Electrical Power Engineering — Major of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology RWTH Aachen University

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Students interested in the Electrical Power Engineering major must apply for the Master's programme in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Once accepted and enrolled, they can choose one of the following five majors: Electrical Power Engineering, Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Systems and Automation, Communications Engineering, or Biomedical Systems Engineering.

Electrical power engineering is, in many respects, a typical systems-oriented discipline. Students will understand systems by combining their in-depth knowledge of selected domains of electrical power engineering with their knowledge of other disciplines. They will be able to apply theoretical concepts of system identification, modelling, and optimisation. Graduates with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology with a specialisation in Electrical Power Engineering will be able to analyse problems related to electrical power and to communicate these problems to others in a scientific formulation. Using knowledge acquired in lectures as well as experience gathered by completing exercises, graduates will develop models for power systems and their components to solve technical/scientific questions. They will understand the responsibility that they have as well as the importance of an electricity supply that is safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly.

Using concepts acquired during their studies, graduates will create solutions that address the challenges in the areas of electrical appliances, electrical drive trains, electricity grids, electromobility, power systems engineering & economics, and renewable energies. They will understand which steps are required to realise a theoretical solution. Graduates will have gathered experience managing projects in a multicultural team and will be able to apply their knowledge throughout their future careers. Graduates will be able to communicate both in writing and verbally using current technical language and terminology while speaking, writing, and understanding English.

Core subjects include: High-Voltage Engineering, Battery Storage Systems, Power Electronics, Electrical Machines, Electrical Drives, Power Systems, and Power Economics.

The standard period of study is four full-time semesters (two years), including the preparation of the Master's thesis. The course of study may be commenced in either semester.

The programme consists of a range of mandatory or mandatory-elective modules that define its specific profile.

This part of the curriculum is complemented by a large offer of laboratory work, project work, and seminars. In addition, there is a selection of possible courses that comprise courses from all other Master's programmes offered by the faculty. Finally, there is an assortment of elective courses from the entire RWTH course programme, including courses in economics and soft skills as well as language courses. All Master's students must complete the "Scientific Integrity" module to meet ethical standards of scientific practice. German language courses are compulsory for all students who cannot certify a German language level of at least B1.

During the 18-week industrial internship, students will learn how to solve current engineering problems while working with renowned industry partners. This is often the first step towards a future professional career.

The Master's thesis is an independent, predefined scientific project to be completed in a fixed period of six months. It is concluded by an oral presentation and defence of the results.

A total of 120 ECTS credits are required for the successful completion of the programme, distributed among the various subject areas. Modules from the CORE department are mandatory and must be taken for at least 20 credits.
Below you will find a visual structure of the Master's programme to see how many credit points are required in each subject area.

The programme utilises the following basic forms of teaching to achieve the defined goals:

• Lectures – a serial presentation of material, including specific methodologies
• Tutorials – solidifying and deepening expert knowledge and capabilities by solving problems associated with the lecture material
• Seminar work – the elaboration of complex questions and scientific knowledge (Students give oral presentations in the seminar.)
• Intensive courses – compact intensive courses composed of lectures and tutorials

Important additional options for gaining technical competence are available, such as:

• Semester and Master's projects, completed in small groups or individually
• Excursions
• Practical (e.g. laboratory) work, directly related to lectures
• A minimum of 18 weeks of industrial experience

View the PDF below to find our module catalogues:

Students are required to complete an industrial internship for a minimum period of 18 weeks, as an integrated and compulsory part of their curriculum. During the internship, students will be trained on how to handle practical engineering problems. Flexibility and open-mindedness are essential qualities for electrical engineers.

1. In order to apply to the RWTH Master's programme in "Electrical Engineering and Information Technology" with a specialisation in Electrical Power Engineering, applicants must have completed their basic studies (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, or equivalent) at an internationally recognised university. These basic studies should fulfil both the subject requirements listed below and those listed in detail on the homepage of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. More information about subject requirements

• At least 28 ECTS credits for advanced mathematics
• At least 10 ECTS credits for physics and physical principles of electronic devices
• At least 34 ECTS credits for fundamentals of electrical engineering including circuit technology
• At least 8ECTS credits for informatics (computer science) and programming
• At least 10ECTS credits for fundamentals of control and mathematical systems theory
• At least 10ECTS credits for advanced electromagnetic field theory or theoretical information theory
• At least 20 ECTS credits for application-oriented courses

2. In addition, at the time of application, all applicants are obliged to prove that they have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. The test score must fulfil the minimum requirements according to the current examination regulations. Applicants who are citizens of a European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) member state, as well as those with prior educational qualifications from Germany (so-called "Bildungsinländer"), are exempt from this rule.

