RWTH Aachen E.ON Energy Research Center
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate researchers at E.ON ERC join RWTH Aachen's broader research community while participating in the center's focused energy research environment. The center's collegial atmosphere encourages collaboration across institutes and disciplines. Regular seminars, journal clubs, and social events build community connections. The modern E.ON ERC building provides excellent working conditions, including individual offices or shared spaces, modern laboratories, and meeting facilities. The building itself serves as a living laboratory, with integrated monitoring and control systems demonstrating energy-efficient building technologies. RWTH Aachen offers comprehensive university amenities including libraries, sports facilities, student organizations, and cultural activities. The university's technical focus creates communities of students and researchers sharing interests in engineering and science. International student organizations support the significant population of students from outside Germany. Aachen's location near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands creates an international atmosphere. Weekend excursions to Brussels, Cologne, Dusseldorf, and other regional cities are easily accessible. The city's student population creates a vibrant atmosphere with affordable restaurants, cafes, and entertainment options. Career development support includes workshops on academic skills, industry networking events, and connections to energy sector employers. Many doctoral graduates continue in academic careers at universities and research institutes, while others join energy companies, consultancies, and government agencies.
Location & Surroundings
RWTH Aachen is located in Aachen, a historic city in western Germany near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands. The city's history as Charlemagne's capital and a center of European culture creates a distinctive atmosphere combining heritage with modern university life. The UNESCO World Heritage Aachen Cathedral anchors the historic center. The E.ON ERC building is located on the RWTH campus, connected to related engineering departments and research facilities. The campus spreads across the city, with buildings integrated into the urban fabric rather than isolated from the community. Walking and cycling connect campus facilities, with efficient public transportation providing broader access. Aachen's regional position provides exceptional connectivity. High-speed rail connects to Cologne (30 minutes), Brussels (90 minutes), and Paris (3 hours). Brussels and Dusseldorf airports provide international connections. The three-country region (Dreilandereck) enables easy exploration of Belgian and Dutch cities and countryside. The climate features mild temperatures year-round, though Atlantic influences bring frequent rain and cloud cover. Summers reach 20-25 degrees Celsius while winters hover around freezing with occasional snow. The temperate conditions support year-round outdoor activities in the nearby Eifel region. Living costs in Aachen are moderate by German standards and significantly lower than major cities like Munich or Frankfurt. Student housing, both university-affiliated and private, is generally accessible though competitive at semester start. The city's student population creates an affordable environment for dining and entertainment.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Doctoral researchers at E.ON ERC receive salaries as research assistants, typically at 75-100% of the TV-L E13 salary scale. This provides approximately EUR 3,000-4,000 monthly gross salary, sufficient for comfortable living in Aachen. Positions include benefits such as health insurance and pension contributions. Master's students do not receive salaries but face relatively low costs. RWTH tuition is minimal (approximately EUR 300 per semester for fees), reflecting German public university policy. Living costs in Aachen require approximately EUR 800-1,000 monthly for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Financial support for master's students includes DAAD scholarships for international students, Deutschland Stipendium awards, and various foundation scholarships. Part-time employment in research projects provides income while building research experience. Students often work as student assistants (wissenschaftliche Hilfskrafte) on center projects. Career outcomes for E.ON ERC graduates span academia, industry, and government. Doctoral graduates pursue academic careers at universities and research institutes or join energy companies, utilities, and consultancies in technical and strategic roles. The energy transition creates strong demand for researchers with expertise in sustainable energy systems. Typical positions include research scientist roles at companies like Siemens Energy, E.ON, and RWE; consulting positions at firms serving the energy sector; regulatory and policy roles in government agencies; and academic positions at universities and research institutes. The center's reputation and alumni network facilitate career connections throughout the energy sector.
Campus Location
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