Kölner Hochschule für Katholische Theologie (KHKT)

About Kölner Hochschule für Katholische Theologie (KHKT)

The Kölner Hochschule für Katholische Theologie (KHKT), known in English as the Cologne University of Catholic Theology, is a state- and ecclesiastically-recognised institution located in the Lindenthal district of Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It holds the status of a theological faculty with the right to award doctorates, and is the only faculty of theology in Germany with a dedicated profile in cultural, religious and missionary studies as well as ethnology.

The institution traces its roots to 1913, when it was founded as a mission house by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). After wartime suppression and post-war rebuilding, it achieved full ecclesiastical theological faculty status with doctoral authority in 1999. In 2020, sponsorship transferred from the Steyler Missionaries to the Cologne Archdiocese Foundation (Stiftung), and the institution was renamed KHKT. It relocated from St. Augustin to its current premises in Cologne-Lindenthal in April 2021.

KHKT is a small, internationally oriented institution with approximately 100 students from around 20 different nations. Its academic emphasis is on interreligious dialogue, intercultural encounter, missiology, and the synthesis of confessional and scientific theology. The semester contribution is €275.50 with no additional tuition fees.

Key facts

Founded: 1913
Students: 100
International: Students from approximately 20 different nations
Faculties: 1

Only faculty of theology in Germany with a dedicated profile in cultural, religious and missionary studies and ethnology

Ecclesiastically recognised with full doctoral authority since 1999

Highly international student community: ~100 students from ~20 nations

No tuition fees; semester contribution of €275.50 includes public transport ticket

DAAD STIBET support programme and Theology in Jerusalem exchange opportunity

Relocated to Cologne-Lindenthal campus in 2021 under Cologne Archdiocese Foundation

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees. All programmes carry a semester contribution of €275.50, which includes the German semester public transport ticket (Semesterticket). BAföG state funding is available for eligible students.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate (Bachelor) and Magister programmes require the German general university entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent vocational higher education qualification (BBHZVO). International applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency at C1 level. For the Licentiate and Doctoral (Promotion) programmes, a completed ten-semester theological or philosophical-theological degree with a minimum grade of 2.5 is required, along with evidence of biblical language competence and relevant ecclesiastical credentials. APS certificate is not specifically mentioned for Indian, Chinese, or Vietnamese applicants on the official site; prospective students from those countries should confirm with the institution. Initial contact for applications can be made via [email protected] or [email protected].

Languages of instruction

Primarily German. C1 German proficiency is required for international applicants. Some international engagement and visiting lecturer programmes operate in other languages.

Campuses & locations

Cologne-Lindenthal

Gleueler Str. 262–268, 50935 Cologne. Moved here from St. Augustin in April 2021.

Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen

Cologne (Köln) is Germany's fourth-largest city and the largest in North Rhine-Westphalia, with a student population of over 100,000 across multiple universities. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene, the iconic Cologne Cathedral, and excellent rail and air connections. KHKT's campus in the Lindenthal district is well-served by public transport and situated in a residential neighbourhood close to the University of Cologne.

Student life & support

KHKT has a small, close-knit community with a collegial atmosphere. Campus facilities include a KHCafé as a student gathering space, university pastoral care, spiritual programming, and a student government (AStA). The international student body—drawn from around 20 countries—fosters intercultural exchange. DAAD's STIBET programme provides scholarships and support services for international students. A DAAD-supported two-semester 'Theology in Jerusalem' programme is also available, covering tuition, travel, and insurance.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Magister

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus