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).
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
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Students interested in the “Systems Engineering and Automation” major have to apply for the Master's degree programme in “Electrical Engineering and Information Technology”. Once accepted and enrolled, they can choose any of the five majors (Systems and Automation, Communications Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Biomedical Systems Engineering). Graduates with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology with a specialisation in Systems Engineering and Automation will understand systems by combining their in-depth knowledge in systems and control with their knowledge of other disciplines.
Graduates from this Master's programme will be able to apply control theory to design systems with a desired behaviour. They will have insight and enhanced appreciation of analysis, modelling, and control of dynamic systems. They will be familiar with calculus, physics, and programming skills. They will have the ability to interpret the physical significance of mathematical results in system analysis. The graduates will be able to apply theoretical concepts of system identification, modelling, and optimisation. For many industrial branches, automation technology is the key to economic performance.
The graduates will be able:
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. In addition, there is a selection of possible courses that comprise courses from all other Master's study programmes offered by the faculty. 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.
A total of 120 ECTS credits are required for the successful completion of the programme, distributed among the various subject areas. Modules from the CORE department are mandatory and must be taken for at least 20 credits.
Below you will find a visual structure of the Master's programme to see how many credit points are required in each subject area.
The Master's programme utilises the following basic forms of teaching to achieve the defined goals:
Important additional options for gaining technical competence are available, such as:
View the PDF download below to find our module catalogues:
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.
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 1,071 EUR per month. Please note that single individuals have to give proof of a minimum income of 861 EUR per month at the immigration office in Aachen in order to be eligible for an extension of the residence permit (as of January 2024). Employment as a research assistant is possible. The salary for eight hours per week is about 487 EUR.
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 scholarship from 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 programmes and foundations.
1. In order to apply to the RWTH Master's programme Electrical Engineering and Information Technology with a specialisation in Systems Engineering and Automation, 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 the subject requirements
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).
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
Please note that you have to apply for the Master's degree programme in "Electrical Engineering and Information Technology" and then choose the Systems and Automation major.
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 120 full days or 240 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 200 EUR and 500 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.
Departmental academic adviser
Mentoring programme
RWTH Career Center
Bonding company contact fair in Aachen
With 260 institutes in nine faculties, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe's leading institutions for science and research. Currently, more than 45,284 students are enrolled in 173 academic programmes. More than 14,437 of them are international students hailing from 141 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!
To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.
