University of Cologne

Cologne, Germany

The University of Cologne, founded in 1388, is one of Germany’s oldest and largest universities, renowned for its excellence in economics, social sciences, and law. It offers 200+ degree programs across six faculties, including English-taught options, and ranks among the top 20 German universities (QS 2024).
Add to compare
48.9k
41.0k
7.9k
5.8k
8
191

Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at University of Cologne

Cost Of Living

€ 9500

Undergraduate Fees International Students

€ 500

Post Graduate Fees International Students

€ 550

Bachelors

  • € 951
  • € 951
  • € 951
  • € 951

Masters

  • € 634
  • € 634
  • € 634
  • € 634

University of Cologne Departments

  • Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences (WiSo)
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities
  • Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
  • Faculty of Human Sciences
  • Faculty of Theology

Distinguished Alumni of University of Cologne

Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at University of Cologne

1. Academic Qualifications

Secondary school diploma equivalent to German Abitur (e.g., IB Diploma, A-Levels, or country-specific equivalents verified via uni-assist)

Minimum GPA: Typically 2.5–3.0/4.0 (varies by program; competitive programs like Economics may require higher)

Subject-specific requirements: Some programs (e.g., Physics) require advanced coursework in math/science

2. Language Proficiency

German-taught programs (most bachelor's programs):

TestDaF 4x4 / DSH-2 / Goethe C2 / Telc C1 Hochschule

Note: Some programs offer conditional admission with DSH-1 + mandatory language courses

English-taught programs (limited options, e.g., Digital Humanities):

IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 90+

3. Entrance Exams (if applicable)

Medicine/Dentistry: Requires TestAS + participation in German university admissions (hochschulstart.de)

Other programs: Typically no entrance exam, but aptitude tests for Psychology

4. Required Documents

Notarized diploma + transcripts (translated to German/English)

CV (Lebenslauf) in tabular format

Motivation letter (1–2 pages, program-specific)

Language certificate

VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) from uni-assist (for non-EU applicants)

APS Certificate (required for applicants from China, Vietnam, India)

5. Visa Requirements (Non-EU)

Admission letter from University of Cologne

Proof of finances (~€11,208/year in a blocked account)

Health insurance (public German insurance mandatory)

Requirements may vary for each program. Please visit the program page for specific requirements.

Know more

University of Cologne Corporate Partnership

  • European Central Bank (ECB) : Joint research on monetary policy and internships.
  • IBM : Collaborates on quantum computing and AI ethics research.
View More

Notable Achievements of University of Cologne

Achievements

01.
Quantum Computing Breakthrough

Physicists demonstrated room-temperature qubit coherence for 100+ nanoseconds (published in Science).

Year
2024
02.
EU Digital Policy Leadership

WiSo economists drafted the Digital Services Act framework adopted by the European Parliament.

Year
2023
03.
CECAD Aging Research

Discovered a new cellular repair mechanism delaying neurodegenerative diseases (Nature Cell Biology).

Year
2022

Notable Innovation, Research & Development University of Cologne

Notable Innovation

01.
NanoShuttle" Gene Therapy Delivery

A magnetic nanoparticle-based method for targeted drug and gene therapy, improving precision in treating genetic disorders.

Year
2015
02.
Lithium-Air Battery Prototype

Münster scientists created a high-energy-density battery prototype with potential applications in electric vehicles, later refined in collaboration with BASF.

Year
2008
03.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

Developed by researchers including future Nobel laureate Stefan Hell, this super-resolution microscopy technique revolutionized the study of molecular interactions in living cells.

Year
1994

Explore Programs & Courses at University of Cologne

Program name
Tuition Fees
Deadlines
BS in Business Administration 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
NA
15th Jan
BS in Economics 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
NA
15th Jan
BS in Economics and Social Sciences 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
NA
15th Jul
BS in Social Sciences 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
NA
15th Jul

University Ranking of University of Cologne

151-200
228
157

Region: Europe

18
8-10
15
98
91
66
Psychology
151-200
177
-
101-150
Economics
151-200
214
151-175
101-150
Geography
151-200
237
-
151-200
Chemistry
351-400
493
-
301-400

Connect With University of Cologne

  • Albertus-Magnus-Platz, Köln
  • +49 221 4700

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts