Welcome Center for International Researchers

Source: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/hcbpq/lidx/1 Parent: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/Vor-dem-Studium/~bdpsux/Internationale-Studieninteressierte/lidx/1/

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Welcome to RWTH!

The Welcome Center for International Researchers Team at RWTH supports international researchers in planning and implementing their research stay. We offer advice and practical support so you have a smooth transition to Aachen. Thanks to a broad network of partners, we offer you access to a wide range of administrative and social services, both inside and outside the University.

Contact

We want to help you before you even get to Aachen. Get in touch with us!

Registering

Register with the Welcome Center and benefit from our information and advising service. After registering, you will receive initial information tailored to your needs. Please note that we can only support you if you have registered in advance!

Formalities

You must complete various formalities in the correct order for a stay at RWTH. Which documents do you need to prepare and bring with you? Where do you have to present which certificates and which documents should you have translated? We are happy to help you with these questions!

Housing in Aachen

Finding suitable accommodation is one of the most important steps in preparing your stay. In addition, you will need a contract of employment to begin with and a permanent address in Germany to apply for a residence permit. Here you will find all the necessary information about finding accommodation, registration, tenancy agreements, and so on.

Researchers With a Family

Are you moving to Aachen with your family? We will be happy to help you clarify issues such as residence law, school, kindergarten, and social benefits. We also offer you and your family a wide range of resources to help you really feel at home in Aachen.

Visiting RWTH and Getting Around

Aachen is a medium-sized city: within the city and the region you can easily get everywhere by bicycle or car, but also public transportation. Many local recreation areas are also easily accessible by bus and train. Find out more about being mobile at RWTH here.

Formalities on Doctoral Studies

We have created a guide to help you complete all the formalities related to doctoral studies quickly and efficiently, so you can start your research at RWTH as quickly and smoothly as possible.

„Off to a Good Start”

Get off to a good start by joining our comprehensive support program for new international PhD students. Build a network of peers even before your arrival in Aachen and find out together what you need to know for a smooth start at RWTH.

Events

16/03/2026

### Programming Course for Refugees and International Students (College Level)

View Details - 17/03/2026

### Online Info Session: Preparing Your Stay at RWTH

View Details - 19/03/2026

### Online Info Session: Preparing Your Stay at RWTH

View Details

View All Events

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StaffMentor Program

You are a new international researcher or PHD candidate at RWTH Aachen University? Join our informal StaffMentor program for an improved arrival experience! An experienced StaffMentor will answer your general questions about life in Aachen and working at RWTH, and help you to settle in to your new home city.

Living in Aachen

Get to know your new home with many different activities in your free time! Aachen has something for everyone: movies, live music, sporting activities, and great restaurants. We have selected our key recommendations for Aachen and the surrounding area and encourage you to take a look!

A to Z of Topics

Are you looking for information on a very specific topic? Here you will find a keyword index with links and brief information to explain each keyword.

Scholars at Risk

RWTH is committed to the freedom of scholarly activities and actively supports researchers who are at risk. The Welcome Center provides assistance with selecting suitable funding programs for admitting researchers at risk and offer help with the application process, especially as part of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative.