University of Cologne Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

University of Cologne is a top-ranking university in Germany and its global rankings are listed below:

• #268 in World University Rankings 2024 - QS World University Rankings
• #244 in Best Global Universities 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings 
• #101 in Best Global Universities in Europe 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings 
• #18 in Best Global Universities in Germany 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings 
• #146 in World University Rankings 2023 - Times Higher Education (THE)
• #201-250 in Impact Rankings: Climate Action 2023 – Times Higher Education (THE)

The University of Cologne does not impose tuition fees for its programmes. All students must, however, pay a social contribution fee, which amounts to around €250 each semester or €500 annually. Other student services and local transit costs are covered by this charge. A student's annual living expenses in Cologne come to about €9,500. However, the cost of living may vary depending on the student's lifestyle and accommodation choices.

University of Cologne acceptance rate is nearly 20% and this figure indicates that on an average, only 20 out of every 100 applicants manage to secure admission in the institution. Hence, this makes the University of Cologne a very competitive school to get in.

Note: The data is taken from unofficial sources and is subjected to change every year.

University of Cologne is a top-ranked university in Germany which offers a variety of courses on undergraduate, graduate as well as Diploma level, both in German and Englilsh. However, international students must note that they do require a German language proficiency certificate at DSH-2 or higher and basic understanding of the language in order to get enrolled in the university. In order to prepare students for their studies, Cologne University offers a program named Studienstart International program to all the Non-EU/EEA students. This course includes German-language classes and introductory courses tailored to the degree programmes as well as a variety of intercultural modules, which is meant to ease the student's start at the University of Cologne. After fully completing this one-semester program, students can begin their regular studies. 

University of Cologne accepts major English exam scores as proof of English language proficiency. Students can refer to the table below for minimum score requirements:

Over 5,000 international students are currently enrolled at the university, both as degree-seeking students and exchange students. This represents approximately 10% of the total student population at the university. 

India is only one of the many countries from which the University of Cologne accepts students. It is a globally recognised institution. It must be noted by international students that enrollment at the institution does need a German language competency certificate at DSH-2 or above.

University of Cologne is a very popular and one of the top-ranked insitutions in Germany. Studying in this university can be considered extremely inexpensive or very affordable since the University of Cologne does not charge tuition fees. However, it is mandatory for all students to pay a social contribution fee of around EUR 250 per semester or EUR 500 per year. On top of that, UoC also offers a variety of scholarships to their students in collaboration with a number of organisations. Some of these scholarships are DAAD Scholarships and University of Cologne Scholarship Program, which offers grants upto EUR 300/month, depending the academic performance. Students can also take up loans provided by UoC as a source of financial help. However, this borrowed money must be returned to the University of Cologne. Additionally, students must also keep in mind the living cost while studying in the University of Cologne.

The University of Cologne requirements for international students for MSc in Business Administration are given below:

·         A bachelor’s degree which corresponds to the subject of the master’s degree

·         A minimum of 2.7 is required in the bachelor’s grade

·         C1 level of German language proficiency skills

·         B2 English language proficiency skills: TOEFL / IELTS

As per the student alumni reviews at an unofficial source, here is what University of Cologne students keep in mind before starting their first semester:

·         Make connections

·         Join different clubs and societies of the college

·         Stay in touch with the professors

·         Do not miss the induction week

·         Try to study in groups as this will broaden the knowledge

Yes, the University of Cologne does not charge any tuition fees from international students. However, students are required to pay the following fees: Social Contribution fee: 250 per semester.

Once an applicant is admitted in the University of Cologne, they must formally accept the offer of admission within five days using their KLIPS 2.0 account (University of Cologne's online application portal). If they do not accept it within five days, the offer of admission will expire. Candidates are also advised to download their admission notification letter using their KLIPS 2.0 account. To enroll as a student in the University of Cologne post receiving the admission offer, students must follow the steps listed below:

• Pay the entire semester fee;
• Upload a photograph to KLIPS 2.0 for electronic student ID (UCCard); and
• Submit the documents needed for enrolment.

The student's KLIPS 2.0 account will specify which documents are required for their enrolment, but most students must submit the following general requirements:

• Signed enrolment application form
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• A certificate that the applicant has been removed from the student register (for students who have previously been enrolled at a German university)
• A German language proficiency certificate at DSH-2 or higher

Students admitted to Medical studies or Dentistry via Hochschulstart must submit the following additional documents for enrolment:

• Copy of passport or identification card and a passport photo
• Legally certified copy of secondary school leaving certificate and a transcript of subjects and marks and any transcripts from studies abroad (with translation if not issued in English or French)
• A signed consent form for participation in the pilot degree programme (only for Medicine)

University of Cologne or Goethe University Frankfurt MA Course are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. Listed below is a table which compares the rankings, and acceptance rate of University of Cologne or Goethe University Frankfurt. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities: