Comparison
Technical University of Munich vs RWTH Aachen University
MSc Computer Science · Munich vs MSc Data Science · Aachen
Last reviewed: July 2026
Short answer: RWTH Aachen University (MSc Data Science) is the cheaper program overall, Technical University of Munich (MSc Computer Science) reports the higher starting salary, and RWTH Aachen University (MSc Data Science) pays back fastest against the standard ₹8L India baseline. Technical University of Munich (MSc Computer Science)currently has the stronger post-study work / visa pathway. No single program wins on everything - which one is actually "better" depends on your budget, priority (salary vs. migration vs. affordability), and your own admit odds.
| Technical University of Munich | RWTH Aachen University | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Germany |
| City | Munich | Aachen |
| Duration | 24 months | 24 months |
| Total cost | ₹61.0L | ₹32.7L |
| Avg. starting salary | ₹63.1L/yr | ₹54.4L/yr |
| Payback period | 1.1 yrs | 0.7 yrs |
| Visa pathway | Strong | Strong |
| Min. GPA (4.0 scale) | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Test requirement | IELTS 6.5; GRE/GATE required for applicants from India | GRE Quant 75th+ percentile required |
| Consultant-oversold flag | No | No |
Technical University of Munich: the honest note
Correction from a common assumption: TUM now charges real non-EU tuition (this was previously near-free) - factor that in, not the old reputation. 18-month post-study job-search visa still applies.
RWTH Aachen University: the honest note
Genuinely near-zero tuition even for non-EU students - the best pure cost-to-ROI ratio in this set. GRE is mandatory, unusual for a German program.
How payback is calculated
Payback = total program cost ÷ (starting salary abroad − ₹8,00,000 India baseline). The baseline rises for IIT/NIT-class graduates, which lengthens payback for those students on both programs above. Full formula and worked example in the payback period guide.
Sources
Technical University of Munich: Tuition policy: tum.de (non-EU fee rules) · Salary band: Glassdoor / Indeed / PayScale / ZipRecruiter (Jul 2026) · Visa: Germany 18-month post-study job-search visa
RWTH Aachen University: Tuition & GRE requirement: rwth-aachen.de · Salary band: Glassdoor / Indeed / PayScale / ZipRecruiter (Jul 2026) · Visa: Germany 18-month post-study job-search visa
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