3. Conditional admission is possible. In this case, additional study requirements must be fulfilled.

4. Admission to this Master's programme requires proof of adequate knowledge of the English language (see below).

The student services contribution is about 360 EUR each semester.

The contribution includes a semester ticket for public transportation. The "Semesterticket" is now valid throughout Germany as part of the official "Deutschlandticket". You can travel further into the Netherlands because the ticket also includes the whole South Limburg area.

The cost of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be 1,100 EUR per month. Please note that single individuals with a nationality outside the EU have to give proof of a minimum income of 992 EUR per month at the immigration office in Aachen in order to be eligible for an extension of the residence permit (as of 2026). Employment as a research assistant is possible. The salary for eight hours per week is about 556 EUR. Research assistants may work an average of no more than 19 hours per week.

International students have very limited work opportunities while studying. Therefore, it is not possible to finance your entire studies through working alone. There are teaching and research assistant positions available at the involved institutes. These are, however, only awarded to students who have already started their academic studies in a programme. Students working as a teaching or research assistant may work a maximum of 19 hours a week but will usually not earn enough to cover all of their living expenses. By law, a student from outside the EU is permitted to work either 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. We do caution students to be careful about taking on outside work commitments, as completing a Master's degree within the designated two years will be difficult if students spend too much time away from their studies.

In Germany, universities do not offer full-coverage scholarships. Prospective and current RWTH students, however, may apply for a scholarship from the Education Fund, which is worth 300 EUR per month: more information about the education fund.

Additionally, there are a number of trusts and foundations which offer scholarships. A full list of programmes and foundations can be found in the RWTH Scholarships Database: more information about the scholarships and funding programmes.

• Departmental academic adviser
• Mentoring programme
• RWTH Career Centre
• Bonding company contact fair in Aachen

RWTH Aachen University has a limited number of dorm rooms and studio apartments. However, there are usually waiting lists for these rooms, and students will probably need to find private accommodation first. There are a number of options for finding private accommodation in and around Aachen, and the International Office can provide students with information beforehand or upon arrival.

The average rent per month for a flat starts from 400 EUR to 600 EUR.

Please note that there is only a very limited number of family apartments in the university dorms, which is why students who bring their spouses or families with them will most likely need to find private accommodation.

Rooms in university dorms cost between 275 EUR and 1,000 EUR, depending on room size. For short-term accommodation, there are many hotels and a youth hostel.

RWTH Aachen University also provides additional information on accommodation, including a housing guide for international degree and non-degree students.

With 260 institutes in 10 faculties, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe's leading institutions for science and research. Currently, more than 44,382 students are enrolled in 175 academic programmes. More than 15,881 of them are international students hailing from 141 different countries. The scientific education students receive at RWTH Aachen University is firmly rooted in real-world application.

As a result, our graduates are highly sought after by businesses to work as trainees and fill executive positions. National and international rankings show that our graduates have a high aptitude for managing complex tasks, constructively solving problems in teams, and taking on leadership responsibilities. Thus, it should come as no surprise that one in five board members of German corporations is an alumnus of RWTH Aachen University. Work conducted in the research centres at RWTH Aachen University is strongly oriented towards the current needs of industry, commerce, and the professions. This has resulted in numerous innovations, patents, and licences. The individual competence centres at RWTH Aachen University collaborate effectively across departments and faculties in interdisciplinary groups and forums, while still maintaining a strong focus on their own department specialisation. For instance, the computer science and biology departments — and even the social sciences — all have a clear connection to the school's engineering focus. This has been a crucial factor in motivating multinational corporations such as Philips, Microsoft, and Ford to locate their research institutions in the Aachen region. Excellence in teaching and research constitutes the basis from which RWTH Aachen University works with other leading institutions and technical universities around the world. RWTH Aachen University is aware of its responsibility toward society and the environment and actively contributes to a sustainable higher education landscape.

As Germany's westernmost city, Aachen is located on the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. Its population is about 260,000. Aachen's historic centre around the distinctive cathedral (UNESCO world heritage site) is characterised by a student lifestyle. At the city's doorstep, the hilly Eifel landscape with its rivers, lakes, and forests offers a picturesque countryside for outdoor recreation. Aachen benefits from its central location in the heart of Europe!