ASSOCIATION OF INDIAN STUDENTS
IN AACHEN (AISA)
General Information
Disclaimer: The information provided here are my personal opinions. I do not take
responsibility of the accuracy and the validity of the information provided in this
document. I do not endorse any of the brands mentioned in the document.
About RWTH Aachen
RWTH stands for Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule, Technical University
on the west bank of the river Rhine. It is an old university, founded in the year 1870
very famous for its Mechanical, Civil and Metallurgical Engineering departments. Of
course, with time it has added the latest of all advancing fields like Computer
Sciences, Electrical Engineering. It has also has a reputed Bio-medical department as
well as Social Sciences. There are about 40000 students under the RWTH, (more than
5000 international students) making a sizeable proportion of the total town
population.
RWTH is part of the famous IDEA league in Europe and a part of the reputed TU – 9
elite group of German Universities, thus considering it among the top most
universities not only in Germany but also all over Europe. Though RWTH may not fare
well in world rankings, its reputation goes beyond the rankings.
Unlike classical universities (like back in India) where in there is a university and
departments under it, RWTH has quite a fascinating and interesting structure. It
consists of 9 major faculties (Mechanical, Civil etc) and 200 Institutes in association
with the faculties. An example would be the Mechanical Engineering department
under which a wide range of institutes like the Institute for Combustion engines
(VKA), Institute for Automotive Engg (IKA), Institute for Design etc. Simply put, it is
the institutes are highly specialized centres of research. Each institutes offers courses
in its field which can be taken up by the students. These institutes also provide thesis
opportunities and assistantship jobs to students.
There are other good universities in Germany as well. A good place to your search :
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/internationalprogrammes/07535.en.html
Association
Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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About RWTH Aachen International Academy
The International Academy website is as follows:
http://master-mechanical-engineering.com/
The RWTH International Academy is an organization under RWTH which offers the
International Masters (Master of Science) courses of  Production Systems Engineering:
http://master-mechanical-engineering.com/programmes/msc-productionsystems-engineering
 Computer Aided Conception and Production in Mechanical Engineering:
http://master-mechanical-engineering.com/programmes/msc-computeraided-conception-and-production-mechanical-engineering
Exam Structure and grading system
In the German grading system, grades are given between 1.0 (best grade) and 5.0 (fail
grade). Grades are given in levels as 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0 and so on. 4.0 is the pass grade.
For most courses, there is no continuous grading system and a term-end exam of
usually 120 marks in conducted. An oral exam may be conducted for grade
improvement.
Placements
There are no campus placements in RWTH Aachen. However, there are regular
company fairs where students get a chance to interact with the representatives from
the various companies and get valuable contacts. These may be used during the
actual online application.
PhD at RWTH Aachen
http://www.rwthaachen.de/cms/root/Studium/Nach_dem_Studium/~ejw/Promotion/lidx/1/
German Language Requirements
RWTH as such requires no German language certificate at time of admission. During
the course you must complete upto B1 level of German language (3 levels from
Goethe Institute aka Max Müller Bhavan in India). However, if you have beforehand
German knowledge it will not only give you an advantage during the admission
procedure but will help you get a good internship / student assistantship. Therefore, I
would advise you strongly to complete as many language courses as possible from
India itself. Do submit a certificate of the levels you complete.
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Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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Once here, you will have to give a small German language placement test wherein
you will be placed in the appropriate further level. If you complete up to B1 from
India itself, then you are not required to take up the language course. It is always a
good idea to continue learning German side by side even once you are here just to
keep in touch. Though the websites state that all courses are in English and so on,
German cannot be separated from the work culture here. As such, you would be
required to learn some technical terms in German sooner or later along with
language for day to day conversation.
Applying to RWTH
Requirements
Usually RWTH International Academy considers the following things during
admission:
 Academics – 65% is obligatory.
 GRE – Though the website says that GRE is not compulsory, I strongly advise
that one gives it. It serves as a common ground for comparison for different
students around the world. Since you are applying for an Engineering course,
the Quantitative Analysis score would be given more weightage.
 TOEFL – Minimum of 20 in each of the sections
 Co-curricular activities – These are very important especially those relevant to
your course.
