RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen) is a public research university located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Germany and is particularly known for its engineering programs.

RWTH Aachen University was founded in 1870 as the Königlich Preußische Technische Hochschule Aachen (Royal Prussian Polytechnic School of Aachen). It was originally a polytechnic school but was granted university status in 1900.

The university was founded by the Prussian government to meet the growing demand for engineers and scientists in the rapidly industrializing German Empire. The first president of the university was Friedrich Althoff, who was a leading figure in the development of higher education in Germany.

RWTH Aachen played a major role in the development of German engineering and technology. The university was home to a number of important research institutes, including the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research, which was founded in 1911.

During World War II, RWTH Aachen was used by the German military for research and development. The university was also a target of Allied bombing and was heavily damaged in 1944.

After the war, RWTH Aachen was rebuilt and reopened in 1947. The university has continued to grow and expand in the years since and is now one of the leading universities in Germany.

In the 1950s and 1960s, RWTH Aachen experienced a period of rapid growth. The number of students increased from around 3,000 in 1950 to over 10,000 in 1960. The university also expanded its research activities during this period.

In the 1970s and 1980s, RWTH Aachen continued to grow and develop. The university established a number of new research institutes and centers and expanded its international collaborations.

In the 1990s and 2000s, RWTH Aachen underwent a major restructuring process. The university's faculties were reorganized and a number of new interdisciplinary programs were established. RWTH Aachen also increased its focus on research and innovation.

Today, RWTH Aachen is one of the leading universities in Germany and the world. The university is known for its excellence in engineering, science, and research. RWTH Aachen is also a major center of innovation and education and plays an important role in the economy and society of Germany.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, RWTH Aachen University is positioned as the #99 top university in the world, which makes it the #5 top university in Germany. The university's global rank is improved by 7 points from last year.

University Profile

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2025 Ranking	#99 #5
University Name	RWTH Aachen University
Name in Local Language	Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
Acronym	RWTH Aachen
Year Established	1870
Motto	Zukunft beginnt mit uns
Motto in English	Future starts with us
Governing Type	Public
Student Body	Co-education
Highest Degree	Doctorate
Campus Type	Urban
Colors	Blue and White

Location

The university is located in Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen. Find the address and map of the university below.

Address	Templergraben 55, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Contact

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Phone	+49 241 80 1
Fax	+49 241 80 923 12
Website
Email	Click here to send email
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Programs and Courses

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	Bachelor's Degrees	Master's Degrees	Doctorate Degrees	Diplomas
Arts & Humanities				n/a
Business & Social Sciences			n/a	n/a
Engineering				n/a
Language & Cultural Studies			n/a	n/a
Medicine & Health	n/a	n/a		n/a
Science & Technology				n/a

Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.

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Global Ranking History

The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 5 years.

Admission Info

The admission process at RWTH Aachen varies by program and degree level. Undergraduate programs typically require a high school diploma equivalent to the German Abitur and proof of German language proficiency (unless the program is taught in English). For graduate programs, applicants must hold a relevant bachelor's degree, provide academic transcripts, and meet specific language requirements (English or German, depending on the program). International students can access guidance through dedicated support services.

Accepts International Students	Yes
Undergraduate Admission Info	Click here
Graduate Admission Info	Click here

Scholarship and Financial Aids

RWTH Aachen provides a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for both domestic and international students. These include merit-based awards, need-based financial aid, and research grants. International students can apply for funding through programs like the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and other external organizations. Additionally, some departments offer specific scholarships for outstanding academic achievements or innovative research projects.

Stay informed with the following article related to the university or higher education in Germany.

The German education system believes in top-quality research and study. Although most of the institutions here for higher education are provided funds by the state, education is subsided. The fees in German universities may range from 400-500 Euros per year for outsiders. The small fee structure may have the lowest of 170 Euros to a highest of 700 euros. [Read More]

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