Automotive Engineering

Students are taught the technological fundamentals and in-depth knowledge of the conception and the development of passenger cars and commercial vehicles. They also have the option to learn about motorcycles and off-highway vehicles. This comprises technical vehicle design with regard to legal and user requirements, aiming to improve safety, efficiency, and driving experience. Course modules cover all of the vehicle's domains, such as chassis, body, drive train, E/E and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

Educational organisation

The students have to earn 90 credit points (CP). The compulsory modules are a set of eight modules with 5 or 6 CP each (total of 44 CP). The lectures are held weekly over a lecture period of approx. 14 weeks and are complemented by an exercise course. 16 CP have to be covered in elective modules. The Master's thesis is completed in the third semester and is worth 30 CP.

Forms of assessment

The students have to pass a written (sometimes oral) exam for each module. The Master's thesis is assessed on the basis of a written report and an oral presentation of results.

Course objectives

Graduates will be proficient in relevant technological areas such as vehicle dynamics, energy efficiency, acoustics, mechatronics, lightweight design and durability. The programme provides in-depth knowledge of industrial design approaches and research topics with regard to worldwide vehicle requirements, market developments, and legal constraints. The graduates are awarded a Master of Science degree (RWTH).

Language requirements

TOEFL 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 80 (Internet-based) or equivalent

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering or automotive engineering is required.
Further details are available on the programme website.

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Enrolment fees

All students are subject to a student service fee of currently approx. 240 EUR per semester. This includes a student ticket for public transport in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (buses, commuter trains).
There is currently no fee at RWTH Aachen University for processing applications.

Costs of living

The average cost of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be 700-900 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

Job opportunities depend on visa stipulations. In most cases, the following applies: International (non-EU) students may take up jobs in the private sector for up to three months per semester without the need for a work permit. Students may take up full-time work for 90 days or part-time positions (up to four hours per day) for 180 days. This regulation is also stated on the residence permit/visa. During the semester, students are allowed to take up jobs with working hours of up to 19 hours a week. During the semester break, students may work full-time but only for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks.
Student assistant jobs at participating university institutes ("Hiwi" jobs) are more flexible regarding working hours, as the 90/180 days full- and part-time regulations do not apply. As a student assistant, you are allowed to work up to 19 hours per week throughout the year.
The availability of "Hiwi" job positions is limited and can vary strongly depending on projects and budget. One of the advantages is the involvement with automotive topics and projects throughout the placement.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships from various organisations is available to help students finance their studies. Please see the following website for a list of exchange programmes, scholarships, and grants, together with their specific application requirements and conditions, and/or contact the International Office directly for advice and assistance.
http://www.rwth-aachen.de/scholarships

Arrival support

The International Office Info Service Center provides information and services for international students and visiting scientists at RWTH Aachen University upon their arrival in Aachen. RWTH Aachen University considers the integration of international visiting scientists and students an important task and, in order to reach this goal, offers the following assistance for international students and scientists:

• accommodation information
• assisting students during admission procedures
• registering your address with local authorities
• opening a bank account
• insurance matters
• locating pertinent university and city offices
• tips for finding a job in Aachen

These services are offered to students during the orientation phase at the beginning of each semester. The Info Service Center offers a social programme called "Leisure and Pleasure" and publishes a monthly newsletter for international students and scientists.

Services and support for international students

German language course (starting in August), intensive course guidance and counselling, sports and social activities
See "arrival support".

Accommodation

Availability of university accommodation in Aachen is limited. Thus, participation in individual allocation procedures is usually required. Because of the high demand for university accommodation, it may be necessary to resort to the private accommodation market.
As apartments for families and couples are particularly high in demand, applicants interested in this type of accommodation will almost definitely need to draw on the private market. The majority of RWTH Aachen University's students rely on the private accommodation market.
There are a number of options for finding private accommodation in and around Aachen; the International Office can provide students with information before or upon their arrival.
Prices for university accommodation vary between 200 EUR and 330 EUR per month, and accommodation on the private market is priced between 290 EUR and 550 EUR per month, depending on the size and the number of rooms.
For short-term accommodation, there are many hotels, a few youth hostels and a boarding house located in and around Aachen (reservation is recommended).