RWTH Aachen University, one of Germany’s leading institutions for science and technology, remains deeply committed to supporting talented international students through various financial aid programs. As of Summer 2025, several significant scholarships are actively accepting applications, providing essential financial assistance to those navigating their academic journeys far from home. This blog post highlights the current scholarships open to international students, offering full details on eligibility, application deadlines, required documents, and where to apply.
Equal Opportunity Scholarship (STIBET I)
The Equal Opportunity Scholarship, also known as STIBET I, is specifically aimed at supporting international students and doctoral candidates at RWTH Aachen who are facing extenuating personal or financial circumstances that may hinder their academic progress. These may include caregiving responsibilities, chronic illnesses, disabilities, refugee backgrounds, or unexpected financial crises.
This scholarship is available to international students who are enrolled in a regular degree program at RWTH Aachen University and who plan to remain in Germany for the entire duration of the funding period, which runs from July to December 2025. An important requirement is that the applicant’s studies or doctoral research must continue until at least December 2025. Additionally, students receiving other scholarships during this period are not eligible.
The scholarship award ranges between €250 and €992 per month, depending on the student’s specific needs and circumstances. To apply, students must submit a completed application form detailing their situation, along with a tabular-format curriculum vitae, a certificate of enrollment for the Summer Semester 2025, and a current transcript of records. Doctoral candidates must provide confirmation of supervision from their advisors. Documentation proving the claimed extenuating circumstances—such as medical certificates, child birth certificates, or refugee status documentation—is also required, as well as the applicant’s bank statements from the past three months.
Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2025. Full details and the application form are available on the official RWTH Aachen website: Equal Opportunity Scholarship Information.
Scholarship for Particularly Involved International Students
RWTH Aachen University recognizes and rewards international students who have made exceptional contributions to intercultural exchange and global engagement within the university community. This scholarship for particularly involved students acknowledges efforts such as mentoring other international students, organizing multicultural activities, and actively contributing to international student life at RWTH.
The scholarship provides financial support of €300 per month for a duration of six months, beginning in the Summer Semester of 2025. Applicants must be full-time international students who have already completed at least two semesters at RWTH Aachen. In addition to proof of strong international engagement, applicants must also demonstrate good to very good academic performance.
To be considered, applicants must provide a certification of their social involvement, a certificate of enrollment, and a current transcript of records. They must also submit a résumé and a recommendation letter from an RWTH faculty member or departmental advisor. Furthermore, international applicants need to include a copy of their passport and residence permit, if applicable, as well as a copy of their work contract if they are currently employed.
The application deadline is May 31, 2025. Students can find detailed information and the application form on the official website: Scholarship for Involved Students.
PROMOS Scholarships for International Academic Mobility
PROMOS is a DAAD-funded scholarship program administered by RWTH Aachen University that offers support to students looking to gain academic experience abroad. This includes study or research stays at international institutions, as well as internships, language courses, and summer schools, provided these experiences are recognized by RWTH as academically relevant.
Open to both domestic and international students enrolled in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, PROMOS scholarships are designed to help cover short-term international stays lasting one to four months. The funding amount is €350 per month, and the scholarships can be combined with other DAAD programs under certain conditions.
Eligible applicants must be enrolled at RWTH Aachen and should not have received more than six months of PROMOS funding during their current academic degree. Each application must include confirmation of the planned academic stay, a filled-out application form, a transcript of records, a motivation letter explaining the purpose and goals of the international stay, and proof of language proficiency if required by the host institution or organization.
The upcoming deadline for applications is September 15, 2025. Further information and access to the application portal can be found here: PROMOS Scholarship Information.
Conclusion
These scholarships reflect RWTH Aachen’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment for international students. Whether you are managing personal hardships, contributing to global engagement on campus, or planning to enhance your studies through international experience, there are financial resources available to help you succeed. Each scholarship has unique criteria and benefits, so it is crucial to review the requirements carefully and submit all necessary documents before the respective deadlines. For any additional support, students are encouraged to reach out to RWTH Aachen’s International Office or visit the scholarship web pages listed above.
