Turkish Student, Yağmur Kaymakçı, Pursues a Bachelor’s in Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, Germany

My name is Yağmur Kaymakçı. I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. I graduated from Kadıköy Anatolian High School with a diploma note of 97.12/100. I attended one of the most established high schools in my country, and I believe the experience contributed greatly to my personal development. I was a member of several school clubs, including MUN, entrepreneurship, sports, blood donation, and CIP (Community Involvement Projects).

Being involved in so many social environments at a young age helped me become open to innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. Like all my classmates, I completed an English preparatory year and graduated second in my cohort. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, I worked hard to maintain a strong academic performance while continuing to play volleyball and participate in extracurricular activities.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to RWTH Aachen University?

When I was younger, I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, but over time, I had to come to recognize the realities of our era and chose engineering. Although I achieved a relatively high score in Turkey’s national university entrance exam, I decided to study abroad for various reasons. After researching my options, I chose Germany, a country that I knew for its strong engineering education.

To meet the language requirement (C1 level of German), I enrolled at the Turkish-German University, where I completed 8 months of intensive German preparatory courses, and achieved a score of 17/20 on the TestDaF exam. My exam score for the university entrance was converted to the German system as NC 1,3. With the help of this conversion, I applied to RWTH Aachen University and got accepted, and I have been pursuing my bachelor’s degree here since October 2024.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Currently, I don't receive any scholarships, but one of the biggest advantages of studying here in Germany is that most universities offer tuition-free education, with only a semester fee required. However, some universities charge additional fees based on nationality, which can be challenging for non-EU students. Still, one of my main reasons for choosing Germany was the availability of affordable education and its strong engineering academic programs.

What Drew You to Choose Germany to Pursue Your Degree?

One of the main reasons behind my decision was my belief that completing a bachelor’s degree in Germany would be especially advantageous for my future. As I researched further, I realized that the job market here is significantly stronger compared to my home country, particularly in engineering and technology fields. The combination of high-quality education, practical opportunities, and strong industry connections made Germany the most logical and promising choice for my academic and professional development.

What Were Some of the Challenges You Faced as an International Student, Particularly Regarding Living Costs or Part-time Work Opportunities? Looking Back, Would You Recommend Studying Here for International Students Seeking Affordable Higher Education? Why or Why Not?

As an international student, moving abroad can be emotionally difficult and confusing at first. I was fortunate to move here with one of my closest friends, and we supported each other through the transition; otherwise, the loneliness can be overwhelming. I had a very active high school life and built many meaningful friendships, so being far away from those people, and from my family and my comfort zone, can be challenging.

The city I live in offers a relatively affordable cost of living, although finding housing can still be challenging at times. However, because it is a student-oriented city, part-time job opportunities are plentiful. For me, the large Turkish community also makes daily life easier and offers a sense of familiarity. When we weigh the pros and cons, I would definitely recommend Germany to international students seeking accessible and affordable higher education, as the environment is both lively and student-friendly.

How is Your Experience at RWTH Aachen University?

Regarding my experience at RWTH: the university is academically demanding and expects students to take full responsibility for their progress. Since the bachelor’s program is taught in German, a C1 level is required, which can be an additional challenge for international students. The university welcomes more students than its capacity allows, so social support resources can feel limited. Bachelor students are expected to operate fully in German, while master’s students usually face lower language requirements, and even some programs do not require German knowledge at all. Several master’s students I know manage daily life easily, even with minimal German.