Designing tomorrow’s infrastructure

Secure your study place in Civil Engineering

Become an expert in structural aspects of resilient infrastructures, sustainability in construction and digital planning. Join our M.Sc. Resilient Civil Engineering (M.Sc. RCE) and learn to tackle 21st century’s progressive urbanization in combination with extreme climate conditions.

Designing tomorrow’s infrastructure

Secure your study place in Civil Engineering

Become an expert in structural aspects of resilient infrastructures, sustainability in construction and digital planning. Join our M.Sc. Resilient Civil Engineering (M.Sc. RCE) and learn to tackle 21st century’s progressive urbanization in combination with extreme climate conditions.

Academic Profile

Prepare for your dream Master’s degree program

Start your journey to becoming a specialized resilient civil engineer with our German Engineering College (GEC) and get exclusive admission to the M.Sc. RCE. This practice-oriented Master’s program is a unique combination of civil engineering, architecture, and structural mechanics, which equips you to design resilient and functional building or infrastructure projects.

In collaboration with the academic direction of RWTH’s Faculty of Civil Engineering, we have designed several modules that convey the essential knowledge needed for this Master’s degree program and help you to fulfil the essential academic requirements.

Benefit from personalized guidance from your program manager to navigate the ideal course selection.

Design your tailored experience

  • Unveiling the fundamentals of pavement engineering
  • Constitutive models of pavement materials
  • Performance testing of pavement materials-bitumen
  • Performance testing of pavement materials-asphalt
  • Computational methods in pavement engineering
  • Mechanistic-empirical pavement design
  • Exploring cyber-physical models for pavement construction
  • Multiscale numerical simulation of pavement materials
  • FE software ABAQUS: an introductory overview
  • Project study using ABAQUS

  • Introduction to data science and machine learning
  • Foundations of python for data science
  • Data preprocessing and cleaning
  • Introduction to supervised learning
  • Logistic regression and classification
  • Decision trees and random forests
  • Introduction to neural networks
  • Unsupervised learning: clustering
  • Dimensionality reduction and feature engineering
  • Model evaluation and practical problem-solving

  • The strong form of the initial boundary value problem
  • The weak form of the initial boundary value problem
  • Space discretization and the Finite Element Equations
  • Triangle elements (with implementations)
  • A beam element (with implementations)
  • Time integration (with implementations)

  • System identification and idealization of the structure and boundary conditions
  • Calculation of stress and deformation resultants for statically determined systems
  • Principals of virtual work
  • Calculation of discrete displacements and rotations
  • Structural analysis with the flexibility method
  • Structural analysis with the direct stiffness method
  • Influence line for force and displacement boundary conditions

  • BIM Digital Information Processing Basics
  • BIM use cases
  • BIM data exchange
  • Attribution, LOD, LOI
  • Program structures and applications
  • Application exercises in construction
  • Model demonstrations

  • Vector Analysis and Integral Theorems
  • Fourier Analysis
  • Probability

  • Introduction to Tensor algebra and analysis
  • Cauchy stress tensor, coordinate transformation, Mohr’s circle
  • Deformation and strain tensor
  • Material behaviour, elasticity in 3D case, thermal expansion
  • Equilibrium conditions and motion equations
  • Bending of beams, differential equations of the deflection curve, shear stress in bending problems
  • Torsion, shear stress in thin-walled structures with open and closed cross sections
  • Energy methods in elastostatics, strain energy and conversation of energy, principle of virtual forces
  • Stability in elastostatics, bifurcation of equilibrium state, buckling

  • Introduction to the Safety of Structures
  • Load Effects and Structural Resistance according to Eurocode
  • The concept of Limit states, Load Cases, Load Case Combinations and Load Effects
  • Material Behaviour and its Mechanical Description
  • Resistance of Cross-Sections
  • Stability Phenomena
  • Fatigue
  • How Safe is a Structure? Probability of Failure
Formats

Engineer
your path

As every student’s journey is unique, we designed three different GEC formats to suit your individual needs and preferences. All of them have the same goal: your successful Master’s admission.

Compact

Opt for the express route

6 months

online

English-taught

30 ECTS

5 courses

–

–

–

GRE General Test replacement

RWTH certificates

fee-based

scholarships available

Application deadline: June 15, 2025

Co-Study

Take the GEC alongside your Bachelor’s degree

up to 3 years

online

English-taught

30 ECTS

5 courses

integration into the Bachelor’s program at the home university

–

–

GRE General Test replacement

RWTH certificates

fee-based

scholarships available

Application deadline: June 15, 2025

On-Campus

Close your Bachelor chapter in Germany

2 years

online and on-site

English-taught

up to 36 ECTS

6 courses + internship at RWTH

integration into the Bachelor’s program at the home university

2-bed accommodation

RWTH student ID and public transportation card

GRE General Test replacement

RWTH certificates

fee-based

scholarships available

Application deadline: June 15, 2025

6 months

online

English-taught

30 ECTS

5 courses

GRE General Test replacement

RWTH certificates

fee-based

scholarships available

Application deadline: June 15, 2025

up to 3 years

online

English-taught

30 ECTS

5 courses

integration into the Bachelor’s program at the home university

GRE General Test replacement

RWTH certificates

fee-based

scholarships available

Application deadline: June 15, 2025

2 years

online and on-site

English-taught

up to 36 ECTS

6 courses + internship at RWTH

integration into the Bachelor’s program at the home university

2-bed accommodation

RWTH student ID and public transportation card

GRE General Test replacement

RWTH certificates

fee-based

scholarships available

Application deadline: June 15, 2025

Listen to former GEC students

Discover the unique benefits of the German Engineering College (GEC) through the experiences of our students. Hear firsthand how the GEC has helped them achieve their academic and career goals, providing a seamless pathway to the prestigious Master’s programs at RWTH Aachen University. Watch the video to learn more about how the GEC can unlock your potential and set you on the path to success.

Aus datenschutzrechtlichen Gründen benötigt YouTube Ihre Einwilligung um geladen zu werden.
Application Process

Start your journey to success with us

Are you ready to enter the world of engineering excellence? Your journey to success begins with your application for the GEC. It is simple, quick, and free of charge. Become a GEC student now!

1. Prepare your documents

Gather all required documents, such as your transcript of record, proof of English proficiency, and other documents listed below.

2. Submit you application

If you’re applying for the GEC Compact, fill out and submit the online application form. For the GEC Co-Study or GEC On-Site formats, please contact your respective Academy Office for detailed application instructions.

3. Application review

Our admissions team will carefully review your application to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have submitted all necessary documents.

4. Get invited to a personal interview

Receive the invitation to a personal interview. It is a chance for us to get to know each other and determine if the GEC is the right fit for you.

5. Receive your admission

After a successful interview, you will receive your official admission offer with detailed information about the next steps, including payment instructions.

6. Start your journey

Once you have accepted your admission offer and paid the program fee, you will begin your tailored path to Master’s admission through the GEC.

You are most suitable for the GEC if you:

  • are an enrolled Bachelor student (B.Sc. Eng, B.Sc. Tech) in Civil Engineering or a Bachelor graduate (B.Sc. Eng, B.Sc. Tech) in Civil Engineering

  • are proficient in the English language (equivalent to Level B2 of CEFR)

  • have a minimum of 6 months of practical experience (work, internships, research, etc.)

Get the following documents ready for your application:

  • Transcript of records

  • Motivation letter

  • CV

  • Proof of work experience

  • Proof of English language proficiency (students or graduates of an English taught Bachelor program do not need to provide a proof of English language proficiency)

    • TOEFL iBT: 90 points
    • IELTS: 6.0 band score
    • CEFR: B2
    • For Chinese students: CET Band 4: 480 points

  • University degree certificate (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

Many international undergraduate programs do not meet the high academic standards of RWTH Aachen University. As a result, international students are admitted to Master’s programs on the condition that they fulfill additional academic requirements during their Master’s studies. With the GEC, you meet these requirements before even applying, allowing you to gain unconditional admission and focus fully on your Master’s program.

