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Last updated on 24 Nov '25
About the University of Cologne (UoC)
Founded in 1388 University of Cologne is one of top ranked research based public universities in Cologne Germany . It is interesting to note that university closed in 1798 before being re established in 1919 and is now one of oldest as well as largest national universities. Currently over 4400 international students are enrolled at UoC both as degree seeking students and exchange students. The motto of university is to develop knowledge and people for better world but in 2020 university adapted a new motto which is "Today's Ideas, Tomorrow's Impacts". Some of notable researchers connected with UoC include Clemens Fuest Renate Mayntz Wolfgang Streeck Axel Ockenfels etc. University of Cologne is member of German U15 association which is association of 15 research focused and top ranked universities of Germany. As per Shiksha Popularity Ranking UCologne rankings are 15 in Germany and 159 at global level. ARWU has ranked university at 151 . THE has ranked 157 in 2025 and 160 in 2024. US News has ranked Cologne 228 and 241 in 2025 and 2024 respectively. Apart from this, QS World University Rankings for the year 2026 is 272 and 100 for 2025 indicating negative trend. The university comprises 6 academic faculties including Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Science Faculty of Medicine Faculty of Arts and Humanities Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science Faculty of Law and Faculty of Human Science. UCologne courses include more than 200 fields of study in majors like Business & Management Studies, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science, IT & Software, Law, Medicine & Health Sciences, Nursing, Education, Mass Communication, Engineering and Arts . Some of the specialization courses include MA , MS , MBA , M.Sc , LLM , MIM , Others Pg and MSN . There is no UoC tuition fee to be paid, instead a social contribution fee of EUR 500 ( INR 51.4 K ). A monthly cost of living can cost up to EUR 986 (INR 1 L) .
Things to Know about the University of Cologne
Here are some interesting facts that students must know about the university:
| Particulars | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Around 20% |
| Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
|
| Majors Offered | Business & Management Studies, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science, IT & Software, Law, Medicine & Health Sciences, Nursing, Education, Mass Communication, Engineering and Arts |
| Duration of Courses |
UG: 3 - 4 years PG: 1 - 2 years |
| Flagship Courses | MA, MS, MBA, M.Sc, LLM, MIM, Others Pg, MSN |
| Cost |
No fee is required for the majority of courses |
| Diversity |
Total: More than 44,000 International: 4,400 |
| Average Salary |
EUR 101,000 - EUR 215,000 (INR 1 Cr - 2.2 Cr) |
| Top Industries |
Research, Education, Business Development, Healthcare Services, Operations |
Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 102.90
University of Cologne History
UoC was the fourth university to be established in the Holy Roman Empire. On January 6, 1389, the university delivered its first lecture. In 1901, the university established it's first faculty and since then it has been offering wide range of courses in six faculties, building up a strong international community. In 2019, the university celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Check out the videos below of the University of Cologne for more information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
University of Cologne offers more than 200 fields of study on bachelor's, master's and Diploma level for their international students. According to the US News & World Report Subject Rankings, some of the most popular Cologne University courses include:
| University of Cologne Courses | US News & World Report Subject Rankings 2023 |
|---|---|
| Infectious Diseases | #75 |
| Cell Biology, Oncology | #77 |
| Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging | #93 |
| Plant & Animal Science | #106 |
| Molecular Biology & Genetics | #122 |
| Arts & Humanities | #127 |
| Immunology | #133 |
| Space Science | #146 |
| Biology & Biochemistry | #152 |
There are several reasons why an application may get rejected at Cologne University. Some common ones are mentioned below.
The necessary subject requirements are not met.
Language proficiency test scores are insufficient
Minimum grades not achieved
Incomplete application
VPD Document missing which is a pre check document that ensures that the student is eligible for applying to a German university.
To get admission to Cologne Uni the eligibility criteria mentioned below need to be fulfilled first-
· High school level qualification (for bachelor’s courses)
· A bachelor’s degree (for master’s courses)
· Degree certificate
· German language proficiency
· Academic transcripts
The University can certainly be considered a viable option for Indian students. It welcomes students from across the globe and as a result has a diverse community, i.e, varying mindsets. To make Indian students feel welcome, it also runs an Indian student association along with multiple student clubs.
The university also offers a number of financial aid opportunities based on merit and financial need.
University of Cologne Ranking 2025
University of Cologne is recognized for its academics and global reputation. In 2025, institution achieved ranking of #14 according to Shiksha Popularity Ranking.
Particularly, its courses such as MIM and MS have been ranked nationally at rank #10 and #24, respectively. These rankings underscore the university's commitment to providing high-quality education in this domain.
Apart fro the above rankings, the university is also ranked by QS (#285) and QS (#268) in category World University Ranking, respectively.
