Mechanical Engineering at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences offers a comprehensive and practical education designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic field of mechanical systems and technology. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical fundamentals, applied engineering, and innovative problem-solving approaches, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in industries such as automotive, manufacturing, energy, and robotics. Throughout the course of study, students will engage with core subjects including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, control systems, materials technology, and manufacturing processes. The curriculum is structured to promote a hands-on learning experience, incorporating laboratory work, project-based assignments, and internships to facilitate real-world application of theoretical concepts. Students will also develop competencies in computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and simulation tools, enabling them to effectively analyze and optimize mechanical systems. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation prepares students to tackle complex engineering challenges, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Furthermore, the university offers modern facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and workshops, to support practical training. The program encourages international exchange and cooperation, providing students with opportunities to study abroad, participate in global projects, and gain international perspectives. Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering program at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences will be equipped with the technical expertise, practical experience, and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly evolving global industry. They will be prepared for careers in design, development, testing, production, and management within the engineering sector, or to pursue advanced studies and research. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and technology, the program aims to develop engineers who can contribute to solving pressing environmental and technological challenges of our time.
Educational organisation
In your first four semesters, you will acquire sound knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical engineering and computer science, enhance your subject knowledge in mathematics, and be introduced to scientific research methods.The following semesters will provide in-depth study. During this time, you will also be able to define your knowledge more sharply by choosing elective courses which suit your interests and career plans. The range of electives includes areas such as smart environments, advanced sensor technology, computer security, and even business administration. An interdisciplinary project will allow you to carry out an in-depth investigation of a topic of your choosing and will give you the chance to hone your individual strengths and areas of specialism.
In the sixth semester, you will have the choice of either studying abroad or doing a practical semester to accumulate valuable work experience that sets you apart from the crowd and contributes to your overall personal and academic development.
In the seventh semester, you will finish your studies by submitting your Bachelor's thesis, followed by holding a presentation and an open discussion on your research.
Study abroad unit(s)
In the sixth semester, students must complete either a semester abroad or an internship (in Germany or abroad). We provide support in selecting the partner universities and institutions as well as in raising funds.Internships
In the sixth semester, students have the chance to either study abroad or do an internship (in Germany or abroad). We provide support in selecting the partner universities and institutions as well as in raising funds.Forms of assessment
Graded examinations (written examinations, seminar papers, presentations, written assignments, oral examinations) and certificates (projects, reports, presentations)Bachelor's thesis
Course objectives
Career prospectsDistributed systems are finding their way into more and more fields of application. This is fuelling an acute demand for graduate engineers, particularly those who are able to design, develop, implement, maintain, and adapt these systems according to different applications and parameters.
With this broad and interdisciplinary degree, you will be highly sought-after and well suited for an international career in a range of fields, including soft- and hardware development, project management, automation, innovation management, and consultancy.
Language requirements
Please note that for this degree programme, English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. We will accept the following certificates (or equivalents):IELTS: 6.0 - 6.5
TOEFL (Internet-based test): minimum 80
TOEFL (paper-based test): minimum 550
TOEFL (computer-based test): minimum 213
The TOEFL code of our university is: 6962
The only exceptions to these language requirements are a secondary school certificate or a Bachelor's degree achieved in the following countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. Please understand that no further exceptions can be made, even if you have achieved a Bachelor's degree taught in English in any other country.
Academic requirements
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences welcomes applications from nationals of all countries. Please see our website for general admission requirements.Other requirements for Communication and Information Engineering BSc programme include the following:
- A sufficient level of English language proficiency (CEFR level B2 or better)
- Completion of an eight-week internship before the start of the fourth semester. You can also do this internship in your home country before applying to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
- Interest in technical problems and innovative technologies
Enrolment fees
Approx. 270 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administration fees and includes a semester ticket that allows free travel on most bus and train routes throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as to and from Nijmegen in the Netherlands.Costs of living
The "Deutsches Studentenwerk" puts the average cost of living for students in Germany at around 700 to 800 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and other nominal costs. For a sample breakdown of living expenses and information about financing your studies in Germany, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants.Job opportunities
International students from non-EU countries are legally permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year on a student visa. No additional authorisation from German authorities is required.Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences often posts job advertisements for students both inside and outside the university on campus noticeboards. Some jobs at the university only require English, but most jobs in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, and surrounding areas will require at least conversational fluency in German. Fortunately, our Language Centre offers German courses that students can attend at no charge.
However, due to the intense workload at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, first-year students are strongly advised to dedicate their full attention to their studies. In later semesters, you will have a more open schedule and a better idea of how to balance work and studies. This is also a realistic time frame for acquiring speaking proficiency in German while studying full-time.
Funding opportunities within the university
A limited number of scholarships are available for currently enrolled students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The most prominent scholarship is the Germany Scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"). German and international students are both eligible to apply. The Germany Scholarship is a stipend of 300 EUR per month awarded each year to a limited number of students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance or exemplary social commitment to the community. Other scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available through regional and national organisations in Germany. Please see our website for details.Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences informs all students of important scholarship deadlines in advance so that they don't miss any potential application opportunities.
http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-grants
Arrival support
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is accessible from the international airports Amsterdam (AMS), Düsseldorf (DUS), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), and Weeze (NRN). The university does not offer any pick-up services, but both Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort can be reached by public transportation from any of these airports.If you anticipate any travel problems, delays, or unexpected changes to your plans, please contact our Welcome Centre so that we can support you with helpful advice.
Services and support for international students
Our Welcome Centre supports international students during their first few weeks in Germany. The Welcome Centre provides helpful advice and guidance on contracts, opening a bank account, registering your place of residence, applying for a student visa, setting up health insurance, and more.The student mentors at the Welcome Centre know first-hand what it's like adjusting to life as a student in Germany. They are also an important first contact point for students with personal and social issues, as they can direct students to the right place for their specific needs. The Welcome Centre also promotes student culture at the university by organising trips and excursions to destinations all around the region as well as a range of social events for students such as the annual "Freshtival", the university's week-long orientation festival for new students in the winter semester.
Accommodation
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to make accommodation arrangements before your arrival. The university does not have its own residence halls, but the "Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf" runs dormitories near campus in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort with options for single rooms or two- and three-room flats. Prices start at around 220 EUR per month. Room availability in these dormitories is limited and subject to a waiting list, so it's important to register online for a room as soon as possible. Please note that a security deposit of three months' rent is also required.Most students choose to share a private flat off campus with fellow students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany, for example: http://www.wg-gesucht.de. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences also maintains its own list of available flats and rooms for students on its website. Thanks to the flexibility of the Semester Ticket, students can live in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, or one of the many cities and towns nearby and reach campus by public transport. For more information and helpful tips on finding a flat, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/housing.