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 |
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| Click here to send email | |
| More Links |
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.
Programs and Courses
Get a quick overview of programs and courses offered at this university.
| 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.
View Course ListGlobal Ranking History
The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 5 years.
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