University of Cologne
Facts about the university
| Ownership | Public, North Rhine-Westphalia |
|---|---|
| City | Cologne |
| Founded | 1388 |
| Students | ≈ 49,382 |
| Programmes | 18 programmes · 5 bachelor's, 12 master's, 11 in English |
| Tuition fee |
€0 per semester for international students what it consists ofTuition fee of the federal state (North Rhine-Westphalia), international students€0 Semester contribution€355.65
Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.
|
| Semester contribution | €355.65 per semester |
| Application | Via uni-assist; bachelor's until 15.07; master's until 15.07 |
| Preparation | at the university (Foundation, Freshman…) |
About the university
The University of Cologne promotes pluralism, a variety of perspectives, and equal opportunities.
We strive to create a framework that allows people of different backgrounds and orientations access to the university if they fulfil the admission requirements.
We foster an organizational culture that appreciates individual, social, and cultural diversity and does not judge people according to preconceived stereotypes. For the university, a competent approach to diversity is an enrichment and a sign of quality. We create awareness for (un)equal opportunities, particularly in the areas gender equality, family friendliness, internationalization, interculturality, accessibility, and educational justice.
All members of the University of Cologne are responsible for fostering and upholding this mission.
Our key concerns
- Increasing the proportion of female leaders in leadership in management, science and administration
- Creating equal opportunities and transparent procedures in staffing, elections and support measures
- Promoting a leadership culture in which equal opportunities are a sign of quality
- Taking responsibility for the compatibility of family, studies and career from childrearing to elder care
- Creating awareness for (un)equal opportunities and making diversity visible
- Ensuring equal opportunities in talent promotion
- Integrating Gender, Queer and Diversity Studies in research and teaching
- Cutting down on discrimination
- Investing in a barrier-free and family-friendly infrastructure
Faculties
The faculty determines the campus, the language of its programmes and the admission committee that evaluates your grades. Requirements can differ between faculties of the same university.
Preparation at the university
The university's own preparation courses. What each course gives on completion and where it gives access is stated on the course.
Accepted only by: University of Cologne.
Programmes
All 18 programmes →How to apply
The general procedure is the same for all programmes of the university; the required grade, language and additional requirements are on the page of each programme.
- 1Check your school-leaving certificateDirect admission, admission after a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — it depends on your country and certificate.
- 2Application via uni-assistBachelor's until 15.07, master's until 15.07. Deadlines differ between programmes — check the programme page.
- 3Admission, visa, movingPlan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account — start them in parallel with the application.
What it costs to study and live
| Tuition fee | €0 per semester for international students |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee of the federal state (North Rhine-Westphalia), international students | €0 |
| Semester contribution | €355.65 |
| Living costs per month | €1,290–1,332Room in a shared flat (WG) €1,290 · Own studio €1,332 |
| Living costs per semester | from €7,740 |
Data for 2026. WG room and a 30 m² flat (warm rent) — MLP Studentenwohnreport 2026; other costs (food, clothing, transport, study materials) — a student's basic need under BAföG, €475 a month (§ 13 BAföG). Studierendenwerk dormitory rents are not entered yet. Source. For the student visa the blocked account needs €992 a month (€11,904 a year); the amount is revised every year.
Living costs in the city in detail →
Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.
Campuses
About the campuses in detail →A programme is tied to a campus — when looking for housing, go by the campus, not by the university's main address.
Studying in Cologne: housing, transport, costs →If you don't meet the requirements yet
Two typical stops: a school certificate without direct admission and German below the required level. Both can be solved within a year, but plan them before you apply, not after a rejection.
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Questions about University of Cologne
How much does it cost to study at University of Cologne?
Are there programmes in English?
When do I need to apply?
Universities nearby
University chosen — next come the programme and the deadlines
Requirements and deadlines differ within one university. We will pick 3–5 programmes for your certificate and language and plan everything back from the deadline.