 Work Experience – Some courses demand a minimum work experience of 1
year. Though it is not a strict rule, any work experience is given weightage.
 Recommendation letters and Statement of purpose - These are taken into
consideration as well.
 Your international experience/ internships in Germany – If you have previously
studied in Germany, it is a very big advantage.
 German Language skills – The more, the better.
Expenditure
For the courses of RWTH International Academy, a fee of 3900 euros is charged per
semester. In addition, a semester contribution of around 225 euros has to be paid to
the RWTH Aachen University. The semester contribution is necessary to receive the
SEMESTERKARTE – which enables the free use of public transport in the state of
North-Rhein-Westfalia (except ICEs and THALYS). Students also get subsidized food in
the Student Canteens (MENSAs ) in the city.
Living expenses amount to about 450-650 Euros per month depending on life-style.
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Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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[Registrierter Studentenverien an der RWTH Aachen]
Scholarships
See http://www.aisa.rwth-aachen.de/documents/Scholarship_Information.pdf
Assistant Jobs
Student assistant jobs or Hiwis as they are called are common in the university.
However they are not as easy to get as one might imagine. Here in Aachen, Hiwi jobs
in the IKA are difficult. Since FEV and VKA are big organisations, students get more
opportunities over there. Students earn at a rate of 9 euros per hour and can have a
contract of 10 hours per week to 19 hours per week (350 to 600 euros a month).
Knowledge of German, language of softwares, programming languages, previous
work experience offers additional advantages.
On Campus Jobs
Campus jobs are unusual but not unheard of in Aachen. Since Aachen does not have a
defined campus, there is always an opportunity to work in shops, restaurants, cafes,
libraries etc. Though this may be a hectic with your course and you may get paid at a
lesser rate, but naturally the opportunities are more. German language is quite an
important factor in getting these jobs.
Coming to Aachen
Booking an air ticket
Dusseldorf and Cologne-Bonn airports are the closest to Aachen and ideal for arrival.
Seniors can come to pick you at these stations after proper appointments. Other
options include Brussels and Frankfurt. Be sure to arrive in Aachen at a reasonable
time during the day!
VISA / Bank Account / Travel insurance: See embassy websites for the latest rules and
guidelines. As these rules change quite often, we advise you to check the embassy
websites thoroughly before applying.
Accommodation in Aachen:
See http://www.aisa.rwth-aachen.de/documents/Accommodation_Information.pdf
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Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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First steps in Aachen
 VISA Extension
It may be done at the SuperC building in Aachen within the first 3 months of
your stay in Aachen. A new electronic card has been introduced which costs
around 80 euros.
See:http://www.international.rwthaachen.de/aw/cms/InternationalOffice/themen/internationale_studierende/wi
llkommen/visum_und_aufenthaltsrecht/~tcv/beantragung_und_verlaengerung
_der_aufenth/?lang=en
 City Registration
It may be done at any of the Stadt Aachen offices around the city. It records
your address in Aachen. It is a very important document and required for all
contracts in the city. The city registration can be done with a temporary
address. No costs are involved. The city registration has to be done every time
you change your address in Aachen within 7 days of the change.
Register at
- City Council Administration Office next to the Aachen train station (Office
hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs 7:30-15:00, Wed 7:30-18:00, Fri 7:30-12:00)
- Bürgerservice Katschhof, in the city centre, (Office hours Mon, Tue 10:0018:00, Wed 8:30-13:00, Thu, Fri 8:30-16:00).
 Health Insurance
See http://www.aisa.rwth-aachen.de/documents/Insurance_Information.pdf
 Phone connection
For phone connection, city registration and bank account is must. Usually
Indian students prefer O2 connection with flat rate of 10 euros per month
which includes free calling to other O2 mobiles and German landlines. Many
handset options are available. Internet on phone can be got as combined pack
with flat rate for 20 euros. Other service providers include T-mobile and
Vodafone. Prepaid cards are available on temporary basis and can be bought
over the counter. Your seniors can guide you with the right plans once you are
here.
