At RWTH Aachen University, the language of instruction is German - at least in most degree programs (there are also some English-taught master's programs on offer). Therefore, international applicants who do not come from a German-speaking country have to provide evidence of their German language proficiency by presenting one of the following language certificates:

• "Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang" (DSH 2 or 3)
• "Deutsch als Fremdsprache" language test (TestDaF): you must have achieved level 4 in each of the four test sections
• "Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz" - Stage 2 (KMK II)
• Goethe-Institut certificates: Either "Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom" (KDS), "Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom" (GDS), or "Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung" (ZOP)
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung II of the Sprachen- und Dolmetscher-Institut München

You can obtain these certificates at the worldwide TestDaF centers, for example, or sit the exam at one of the Goethe Institutes. It is also possible to sit the DSH test or TestDaF at selected German universities.

Please note: If you are applying for a restricted (NC) programme at RWTH, you have to submit a copy of your German language certificate to the International Office within the application deadline, i.e. by 15 July. If you are applying for a non-restricted program, you may present your language certificate when enrolling at RWTH Aachen University.

Where to Learn German - At home or in Germany?

In order to successfully attend lectures and seminars and do your coursework, you need to have a good working knowledge of German. Applicants from non-EU countries obtain a residence permit for the purpose of learning German for a limited period of time only (typically 12 months) - therefore, international students are advised to acquire at least basi language skills before coming to Aachen, at least if they have the opportunity to do so in their home country. Learning German at home is a safer and cheaper option than coming to Germany without a basic knowledge of the language, as you don't have to prolong your stay just to learn German without being certain that you will pass the required language exam.

Therefore, please enquire about language learning opportunities both in your home country and in Germany, and consider the time, expenditure, and expenses involved. There are Goethe Institutes in several countries all over the world which offer German language courses for both elementary and advanced level students. You can also take one of the several online language course offered by DUO ("Deutsch-Uni Online"), an institution preparing international students for their stay at a German university. DUO is approved and sponsored by the German Ministry for Education and Research and the German Academic Exchange Service, and it offers special rates for ERASMUS students and DAAD scholarship holders. For extensive information in English and other languages, please visit the DUO website.

Preparatory German Language Course and DSH/TestDaF at RWTH

RWTH Aachen University offers an intensive German language course for prospective students which prepares them for university study at RWTH as well as for the DSH and TestDaF language exams. This preparatory course takes place during the summer semester and the winter semester. The course can be taken up at two dates during the term: Bachelor students are typically advised to start the course in April, while students in German-taught masters' programmes are advised to embark upon the course in May. During the course, participants may decide whether or not they wish to sit the DSH or TestDaF exam at RWTH subsequent to the course.

All information on prerequisites, application and costs can be found at the Language Center's website.