Circular Engineering and Economy
RWTH Aachen University offers this 24-month master's in Engineering in Aachen, ranked #92 by Times Higher Education. First university degree, required qualifications according to the examination regulations.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: open entry. Driven by specific prior degree.
- English requirement
- Proficiency in German and English
- Prior degree
- First university degree, required qualifications according to the examination regulations
What it costs
No tuition fees here — just plan for a normal Aachen student life.
Living in Aachen →
What you'll study
120 ECTS over 24 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Core courses
material flows · circular technologies · socio-economic contexts · sustainability assessment · material flow analysis · material and water cycles · waste management · waste treatment
Tracks
A first recognized university degree, through which the necessary education background for the Master course of study can be proven. The necessary knowledge needed in order for studies to be successful is determined in the respective exam regulations (PO).
Where graduates end up
What graduates of this programme tend to do — and where they end up working.
Common career paths
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#92
- Times Higher Education 2025#92
- QS World 2025#99
- THE — Engineering 2026#35
- QS — Engineering 2025#54
Visa & life in Germany
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a national (D) visa plus a residence permit after arrival; proof of finances (blocked account, ~€11,900/yr) is the main requirement. EU students just register locally (Anmeldung).
- Post-study work
- 18-month job-seeker residence permit after graduation — you can work without restriction while searching for a position matching your qualification.
- Tuition
- Public universities charge no tuition for most programmes — just a semester contribution of €150–€400. Exceptions: Baden-Württemberg (€1,500/semester for non-EU) and some TUM professional master's.
- Scholarships
- DAAD scholarships for international students, Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month, merit-based), plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany enrolls 47,521 students across 66 master's programmes, with particular depth in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, and Natural Sciences. The institution ranks 92nd overall in the Times Higher Education 2025 rankings, with subject-level recognition in Engineering (QS #54) and Computer Science (QS #115).
Worth comparing
Same field, similar entry tier. Most applicants apply to 3–5.
Common questions
Is Circular Engineering and Economy at RWTH Aachen University taught in English?
The programme is taught in multiple languages — check the programme page for which parts are in English.
What is the acceptance rate at RWTH Aachen University?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota. Based on the published requirements (specific prior degree), the entry bar here is low — effectively open entry if you meet the formal requirements.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in Germany after graduating?
Yes. Germany grants graduates of German universities an 18-month residence permit to look for work matching their qualification, and you can work without restriction during the search period.
Is RWTH Aachen University good for Engineering?
RWTH Aachen University ranks #35 in Engineering (THE 2026).
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