#161
#15
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
MS at University of Cologne is ranked #25 by Shiksha Popularity Ranking, #101 by THE, #151 by ARWU and #157 as per QS Rankings. Courses under MS specialisation are ranked by some of the top reputable ranking bodies. These rankings are mentioned in the table below:
Ranking Bodies | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences | #101 | #101 |
QS - Biological Sciences | #151 | #157 |
QS - Physics and Astronomy | #201 | #251 |
QS - Mathematics | #351 | #451 |
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science | #501 | #601 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics | #151 | - |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics | #201 | - |
Business and Management specialised courses at University of Cologne is ranked #12 by Shiksha Ranking, #40 by Financial Times and #126 by Times Higher Education. Rankings for Business and Management courses by other ranking bodies is mentioned in the table below:
Ranking Bodies | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics | #201 | #126 | #126 |
FT (Financial Times) - Master in Management | #46 | #40 | - |
University of Cologne Courses
With six academic faculties in its ambit, the University of Cologne courses consist of more than 200 fields of study at bachelor's, master's and diploma levels in majors including Business & Management Studies, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science, IT & Software, Law, Medicine & Health Sciences, Nursing, Education, Mass Communication, Engineering and Arts. Some of the specialization courses offered by the University of Cologne are mentioned in the table below:
| Specialization Courses | Accepted Exams |
|---|---|
| MBA |
|
| MS |
|
| MA |
|
| M.Sc |
|
| LLM |
|
| Others PG |
|
| MIM |
|
| Executive MBA |
|
We can fast-track your application in a week.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
13.7K+ students got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
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 Admission 2026
For University of Cologne admission, Indian students have to apply online through the official website. The general admission requirements include meeting the entry requirements and English language proficiency requirements. The University of Cologne accepts English Language exam scores such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE as a proof. Also at the end of application process, there is an application fee. To complete the application process, students are required to submit a few documents such as LOR and CV.
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
University of Cologne is a top ranking university which offers a variety of courses on bachelor's, master's as well as doctorate level. All prospective students must follow the steps listed below in order to apply to the University of Cologne:
1) To apply for Medicine and Dentistry Courses:
- Applicants can apply using the portal of the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Hochschulstart).
2) To apply for DoSV Courses:
- Applicants can apply using the online application portal Klips 2.0 of the University of Cologne. Before applying, applicants must register with the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung. There they will receive user data (BID/BAN number) which is required to enter in the Klips 2.0 application.
3) To apply for all other Courses:
- Applicants can apply using the online application portal Klips 2.0 of the University of Cologne.
While applying to the University, the candidate must submit all the relevant documents, which include:
- Signed application form (printout from the KLIPS 2.0 online application)
- 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 (with translation if not issued in English or French)
- Legally certified copy of a German language proficiency certificate (DSH-2 or higher)
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.
University of Cologne has only one intake season, hence all interested applicants must be prepared with all the admission requirements in order to apply to the university at priority. Students can refer to the table below for the University of Cologne application deadlines:
Program | Applications Open | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
International Management (CEMS MIM), Economic Research | Mid-Jan, 2025 | Mar 31, 2024 |
| Double Master's Programs | Apr, 2024 | May 15, 2024 |
| All Other Master's Programs | Apr, 2024 | Jun 15, 2024 |
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
University of CologneUniversity of Cologne Scholarships
UoC helps students cover a part of the expenses of studying at the university by offering them scholarships. Some of the scholarships at UoC are DAAD Scholarships and the University of Cologne Scholarship Program, which offers grants of up to EUR 300 (INR 26.7 K) per month, depending the academic performance.
Proper online application services must be used by students to submit their applications. Using the online portal, disabled and regular students can apply jointly for a social scholarship and bursary.
Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 89.13
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
In order to avail of scholarships, students must use appropriate online application services to submit their applications. Online portal allows normal and disabled students to apply together for a bursary and social scholarship.
- Deutschlandstipendium: Awarded to students who are in need of financial support. Each scholarship amounts to 300 euros per month for at least two semesters. To be eligible, students must have above-average academic performance.
- Scholarship for Students with Disabilities/Special Needs or Chronic Illness: This scholarship supports students who find it more difficult to manage their studies due to a disability or chronic illness.
- University of Cologne International Scholarship: Exclusively designed for international students to undertake a PhD programme at the university. The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the program, but generally, students must have outstanding academic achievements and a well-planned research project.
2 years
University of Cologne Placements
University of Cologne job outcomes are one of the major attractions for international students and offer a huge return on investment to graduates of the university.
ROI After Education at the University of Cologne
Return on Investment (ROI) for a university is determined by the salary a graduate can expect to earn after graduation, compared to all the costs associated with attending college, such as tuition, living expenses, and foregone earnings. Given below are the details of the fees (investment) and salary (return) at Cologne University:
|
Course |
Annual Fee (Investment) |
Average Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Science |
No tuition fee required
|
EUR 215,000 (INR 1.9 Cr) |
|
Masters in Finance |
EUR 151,000 (INR 1.3 Cr) |
|
|
MBA |
EUR 140,000 (INR 1.2 Cr) |
|
|
Master's Degree Programs |
EUR 101,000 (INR 90 L) |
Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 89.13
University of Cologne Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
According to the data sourced from the web, the alumni of Cologne University are currently working with some of the top organizations in the world across multiple industries. Listed below are the details:
- Graduates are working in industries such as Research, Education, Business Development, Healthcare Services, Operations, etc.
- Some of the courses preferred by the alumni are Biology, Physics, Psychology, Social Sciences, Medicine, etc.
A presentation of the sectors where the alumni of Cologne University, Germany are currently working is as follows:
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Accounting, Information Technology, Military & Protective Services, Program & Project Management, Consulting, Human Resources, Legal, and Marketing.
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Yes Indian students are required to submit financial proof to get residence permit. Financial proof will show if student is able to cover all his living costs or not. Students can either submit documents of a blocked account or declaration of commitment or a scholarship grant or bank statements.
University of Cologne Fees
Since it is a public university, there is no University of Cologne tuition fee. However, students need to pay a social contribution fee of EUR 500 (INR 51.4 K).
University of Cologne Cost of Attendance
UoC cost of living for international students comprises accommodation & dining, transportation, and personal expenses. For Indian students, this amount sums up to approx. EUR 986 (INR 1 L) per month.
Listed below is the average cost of living in Cologne:
| Expenses | Monthly Cost of Living in Cologne | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (including extra charges) | EUR 442 | INR 45.5 K |
| Alimentation | EUR 200 | INR 20.5 K |
| Clothes | EUR 47 | INR 4.8 K |
| Learning Material | EUR 20 | INR 2 K |
| Health Insurance, Medical Fees | EUR 120 | INR 12.3 K |
| Communication (Phone, Internet) | EUR 33 | INR 3.3 K |
| Leisure/Culture/Sports | EUR 71 | INR 7.3 K |
Conversion Rate: 1 EUR = INR 102.90
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MBA/PGDM(14 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 100, PTE: 68 & Above |
MS(42 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 95, PTE: 76 & Above |
M.A.(86 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 72 & Above, PTE |
M.Sc.(10 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 100, PTE: 68 & Above |
MIM(3 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
B.A.(59 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years-42 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
BBA(13 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 72 & Above, PTE |
BSN(3 courses) | – / – | Duration: 42 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
LL.M.(13 courses) | – / – | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
B.E. / B.Tech(3 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 72 & Above, PTE |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
For UG programs, the application deadline is July 15th for the winter semester.
For Master's programs the application deadline for the winter semester is August 20th and for the summer semester its January 15th.
The application deadlines for the following programs are:
Master of Business Administration- August 20
Master Economics- August 20
Master Health Economics- August 20
Master Economics System- August 20
Master in Political Science- August 20
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:
English Language Exam | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
TOEFL iBT | 95 & Above |
7.0 & Above | |
76 & Above | |
Cambridge | C1 Advanced |
TOEIC | Listening - 490 Reading - 455 Writing - 200 Speaking - 200 |
University of Cologne offers a variety of courses on bachelor's, master's as well as doctoral level to all international students every year. 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. This fee also includes a public transit pass for busses and rail in North Rhine – Westphalia.
Indian students who satisfy the requirements below can apply for a Master's in Business degree at the University of Cologne:
· A UG degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 2.7
· C1 Level in German
· Valid scores in TOEFL or IELTS
University of Cologne Notable Alumni
Cologne University Germany has a wide alumni network of graduates worldwide which further adds to its rising popularity. It has proved valuable to the dreams of many notable personalities. Some of the well-known names are mentioned below:
| Alumni Name | Profession/Designation | Image |
|---|---|---|
|
Jörg Hubert Meuthen |
A German Economist, Academic and Politician He is serving as an Independent Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Germany since 2017 |
 |
|
Lena Therese Meyer-Landrut (also known by the mononym Lena) |
A German Singer |  |
| Anke Christina Fischer | A German Comedian, Actress, Voice Actress and Television Presenter |  |
| Heinrich Theodor Böll | A German Writer |  |
| Marietta Slomka |
A German Journalist She has been the anchor of the TV news show heute-journal since 2001 |
 |
| Mark Benecke | A German Forensic Biologist |  |
| Richard David Precht | A German Philosopher and Author |  |
| Anne Will | A German Television Journalist and Host of the Eponymous Political Talk Show |  |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
University of Cologne is a very popular and one of the top-ranked insitutions in Germany, which counts a vast alumni network. Over the years, the Cologne University scholars have made a significant contribution in their fields and 11 Faculties have also won Leibniz Prize. Some of these notable alumni are:
- Peter Grünberg (2007 Nobel Prize winner in Physics)
- Kurt Alder (1950 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry)
- Gustav Heinemann (Federal Republic of Germany's President from 1969 to 1974)
- Erich Gutenberg (modern German business studies' founder)
Yes there are Nobel Prize winners who graduated from the Cologne Uni and some of them are as follows-
Kurt Alder (Chemistry 1950)
Peter Grünberg (Physics 2007)
Benjamin List (Chemistry 2021)
College comparison
Compare University of Cologne with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 0 | #164 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 0 - 20.98 L | -/- | |
| INR 0 - 3.16 L | #98 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 0 - 8.7 L | #351 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 3.16 L - 3.55 L | #251 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 0 - 21.08 L | #92 THE, 2026 |
CompareUniversity of CologneStudying in Germany
Key Facts About Germany
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
To secure a seat at a German University students are required to satisfy the requirements below:
- Attested copies of mark sheets of Standard X, XII and the UG degree (if applicable)
- At least, two Academic LORs from professors who have taught you most recently.
- If you have work experience then two LORs from the employer/manager who knows you well and can comment on your professional abilities
- GRE or Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- Photocopied score reports of language tests and GRE/GMAT (if applicable)
- Portfolio (in the case of students applying for art and design courses or architecture programmes)
- Others (Certificates/achievements at the state and national level, and extracurricular activities)
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
University of Cologne Campus Life
The University of Cologne is one of the best universities to continue higher education for Indian students. University of Cologne Campus is one of the best campuses worldwide. Home to nearly 44,000, the university offers facilities such as clubs & organizations, housing, campus dining, health & wellness, etc. UoC is known for offering state-of-the-art facilities and providing its students with an experiential learning environment.
University of Cologne Campus Location
UoC is located at Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln, Germany.
University of Cologne FAQs
The University of Cologne acceptance rate is 20%. The low percentage shows that the university is tough to enter. Student should perform good in studies to get selection.
University of Cologne and the University of Mannheim are top-ranking universities in Germany and very well known institutions globally, which have their own strengths as well as weaknesses. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Cologne ranks #268, whereas the University of Mannheim ranks #454. On the basis of rankings, the University of Cologne has an upper hand.
Mentioned below is the comparison between both the universities on the basis of some other parameters that can help you choose the better university for you:
Parameters | University of Cologne | University of Mannheim |
|---|---|---|
Acceptance Rate | 20% | 36% |
Average GPA | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Annual Tuition Fee (MS) | INR 0.45 L | INR 2.7 L |
University of Cologne
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 4 months ago
Yes, University of Cologne students can work while studying. Students can work up to 140 full days (4-8 hours per day) or 280 half days (1-4 hours per day) per year. This implies for both paid as well as unpaid internships. If in case, the time period exceed the ideal time period, students must appl
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
International students are required to submit the official transcripts from all the previously attended institutions.
They are to be translated into either English or German by a certified agency before an applicant gets to the uni-assist stage of application. Once these requirements are met, studen
D
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 months ago
International students are required to upload the core academic documents to uni-assist, which include school-leaving/university entrance proof, complete transcripts, a bachelor's degree certificate, or a provisional proof.
Additionally, the applicants might also be asked for certified translations
L
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 months ago
Yes there are many well known researchers connected with the Cologne Uni and some of them are mentioned below
Clemens Fuest- esteemed expert in economic public policy
Wolfgang Streeck- distinguished sociologist and political scientist
Renate Mayntz- a respected sociologist and political scientist speci
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
Humanities and Social Science is ranked #7 as per Shiksha Popularity Ranking, #151 by QS Rankings, #126 by THE and #51 by ARWU. Rankings for Humanities and Social Science specialised courses are given in the table below.
Ranking Bodies | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology | #101 | #126 |
QS - Sociology | #151 | #151 |
QS - Politics | #201 | #251 |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology | #51 | - |
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences | #151 | - |
P
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
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University of Cologne
Main building (east view)
Main building
Center for organic electronics
University of CologneLocation
| University City | Cologne, Other - Germany, Germany |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 10,75,935 |
University of CologneCampuses
Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln, Germany
University of CologneContact Information
Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln, Germany
Cologne ( Other - Germany)
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