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Last updated on 29 Aug '25
About the University of Cologne (UoC)
Founded in 1388, the University of Cologne is one of the top-ranked research-based public universities, situated in Cologne, Germany. It is interesting to note that the university closed in 1798 before being re-established in 1919 and is now one of the oldest as well as largest national universities. Currently, over 4,400 international students are enrolled at UoC, both as degree-seeking students and exchange students. The motto of the university is to develop knowledge and people for a better world, but in 2020, the university adapted a new motto which is “Today’s Ideas". Tomorrow’s Impact.”. Some of the notable researchers connected with UoC include Clemens Fuest, Renate Mayntz, Wolfgang Streeck, Axel Ockenfels and many more. The University of Cologne is a member of the German U15 association which is an association of 15 research-focused and top-ranked universities of Germany.
As per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking, University of Cologne rankings are #15 in Germany and #159 at global level. ARWU has ranked the university at #151. Times Higher Education 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 a negative trend.
The university comprises six 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. University of Cologne 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 a 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
The University of Cologne can certainly be considered a vaible option for Indian students.
The institute houses a diverse student body, and welcomes international students from all over the world. Also, the university operates an Indian student association as well, not to forget multiple student run clubs.
It also offers various scholarships and funding opportunities for international students based on academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement.
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 | - |
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 |
University of Cologne Ranking 2025
University of Cologne is frequently recognized for its academics and global reputation. The university was ranked #14 at national level as per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025.
University of Cologne's specialized courses such as #10 and #24 have been ranked MIM and MS nationally, respectively.
Apart from this, QS also ranked the university at #285 in 2025.
#160
#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 |
|
13.6K+ students got admitted through us.
Guided 1.2K students to Germany universities.
Guided 1.2K students to Germany universities.
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 Admissions 2026
Prospective international students can apply for the University of Cologne admissions through the Application Portal available on their official website.
University of Cologne Application Deadlines for International Students
Cologne University application deadlines are closed for now and will open in January 2026.
University of Cologne Application Fee
While applying, candidates do not have to submit any money as no Cologne University application fee is charged for admissions.
University of Cologne Acceptance Rate
With the Cologne University acceptance rate of around 20%, the university is extremely competitive to get into, as it admits only 20 out of 100 applicants on average.
University of Cologne Admission Requirements for International Students
All prospective international students must meet the University of Cologne entry requirements, ie; standardized test scores, English proficiency exam scores and relevant documents requirements to secure admission to this university for higher studies.
- High school certificate (UG) / Bachelor's degree (PG);
- Formal university entrance qualification to German universities (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung);
- English language proficiency score;
- German-language proficiency at level DSH-2 or equivalent; and
- Other course-specific requirements.
University of Cologne English Language Requirements: UoC accepts major English exam scores as proof of proficiency. Refer to the table below for minimum score requirements:
|
English Language Exam |
Required Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
95 or higher |
|
7.0 or higher |
|
|
76 or higher |
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
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
To get a part-time job while studying in University of Cologne:
Check the job portal "stellenwerk": The job portal "stellenwerk" offers job opportunities, traineeships, and Diploma projects for students. Graduates can also find their first positions through this portal.
Use the CBS Career Service job portal: CBS International Business School has its own online job portal with a plethora of vacancies for student jobs, internships, or entry-level positions.
Check the University of Cologne's job openings: The University of Cologne offers job openings for professors, postdoctoral, and doctoral positions.
Yes, Indian students are required to submit a financial proof in order to get a residence permit. The financial proof will indicate if the 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, PTE: 68 & Above, TOEFL: 72 - 100 |
MS(42 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, PTE: 76 & Above, TOEFL: 72 - 95 |
M.Sc.(10 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, PTE: 68 & Above, TOEFL: 72 - 100 |
MIM(3 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, PTE |
M.A.(86 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, PTE, TOEFL: 72 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(3 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, PTE, TOEFL: 72 & Above |
B.A.(59 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years-42 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, PTE |
B.Sc.(15 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL |
LL.M.(13 courses) | – / – | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS, PTE |
BBA(13 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, PTE, TOEFL: 72 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
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.
For undergraduate 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, it is 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
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
University of Cologne Notable Alumni
Cologne University Germany has a remarkable alumni network of graduates worldwide, which further adds to its rising popularity. It has proved conducive to launching the dreams of many notable personalities. Some of the well-known names include:
| 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 University of Cologne. Some of them are as follows:
Kurt Alder (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1950)
Peter Grünberg (Nobel Prize in Physics 2007)
Benjamin List (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021)
University of CologneCollege comparison
Compare University of Cologne with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 0 | #272 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 0 - 13.35 L | #535 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 0 - 8.64 L | #618 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 3.14 L - 3.53 L | #310 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 0 - 3.14 L | #215 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 0 - 20.84 L | -/- |
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 Bachelor's degree (if applicable)
- At least, two Academic reference letters from professors who have taught you most recently.
- If you have work experience, then two letters of recommendation (LOR) 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
Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany, the University of Cologne Campus is one of the best campuses around the globe. Home to nearly 44,000, the university offers facilities such as clubs & organisations, housing, campus dining, health & wellness, fitness & recreation, civic engagement, arts & culture, athletics & e-sports, and more. UoC is known for offering state-of-the-art facilities and providing its students with an experiential learning environment. Students get to study in a very safe, affordable and welcoming environment.
University of Cologne Campus Location
UoC is located at Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln, Germany.
University of Cologne FAQs
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 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 |
Both the University of Cologne and Goethe University Frankfurt do not charge tuition fees for their courses, including Master's programs, but all students are required to pay a social contribution fee each semester. The social contribution fee for the University of Cologne is around €250 per semester or €500 per year, while the social contribution fee for Goethe University Frankfurt is around €300 per semester. The cost of living in Frankfurt is generally higher than in Cologne, with Frankfurt being one of the most expensive cities in Germany.
University of Cologne
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month 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 a month ago
Yes, there are many well-known researchers connected with the University of Cologne. Some of them are as follows:
Clemens Fuest, esteemed expert in economic public policy
Wolfgang Streeck, distinguished sociologist and political scientist
Renate Mayntz, a respected sociologist and political scientist s
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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 8
Answered a month 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 8
Answered a month ago
The possible reasons of an application getting rejected are as follows:
The necessary subject requirements are not met.
Language proficiency scores are not met.
Minimum grades not achieved.
Application not completed
VPD Document missing. VPD is a pre-check document that ensures that the student is eligib
P
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
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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