University of Cologne

University of Cologne does not provide on-campus accommodation opportunities to their students but help students in finding a number of housing options, which provides good facilities on a budget. Students in can reside in dormitories, private apartments, shared apartments and more while living in Cologne. Cost of living in Cologne is approximately EUR 986,00 (INR 91,20,971). Students can refer to the table below for a breakdown of the living expenses:ParticularsCostRent (including extra charges)EUR 44,200(INR 40,88,711)AlimentationEUR 20,000(INR 18,50,095)ClothesEUR 4,700(INR 4,34,772)Learning materialEUR 2,000(INR 1,85,009)Semester feeEUR 5,300(INR 4,90,275)Health insurance, Medical feesEUR 12,000(INR 11,10,057)Communication (Phone, Internet)EUR 3,300(INR 3,05,265)Leisure/Culture/SportsEUR 7,100(INR 6,56,783)

No, the University of Cologne does not provide on-campus accommodation opportunities to their students but help students in finding a number of housing options, which provides good facilities on a budget. Students in can reside in dormitories, private apartments, shared apartments and more while living in Cologne.Student Dormitories: The Kölner Studierendenwerk operates 90 student dormitories with 5,000 spots for students from all of Cologne’s universities, including spots for students with children or families. In addition to the student dormitories, an array of private student dormitories operated by other institutions exists as well. Applications to any of the above student dormitories must be submitted by the applicant as early as possible (3-6 months prior to moving in). Prospective students must also note that the rooms are highly desired and scarce, so the probability of being assigned a room in one of the student dormitories is low.Apartments: Students planning to rent an apartment in Cologne must keep in mind that apartments in Germany are usually leased to tenants unfurnished and that most landlords are not interested in short-term leases. Furnished apartments, especially larger in size, are harder to find and also more expensive. The rents vary considerably depending on the district, connection to public transports and equipment of the apartment.As an alternative to renting a room in a student dormitory or renting their own apartment, students can rent a furnished or unfurnished room in an shared apartment. In shared apartments, students have to share bathroom and kitchen with their roommates. A room in an apartment share is usually cheaper than an own apartment and in most cases, affords the advantage of a completely furnished apartment.

While studying at the University of Cologne, all overseas students from non-EU/EEA countries have to consider legal restrictions when working. Although financing the costs of living by working is not possible, overseas students can earn some extra money this way. International students are allowed to work up to 120 full days (4-8 hours per day) or 240 half days (1-4 hours per day) per year and this regulation also applies to paid and unpaid internships. A job as a student assistant at a university is permitted, so a student assistant is allowed to work more. If the student has a job which exceeds the regulation of 120/240 days, they have to apply for a permit at the Foreigners Registration Office.

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.

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 is a top-ranking university in Germany, which has secured the rank #268 in QS World University Rankings - Best Global Universities 2024. It 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 in order to get enrolled in the university. Apart from this, the University of Cologne offers a variety of scholarships for international students in collaboration with other organisations, to support eligible candidates financially. Students must also consider the fact that studying in this university is 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. This fee also includes a public transit pass for busses and rail in North Rhine – Westphalia. Overall, it is a very good university among study abroad options.