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University of Cologne
UniversityPublicAwards doctoratestuition-free for international students

University of Cologne

Universität zu Köln
Since its establishment in 1388, the University of Cologne has been a center of science and scholarship in Europe. Today, it is one of the leading German research universities. We offer our students an exceptionally broad and diverse subject base and encourage them to follow their own academic interests. This allows them to develop both intellectually and personally. We are firmly committed to the advancement of human knowledge through basic research, but with an eye to transfer and application in the real word.
Data from the university's official pages

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 of
Tuition 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

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.

All faculties →

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.

  1. 1
    Check your school-leaving certificate
    Direct admission, admission after a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — it depends on your country and certificate.
  2. 2
    Application via uni-assist
    Bachelor's until 15.07, master's until 15.07. Deadlines differ between programmes — check the programme page.
  3. 3
    Admission, visa, moving
    Plan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account — start them in parallel with the application.

What it costs to study

Tuition fee€0 per semester for international students
Tuition 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.

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.

Video

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Video: University of Cologne on YouTube

Questions about University of Cologne

How much does it cost to study at University of Cologne?
The federal state charges no tuition fee, including for international students. Every student pays the semester contribution of €355.65. Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.
Are there programmes in English?
Yes: 11 programmes are taught in English.
When do I need to apply?
Most bachelor's programmes: until 15.07 for the winter semester; master's programmes: until 15.07. If you apply via uni-assist, send the documents 4–6 weeks earlier.

Found an inaccuracy? Let us know →

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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.

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