Computer Engineering RWTH Aachen University

The degree programme is taught in English. If modules are taught in a different language, this is indicated in the corresponding module catalogue.

Examinations are to be taken in English (or in agreement with the examiner in another language).

The subject of Computer Engineering deals with the architecture, design, realisation, evaluation and operation of computer, communication and embedded systems. The focus is particularly on aspects of hardware and system-related software. Algorithms and other functionalities can usually be realised – depending on the system requirements – as software solutions on general computer architectures, as digital hardware solutions or also implemented in a mixed form of hardware and software components.

The Master's programme prepares graduates for challenging jobs in industry and business and lays the foundation for a high level of professional mobility in the dynamic and changing field of computer engineering. The technical focus is on digital hardware, systems theory, systems-related software and algorithmic skills. Students are guided towards a scientific approach to problem solving. In addition, they are prepared for practical activities in projects and in teams. As experts, they are thus optimally equipped for a successful professional life, e.g. in development departments in industry or in research and science. The "start-up culture" necessary for entrepreneurial development and, if applicable, basic competences relevant for this are also to be imparted to interested students.

The new Master's programme in Computer Engineering is unique among German TU9 universities. It combines four focal points: digital computer hardware, system-related software, algorithms and information and communication technology. Graduates are thus able to integrate, apply, analyse and evaluate all components of the overall system. The interdisciplinary environment at RWTH Aachen University offers many opportunities to deal with applications and basic technologies of computer systems. In addition, the degree programme also provides insights into future basic technologies (e.g. neuromorphic hardware, quantum information technology), especially in the context of final theses, as well as "looking beyond one's own nose" into neighbouring disciplines, for example, in the context of elective or optional courses.

Non-EU applicants: 1 March for the following winter semester
EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester

Non-EU applicants: 1 September for the following summer semester
EU applicants: 15 January for the following summer semester

The standard period of study is four full-time semesters (two years), including the preparation of the Master's thesis. The course of study may be commenced in either semester.

The study programme consists of a range of mandatory or mandatory-elective modules that define the specific profile of the study programme. This part of the curriculum is complemented by a large offer of laboratory work, project work, and seminars. Finally, there is an assortment of elective courses from the entire RWTH course programme, including courses in economics and soft skills as well as language courses. All Master's students must complete the "Scientific Integrity" module to meet ethical standards of scientific practice. German language courses are compulsory for all students who cannot certify a German language level of at least B1.

The Master's thesis is an independent, predefined scientific project to be completed in a fixed period of six months. It is concluded by an oral presentation and defence of the results.

The curricular structure is divided into several parallel compulsory elective or elective catalogues:

• CORE: in-depth basic lectures
• ELECTIVE: application-oriented Master's lectures
• GENERAL: Master's lectures from related subject areas (ETIT)
• ADDITIONAL: additional qualifications, interdisciplinary modules
• One laboratory or project plus one seminar
• Large "project group" or alternatively industrial practice plus lecture
• Final thesis over six months

Below you will find a visual structure of the Master's programme to see how many credit points are required in each subject area.

From the above module catalogues, students are free to choose their study content according to their own interests and study goals under the general conditions mentioned. Fixed specialisations with specific catalogues or predetermined module combinations are explicitly not provided for.

In view of the large variety of module combinations that can be studied, students are to be given assistance in choosing their own study content through so-called study profiles. The study profiles show module combinations that complement each other in a meaningful way for profiling. They have the character of suggestions. Other combinations are possible at any time.

View the PDF download below to find possible study profiles:

• Digital Hardware Engineering
• Data Sensing and Processing
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Systems
• Digital Energy Systems
• Autonomous and Cyber-Physical Systems
• Systems for Human-Machine Interaction

Since the study profiles are not binding, but only suggestive in nature, the selection of study profiles offered can be continuously supplemented and adapted over time.

Students are required to complete an industrial internship for a minimum period of 18 weeks as an integrated and compulsory part of their curriculum. During the internship, students will be trained how to handle practical engineering problems. Flexibility and open-mindedness are major qualifications of an electrical engineer.
Alternatively, instead of an industrial internship, students can work on a large project in a group. This project group involves a large team of at least eight students planning, working on and communicating an appropriately large and challenging project over an extended period of time. The duration is usually two semesters, so that it can be completed alongside other courses and modules.

No tuition fees

Approx. 300 EUR student services contribution per semester

The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in all of North Rhine-Westphalia. The "Semesterticket" is now valid throughout Germany, as part of the official "Deutschlandticket". Consequently, it is possible to travel further into the Netherlands, as the entire South Limburg area is also included in the ticket.

The cost of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be 1,100 EUR per month. Please note that single individuals have to give proof of a minimum income of 992 EUR per month at the immigration office in Aachen in order to be eligible for an extension of the residence permit (as of 2024). Employment as a research assistant is possible. The salary for eight hours per week is about 556 EUR.