Yes, successful completion of the GEC guarantees you admission to our Master’s programs offered by RWTH International Academy.

The GEC offers several advantages over direct application to a Master’s program. It ensures that you meet all academic admission requirements in advance, guaranteeing admission without conditions. Additionally, outstanding students receive a 50% scholarship for their desired Master’s program.

You will select up to three preferred Master’s programs during the application process for the GEC. This allows us to tailor the program to your specific academic and career goals, ensuring the best possible fit for your future studies at RWTH Aachen University.

The GEC is designed for Bachelor’s students and graduates aiming to pursue a Master’s program in Germany. Explore the detailed applicant profiles under your preferred GEC package (Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Battery Systems Engineering) to kickstart your engineering journey.

Yes, you need to prove proficiency in English. Typically, this is achieved through recognized English language proficiency tests. For specific requirements and accepted certificates, please refer to the detailed information provided under your preferred GEC package (Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Battery Systems Engineering).

It is not mandatory to prove any proficiency in German language.

Yes, it is possible to apply for the GEC before completing your Bachelor’s degree. We understand that students may be in different stages of their undergraduate studies when considering the GEC. Please feel free to reach out to us for personalized guidance and to discuss your specific situation in more detail. We’re here to help you navigate the application process and explore your opportunities with the GEC.

If you are interested in the GEC Compact, you can apply via our application form. Please ensure you have all the required documents listed under your preferred GEC package (Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Battery Systems Engineering). For the GEC Co-Study or GEC On-Campus formats, please contact your respective Academy Offices for detailed application instructions.

Once your application documents are complete, your academic achievements will be checked from our admission committee. If your achievements are convincing, you will be invited to an online interview in zoom to get to know each other and answers and open questions.

The GEC Compact and GEC Co-Study programs run from July to October, with examination periods in November-December and January-February. For the GEC On-Site program, online courses occur in August-September of the third year, while the on-site component starts in August of the fourth year and continues until the following spring.

Even if you have taken similar courses, they probably do not meet RWTH’s academic standards. Our courses are equivalent to the German-taught Bachelor modules at RWTH Aachen University and fulfill the necessary academic requirements. By completing them, you will avoid conditional admission to your desired M.Sc. program.

You have a total of three attempts for the exam in each course.

The GEC is designed to meet your individual needs, so costs vary based on the specific package and format you choose. For detailed information, please contact us directly.

Absolutely! We offer various scholarships for the GEC program. Contact your respective Academy Office to inquire about eligibility. Moreover, upon completing the GEC, outstanding students have the opportunity to receive a 50% scholarship for their desired Master’s program.

GEC participants receive extensive support throughout their journey. You will have personal contact with dedicated advisors to guide you through every step of the process. An information guide will be provided to help you navigate the program requirements and opportunities. We host regular info sessions to ensure you are well-informed and integrated into the community. Additionally, you will receive regular updates and general support to address any questions or concerns. Ongoing consultation is available to assist with academic and personal matters, ensuring you are fully supported in achieving your goals.

Contact

How can we
help you?

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have on our GEC program. Feel free to send us an e-mail or book an online consultation via zoom.

We’re excited to connect with you!

Souphaphone Phanpaseuth

Program Manager
RWTH-GEC@academy.rwth-aachen.de

Our Academy Offices

Our Academy Offices in China, India and Mexico (for all of Latin America) advise on our educational programs, enter into collaborations with universities and other educational partners and recruit outstanding talent. With their profound understanding of your cultural and educational background, the teams pave your way to an excellent education at RWTH Aachen University. Get in touch with our Academy Offices Directors for exclusive consultation and cooperation opportunities!

Zufeng Wu

Director China Office
chinaoffice.academy-rwth.de

Dr. Sandeep Patil

Director India Office
iamacademyindia.academy-rwth.de

Melanie Ostfeld

Director Latin America Office
latin-america.academy-rwth.de