Universität zu Köln

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.

EU applicants (and persons with equal access rights) apply via KLIPS 2.0: restricted-admission bachelor/state examination programmes close on 15 July for winter semester and 15 January for summer semester, admission-free programmes on 30 September (winter) and 31 March (summer). Applications for a higher subject semester close on 15 September (winter) and 15 March (summer). Non-EU bachelor/state examination applicants apply online via uni-assist with a valid TestAS certificate (TestAS is UzK's selection criterion for non-EU citizens); for Master programmes, applicants with a foreign bachelor degree first obtain a uni-assist pre-review documentation (VPD, processing ca. 4-8 weeks) and then apply via KLIPS 2.0 - the VPD request alone is not an application.

Both uni-assist routes, split by level. Bachelor/Staatsexamen: EU and legally equal-status applicants apply directly via the KLIPS 2.0 portal ('Die Bewerbung erfolgt ausschliesslich ueber das Online-Bewerbungsportal Klips 2.0'); non-EU applicants need a valid TestAS certificate and 'Die Bewerbung erfolgt online ueber uni-assist e.V.' (full processing by uni-assist before forwarding to UzK). Master: mandatory two-stage procedure for holders of foreign bachelor degrees - first a Vorpruefungsdokumentation (VPD) from uni-assist (ca. 4-8 weeks), then the actual application via KLIPS 2.0 ('Eine Bewerbung an der UzK ist nur mit einer gueltigen VPD moeglich'). Cross-checked against the uni-assist member list, which lists both 'University of Cologne' and 'University of Cologne - VPD'.

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.