About Universität zu Köln
Universität zu Köln (University of Cologne) is one of Germany's oldest and largest universities, founded in 1388 and re-established in 1919 as the Neue Universität. It is organised into six academic faculties covering management, economics and social sciences, law, medicine, arts and humanities, mathematics and natural sciences, and human sciences, offering 204 degree programmes as of 2024.
The university is a member of the German U15 alliance of research-intensive universities and hosts 5 Excellence Clusters and 18 Collaborative Research Centres (SFBs/Transregios), reflecting its strong national research standing. It also participates in the EUniWell European University alliance. More than 5,000 doctoral candidates are enrolled, and the university produces over 7,000 graduates annually.
The main campus is located in the Lindenthal district of Cologne, centred on Universitätsstraße near Albertus-Magnus-Platz. The Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital operate at a separate site in Cologne-Lindenthal.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1388
- Faculties
- 6
Founded in 1388 — one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world
Member of the German U15 alliance of research-intensive universities
204 degree programmes across 6 faculties (2024)
5 Excellence Clusters and 18 SFBs/Transregios reflecting strong research output
No tuition fees and no non-EU surcharge (NRW state policy); semester contribution WS 2025/26 is €335.65 including NRW public transport pass
Part of EUniWell — a European University alliance focused on well-being and sustainability
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Universität zu Köln charges no tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes, in line with North Rhine-Westphalia state policy. This applies equally to EU and non-EU international students — NRW does not levy a non-EU surcharge (unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). All enrolled students pay a mandatory semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag); for Winter Semester 2025/26 this is €335.65, which includes the NRW-Ticket (free public transport throughout North Rhine-Westphalia). For visa and residence permit purposes, international students must demonstrate financial capacity of at least €992 per month (€11,904 per year).
Admission requirements
International applicants apply through the university's Student Application and Registration Office (Studierendensekretariat). For bachelor's and Staatsexamen programmes, applicants whose school-leaving certificate is not a German Abitur must have their qualifications assessed; the university uses anabin (KMK) recognition status to determine eligibility. Applicants from India, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam are required to hold an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) from the German Embassy before applying. Language of instruction is primarily German; proof of German proficiency (typically DSH-2, TestDaF TDN 4, or equivalent) is required for German-taught programmes. For English-taught master's programmes, IELTS or TOEFL scores are accepted in line with individual programme requirements. Specific deadlines and document requirements vary by degree level and subject; applicants should consult the Division International Affairs Service Point or the Studierendensekretariat directly.
Languages of instruction
The majority of degree programmes are taught in German. An increasing number of master's programmes are offered in English, particularly in STEM and social science fields. German language courses at all levels are provided by the university's Department of German as a Foreign Language (Lehrgebiet Deutsch als Fremdsprache), which caters specifically to international students.
Campuses & locations
Central campus in Lindenthal district; most faculties and administration
Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne (Uniklinik Köln), Kerpener Straße
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Cologne (Köln) is Germany's fourth-largest city, located on the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a major cultural, media, and commercial centre, home to the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, numerous museums, and a lively student scene. The city is well connected by rail, road, and Cologne Bonn Airport. Finding private accommodation in Cologne is competitive; the university explicitly warns that the housing market is tight and advises prospective international students to apply for student housing through the Kölner Studierendenwerk (KSTW) one to two semesters before their planned start.
Student life & support
The university's Division International Affairs provides a dedicated Service Point for incoming international students, reachable by phone on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. German language courses at multiple levels are offered through the Department of German as a Foreign Language throughout the academic year. Student accommodation is managed by the Kölner Studierendenwerk (KSTW), which operates dormitories across the city; demand is high and early application — ideally one to two semesters in advance — is strongly recommended. The university also runs the KölnAlumni WELTWEIT network, which connects current international students with graduates worldwide.
354
Accredited Programmes
211
Master
141
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
2
Other
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