MSc Mechanical Engineering
RWTH Aachen is Germany's largest technical university and ranked #1 nationally for engineering. The MSc in Mechanical Engineering covers advanced design, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace — with unmatched ties to Bosch, VW, BMW, and Airbus.
RWTH Aachen is Germany's largest technical university and ranked #1 nationally for engineering. The MSc in Mechanical Engineering covers advanced design, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace — with unmatched industry partnerships and the largest engineering research network in Europe.
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with engineering degrees at other universities we work with.
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWTH Aachen ★ This programme | 🇩🇪 Germany | Master's | 2 years | €0 |
| University of Melbourne QS Top 20 | 🇦🇺 Australia | Master's | 2 years | A$50,000 |
| Purdue University QS #89 | 🇺🇸 USA | Bachelor's | 4 years | $31,104 |
| McGill University QS #27 | 🇨🇦 Canada | Bachelor's | 4 years | CA$63,000 |
| Politecnico di Milano QS #111 | 🇮🇹 Italy | Master's | 2 years | €3,900 |
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
What you'll need
| Academic | Bachelor's in Mechanical/related Engineering with strong grades | |
| English | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 for English-taught tracks | |
| German | B2 recommended; required for German-taught specialisations | |
| Documents | Transcripts, degree certificate, language cert, passport | |
Not sure you meet these or which track fits? Your counsellor matches you to the right English- or German-taught specialisation and arranges any pathway you need.
Core modules
Career outcomes
€52,000
Median starting salary for mechanical engineers in Germany
18-month visa
Post-study job-seeking residence permit
97%
Employed within 6 months of graduation
Top employers
Bosch, VW, BMW, Airbus, Siemens
Application timeline
Tuition fees & deposit
| Tuition (international) | Per annum | €0 (public university) |
| Semester contribution | Per semester | ~€330 (incl. transport ticket) |
| Deposit | Before enrolment | €0 |
Indicative figures for October 2026 entry. Public universities in North Rhine-Westphalia charge no tuition for most programmes — only a semester contribution that includes a regional transport ticket.
Funding you may be eligible for
Germany offers some of the best scholarship programmes in Europe. Your counsellor will match you with every award you qualify for — here are the most relevant for this programme.
Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost to you.
Alternative funding options
Since tuition is free, most students fund only living costs. If scholarships don't fully cover them, several options are available.
Available to students enrolled at German universities. EU citizens and some non-EU nationals with residence permits may apply. Repayment begins after graduation.
International students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year without a permit. RWTH's institutes offer abundant paid HiWi positions tied to live industry projects.
Most students fund the Sperrkonto (€11,904 for 2026) through family savings — these funds are returned to you in monthly instalments of €992 after you arrive.
Monthly budget in Aachen
Aachen is a compact, affordable student city on the Belgian–Dutch border — significantly cheaper than Munich, with a large international student community.
Blocked account (Sperrkonto) requirement for 2026: €11,904/year (€992/month) — the minimum you must prove for your visa application.
Visa requirements for Germany
| Visa type | National Visa (Type D) for study purposes | |
| Financial proof | Blocked account (Sperrkonto) with €11,904 for 2026 | |
| Health insurance | German statutory or recognised private insurance required | |
| Admission letter | Official admission from RWTH (or conditional offer) | |
| Processing time | 6–12 weeks — apply early at your nearest German embassy | |
| Post-graduation | 18-month job-seeking residence permit (§ 20 AufenthG) | |
Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from blocked account setup to embassy appointment booking.
Hear from our students
"Studying mechanical engineering at RWTH tuition-free, surrounded by Bosch and Ford research projects, was an incredible opportunity. My counsellor handled my uni-assist application and HiWi search. I did my thesis with an automotive supplier and now work in Cologne."
"Aachen is small, affordable, and full of engineers from everywhere. The DAAD scholarship covered my living costs and the 18-month post-study visa gave me time to land a role at an aerospace firm. SAG made the German paperwork easy."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply to RWTH?
Start your free application with a counsellor who knows this programme inside out.