• General information for all master applicants of the RWTH is provided
  • for international students,
  • for students with a German university degree.
• Specific information regarding the data science master can be found on the Master’s Application page for Data Science.
• Many topics on the process are covered in these FAQs on Master’s applications.
• You need to apply via RWTHonline

Please have a look at the requirements section.

You need to fulfill one of the entry profiles from the requirements section.

The courses from your previous studies need to cover the required courses in sufficient depth and breadth. For this, consult the module handbook of the respective entry profile:

• computer science
• mathematics
• physics

You don’t need 1-1 coverage, that is, multiple of your courses may be considered for covering one of the required courses. We also consider courses from multiple study programs.

Note that you always need to have a full bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, physics, or equivalent. For example, studying mechanical engineering and taking all modules from one entry profile is not sufficient.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the capacities for a pre-check. Please have a look at the entry profiles and check whether your previous studies cover the required courses (also see “How is coverage of entry profiles evaluated?”).

If you have questions regarding coverage of a specific course, then send us an email with:

• your transcript,
• your module handbook,
• a list of modules that potentially cover the course in question.

We require a GRE test for Non-EU applicants with the following scores:

• Quantitative Reasoning: minimum 75th percentile,
• Verbal Reasoning: minimum 15th percentile,
• Analytical Writing: minimum score 3.5

You are exempt from taking a GRE test if the bachelor’s degree you are applying with was earned in Germany.

• You need English level of B2 or higher
• German language knowledge is not required
• You find all information on language requirements, including exemptions and a list of recognized certificates, on the page for general information on language requirements at RWTH
• Medium of instruction (MOI) certificates from your previous studies are not accepted

When enrolling, you only need to state how you will prove your English proficiency. You upload the certificate when you enroll for the program. That is, you don’t need the certificate at the time of application.

A waiver of GRE and language requirements is not possible. This is independent of professional experience, past academic performance, and the language of your previous studies.

Data science is currently admission free, and there is no selective process. That is, if you meet the entry requirements then you will be admitted.

As of October 2026, the University does not charge tuition or applications fees, independent of your nationality. However, you have to pay a social contribution fee every semester, which currently amounts to around 400 €.

Also have a look at the dedicated page for information on financial matters.

Have a look at the dedicated page for information on financial matters.

No, this does not have any impact on your application for this course of study. Broadly speaking, your academic record is the only factor taken into account when you apply to universities in Germany.

No, we do not require a letter of recommendation, statement of purpose or the like and submitting such documents does not have any impact on your application.

If you have a full bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, or equivalent, then this is generally possible. If you do not have a suitable degree in these areas, then you are unfortunately not qualified for this program.