Master of Science [MS] (Materials Engineering)
Field of Study:
RWTH Aachen University's MS in Materials Engineering (International Profile) is a 2-year (4-semester), 120-credit, fully English-taught program based in Aachen, Germany. The university ranks #105 globally (QS World University Rankings 2026) and #29 worldwide in Materials Sciences (QS Subject Rankings 2026) — a jump of 10 places from the previous year. Germany charges no tuition fees for this program; students pay only a semester contribution of €300 (₹32,835), making it one of the most affordable Materials Engineering master's programs at a globally ranked university.
The program is offered by the Division of Materials Science and Engineering under the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering. It directly addresses critical global challenges — battery materials for e-mobility, hydrogen storage, CO2 reduction and renewable energy — making graduates highly relevant to Industry 4.0 and the green energy transition. Entry-level Materials Engineers in Germany earn €42,000–€55,000/year (~₹46L–₹60.2L/year).
Admission Status (April 2026): The Winter Semester 2026/27 application window for non-EU/non-EEA students (including Indians) closed on March 1, 2026. The next intake for Indian students is Summer Semester 2027, with the application window opening June 2026 and closing September 1, 2026 (IST deadline: September 1, 2026, 11:59 PM IST). Note: RWTH recommends starting in the Winter Semester as first-semester courses are not offered in the Summer Semester.
- Why Study MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen — Key Reasons for Indian Students
- RWTH Aachen MS Materials Engineering Fees for Indian Students (2026)
- Cost of Living in Aachen for MS Materials Engineering Students
- RWTH Aachen MS Materials Engineering Admission Requirements & Deadlines
- MS Materials Engineering Curriculum at RWTH Aachen — Brief Overview
- RWTH Aachen University Rankings — Materials Sciences
- Scholarships for MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen — Indian Students
- Placements & Career Outcomes After MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen
- ROI — Is MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen Worth It for Indian Students?
- FAQs
Why Study MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen — Key Reasons for Indian Students
- Zero tuition fees: No tuition fees for non-EU students; only €300/semester (₹32,835) semester contribution applies.
- World-class ranking: RWTH ranks #29 globally in Materials Sciences (QS Subject 2026) and #1 in Materials Science & Engineering in Germany (Shanghai Ranking).
- Industry-aligned specializations: Seven specializations including Energy Materials, Corrosion Engineering and Sustainable Process Metallurgy directly map to high-demand sectors.
- Post-study work rights: Graduates qualify for Germany's 18-month job seeker visa (Section 20 AufenthG) to find employment.
- Part-time work allowed: International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year during studies.
RWTH Aachen MS Materials Engineering Fees for Indian Students (2026)
Exchange rate used: 1 EUR = ₹109.45 (ECB reference rate, April 20, 2026). All INR figures are approximate.
| Fee Component | Per Semester (EUR) | Per Year (EUR) | Per Year (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | €0 | €0 | ₹0 |
| Semester Contribution | ~€300 | ~€600 | ~₹65,670 |
| Total Academic Cost | ~€300 | ~€600 | ~₹65,670 |
RWTH Aachen charges no tuition fees for international students, including Indians. The semester contribution (~€300/semester) covers student services, the AStA student council fee and a public transport semester ticket valid across Aachen's network.
Cost of Living in Aachen for MS Materials Engineering Students
RWTH officially recommends budgeting at least €1,100/month (~₹1,20,395/month) for all living expenses.
| Expense Category | Min/Month (EUR) | Max/Month (EUR) | INR/Month (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 | €600 | ₹43,780 – ₹65,670 |
| Food | €200 | €300 | ₹21,890 – ₹32,835 |
| Health Insurance | €100 | €150 | ₹10,945 – ₹16,418 |
| Study Materials | €20 | €40 | ₹2,189 – ₹4,378 |
| Internet & Mobile | €20 | €50 | ₹2,189 – ₹5,473 |
| Miscellaneous | €50 | €200 | ₹5,473 – ₹21,890 |
| Total | ~€790 | ~€1,340 | ~₹86,466 – ₹1,46,663 |
Accommodation options in Aachen:
| Type | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Student dormitory (Studierendenwerk) | €300 – €400 | ₹32,835 – ₹43,780 |
| Shared flat (WG) | €350 – €500 | ₹38,308 – ₹54,725 |
| Private studio/apartment | €500 – €700 | ₹54,725 – ₹76,615 |
Students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Part-time Werkstudent jobs in Aachen typically pay €12–€15/hour (~₹1,313–₹1,642/hour), which can meaningfully offset monthly living costs.
