Technische Universität Kaiserslautern (jetzt: RPTU)

RPTU is a public university in Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz). There are no tuition fees for any student regardless of nationality — Rhineland-Palatinate does not charge non-EU tuition fees (unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). Students pay a semester contribution (Sozialbeitrag/Semesterbeitrag) which covers administrative costs and typically includes a semester ticket for local public transport; the exact amount is stated in the admission letter and is payable each semester. A fee of €60 is charged for evaluation of international credentials at Kaiserslautern. Withdrawal fees are €25 (unrestricted programmes) or €45 (restricted-admission programmes).

International applicants must hold a recognised higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, HZB) equivalent to the German Abitur. For bachelor's admission, applicants whose secondary education was completed outside Germany or at a non-German school abroad must demonstrate German proficiency (minimum B1 at application stage; DSH-2 required before commencing study). For non-EU applicants from countries whose credentials require assessment, RPTU uses the anabin database and may request individual evaluation; a credential evaluation fee of €60 applies at the Kaiserslautern campus. APS certificate: Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants must present a valid APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate as part of their application, in accordance with the requirements of German universities and the visa procedure. Master's admission requires a relevant bachelor's degree (or equivalent) recognised by RPTU; international applicants should verify their institution's anabin status (H+ institutions qualify directly). Application is made via the RPTU online portal (studium.rptu.de). For restricted-admission (zulassungsbeschränkt) programmes, separate numerus clausus (NC) procedures apply.

Winter semester (October start): 15 July for restricted-admission programmes; 15 September for unrestricted programmes and higher-semester entry. Non-EU international applicants have an earlier deadline of 15 June for winter semester. Summer semester (April start): 15 January for restricted-admission programmes; 15 March for unrestricted programmes and higher-semester entry; 15 December for non-EU international applicants. Deadlines are published on rptu.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung and may vary by programme.

The majority of bachelor's programmes are taught in German. A growing number of master's programmes are available in English, particularly in STEM fields at the Kaiserslautern campus; the international section of the RPTU website lists English-language master's tracks under 'Studienangebot' for international applicants. German-language programmes require proof of German proficiency (typically DSH-2 or equivalent) before beginning subject-specific coursework; bachelor applicants must demonstrate at least B1 level at the time of application. German preparatory courses (DSH preparation, intensive courses) are offered on campus.