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Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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 Calling to India
This can be done through prepaid cards. Most effective are VOIP softwares
(Voice over Internet Protocol). Softwares like REBTEL and AKTIONVOIP can be
used to call India at a rate of 1.1 cent/min. These can be made from your
phone if you have the flatrate option on O2.
 Internet Connection
Most Student Hostels already have an internet connection available in the
room. In case of private housing, a variety of internet connection providers like
BASE, NET+, UNISPOT, O2, VODAFONE, 1&1 provide internet for about 15 to 20
euros per month. Additionally, the university has its own Wi-fi connection
which can be used (on phone and laptop) near the university buildings in the
city.
 Travelling in Aachen:
For students of the RWTH and FH Aachen, the public transport system in the
state of NRW is free. Aachen has an excellent bus system which covers the
entire city. It is the cheapest way to travel around the city as it is covered in the
semester contribution. Buses start at 4.00 am and go on until midnight.
Frequency is generally higher in the mornings when students have to get to the
lecture halls and low at dawn and near midnight. Bus connections can be
searched online at http://www.aseag.de/ (right hand top fields). Aachen has 4
train stations which can be used to get around the city. Cycling is an option,
especially in the summer months when it is not very cold. Second hand cycles
can be bought starting 20 euros at fairs in the city. Since Aachen is a small
town, walking is always an option.
 Driving license:
Getting a driving license is expensive in Germany and may cost from 350 to 700
euros depending on number of driving classes you need to take. Driving license
MUST be got through a driving school. Indian International Driving Permit (IDP)
is only valid for the first six months of your stay here and may not be accepted
by all car-rental firms. Two-wheelers are generally expensive (800 euros and
above). Second hand cars is an option as well.
Association
Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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[Registrierter Studentenverien an der RWTH Aachen]
General Tips for DAAD Students
http://www.aisa.rwth-aachen.de/documents/Information_for_Interns.pdf
For more information see the following links:
FAQ’s
 About me:
I am a PhD Research assistant working in the Institute of Combustion Engines in
Aachen. I finished my Master of Science course in Automotive Engineering from
the RWTH International Academy in 2012. My focus has been on internal
combustion engines and hybrid powertrains and I have taken up courses relating
to the same. I work in the field of Diesel engine 3D CFD simulations.
 Why did I choose Germany over US?
I had applied to 4 universities in the US – Ohio, Clemson, Maryland and Purdue
and got admits without funding from them. In Germany, I had only applied to
RWTH. RWTH was my top priority as I had heard about its reputation in
Mechanical Engineering, as about Germany in general. Though the world ranking
was not great, I was convinced of its high quality due to some of the leagues in
which it falls in. When I started my MS, the automotive Engineering was just
coming out of recession. Stories from US were not positive. Here in Germany,
situation was relatively better. The lower cost of education in Germany (albeit the
policy of no tuition waivers) was also a factor. Personally, I was not convinced
about the way research is done in the US, the easy nature of the MS course there
and did not want to get lost in the thousands that go there every year. Hence,
when the admit came from RWTH, finalising it was a matter of moments. Since
German MS degree is accepted worldwide, there was always the possibility of
going for a job or for PhD later to the US.
 Is Switzerland included in Schengen VISA?
Yes
 How is the quality of education in Germany?
Germany is still developing as an education hub for international students. They
are still upgrading their education system and translating their literature. Some
teachers do not speak good English. The exam structure is old school types with
just an exam per semester. It is not continuous evaluation.
Association
Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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[Registrierter Studentenverien an der RWTH Aachen]
Software exposure in the courses is low. However, I believe that the knowledge is
here. The course content is fantastic. The courses are tough but once you pass an
exam you can be sure that you know the subject. I would put overall quality of
education as medium high. If one takes additional efforts, there are always
opportunities in the offing. Softwares can be learnt at student assistant jobs and
while working on the thesis. If you want to do Mechanical Engineering, Germany is
the place to be.
 How are the job opportunities in Germany?
I would put job opportunities as good. If you have decent scores and have worked
well in your internship and thesis in the company, then the company usually
absorbs you. German language skills play an important part here. However, as
there are no formal campus placements, online job hunting with patience and
determination may have to be carried out. You get one year extension on your
visa after your studies to look for a job.
