical universities, and for many applicants the biggest advantage is clear: no tuition fees for regular degree programs (exceptions can apply for RWTH Academy programs), plus strong industry links in engineering, tech, and applied sciences.
But to apply successfully for 2026 intake, you must follow RWTH’s exact deadlines, understand the difference between open admission vs. restricted admission (NC), and (for some programs) prepare additional requirements like GRE or other tests required by the examination board.
This is your clean, accurate 2026 guide with real dates, tables, and official links at the end.
RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s most recognized technical universities, and for many applicants the biggest advantage is clear: no tuition fees for regular degree programs (exceptions can apply for RWTH Academy programs), plus strong industry links in engineering, tech, and applied sciences.
But to apply successfully for 2026 intake, you must follow RWTH’s exact deadlines, understand the difference between open admission vs. restricted admission (NC), and (for some programs) prepare additional requirements like GRE or other tests required by the examination board.
This is your clean, accurate 2026 guide with real dates, tables, and official links at the end.
RWTH Aachen University Admissions 2026: What This Guide Covers
In this guide you’ll learn:
Which intakes exist (Summer 2026 and Winter 2026/27)
Real application deadlines for EU/EEA and non-EU applicants
What “open admission” vs. “restricted admission (NC)” means at RWTH
When you can submit missing documents after applying (late document deadlines)
Costs: semester contribution + realistic living cost
When GRE can be required (program-specific) and examples of official GRE rules
Step-by-step application workflow in RWTHonline
RWTH Aachen 2026 Intakes and Semester Dates
RWTH publishes semester lecture periods (helpful for planning visas, travel, housing, and arrival):
Official lecture periods (2026)
Semester | Lecture period (official) |
Summer Semester 2026 | April 13, 2026 – July 24, 2026 |
Winter Semester 2026/27 | October 12, 2026 – February 5, 2027 |
RWTH also lists “start of semester” and “end of semester” dates (important for enrollment and insurance timing).
Application Deadlines 2026: The Most Important Table (Real Dates)
RWTH’s deadlines differ based on:
EU/EEA vs. non-EU/EEA, and
Open admission vs. Restricted admission (NC)
Non-EU/EEA Applicants (official deadlines)
Master’s admission type | Winter semester deadline | Summer semester deadline |
Open admission | March 1 | September 1 |
Restricted admission (NC) | July 15 | January 15 |
RWTH also lists exemptions where July 15 / January 15 apply (e.g., already enrolled at RWTH or holding a relevant German university degree).
EU/EEA Applicants (official deadlines)
Master’s admission type | Winter semester deadline | Summer semester deadline |
Open admission | July 15 | January 15 |
Restricted admission (NC) | July 15 | January 15 |
✅ Important: RWTH clearly states these are final deadlines—late applications are not considered.
Late Document Submission After You Apply (Very Important!)
Many applicants submit the application on time but lose consideration because documents are missing. RWTH’s Master application page explains how late submissions work:
Late document rules (official)
Restricted admission (NC) Master’s: additional documents allowed until
August 1 (winter)
February 1 (summer)
Open admission Master’s:
Additional documents can be submitted anytime, but evaluation is based on documents available by
July 15 (winter)
January 15 (summer)
RWTH also warns: if your application is incomplete after the deadline, it cannot be considered—and deadlines do not shift even if they fall on weekends/holidays.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply to RWTH Aachen (Master’s) in 2026
RWTH’s official workflow is straightforward:
Register in RWTHonline and create an account
Open the “Applications” app and submit one or more applications
Upload required documents as PDFs (or submit by mail/in person) by the deadline
After submitting, RWTH recommends regularly checking your RWTHonline status for missing items—because missing docs can block evaluation.
Admission Types Explained: Open Admission vs Restricted Admission (NC)
This matters because it changes:
your deadline (especially for non-EU applicants), and
whether late documents are allowed beyond the deadline.
Open admission
If you meet formal and academic requirements, you can be admitted (subject to checks).
Non-EU deadlines are earlier (e.g., March 1 / Sept 1).
Restricted admission (NC)
Limited seats; selection happens after deadlines.
Late documents are allowed until Aug 1 / Feb 1 for many NC programs.
RWTH Aachen Master’s Requirements (What You Typically Need)
RWTH states that for Master’s studies you need:
an initial university degree that provides the required academic background for the chosen Master’s program (quantitatively and qualitatively equivalent to the required profile), as defined in the program’s exam regulations.
In practice, most programs will also require:
transcripts + degree certificate (or proof you’re finishing)
CV
language proof (English/German depending on program)
program-specific documents (modules list, motivation letter, etc.)
extra tests if required by the examination board (e.g., GRE in some programs)
RWTH explicitly notes you may apply even if you have not fully completed your bachelor’s at the time of application.
GRE at RWTH Aachen: When Is It Required?
