RWTHonline is RWTH’s campus management system. You can use it to register for courses and exams, view your grades, and access the self-service portal. There, you can set up your login details for the internet (“Eduroam”) or change your personal details. You can also register for lectures there. In practical terms, this means that almost nothing works without RWTHonline – it is your hub for studies and exams. 

• Die Übergreifende Prüfungsordnung (ÜPO) applies to all bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at RWTH Aachen University (except for teacher training and medicine). It sets out the general rules for registration, deregistration, retakes, and access to exam papers. 

• YourPrüfungsordnung (PO) applies to your specific degree program. It regulates subject-specific details, the structure of the degree program, details regarding final theses, and much more. 

• Das Modulhandbuch explains each module: contents, learning objectives, examination format. It can be viewed each semester on RWTHonline. 

You can find the current versions in the Official announcements from RWTH.

• Zu Courses such as lectures, exercises, and seminars, you must register on RWTHonline to receive information about the individual courses and access the corresponding Moodle learning rooms. There are separate procedures for modules with restricted admission. 

• Registrations for exams have to be done in RWTHonline. There you will also find the registration and cancellation deadlines. Achtung: Registering for a lecture does not automatically mean that you are also registered for the exam. You must register for both separately. 

• For each exam during the summer semester the date and examiner have to be published by 15th of May. During winter semester by 15th November. 

• If you forget to register, you will not be able to take the exam. So make sure you pay attention to the deadlines! 

Practical advice: 
It is best to register early and always save a screenshot or the confirmation email. That way, you will be on the safe side if there are any doubts. If in doubt, register for exams first—you can always deregister later (for more information, see “Deregistration & Illness”).

Besides traditional written exams, at RWTH there are also oral exams, term papers, seminars, projects, portfolios, or digital exams (e-tests). Your module handbook specifies which form is used for your module.

At the latest 14 days before an exam, you must be informed about the allowed aids (e.g., calculator, formula sheet) and the passing requirements. This is usually done through a written “exam announcement.” So keep an eye out — often this is sent by email or announced at the module’s Moodle learning platform.

If you have, for example, a chronic illness, you can apply for compensation for disadvantages. This means you receive an equivalent but adjusted exam format, such as more time or different conditions. You usually submit the application to the examination board. More information about compensation for disadvantages can be found in this guide.

Studying is very different from school: You are responsible for yourself, need to organize your daily routine, and most importantly, plan enough time for review and practice. Create a realistic study schedule with breaks, use past exams (if available) to understand the exam format, and get tips from your student council or senior students. The real work happens between classes—cramming at the last minute doesn’t help at university. You can also get support through Trainings and Videos from the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) or mentoring programs from your faculty. 

• You can unregister from the exam in RWTHOnline up to 3 working days before the exam. 

• If you’re sick, you need a medical certificate proving your inability to take the exam. Submit it immediately to the ZPA (Central Examination Office). It’s important that the certificate specifically states your inability to take the exam — a regular sick note (“Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung”) is not sufficient. We recommend using the ZPA’s official form. 

• Important: Do not attend the exam if you’re sick. A medical certificate usually only counts if you didn’t start the exam. “Showing up with a certificate and still writing the exam” doesn’t work. If you fall ill during the exam, notify the proctor immediately. 

• Simply not showing up or withdrawing without reason results in a grade of 5.0 (fail).. 

• Bring your BlueCard or ID, pens, and allowed aids as specified in the exam announcement. 
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• Immediately report any external exam conditions (noise, heat, technical problems) to the supervisors — otherwise, you cannot raise these issues later. 
• For oral exams: Make sure a second examiner or observer is always present. 

• Your grade has to be posted in RWTHonline no later than 6 weeks after the exam.
• Before you can retake an exam, you must know your grade at least 10 days in advance. 

You have a right to inspect your exam materials. During this, you can have the grading explained to you and check if any mistakes were made.

• The duration of the inspection depends on the length of the exam (at least 10–30 minutes). Waiting times are not deducted from your time.

• You may request an exact copy and take notes.

• If you are unable to attend, you can authorize another person with a power of attorney.

• During the inspection, you can directly submit requests for regrading. In the third attempt, you can also apply for the oral supplementary exam at the latest during this time.

• Tip: Even if you passed, it’s worth attending – you’ll see where your strengths and weaknesses lie.

For all details (e.g., copies, sample solutions, special cases for bonus points or oral exams), there is a comprehensive inspection FAQ.

We provide a template for the power of attorney for the inspection.

• Within your first three university semesters (these are all semesters since you first enrolled at any university, regardless of the subject), you can use a free attempt up to 3 times.
• This means: an exam graded with 5.0 (fail) will be treated as if you never took it.
• Condition: There must be no attempted cheating or unexcused absence.
• You submit the application to the ZPA – for exams in the winter semester by May 15, and in the summer semester by November 15.

• The Examination Board is the body that oversees the proper conduct of examinations. It is composed of professors, staff members, and elected students, ensuring that a student perspective is always represented. It decides on applications (e.g. for compensation for disadvantages, recognition of credits, third attempts), handles cases of cheating, and is the responsible appeals authority.
• In practical terms, this means: if something goes beyond the regular registration or deregistration of exams, it almost always ends up with the Examination Board.

For more information, including how to submit applications, check out our overview of the Examination Board.

• You can have academic achievements from other universities or from abroad recognized. As a general rule: recognition is the norm – it may only be denied if there are proven substantial differences.
• The burden of proof lies with the university, not with you. This means that small differences in credit points or content must not automatically lead to rejection.
• Achievements outside of university (e.g., vocational training) can also sometimes be credited – talk to your academic advisor in time.

You are allowed to retake each exam twice (except for the final thesis).
At least two weeks before the retake, you will be informed via RWTHOnline whether the exam will be conducted orally or in writing.

The final thesis can only be repeated once and must be registered within three semesters.

If you fail an exam on your second retake, you can apply for an oral supplementary examination.
This is your last chance to retroactively pass the exam with a grade of 4.0.

Important: You should submit the application no later than during the exam review session.

If you also fail the oral supplementary exam after the second retake, the module is considered definitively failed. This usually means that your entire degree program at RWTH is considered failed, and you will be deregistered (exmatriculated).

However, deregistration does not happen immediately, but at the end of the semester. In this situation, it’s important to stay calm, review the exam, and seek proper guidance – your student council (Fachschaft), AStA, and the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB), including psychological counseling and options like changing your program or university, are the right places to turn to.

You can find more information in our info guide.

If you complete your bachelor’s degree within the standard period of study, you are allowed to exclude a certain number of module grades (between 5 and 30 credit points, excluding the bachelor’s thesis). In the master’s program, one grade can be excluded if your examination regulations allow it.

This can be done by submitting an application within the week following the announcement of the grade for your final exam.

If, after reviewing your exam, you believe that it was graded incorrectly or not conducted properly, you can file an appeal. This can be done on request to the Examination Board within a deadline of one month. The deadline is extended to one year if no legal instruction on the right to appeal was provided. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may be able to file a
legal challenge with the Administrative Court.

The AStA offers counseling on this topic and provides specialized legal advice on examination law via email (pruefungsrecht@asta.rwth-aachen.de) or during consultation hours.

There can be various important reasons for taking a leave of absence.

You can find more about the process in our HOW-TO: Leave of Absence.