Aachen enjoys an excellent reputation among students, but also in business and research. This is mainly due to the high quality of studies at RWTH, the Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University. The elite university is known beyond the borders of Germany for its technical and scientific degree programmes as well as a wide range of MINT subjects. Studying in Aachen definitely gives your career the right impetus. But life as a student costs money, and very few people have enough of it. Choosing a course of study is therefore accompanied by the big question: How much does it cost to study in Aachen?
Every study programme comes with costs. But don’t worry: students are experts in living frugally and finding the necessary money. To make your dream of studying with a future come true, we have listed all common expenses. You have to take the following costs into account when studying in Aachen.
You don’t have to pay tuition fees in Aachen, but you do have to pay a compulsory semester fee. The semester contribution consists of the contribution for the Studierendenwerk, the AStA contribution for the student council and the semester ticket. This allows you to use all public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia free of charge.
The semester fee at RWTH and the other universities is around 50 € per month. Please note that the semester fees change over time. You can check the current amounts on the website of the respective university.
As with any degree programme, you will also have to take one or two purchases into account for a place at a university in Aachen. The exact amount depends on the degree programme you want to take. However, you should plan on spending up to 100 euros per month on specialist literature, IT and other utensils. If you want to save money, buy used books and old study materials from students in higher semesters. Both benefit from this.
Most students have to move to Aachen to get one of the coveted university places. That’s why rent, at around 500 euros, is probably the biggest expense. Finding a room in a shared flat, a flat or a student hall of residence can be quite difficult in a student hotspot like Aachen – especially if you live further away.
Student halls of residence are highly sought-after and are especially recommended if you’re just getting to know your way around a new city. However, many people like it so much that they live in a student hall of residence for the entire duration of their studies. Others feel more comfortable in a shared flat. Find out which type you are: living alone versus in a shared flat.
Are privacy, a quiet study environment and living comfort important to you? Then you can move into your own flat in one of our MILESTONE houses from 129 € per week. Both locations in Aachen provide you with everything you need for successful studies. Including cleaning service, Wi-Fi and high-quality interior design with private bathroom.
Discover MILESTONE Aachen West Denkmal and MILESTONE Aachen West Neubau on a virtual tour now.
The semester ticket is already included in the semester fee. Many routes in Aachen can also be covered on foot or by bike, for example the daily walk towards the RWTH campus. Therefore, there are no extra costs unless you need your own car. However, you should set aside a few euros per month for visits home and excursions. Get inspired in our article on day trips from Aachen.
Everyday life costs money. And that starts with health insurance for students. You also want to have a full fridge and enjoy a beer or two on Pontstraße after work. As we all know, life isn’t just about studying.
If you’ve had enough of the lecture hall, you can look forward to a wide range of leisure activities in Aachen. This includes sports activities, but also cinema, pubs and culinary offerings. If you want to eat particularly cheaply, go to one of the city’s many refectories. Lunch there costs between 2 and 3 euros. By the way, the same goes for the alcoholic hop drink in one of the many student bars. If you calculate with an amount of 500 euros including health insurance, you’re on the safe side.
Limited financial means should not stand in the way of your desire to study in Aachen. Therefore, there are numerous offers for financing your studies, such as state subsidies, BAföG, loans and student credits. You may also be able to apply for a housing allowance to pay your rent.
Find out about the various funding options in good time and take advantage of the counselling service to find out which options are right for you. You can also quickly find a part-time student job in a student city like Aachen.
How much it costs to study in Aachen depends on many different factors. These include, above all, rent and daily living expenses. You should expect to pay between 1,000 and 1,200 euros per month. If you feel overwhelmed by all of this, you can contact the student advisory service in Aachen. They can help you with all your questions about financial aid, housing subsidies, BAföG and student loans. Your dream of studying at RWTH Aachen University or FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences will soon become a reality.