Here’s the key truth for 2026:
✅ RWTH does not have a single university-wide GRE rule.Instead, some Master’s programs (or faculties) require GRE for specific applicant groups, and the examination board checks professional suitability.
RWTH’s International Student Center FAQ even tells applicants to check if their Master’s program requires extra documents like GRE or TestAS.
Official examples of GRE requirements at RWTH
Example 1: Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Information Technology (English-taught track page)This faculty lists GRE as part of admission requirements for applicants who are not EU/EEA nationals or who completed their schooling outside Germany.
Example 2: Biomedical Engineering M.Sc. (Faculty of Medicine page)For non-EU applicants, RWTH states:
Only GRE General Test accepted
Minimum Quantitative: 160
Official GRE report must be sent from ETS; RWTH code: 8504
Upload result in RWTHonline by deadline 1st March
What you should do (safe 2026 strategy)
If your program page mentions GRE: follow that page’s exact rule (minimum score, code, deadline).
If your program page doesn’t mention GRE: don’t assume you need it—confirm via the program/examination board instructions.
Costs in 2026: Tuition, Semester Contribution, and Real Living Budget
1) Tuition fees
RWTH states there are no tuition fees at RWTH Aachen except for programs from RWTH Academy.
2) Semester contribution (official amount)
RWTH publishes the semester contribution fee as €338.05, broken down into:
Social contribution €108.00
Mobility contribution €216.28
Student body contribution €13.77
3) Estimated cost of living in Aachen (official guidance)
RWTH’s International Student Center FAQ gives a practical budget estimate:
Average study/living costs in Aachen: at least €1,100 per month
Approximately €13,200 per year (including rent, insurance, livelihood, etc.)
2026 Planning Timeline (Simple and Effective)
Use this timeline to avoid last-minute stress:
For Winter 2026/27 intake
April–May 2026: finalize shortlist + check program requirements (GRE? language? modules list?)
May–June 2026: prepare documents, translations, and any tests
By July 15, 2026: common key deadline (EU/EEA and restricted programs; also many exemption cases)
Until Aug 1, 2026: possible late supporting docs for restricted programs
October 12, 2026: Winter 2026/27 lectures begin
For Summer 2026 intake
Oct–Nov 2025: start docs + any tests
By Jan 15, 2026: key deadline for many tracks (EU/EEA and restricted)
Until Feb 1, 2026: late supporting docs for restricted programs
April 13, 2026: Summer 2026 lectures begin
FAQ: RWTH Aachen University Admissions 2026
1) What are the main deadlines for RWTH Aachen University admissions 2026?
Deadlines depend on EU/EEA status and admission type. RWTH lists (for non-EU) March 1 / Sept 1 for open admission and July 15 / Jan 15 for restricted admission (NC). EU/EEA deadlines are generally July 15 / Jan 15.
2) Is there a late deadline to submit missing documents?
Yes, for restricted admission Master’s programs you may submit supporting documents until Aug 1 (winter) or Feb 1 (summer). Open admission evaluation is typically based on documents available by July 15 (winter) and Jan 15 (summer).
3) Does RWTH Aachen require GRE in 2026?
Some programs do. RWTH advises checking your program for additional requirements like GRE. For example, a Biomedical Engineering page states non-EU applicants need GRE General with Quant 160+ and ETS code 8504.
4) Are there tuition fees at RWTH Aachen?
RWTH states there are no tuition fees, except for programs from RWTH Academy. Students pay a semester contribution (e.g., €338.05 listed).
5) What is the realistic cost of living in Aachen for students?
RWTH estimates the total cost of studies and life in Aachen is at least €1,100 per month (about €13,200 per year).
CTA: Apply to RWTH Aachen 2026 Using Official Links
Use the official pages below to verify your exact program requirements and deadlines:
RWTH – International Applicants (Master) deadlines table (EU/EEA vs non-EU, open vs restricted):
https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung-um-einen-studienplatz/master-bewerbung/~dqml/bewerbung-master-internationale/?lidx=1
RWTH – Master Application page (RWTHonline steps + late document rules + July 15/Jan 15 evaluation dates):
https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung-um-einen-studienplatz/~dedx/master-bewerbung/?lidx=1
RWTH – Semester dates (Summer 2026 and Winter 2026/27 lecture periods):
https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/im-studium/~egv/semestertermine/?lidx=1
RWTH – Costs (semester contribution €338.05 breakdown):
https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/vor-dem-studium/internationale-studieninteressierte/organisation-des-studienaufenthaltes/internationale-studierende/~bqmo/kosten/?lidx=1
RWTH – International Student Center FAQ (no tuition + living cost estimate + GRE note):
https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/im-studium/internationales/~inno/faq/?lidx=1
Example GRE requirement page (Biomedical Engineering, non-EU: Quant 160+, ETS code 8504, March 1 deadline mention):
https://www.medizin.rwth-aachen.de/cms/medizin/studium/studiengaenge/biomedical-engineering-m-sc/application-and-admission/internationa
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