 How is the climate in Aachen?
Climate is Aachen is on the colder side. Winter temperatures go upto -10 deg C
and it snows here for about 3 months. All houses have heating inside so that is
never a problem Thermal wear is necessary. It is advisable to buy winter jackets
here itself. Summers are really pleasant. It can be a bit warm at times and one
might be tempted to buy a small table fan. The length of the day varies from 8 hrs
in winters to 16 hrs in summers, which requires some getting used to. It rains
throughout the year here but it does not rain heavily. A simple jacket or umbrella
suffices.
 My advice on how to study:
It would be wise to attend all lectures, pay careful attention, take notes etc.
Exercise classes are very important from exam point of view. One has to study
notes carefully, prepare from exercises and old exam papers. Most exams are
written though some can be direct viva. If you fail in the written exam or want to
improve your grade, you can appear for the viva after the written exam. As with
any other thing, early preparation helps.
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Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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[Registrierter Studentenverien an der RWTH Aachen]
 Limited bag allowance – what to get from home
In addition to clothes, one should focus on getting things which will be useful in
the long term and not just short term. Please buy a winter jacket here itself.
Cosmetic items can be brought here and need not be brought in surplus. Shaving
kit with plenty of extras is advisable as it does not take up much space. Plastic
Plates, bowls, glasses, cups can be bought cheaply here. Plastic containers for
storage, in general, everything plastic can be bought at cheap prices here. Please
get knives,spoons, forks. Good non stick pans, utensils, big spoons for servings in
various sizes should be bought along. They should be flat bottom as hot plates are
a common feature here. Important thing is one gets turmeric, red chilli powder,
other masalas / chutneys from India. Those are quite expensive here. Rice, dal,
pulses etc which we are used to eating in India but are required in large quantities
should be bought here as there is no other choice. Bringing them from India is not
advisable. Fancy items like mango syrup, strawberry crush etc are also available
here though at a slightly higher price. Get bed covers / pillow covers from India,
but a winter blanket, pillows etc can be got here as they are quite bulky to bring.
Get ALL electronic items from India itself - chargers, headphones, webcams etc
they are better got in india. Even laptop deals are good in India. Ideally electronics
are cheaper in India then here. Mobile deals can be made with phone operator on
EMI basis here. Basic stationary lasting for a year is also advisable – pens, pencils,
erasers, staplers, punch, some paper files etc. notebooks are too heavy to bring,
so one or two would be enough. Study books to get from India – Consult seniors in
your course.
 What is the difference between TH and FH?
Ap Sci universities are less reputed in the world although there is little difference
in the standards. The reason being that they are meant for training professionals
to work in the industry rather than research. Hence, you usually cannot do a
proper PhD after a masters from an Ap Sci univ.
 Is the English course as good as German?
Content wise the German and English courses are the same, the exams are also
similar. But some of the teachers do not speak good english and there is a
problem there sometimes. A couple of professors do not take the english lectures.
But its a mix. As in, we have some good ones, some OK ones and some not so
good ones...
Association
Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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[Registrierter Studentenverien an der RWTH Aachen]
 Placements
There are no formal placements / campus recruits in Germany. You have to apply
to companies online or approach them personally at fairs etc. Most of the times
the students are absorbed at the company, where they do their internship. There
are no official figures for placements .
Some personal advice - these will be some fighting years of your career. It is not going
to be easy - but once you are through this, you will be much more stronger and better
not just as an engineer, but as a person as well. I myself was very skeptical at the last
moment and the first few days I was here. But people here are good, helpful and
when you help yourself and fight, you will always be given a helping hand. Keep your
priorities right, determination high and trust me, the results would be worth the
effort.
Please do not judge your application for yourself. If you really like the course, do
apply, make the best application you can, and let them decide. In the meantime, do
all that is possible to strengthen your application – take up co-curricular activities,
learn German, write a good SOP etc. Try your best! All the best :)
Avnish Dhongde.
Association Of Indian Students in Aachen
Association
Indian Students in Aachen (AISA)
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[Registrierter Studentenverien an der RWTH Aachen]