RWTH Aachen MS Materials Engineering Admission Requirements & Deadlines
Intake & Application Deadlines
| Intake | Application Window (Non-EU/Indian Students) | Semester Start |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Semester 2027/28 | December 2026 – March 1, 2027 | October 2027 |
| Summer Semester 2027 | June 2026 – September 1, 2026 | April 2027 |
Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a closely related field from a recognized university.
- Indian students with a B.Tech/B.E./B.Sc. in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or related disciplines are eligible.
- Applicants must provide evidence of credits in fundamental subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry) and engineering subjects (mechanics, electrical engineering, machine elements) as per examination regulations.
- APS Certificate is mandatory for Indian applicants who completed their qualifying degree in India.
- No GRE required (confirmed by admitted students; Reddit r/studying_in_germany, 2026).
Application Process
- Register and apply via RWTH's online portal at online.rwth-aachen.de
- Upload translated academic transcripts (English or German only)
- Submit APS certificate (mandatory for Indian applicants)
- Provide module descriptions matching your courses to the program's prerequisite credit requirements
- Submit English language certificate at enrollment stage
- Accept the offered study place and complete enrollment via RWTHonline
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 90 (single sitting; MyBest Scores not accepted) |
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency | Pass |
Waiver for Indian students: No automatic waiver is available. A waiver applies only if your prior degree was taught entirely in English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK or USA.
MS Materials Engineering Curriculum at RWTH Aachen — Brief Overview
- Semester 1: Basic subjects — foundational materials science, mathematics, physics and chemistry modules
- Semesters 2 & 3: Core subjects in chosen specialization field
- Semester 4: Master's thesis (30 CP) — can be done at any RWTH institute or affiliated Forschungszentrum Jülich
- Specialization fields: Materials Physics and Design, Energy Materials, Materials Science of Steel, Corrosion Engineering, Structural Integrity, Sustainable Process Metallurgy and Metal Recycling, Sustainable Metal Forming and Casting
- Optional: Industrial internship in Germany or the EU can be integrated into the curriculum upon Examination Board approval
RWTH Aachen University Rankings — Materials Sciences
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | Overall | #105 | 2026 |
| QS Subject Rankings | Materials Sciences | #29 globally | 2026 |
| QS Subject Rankings | Materials Sciences (Germany) | #2 in Germany | 2026 |
| Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) | Materials Science & Engineering | #1 in Germany | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | Overall | #92 | 2026 |
RWTH Aachen's Materials Sciences ranking improved by 10 places in QS 2026, reflecting the university's growing research strength in energy materials, structural integrity and sustainable metallurgy.
Scholarships for MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen — Indian Students
| Scholarship | Provider | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Postgraduate Scholarship | DAAD (German Academic Exchange) | €934/month + travel allowance + insurance | Indian nationals; strong academic record; apply after Bachelor's | November 1 (for following year intake) |
| RWTH Completion Scholarship | RWTH Aachen | Partial funding for final semesters | International students enrolled at RWTH; merit-based | Round 2: June 19, 2026 |
| Deutschland Stipendium | RWTH/Federal Govt | €300/month | Merit-based; open to all nationalities | Varies by semester |
| DAAD IIT Master Sandwich | DAAD India | Project/thesis funding | IIT graduates doing master's thesis in Germany | Check DAAD India portal |
DAAD scholarships do not need to be repaid. The DAAD Postgraduate Scholarship also covers health and accident insurance and a one-time travel allowance.
Placements & Career Outcomes After MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen
RWTH Aachen reports that 93% of graduates secure employment within 6 months of graduation. Materials Engineering graduates from RWTH work across automotive, aerospace, energy, steel, semiconductor and chemical industries — with major employers including Thyssenkrupp, Siemens, BASF, BMW, Airbus and Forschungszentrum Jülich.
| Role | Entry-Level Salary (EUR/Year) | Entry-Level Salary (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Engineer | €42,000 – €55,000 | ₹46.0L – ₹60.2L |
| Process/Metallurgical Engineer | €44,000 – €58,000 | ₹48.2L – ₹63.5L |
| R&D Engineer (Materials) | €45,000 – €60,000 | ₹49.3L – ₹65.7L |
| Corrosion/Structural Engineer | €43,000 – €57,000 | ₹47.1L – ₹62.4L |
Sources: PayScale Germany 2026, Hays Germany Salary Report, Levels.fyi Germany.
Mid-level Materials Engineers in Germany (5–10 years experience) earn €60,000–€87,000/year (~₹65.7L–₹95.2L/year).
ROI — Is MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen Worth It for Indian Students?
| Cost Component | Total (EUR) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (2 years) | €0 | ₹0 |
| Semester Contributions (4 semesters) | ~€1,200 | ~₹1.31L |
| Living Costs (2 years @ €1,100/month) | ~€26,400 | ~₹28.9L |
| Blocked Account Requirement | €11,904/year | ~₹13.0L/year |
| Total Estimated Cost (2 years) | ~€27,600 | ~₹30.2L |
| Break-Even Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Entry-level annual salary (Germany) | €48,000/year (~₹52.5L/year) |
| Total 2-year investment | ~₹30.2L |
| Break-even period | ~7 months of first salary |
With zero tuition fees and a total 2-year investment of ~₹30.2 lakh, the MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen delivers exceptional ROI compared to fee-paying programs in the UK or USA. The 18-month post-study job seeker visa gives Indian graduates ample time to secure a role and eventually apply for Germany's EU Blue Card or permanent residency.
FAQs
Ques. Is GRE required for Indian students applying to MS Materials Engineering (International Profile) at RWTH Aachen?
Ans. No. Unlike the MS Data Science program at RWTH, the MS Materials Engineering (International Profile) does not require a GRE score. Indian applicants need a relevant Bachelor's degree, an APS certificate, an IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT of 90 and module descriptions proving prerequisite credits in mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering subjects.
Ques. What is the APS certificate and is it mandatory for Indian students applying to RWTH Aachen MS Materials Engineering?
Ans. The APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is a document issued by the German Embassy in India that verifies the authenticity of your academic qualifications. It is mandatory for Indian applicants applying to German universities, including RWTH Aachen's MS Materials Engineering program. The APS assessment involves submitting your transcripts and attending a short interview at the German Embassy in New Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks, so applicants should apply for APS well before the program deadline.
Ques. What are the job and visa options after completing MS Materials Engineering at RWTH Aachen as an Indian student?
Ans. After graduating, Indian students can apply for an 18-month job seeker visa (Section 20 AufenthG) to search for employment in Germany. Once employed in a role matching their qualification, they can convert to a work permit or EU Blue Card. Entry-level Materials Engineers in Germany earn €42,000–€55,000/year (~₹46L–₹60.2L/year). After 21–33 months of skilled employment, graduates can apply for permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis). RWTH's strong industry ties with companies like Thyssenkrupp, BASF and Siemens give graduates a significant advantage in the German job market.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline for Summer 2026 Intake - Sep 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Accomodation | ₹536544 (EUR 4800) |
| Food | ₹268272 (EUR 2400) |
There are no tuition fees at RWTH Aachen University
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | |
| 2023 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline for Winter 2026 Intake | |
| Application Deadline for Summer 2026 Intake | Sep 1, 2026 |
Scores Required
120
ECTS Credits
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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| University's Education Fund | 300 euros monthly | The RWTH Education Fund Scholarship supports the top 10% of students based on academic excellence, personal experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and social background, with approximately 20% of applicants receiving funding annually |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Masters in Engineering in Germany: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries
MS in Germany: MS in Germany: Deadlines, Fees, Scholarships, Jobs
College Student Profiles
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.1 L/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| MAWISTA Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 7.5 L/Yr$6,691 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeEasy-to-Apply | |
| Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 11.2 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeNeed-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.2 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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