Starting your studies is exciting and certainly associated with some questions. To make the start as easy as possible, the most important information is presented here.
Start of Studies
Application
To study the Bachelor of Computer Science at RWTH, an application is necessary. We distinguish two possibilities depending on your status:
You have passed your final secondary-school examinations (A-level) and want to start studying? Then you apply for the 1st semester.
(Start only possible in winter semester, application deadline: 15.7.; all info and exact instructions).
Solltest du aber von einer anderen Uni oder aus einem anderen Studiengang zum Bachelor Informatik wechseln, geht es für dich direkt in ein höheres Fachsemester. Hierzu lässt du deine bisherigen Studienleistungen anrechnen (mindestens 15 CP erforderlich) und füllst auch die Affidavit aus.
(Application deadline: 20.4. (summer semester) or 20.10. (winter semester); all information and detailed instructions))
What does the NC mean for the application?
The Bachelor of Computer Science program is subject to the local numerus clausus (NC); this means that admission is restricted. If there are more applications than computer science study places, the A-level grade decides on acceptance. This means that the allocation of a place to the applicant with the worst grade still accepted determines the value of the NC, which then appears in the RWTH statistics and media. This is purely an empirical value, but it helps in assessing one's own chances of getting a place at RWTH. It can change significantly from year to year depending on the application situation.
Enrollment
The application is followed by the admission and the next step is the enrollment. With the enrollment you get a study place at RWTH Aachen, so you become a member of the university.
Preliminary courses
Pre-courses offer an excellent preparation for the study contents and a good opportunity to get to know your future fellow students before the semester starts. This is an opportunity that you should not miss.
For the computer science bachelor, we especially recommend attending the pre-course mathematics. Here, we review college-level school material and fill in any gaps that may exist.
The Computer Science preliminary course is designed for students with little or no programming experience.
The preliminary courses take place in the weeks before the start of the semester. Registration is required and can take place before enrolment.</span
Organizational Matters at the Start of Your Studies
- what else needs to be done
In addition to the steps that are directly related to studying computer science, there are other things that need to be done and considered before arriving in Aachen and at RWTH:
Introductory event
After the rector has welcomed all new students, we as the department of computer science also welcome everyone. At the introductory event, you will get an overview of the concrete timetable of the first semester and the further course of studies as well as the lecture and examination modalities. In addition, we will get to know each other personally: The lecturers of the first semester's courses are also present to introduce themselves and their lectures. At the end of the introductory event, students are distributed to mentoring groups.
Freshers' Week
The Freshers’ Week is all about welcoming all new students in Aachen, at RWTH and in computer science. A colorful program awaits you as a freshman, where you will get to know the city, the university and your fellow students.
The week is organized by experienced students of the student council, who will spend the first days with you - this is definitely not to be missed!
Mentoring
The mentoring team accompanies you throughout your studies. A special focus is on the 1st and 2nd semester: Weekly group meetings with learning workshops make it easier to get started with your studies, promote exchange with other students and are quick, uncomplicated help with any problems.
Student Advisory Service for Bachelor Computer Science
The Student Advisory Service Computer Science Bachelor provides individual information on study-related technical and organizational questions concerning the start of studies.
Open telephone consultation
Every Wednesday from 13:30 - 16:00 you can reach the student advisory service at + 49 241 80 21022 and ask your questions.
There is also the option of contacting the Student Advisory Service by email at bachelor@informatik.rwth-aachen.de.
Certificates and Transfer of Credits
If you already need certificates for the start of your studies or want to submit an application for recognition of other academic achievements, you can do so via this website.