1. In order to apply to the RWTH Master's programme in Computer Engineering, applicants should have completed their basic studies (Bachelor of Science or Engineering or an equivalent academic degree) at an internationally recognised university. The basic study should fulfil both the subject requirements listed below and those listed in detail on the homepage of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.
More information about subject requirements

• At least 25 ECTS credits for advanced mathematics
• at least 5 ECTS credits for physics and physical principles of electronic devices
• at least 23 ECTS credits for fundamentals of electrical engineering including circuit technology
• at least 16 ECTS credits for informatics (computer science) and programming
• at least 10 ECTS credits for fundamentals of control and mathematical systems theory
• at least 10 ECTS credits for advanced electromagnetic field theory or theoretical information theory
• at least 20 ECTS credits for application-oriented courses

2. In addition, at the time of application, all applicants are obliged to prove that they have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. The test score must fulfil the minimum requirements according to the current examination regulations. Applicants who are citizens of a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as those with prior educational qualifications from Germany (so-called “Bildungsinländer”), are exempt from this rule.

3. Conditional admissions are possible. In this case, additional study requirements have to be fulfilled. 

4. Admission to this Master's course requires proof of an adequate knowledge of the English language (see below).

Admission to this study programme requires proof of adequate knowledge of the English language (TOEFL-iBT 90, IELTS 5.5, or equivalent).

International students who cannot provide proof of German language skills at level B1 or better (according to the CEFR) are obliged to take German language courses as part of their curriculum (equivalent to 8 ECTS credits).

More information about language skills

Devices: Laptop

Non-EU applicants: 1 March for the following winter semester
EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester

Non-EU applicants: 1 September for the following summer semester
EU applicants: 15 January for the following summer semester

In Germany, universities do not offer full-coverage scholarships. Prospective and current RWTH students, however, may apply for a scholarship from the Education Fund, which is worth 300 EUR per month: more information about the education fund.

Additionally, there are a number of trusts and foundations which offer scholarships. A full list of programmes and foundations can be found in the RWTH Scholarships Database: more information about scholarships and funding programmes.

International students have very limited work opportunities while studying. Therefore, it is not possible to finance your entire studies through working alone. There are teaching and research assistant positions available at the involved institutes. These are, however, only awarded to students who have already started their academic studies in a programme. Students working as a teaching or research assistant may work a maximum of 19 hours a week but will usually not earn enough to cover all of their living expenses. By law, a student from outside the EU is permitted to work either 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. We do caution students to be careful about taking on outside work commitments, as completing a Master's degree within the designated two years will be difficult if a student spends too much time away from his or her studies.

RWTH Aachen University has a limited number of dorm rooms and studio apartments. However, there are usually waiting lists for these rooms, and students will probably need to find private accommodation first. There are a number of options for finding private accommodation in and around Aachen, and the International Office can provide students with information beforehand or upon arrival.

The average rent per month for a flat starts from 400 EUR to 600 EUR.

Please note that there is only a very limited number of family apartments in the university dorms, which is why students who bring their spouses or families with them will most likely need to find private accommodation.

Rooms in university dorms cost between 210 EUR and 750 EUR, depending on room size. For short-term accommodation, there are many hotels and a youth hostel.

RWTH Aachen University also offers a housing guide for international degree and non-degree students: more information about accommodation in Aachen.

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• Graduation ceremony

With 260 institutes in nine faculties, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe's leading institutions for science and research. Currently, more than 44,892 students are enrolled in 190 academic programmes. More than 15,270 of them are international students hailing from 137 different countries. The scientific education students receive at RWTH Aachen University is firmly rooted in real-world application.

As a result, our graduates are highly sought after by businesses to work as trainees and fill executive positions. National and international rankings show that our graduates have a high aptitude for managing complex tasks, constructively solving problems in teams, and taking on leadership responsibilities. Thus, it should come as no surprise that one in five board members of German corporations is an alumnus of RWTH Aachen University. Work conducted in the research centres at RWTH Aachen University is strongly oriented towards the current needs of industry, commerce, and the professions. This has resulted in numerous innovations, patents, and licences. The individual competence centres at RWTH Aachen University collaborate effectively across departments and faculties in interdisciplinary groups and forums, while still maintaining a strong focus on their own department specialisation. For instance, the computer science and biology departments – and even the social sciences – all have a clear connection to the school's engineering focus. This has been a crucial factor in motivating multinational corporations such as Philips, Microsoft, and Ford to locate their research institutions in the Aachen region. Excellence in teaching and research constitutes the basis from which RWTH Aachen University works with other leading institutions and technical universities around the world. RWTH Aachen University is aware of its responsibility toward society and the environment and actively contributes to a sustainable higher education landscape.

As Germany's westernmost city, Aachen is located on the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. Its population is about 260,000. Aachen's historic centre around the distinctive cathedral (UNESCO world heritage site) is characterised by a student lifestyle. At the city's doorstep, the hilly Eifel landscape with its rivers, lakes, and forests offers a picturesque countryside for outdoor recreation. Aachen benefits from its central location in the heart of Europe!