Aachen

North Rhine-Westphalia 250.000 2 universities

Located at Germany's westernmost tip, right on the border with the Netherlands and Belgium, Aachen is a popular destination for international students, thanks to its rich history, vibrant student population, and prestigious educational institutions like RWTH Aachen University. This dynamic city in the North Rhine-Westphalia state, with a population of around 261,000, boasts both a deep-rooted past and the identity of a modern European hub. If you're thinking about higher education in Germany, Aachen stands out, especially for its strong academic programs in engineering and technical fields. The city also attracts international students with its comprehensive language course options and Studienkolleg (preparatory college) opportunities, while its proximity to neighboring countries offers a unique cultural experience. Aachen is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a blend of academic excellence and a rich student life.

Quick Facts

City Name: Aachen
State: Nordrhein-Westfalen
Population: ~261.000
Number of Universities: 2 (2 public, 0 private)
Key Universities: RWTH Aachen University, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences
Total Programs: 124
Location: Germany's westernmost point, bordering the Netherlands and Belgium

Study in Aachen: RWTH Aachen and Beyond

Aachen is renowned for hosting RWTH Aachen University, one of Germany's most respected technical universities. With a global reputation, especially in engineering, natural sciences, and medicine, RWTH Aachen attracts thousands of international students every year. The university stands out for its extensive research opportunities and innovative educational approaches. RWTH Aachen is also one of the most talked-about and sought-after universities among students, notable for its wide range of programs.

Another significant educational institution in the city is FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, which specializes in applied sciences. This university prepares students directly for professional life with its practical-oriented education. Together, these two universities offer 124 different programs, making Aachen one of Germany's leading academic centers. Students have the opportunity to study in an environment equipped with modern campus facilities, libraries, and research laboratories. Furthermore, the availability of English-taught programs in many fields is a significant advantage for international students.

Where Borders Meet: Life in Aachen

Aachen isn't just known for its academic excellence; it also stands out for its geographical location and cultural richness. Being at Germany's westernmost point, the city borders the Netherlands and Belgium. This gives you the chance to experience different European cultures through weekend trips or day visits. The city boasts a captivating atmosphere with its medieval historical structures, especially the Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cathedral holds immense historical significance as the coronation and burial site of Charlemagne.

Aachen also has the identity of a young and dynamic student city. Cafes, restaurants, and bars in the city center offer plenty of options for students to socialize. Aachen, also notable for its green spaces and parks, provides students with opportunities to relax and connect with nature during breaks or free time. The city's transportation network is well-developed, and students often prefer bicycles or public transport. This international and multicultural environment makes it easier for students to adapt to Germany, while also offering the chance to meet people from different nations and forge new friendships.

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living

Rent (shared WG room)

350-500 EUR

Average WG (shared flat) room

Food and Groceries

200-300 EUR

Varies based on personal preferences

Transportation (Semesterticket)

0-50 EUR

May be included in university fees or require an additional charge

Health Insurance

120-130 EUR

Student rate

Other Expenses (entertainment, personal)

100-200 EUR

Internet, phone, clothing, etc.

Average total 770-1180 EUR / mo

Places to Visit and Student Hangouts

Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom)

Landmark

A historic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the burial place of Charlemagne.

Elisenbrunnen

Square

A neo-classical pavilion where Aachen's famous thermal waters emerge.

Ponttor

Landmark

One of the city's two well-preserved medieval gates.

Lousberg

Park

From this hill in the city's north, you can enjoy panoramic views of Aachen and its surroundings.

Couven-Museum

Museum

A museum showcasing 18th and 19th-century Aachen bourgeois lifestyle.

Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst

Museum

A former umbrella factory now home to modern and contemporary art.

Student Life and Culture

Aachen is a very young and dynamic student city, largely due to the influence of RWTH Aachen and FH Aachen. The high student population contributes to a vibrant social life and cultural diversity. You'll find many events and clubs for international students. University-organized orientation weeks help students adapt to the city and their university.

Like many other cities in Germany, Aachen has a strong cycling culture. Getting around the city is usually done by bike or public transportation. Students can use public transport within the North Rhine-Westphalia state for free or at a reduced rate with their Semesterticket, which is often included in university fees or available at an affordable price. This gives you the freedom to explore both Aachen and surrounding cities. Thanks to its proximity to the Netherlands and Belgium, students often take day trips to these countries, getting a chance to experience different cultures. The city has many student bars, cafes, and pubs; the Pontviertel district, in particular, is a popular meeting spot for students in the evenings.

Strong international student community.
Bicycle-friendly city.
Easy regional transportation with **Semesterticket**.
Easy access to the Netherlands and Belgium.
Vibrant bar and cafe culture offers a social environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

I got accepted to a university in another city. Can I find a language course and accommodation in Aachen? ▼

Yes, Aachen has many private language schools and student dorms. However, dorm applications are usually handled through the university's student services (Studierendenwerk), so if you've been accepted to a university in another city, you might not be able to apply for a dorm through Aachen's Studierendenwerk. For private dorms or WG (shared flat) rooms, you'll need to use independent platforms. For language courses, you can directly contact institutions like Sprachakademie in Aachen. To avoid issues during your visa process, it's best to contact the university and Studierendenwerk in the city where you received your acceptance for information on accommodation and language courses.

Do universities in Aachen offer conditional admission (bedingte Zulassung)? ▼

Yes, many German universities, especially RWTH Aachen University, can offer conditional admission (bedingte Zulassung) if certain conditions are met. These conditions typically include demonstrating a specific level of German language proficiency (for example, achieving a certain score on the TestDaF or DSH exam) or completing missing coursework. Conditional admission allows you to enroll in the university while continuing your language course. Before applying, it's crucial to check the international student office page of the respective university.

I studied economics in Turkey. Do I need to attend a **Studienkolleg** to study industrial engineering in Aachen? ▼

Depending on your high school diploma and university education in Turkey, you might need to meet specific equivalency requirements to directly pursue an engineering degree in Germany. Generally, even if you have a bachelor's degree in a different field from Turkey, if you want to pursue a different bachelor's degree like engineering in Germany, you might be required to attend a Studienkolleg (preparatory college). For engineering programs specifically, you might need to attend a T-Kurs. To get the most accurate information, it's advisable to contact the international student office of the university you plan to apply to (e.g., RWTH Aachen) to learn about their equivalency and Studienkolleg requirements.

Has anyone taken an exam at Aachen Sprachakademie before? What were their experiences like? ▼

Aachen's Sprachakademie is a well-established institution with a close relationship to RWTH Aachen, offering language courses and exams. Students who have taken exams there have shared various experiences. Generally, the exam format and difficulty level are considered standard. You can prepare for the exams by attending the institution's own courses or by studying independently. To find the most up-to-date experiences, you can search for 'Aachen Sprachakademie' in the AlmanyaUni Telegram or Forum groups to see other students' comments.

Can I get more information about RWTH Aachen University? ▼

RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany's largest and most prestigious technical universities. It's particularly strong in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, and medicine. The university places great importance on international research and hosts many international students. Its campus is close to the city center and equipped with modern laboratories and research centers. You can find detailed information about the university on RWTH Aachen's official website or on the university profile pages within the AlmanyaUni platform. Topics like RWTH Aachen and language courses are frequently discussed among students, highlighting the university's popularity.

Want to learn more about studying and living in Aachen, connect with other students, and turn your dreams of university in Germany into reality? Join our AlmanyaUni community!