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Aachen is Germany's most renowned engineering and technology city with around 252,000 residents. Over 60,000 students shape the cityscape – the ratio of students to total population is among the highest in Germany. Beyond the dominant RWTH, private universities offer an alternative: IU International University with over 15 programmes and FOM with around 3 part-time programmes. All private programmes have no NC restriction.
Why study at a private university in Aachen?
Aachen is one of Germany's most student-friendly cities. The infrastructure caters to students, rents are moderate for a western German city, and the location at the three-country corner enables day trips to Maastricht (30 minutes) and Liège (60 minutes).
IU: A flexible alternative to RWTH
IU offers over 15 programmes in business, IT, social work, and health at its Aachen campus. Unlike the research-focused RWTH, IU emphasises practical teaching with small groups and flexible study models – on-campus, distance, or dual study.
FOM: Part-time studies
FOM enables part-time degree studies in Aachen with around 3 programmes in business and management. Lectures take place in the evenings and on weekends.
Three-country corner and tech ecosystem
The proximity to the Netherlands and Belgium is unique in Germany. Maastricht is reachable by bus in 30 minutes. At the same time, you benefit from Aachen's tech ecosystem: RWTH spin-offs, Ericsson, and numerous IT companies offer working student positions.
What does it cost to live in Aachen as a student?
Aachen is surprisingly affordable for a western German city. The cost of living index is 66 (Numbeo). Monthly total costs (excluding tuition) range between €750 and €950.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat costs between €360 and €440 per month on average. Popular areas include the Pontviertel, Burtscheid, and Frankenberger Viertel. The housing market is tight at the start of each semester – early searching is advisable.
Sample monthly budget
- Rent (shared flat): €400
- Health insurance: €110
- Semester ticket: €30
- Groceries & household: €210
- Leisure & culture: €90
- Total: approx. €840 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Aachen?
Both IU and FOM admit students without an NC. At IU, admission is based on motivation letters and interviews. FOM requires parallel employment. Both institutions accept students without Abitur.
International applicants
IU offers some English-taught programmes at the Aachen campus. Most FOM programmes are in German (C1 level required). Verify your school-leaving certificate at anabin.kmk.org. Aachen's international character – with students from over 120 countries – creates a cosmopolitan study environment.
How can you finance your studies at a private university in Aachen?
Tuition fees range from around €295/month (FOM) to approximately €539/month (IU on-campus). You can apply for BAföG at both institutions (maximum €934/month). Aachen's moderate living costs make financing easier. Working student positions are available in the tech ecosystem around RWTH and at IT companies.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Aachen
RWTH is research-focused with a high workload and NC restrictions. IU and FOM emphasise practical teaching, small groups, and NC-free admission. IU offers flexible study models (on-campus, distance, dual), while FOM targets working professionals with evening lectures.
Yes. Maastricht is reachable by bus in 30 minutes, Vaals is directly at the border. Many students take advantage of lower prices in the Netherlands for groceries. Working student positions in Maastricht are also possible.
Absolutely. With over 60,000 students from more than 120 countries, Aachen has a strongly international character. IU offers English-taught programmes. The three-country location adds a unique cross-border dimension to student life.
Aachen has a strong tech ecosystem. RWTH spin-offs, Ericsson, and numerous IT startups regularly offer working student positions. Companies in Maastricht and the Cologne area are also reachable by public transport.
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