Language Requirements
Source: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/zwyn/lidx/1 Parent: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/drar/lidx/1
Most bachelor’s programs and many master’s programs at RWTH are taught in German. At the same time, RWTH also offers a number of master’s programs taught entirely in English.
For admission, you will need to demonstrate sufficient language proficiency in the language of instruction for your chosen program, usually by submitting a recognized language certificate.
For details on the language requirements that apply to your program, please refer to the document in the download box below.
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Exemptions from the German Language Certificate
You do not need to submit a German language certificate if:
- You hold a school-leaving qualification that grants university admission in Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, the German-speaking regions of Switzerland, the German-speaking communities in East Belgium, or South Tyrol.
- You completed your first degree in German at a German university, including universities of applied sciences.
- You earned a bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) that meets the requirements of the resolution issued by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) on “Bilingual International Baccalaureates at Foreign Schools with German Instruction”, valid at the time of enrollment.
Exemptions from the English Language Certificate
You do not need to submit proof of English proficiency if you hold a school-leaving qualification or a first degree taught in English from an institution in one of the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States
Please note: the qualification or degree must have been completed in one of these countries.
Important Notes
- Citizenship alone (German or from an English-speaking country) does not exempt you from the language certificate requirement.
- Exemptions from the language test can only be granted through the RWTH Language Center&lidx=1) to students who are already enrolled at RWTH. More information is available on the Language Center’s website.
- RWTH does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores. The required minimum TOEFL score must be achieved in a single exam.
- For the M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, the language certificate is valid for two years. For all other programs, language certificates do not expire.
Language Requirements for Doctoral Studies
For doctoral studies, your supervisor will determine whether you need to provide a language certificate. In some cases, you may be required to take a language exam, so please discuss this with your supervisor at an early stage.
Acquiring German Skills Before Arrival
Strong German skills are essential for academic success in Germany. If you are from a non-EU country, please note that a residence permit for the purpose of learning German is generally limited to 12 months.
We therefore strongly recommend that you begin learning German in your home country, wherever possible. Acquiring language skills before arrival helps you avoid extended stays in Germany solely for language preparation, which may not guarantee passing the required exam in time.
Legal Basis
- The Ordinance for the German Language Exam University Admission of International Applicants – DSH, and in the
- The Comprehensive Examination Regulations for all bachelor’s and master’s programs at RWTH, along with the examination regulations for each individual program.
Learning German
Before beginning your studies, please explore language-learning opportunities both in your home country and in Germany, and carefully consider the time and expenses involved in such preparatory courses.
The Goethe Institute , with branches worldwide, offers German courses at all levels. Another option is Deutsch-Uni-Online (DUO) , which provides supported online German courses.
At RWTH
At present, RWTH does not offer German language courses for prospective students preparing for university study. Please check the Language Center's website for updates and announcements on whether such courses may be offered again in the future.