Graduate studies at

2

Templergraben 57 – Building SuperCRoom No. 32952062 Aachen

GermanyPhone +49(0)241/80-906 60Fax +49(0)241/80-926 62international@rwth-aachen.de

Editorial detailsGraduate Studies at

RWTH Aachen University

Published bythe International Office

(Dezernat 2.0)on behalf of the Rector of RWTH Aachen University

Templergraben 55 52062 Aachen – Germany

www.rwth-aachen.de

Editorial boardDr. Heide Naderer (responsible)

Britta Piel, M. A. Victoria Busch, M.A.

Art DirectorKlaus Endrikat

DTP ZAHRENdesign

Printed byEmhart

Druck und Medien GmbH

Aachen, last updatedSeptember 2008

3

Table of contents

Welcome

RWTH Aachen University – past and future

Graduate studies – your way to excellence

English-taught courses: expertise and intercultural skills

How to apply for English-taught courses

Admission requirements and documents

Experience the German language

German-taught courses: expertise and German culture

Admission requirements and documents

fees

Your life at Aachen – Enjoy the European flair

The International Office – Your partner

at RWTH Aachen University

Necessary documents: visa and residence permit

How to enjoy your free time

4

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

13

14

16

17

18

19

4

Prof. Dr. Ernst SchmachtenbergRector of RWTH Aachen University

5

Dear student,

I am pleased that you are interested in graduate studies atRWTH Aachen University. Since our technical university isconstantly aiming to improve its research and teaching per-formance, we want to attract the best students from all overthe world. In return we offer you top-level study and re-search opportunities in Engineering, Natural Sciences andother fields as well as important connections to Germancompanies.

As you will know, RWTH Aachen University is one ofGermany´s most renowned technical universities. Due to itsoutstanding performance in the excellence initiative of theGerman federal and state governments, it has gained evenmore in reputation. Top-level students from Asia, Africa,America and Europe already benefit from RWTH AachenUniversity´s very high standard of education and research.Numerous partnerships between RWTH Aachen and inter-national companies offer you great professional and perso-nal perspectives.

This brochure provides you with detailed information onthe content and structure of our graduate studies program-mes as well as on formal and language requirements. Somegeneral information on Aachen, the beautiful city of Charle-magne, will give you a first impression of the city of your fu-ture studies.

It will be a pleasure to welcome you as a member ofRWTH Aachen University´s academic community in the nearfuture.

Welcome

6

Tradition – the basis of excellenceRWTH Aachen University was founded in 1870 with considerable support fromlocal companies. Originally a polytechnic institute, it subsequently became theRheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH), i.e. the North-Rhine-Westphalian Institute of Technology, in 1948.

Present – international expertiseToday, RWTH Aachen University is one of the most renowned technical universi-ties in Europe. It has about 30,000 students and an academic staff of 2,420, 420of whom are full-time professors.

RWTH Aachen University’s long-standing reputation for research and educa-tional distinction attracts students from all over the world: Currently over 5,000international students from more than 130 different countries are part of our aca-demic community.

Partnerships – sharing innovation and technology Close cooperations in research and development between the faculties ofEngineering and Natural Sciences and numerous important companies contributedecisively to RWTH Aachen University’s competitiveness at a national and inter-national level.

The establishment of international research centres by major companiessuch as Microsoft, Ford, United Technologies and Philips as well as a large num-ber of start-up companies in the Aachen region demonstrate the university’sstrength in innovation.

RWTH Aachen University – past and future

7

We can offer you a:

1. academic excellence2. long-standing tradition of research and teaching

in Engineering, IT and the Natural Sciences3. interdisciplinary research with external partners4. close cooperation with international companies5. research-oriented education6. state-of-the-art facilities7. international atmosphere and cooperation8. excellent career prospects9. cultural variety

10. a supportive and stimulating environment

Olga Osetska from Ukraine: “RWTH Aachen University gave me the oppor-tunity to perform high-level research during mydoctoral studies by providing an exceptionallygood infrastructure. Modern equipment as wellas great team spirit were crucial factors forinnovative and successful research.”

Your benefit form choosing RWTH Aachen University

English-taught courses: expertise and intercultural skills

Due to the language of instruction, RWTH Aachen University´s English-taughtMaster´s programmes particularly attract international students. Therefore you canbenefit from the high quality of teaching, the close collaboration with national andinternational industrial partners and the intercultural exchange with your fellow stu-dents from all over the world.

Currently, we offer our students six courses that are taught entirely in English(Biomedical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Electrical Power Engi-nee-ring, Media Informatics, Metallurgical Engineering, Software Systems Engine-ering)and take about two years to complete. On completing the course successfully youwill obtain the final degree “Master of Science”. Within the next years the numberof courses offered in English will steadily increase. Tuition fees for these programmesare Euro 500 per semester.

Please find more detailed information on each course in the leaflets inserted in this brochure.

Graduate studies – your way to excellence

Standardisation of degrees: the Bologna ProcessSince 2000, RWTH Aachen University has been offering advanced study oppor-tunities to its international and German students in all fields of studies.

Within the restructuring of the European Higher Education Area RWTH AachenUniversity has adopted the two-cycle study system consisting of Bachelor's andMaster's degrees as comparable qualifications throughout Europe. Bachelor’s andMaster’s programmes replace the former Diplom and Magister Artium programmes.

All Master’s programmes require a good Bachelor's degree (at least 2.5 in theGerman system) in a related or equal field of study. Please contact the Internatio-nal Office in order to find out which grade is equivalent to yours in the Germangrade system.

9

English-taught courses at RWTHInternational Academy

RWTH International Academy, a spin-off of RWTH Aachen University, offers fourEnglish-taught Master’s courses in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engi-neering, Combustion Engines, Production Systems Engineering, Computer AidedConception and Production of Machines Simulation) and a programme in denti-stry (Lasers in Dentistry). The tuition fee for these programmes amounts toEuro 3,700 per semester. For detailed information please visit: www.master-mechanical-engineering.com

How to apply for English-taught courses

The early bird catches the wormMany international students from all over the world are eager to be accepted forone of RWTH Aachen University´s graduate courses. Therefore we advise you tosubmit your application as early as possible.

Application deadline: 1 MarchPlease consider that sending your application by regular airmail can take up tofour weeks or even longer. To ensure timely receipt at our International Office,please send out your application as early as possible.

Application addressRWTH Aachen UniversityInternational OfficeTemplergraben 5752062 Aachen, Germanyinternational@rwth-aachen.de

Apply online In order to save time and money please use our online application form atwww.rwth-aachen.de/ioam. It is also the safest way to send your application to us.

10

Admission requirements and documents

Please undertake the following steps:

1. Application formPlease print and sign the application form (Adobe Acrobat Reader required) that you find at: www.rwth-aachen.de/ioam

2. Enclose a copy of your Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Science or Engineering)or an equivalent, internationally recognised degree awarded by an accredited university or equivalent degree-awarding institution.

Please note: In order to be admitted to RTWH Aachen University, it is imperative that you have an undergraduate degree with a minimum grade equivalent to a “good” (2.5) in the German grading system.

3. Enclose a copy of official or certified transcripts of your academic record togive evidence of your undergraduate studies including credits and grades obtai-ned in every single subject and a translation into German, English or French by an officially recognised translator (a copy of an official University transcript originally written in English is sufficient).

4. Add a copy of your English language certificateYou must have an excellent command of English (spoken and written) in order tofully understand the course lectures, textbooks and manuals, and to participate inlab projects, industrial internships and to take the relevant examinations. Therefore you are obliged to add a copy of either your IELTS certificate (score 6.0)or your TOEFL certificate (score 550 paper-based/213 computer-based/80 internet-based).

11

Please note thatthe TOEFL qualification must be obtained no more than two years prior to the commencement of the course you areapplying for.

the original TOEFL Score report must be received by RWTHAachen University directly from the Educational Testing Service(ETS).

the ETS/TOEFL code for RWTH is 8504.

Nationals and/or first-degree-holders of USA, Kanada, Irland,Great Britain, Australia and New-Zealand do not have to submittheir language certificates. You do not have to prove Germanlanguage proficiency in order to apply for an English-taught cour-se since you will take an obligatory German course in September,one month prior to the beginning of your studies.

5. Add your GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) certificate. Forsome programmes, applicants are advised to take a GRE test, so please check the inserted course-leaflets.

5. a For Chinese students only: Enclose your certificate of authen-ticity from the Academic Acknowledgement Bureau (APS) inBeijing for the Chinese certificateslisted under points 1 and 2.

6. Add you CV (Curriculum Vitae) and your letter of motivation.Please find the questions to be answered in your letter of motiva-tion within the application form (online-application: at the end ofthe form, paper-application form: item 11).

12

Experience the German language

Although your academic life in Aachen will be structured around English, weadvise you to gain at least a basic knowledge of the German language, thusmaking sure that you can enjoy and take a full part in the non-academic life inAachen. Therefore, all English language Master’s programmes have Germancourses as part of their core curriculum. German courses are available at all levels,from beginners to advanced students.

13

German-taught courses: expertise and German culture

RWTH Aachen University offers Master’s programmes taught in German in allsubject areas. The number of these programmes is steadily increasing. You can find a complete list of all courses offered in German at:www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/las/. Individual leaflets for each Master’s program-me are available at the Students Affairs Office.

Admission requirements and documents

Except for the proof of your German language skills, the admission requirements,deadlines and documents to be enclosed are the same as those for the English-taught courses.

Please prove your German language proficency by submitting one of the follo-wing language certificates:

Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH 2 or 3)Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF): Level 4 in all four test sections Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz - Zweite Stufe (KMK II) Goethe-Institut: Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS), Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) or Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) Deutsche Sprachprüfung II of the Sprachen- und Dolmetscher-Institut München

You can obtain these certificates at the worldwide TestDaF centres (www.testdaf.de) or at the Goethe Institutes (www.goethe.de). It is also possibleto sit the DSH test or the TestDaF at a German university.

Please note:If you apply for a restricted course a copy of therequired language certificate has to be submitted within the application deadline, which is 15 July.

14

Where and when you should learn GermanGood German language skills are a prerequisite for successful studies in Germany.A residence permit allowing you to study the language in Germany is usuallyvalid for only up to 12 months. Thus, we advise you to gain basic language skillsalready in your home country. In most cases this should be less expensive.Moreover, this is the only way to make sure that you really fulfil all requirementsfor your studies in Germany.

Please find information on language schools on the internet and consider the duration and prices of such preparation courses.The several international Goethe Institutes offer German languagecourses on every level (www.goethe.de), and Deutsch-Uni-Online(DUO) provides online-language courses www.deutsch-uni.com

fees

Application FeeIn order for your application to be considered in our admissions procedure, youwill have to pay an application fee of Euro 50. This fee cannot be refunded, irre-spective of the decision on your application. If you want to apply again at a laterstage, the fee becomes due again.

Methods of paymentYou may pay this fee by cheque or by bank transfer. More information onmethods of payment can be found at www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/ert/

Please note contact your local bank and inquire about charges for international transfers, and add the respective amount to yourtransfer. We can process your application only after we have received your fee in full.

15

Tuition feeThe regular tuition fee amounts to Euro 500 per semester (Please note, however,that the tuition fee for the International Academy is Euro 3,700 per semester).

Studentbody and social contribution fee There is an additional studentbody and social contribution fee of Euro 194,80per semester. This fee includes a ticket for public transport in the city of Aachenand from Aachen to the cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf. The ticket is valid forthe entire semester.

Please note that you have to pay both fees. Typically the total sum of Euro 650 has to be paid to the account mentioned above.

Pursuing a doctoral degreeIn case that you are interested in pursuing an doctoral degree after having finis-hed your Graduate Studies at RWTH Aachen University, you have to undertakeyour own research project under the supervision of and in cooperation with yourprofessor. The duration of the entire process is three to five years.

As a rule the prerequisites for the admission of international graduates to adoctoral programme of RWTH Aachen University´s are as follows:

a Master’s degree from RWTH Aachen University or any other internationally recognised university

above average performance in your graduate studies

written confirmation from a RWTH Aachen University professor that he or she is willing to admit you to his or her research team.

Please find more detailed information on this topic at: www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/pvz/

16

Your life at Aachen – Enjoy the European flair

Aachen is an ancient city which was already greatly appreciated by the Romansfor its thermal springs. To this day Aachen is famous for the curative effects of itsthermal waters. Its historical importance dates back to the days of emperorCharlemagne, the “father of Europe”. Aachen cathedral, which became the firstGerman building to be listed as a UNESCO world heritage, the gothic city halland the cathedral treasury give testimony to the city’s rich cultural heritage andbeauty.

Aachen is a medium-sized, international city of 250,000 residents, whose lifeis perceptibly influenced by its geographical location: Being Germany´s mostwestern city, Belgium and the Netherlands can be easily reached within just a fewminutes. Other major cities such as Brussels, Cologne and Düsseldorf are just ashort trip away.

17

The International Office – Your partnerat RWTH AachenUniversity

The International Office is the main contact point for you as a prospectiveforeign student prior to your studies and also after having registered at ouruniversity. Our well-informed, friendly staff, fluent in several languages andincluding international students, is happy to assist you in all aspects of study-ing and living in Germany.

The International Office’s InfoServiceCentre (ISC) offers you information andservices concerning the following issues:

visa and residence permit admission and enrolmentaccommodation registering your address at the local authoritiesopening a bank accountinsurancelocating pertinent university and city officestips for finding a job in Aachen

We offer you these services during the orientation phase at the beginning ofeach semester. You have also the opportunity to take part in a social program-me called “Leisure and Pleasure” that helps you to get to know other studentsas well as the city of Aachen and its surroundings. You can also subscribe to amonthly newsletter which is edited especially for international students andresearchers.

The narrow winding streets in the city centre and its numerous fountains ren-der Aachen a very romantic and idyllic place. Aachen is also famous for its annualevents such as the CHIO, the World Equestrian Festival, and the awarding cere-mony of the International Charlemagne Prize, which is awarded in recognition ofservices promoting European peace and unity. The initial impulse for a structuralchange in the region from its focus on the mining industry to a more general oneon technology was given by a cooperation agreement between RWTH AachenUniversity and the Aachen Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This cooperationwas the first German cooperation between a university and a regional board oftrade. Since 1981 RWTH Aachen University has been contributing considerablyto the economic growth of the border region between Germany, Belgium andthe Netherlands.

18

Necessary documents: visa and residence permit

Applicants from member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein,Norway and Switzerland do not need a visa to travel to Germany. Citizens ofAustralia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the UnitedStates do not need a visa to enter the country, but they will have to apply for aresidence permit for the purpose of studying at the foreigners’ registration officewithin three months of arrival.

Foreign citizens of all other countries need a special student visa which allowsthem to enter the Federal Republic of Germany for the purpose of studying. Theymust apply for this visa at a German Consulate or Embassy in their home countryas early as possible, as the processing time for visas usually takes at least eightweeks and can take up to four months.

For detailed information on entry clearance, visa and other immigration issues please contact the InfoServiceCentre of the International Office.

Health insuranceAll students in Germany must have a health insurance policy, and an additionalliability insurance policy is strongly recommended. Since insurance and legal mat-ters are quite complex and important, please contact the InfoServiceCentre forfurther information.

Your home is your castle – your accommodationThere are different options for finding a room or a flat in Aachen. The InfoServiceCentre is happy to provide you with further information prior toor on your arrival. Please check the website at www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/mac/for detailed information relating to accommodation in Aachen.

Living and other expensesThe averagecost for living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses as well as study-related costs are estimated to beEuro 700 per month.

19

How to finance your studiesYou are advised fully to explore possible funding opportunities before youapply for one of RWTH Aachen University´s study programmes. At HYPER-LINK "http://www-zhv.rwth-aachen.de/zentral/english_scholarships.html"http://www-zhv.rwth-aachen.de/zentral/english_scholarships.html we offeryou detailed information on exchange programmes and scholarships. You arealso welcome to contact the International Office directly for advice and assi-stance.

How to enjoy your free time

SportsSport plays an important role for your integration into university life. TheUniversity Sports Centre (HSZ) covers a total of 70 sports disciplines. Pleasecheck http://hochschulsport.rwth-aachen.de for the entire programme.

RWTH Aachen University´s student organisationsThere are various student groups and associations which address both youracademic and social interests. Please find further information at: www.rwth-aachen.de/aw/zentral/english/Audience/~ky/international/

Humboldt-HausOver the past years the Humboldt-Haus has become a lively meeting point forinternational and German students and thus an integral part of student life atRWTH Aachen University. It hosts various events and activities such as eventsorganised by international and German student organisations and societies aswell as courses, workshops, open talks and lectures, etc. All students are invi-ted to take part in the various intercultural activities at RTWH Aachen University.For further information please visit:http://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/dvz/

www.rwth-aachen.de