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RWTH Aachen University
Master English 🔧 Engineering

Master of Science in Automotive Engineering

Master

About the Program

The international Master's programme in “Automotive Engineering (MSc)" at RWTH Aachen University is the only English-taught programme of many public Master's programmes in mechanical engineering; the others are given in German. They are three-semester Master's programmes that follow a seven-semester mechanical engineering Bachelor's programme. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is among the most acclaimed in the world and one of the largest in Europe. Automotive Engineering is an essential part of the different institutes and research entities. Education and research in this field have a long tradition in Aachen, with the Institute for Automotive Engineering celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2027. More details about the fascinating and extensive facilities, research activities and industrial projects at our institute are waiting for you to explore on our website at www.ika.rwth-aachen.de. The Master's programme in “Automotive Engineering (MSc)" was originally introduced in 2000, and it attracts a vast number of applicants each year. We are happy to say that they are from all corners of the world, with different qualifications and a multitude of backgrounds. In this programme, you will be taught the technological basics and in-depth knowledge of the conception and the development of passenger cars and commercial vehicles as well as the conception and the development of motorcycles and off-highway vehicles (e.g. agricultural vehicles and bots). This comprises technical vehicle design with regard to market, legislative, and manufacturing requirements. Course modules cover all major research and development domains such as chassis, body, drivetrain, safety, driver assistance systems, thermal management, electronics, connected and automated driving and others. An extensive focus is on autonomous driving. Graduates will be proficient in relevant technological areas like vehicle dynamics, energy efficiency, acoustics, mechatronics, structural fatigue, and durability. The programme provides in-depth knowledge of industrial design approaches and research topics with regard to real-world vehicle requirements, market developments, and legislative constraints. The Master's thesis is usually embedded in a real project on state-of-the-art topics with industrial partners or different partners in publicly-funded projects (e.g. EU funding). After your graduation, you will hold a highly regarded Master's degree with a multitude of possible career opportunities. You may work in research, industry, consultancies or other sectors. You could also continue towards a German Dr-Ing degree or continue in PhD degree programmes around the world. In any case, our graduates are very sought-after by many employers in Germany and beyond.
Show the original English text
The international Master's programme in “Automotive Engineering (MSc)" at RWTH Aachen University is the only English-taught programme of many public Master's programmes in mechanical engineering; the others are given in German. They are three-semester Master's programmes that follow a seven-semester mechanical engineering Bachelor's programme. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is among the most acclaimed in the world and one of the largest in Europe. Automotive Engineering is an essential part of the different institutes and research entities. Education and research in this field have a long tradition in Aachen, with the Institute for Automotive Engineering celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2027. More details about the fascinating and extensive facilities, research activities and industrial projects at our institute are waiting for you to explore on our website at www.ika.rwth-aachen.de. The Master's programme in “Automotive Engineering (MSc)" was originally introduced in 2000, and it attracts a vast number of applicants each year. We are happy to say that they are from all corners of the world, with different qualifications and a multitude of backgrounds. In this programme, you will be taught the technological basics and in-depth knowledge of the conception and the development of passenger cars and commercial vehicles as well as the conception and the development of motorcycles and off-highway vehicles (e.g. agricultural vehicles and bots). This comprises technical vehicle design with regard to market, legislative, and manufacturing requirements. Course modules cover all major research and development domains such as chassis, body, drivetrain, safety, driver assistance systems, thermal management, electronics, connected and automated driving and others. An extensive focus is on autonomous driving. Graduates will be proficient in relevant technological areas like vehicle dynamics, energy efficiency, acoustics, mechatronics, structural fatigue, and durability. The programme provides in-depth knowledge of industrial design approaches and research topics with regard to real-world vehicle requirements, market developments, and legislative constraints. The Master's thesis is usually embedded in a real project on state-of-the-art topics with industrial partners or different partners in publicly-funded projects (e.g. EU funding). After your graduation, you will hold a highly regarded Master's degree with a multitude of possible career opportunities. You may work in research, industry, consultancies or other sectors. You could also continue towards a German Dr-Ing degree or continue in PhD degree programmes around the world. In any case, our graduates are very sought-after by many employers in Germany and beyond.

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Automotive Engineering

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Master of Science in Automotive Engineering at RWTH Aachen University

Is Master of Science in Automotive Engineering at RWTH Aachen University taught in German or English?

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Master of Science in Automotive Engineering programme cost?

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Master of Science in Automotive Engineering at RWTH Aachen University?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Master of Science in Automotive Engineering?

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to RWTH Aachen University — directly or via uni-assist?

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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