University of Cologne: Rankings, Courses, Admissions 2023, Tuition Fees

University of Cologne Rankings

University of Cologne has received the following rankings from prestigious survey agencies over the past few years-

• Globally ranked 172 amongst World Universities by Times Higher Education in 2023.
• Ranked 335 Globally by QS World University Rankings 2023
• Ranked 230 among Best Global Universities by US News.
• Ranked 98 among Best Global Universities in Europe by US News.
• Ranked 17 among Best Global Universities in Germany by US News.

University of Cologne Programs

University of Cologne courses are available at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. Currently, there are around 125 undergraduate and 130 graduate degree programs available at the university. Subject areas include Business Administration, Economics, Information Systems, Social Sciences, etc. Also Check: University of Colonge programs

Business Administration, a part of economic sciences is an integral course for international attraction. The approach towards the program at University of Cologne is singular and both goal and result oriented. International Management (CEMS MIM) is another popular course requiring a candidate to have 2.5 (German grade) in undergraduate education. Other popular courses at University of Cologne include:

University of Cologne Campus

Cologne, being the fourth largest city of Germany acts as the central point for trade and commerce and it consequently an economic attraction. The University of Cologne campus is situated in the urban locale of Cologne and is an amalgamation of an educational and cultural hub. Apart from the numerous academic, residential and research buildings spread across the campus, University and City library is a prominent attraction. The library is accessible for both academic and research purposes.

• The university, in association with German Sport University, offers students numerous sports related activities. Unifit is the center for sports training, available to students and staff both.
• Many individual initiatives by students also run on campus. Organizations such as European Students’ Forum or WiSo Students Association concern not only with interest of students but also with studies.
• The Cologne-carnival, which is a world-famous affair offers a blending of art exhibitions, theatre, cinema, sports, music, etc.

University of Cologne Accommodation

Students at Cologne opt for both on-campus and private accommodations depending upon the feasibility. Kohler Studierendenwerk operates dormitories for students on campus. There are more than 90 such dormitories that house approximately 5,000 students. Due to the high desirability of the accommodation, students are expected to draft an application for the same at least 3-6 months in advance.

Private housing can either be in the form of an individual or a shared apartment. Houses in Germany are generally unfurnished. Immonet, Immowelt, and kalaydo are some websites that can prove useful while looking for private accommodation. The rates for residence in the dormitories or otherwise are as follows-

University of Cologne International Admissions

Application process and requirements for international students applying for University of Cologne admission are as follows:

Admission Portal: Online application 
Admission Fee:

• 75 EUR for first desired course,
• 30 additional EUR for every other preference.

Supporting Documents: 

• Tabular Curriculum Vitae in German
• Proof for knowledge of German language
• Secondary school leaving certificate with translation
• TestAS certificate
• Proof of passing university examination (if applicable).
• Certificate of assessment test.
• Copies of school certificate from last two years (Only for those who hold an International Baccalaureate).
• Course certificates with subjects and grades listed along with the translation.
• Copy of passport.

Looking for course-specific admission requirements, Click here

University of Cologne Cost of Attendance

There is no tuition fees for University of Cologne programs. Students are required to pay the semester fee only that consists of social contribution for the Kölner Studierendenwerk (KSTW) and the contribution for the student representative body AStA. The semester fee keeps differing and it is around 45,00 EUR for 6 months. This fee contains the cost for local transportation expenses.

As for the cost of living in Cologne, the estimated cost for international students is mentioned below:

University of Cologne Scholarships

• University of Cologne provides assistance in the form of grants and scholarships in Germany for international students.
• Three primary scholarships/grants that the university awards are stated below-
  • Federal Germany grant
  • Scholarship for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses
  • Social scholarship from the University of Cologne
• The three grants are of 300 EUR/month with an integral role of social criteria for awarding of the social scholarship and scholarship for disabled students.
• Students who are not awarded scholarships are allowed to take up some side work. As per the law, International students can work for 120 full days (4-8 hours/day) or 240 half days (1-4 hours/day) to finance some of their expenses.

University of Cologne Alumni

University of Cologne alumni are offered numerous benefits that are listed below-

• Receiving important information through newsletters.
• Alumni are lifelong invited to events that can engage in networking.
• Find connection in other cities with the regional groups’ option.
• Manage information such as email, phone number, etc. through KolnAlumni account management system.
• Using the exclusive alumni email to forward mails.
• 50% discount on studio stage cologne performance tickets.
• Discount to avail sports facilities through Unifit.
• Receive Cologne official magazine at your mail address.

Notable Alumni

• Heinrich Boll, Nobel Prize for Literature, 1972
• Karolos Papoulias, Hellenic Republic, Former President
• Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, legal scholar, polymath, physician, occult writer, soldier and theologian 1486-1535
• Nicholas of Cusa, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher,, theologian, jurist, and Catholic clerk 1401-1464
• Wolfgang Bosbach, German Politician 
• Peter Canisius, Dutch Jesuit Catholic priest 

University of Cologne Placements

University of Cologne organizes multiple job fairs to help students understand the demand of the industry and meet potential employers. Students can also find suitable jobs at Uni Köln Stellenwerk portal that are posted by employers. Private Job offers can also be posted on this portal. About 97% of graduates are either working in top companies or pursuing higher education within 3 months of graduation. 75% of those are working in multinational companies. 

University of Cologne has a Professional Centre to help students hone their skills for job placements. Alongside the professional centre are multiple career centres such as, WiSo Career Service, Faculty of Arts Career Service, etc. that helps students in the placement field. MBA students at Cologne are the highest paid with an average package of around 100,000 EUR-166,000 EUR.