About Rheinische Hochschule Köln gGmbH
Rheinische Hochschule Köln (RH Köln) is a state-recognised, private nonprofit university of applied sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften) in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. Operating under the Rhineland Foundation for Education (Rheinische Bildungsgesellschaft), it is among Germany's oldest private universities of applied sciences with over 60 years of tradition. The university was renamed from Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln to Rheinische Hochschule Köln in March 2024.
RH Köln enrols approximately 5,750 students across 20 bachelor and 16 master programmes (with additional new programmes launching from Winter Semester 2026/27) spanning seven disciplinary areas: Health and Biomedics, Law and Security, Engineering and Technology, Business and Management, Marketing/Media/Design, Psychology, and Computer Science and Digitalisation. Study formats include full-time, part-time/professional, and dual programmes. The university holds system accreditation from the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) and is ISO 9001 certified.
International students are supported by a dedicated International Office ([email protected]). The university participates in the Erasmus+ programme and maintains an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education. International applicants must have their qualifications verified through uni-assist e.V. before applying. No fixed application deadlines apply; early submission is recommended.
Key facts
- Students
- 5,750
State-recognised private nonprofit HAW with over 60 years of history, renamed Rheinische Hochschule Köln in March 2024
Approximately 5,750 students across 20 bachelor and 16 master programmes in seven disciplinary areas
Three campuses within Cologne: Ehrenfeld, Innenstadt (city centre), and Poolhaus
System-accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) and ISO 9001 certified
Erasmus+ member; international office reachable at [email protected]
Engineering and Technical Management programmes co-funded by NRW state, reducing fee burden for those students
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
RH Köln is a private university and charges tuition fees (Studiengebühren). Engineering bachelor programmes (Maschinenbau, Elektrotechnik, Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen) and the Technical Management master receive NRW state co-funding and require only the AStA student union contribution per semester. All other programmes carry monthly tuition instalments; specific amounts are published in the university's fee schedule (Gebührenordnung) available at rh-koeln.de/hubfs/RH-Gebührenordnung.pdf. There is no general non-EU surcharge distinct from the standard programme fee. Financing options include BAföG (for eligible residents), KfW student loans, the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, and student employment.
Admission requirements
International applicants must submit their academic credentials through uni-assist e.V. for recognition and grade conversion — this is a paid service. There are no fixed application deadlines; the university advises applying as early as possible for better admission chances. Language requirements: most bachelor and master programmes are taught in German and require proof of German proficiency (exact level not published centrally — individual programme pages should be consulted). The MBA International Business requires English at B2 level; other English-taught or English-heavy master's programmes also recommend B2 English. APS certificate is required for applicants from India, China (PR, HK, Macau), and Vietnam as per general German visa and admission rules, prior to visa application.
Application deadlines
No fixed semester deadlines are published. The university explicitly states: 'We do not have specific deadlines — the earlier you submit your application, the greater your chances.' Applicants should apply well in advance of the intended semester start (Winter Semester: October; Summer Semester: April).
Languages of instruction
The majority of programmes are taught in German. English-taught programmes at master's level include MBA International Business and Sustainable Engineering (M.Eng., launching Winter Semester 2026/27). Several other master's programmes such as International Business Administration, International Marketing and Media Management, and Technical Management include substantial English-language content and recommend B2 English proficiency. Bachelor courses in Business English (4 ECTS) and Technical English (5 ECTS) are available as modules for exchange students.
Campuses & locations
One of three Cologne campuses
City-centre campus
Third Cologne location
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Cologne (Köln) is North Rhine-Westphalia's largest city and Germany's fourth-largest, with a population of approximately one million. It is a major media, insurance, and trade-fair hub on the Rhine river, home to the iconic Cologne Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The city has a large international community, a vibrant student culture across multiple universities, excellent rail connections to other German cities and neighbouring countries, and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Munich or Frankfurt.
Student life & support
RH Köln operates a Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) offering language courses including German for international students. Student services include psychosocial support and study coaching, library access, a semester ticket for public transport, and career services. The International Office ([email protected]) supports incoming exchange and degree-seeking international students. An Erasmus+ programme is in place for exchange opportunities. Housing is not directly provided by the university; students are advised to use Cologne's Studierendenwerk housing listings or the private rental market. The compact city-centre and Ehrenfeld campuses give students access to Cologne's extensive public transport network.
46
Accredited Programmes
27
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
19
Master
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