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Foreign students who want to take admission to the University of Cologne UG courses, they have to appear for TestAS (Test for Academic Studies). This is a centralised, standardized study aptitude test for foreign students. This test can be taken in English or German language. It can taken only at centralized test centers.
The test comprises of a core test and subject specific test module. Before applying to the UG courses of the University of Cologne, students have to take this test and submit the certificate to Uni-Assist with the application. Regardless of the course level, an important of the University of Cologne admission process is to submit the APS certificate.
- University of Cologne application deadline for international students is Jan 15, 2027 for Summer Semester.
Major Update on getting APS for Indian PG Students: Applicants applying for APS Certificate after Jun 29, 2026, cannot go for it directly. They have to take a dMAT (Digital Master Test) if their bachelor's is in Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Economics or Business
Why study at University of Cologne?
A second oldest university of Germany, the University of Cologne is a public university in Cologne, Germany. It is famous for being one of the largest universities in Germany. More than 50,000 students are there at UoC. Out of this, over 5,000 are international students.
Do you know? The University of Cologne is a member of Coimbra, EUniWell, and German U15. It is to be noted that German U15 is an association of 15 leading universities that have a strong research tradition. U15 universities are famous for cutting-edge teaching, excellent teaching, and strong innovation.
A few of the reasons to study at Cologne University are-
- No tuition fee - The University of Cologne does not charge any tuition fee. But, the students have to pay a social contribution fees. Apart from this, the students have to pay a living cost. The cost of living in Cologne is around EUR 1,200 (Around INR 1.31 L).
- Very selective university - The University of Cologne acceptance rate stands at 20%, making it a very selective university. For admission to the Bachelor's courses, the students must have a German language proficiency. This can be proven by submitting TestDAF, DSH 2, Telc C2, etc. For admission to the Bachelor's degree courses, a TestAS Certificate is required. TestAS is a centralized aptitude test for international students.
- English-taught courses - Cologne University offers 370+ courses. But, in English language, 28+ courses are available. Study areas for the Master's courses in English are Business Administration, Economics, Business Analytics, Sociology, Computational Sciences, etc. Details about University of Cologne courses are given below on this page.
- Research Excellence - Research is at the heart of Cologne University. Key research areas at this university are Quantum Matter and Information, Global South Studies, Social and Economic Behaviour, Aging Associated Diseases, etc. There are 5 clusters of excellence and 18 research centers at the UoC.
As per University of Cologne reviews posted by students on Shiksha, the university has been rated 3.7 out of 5. Few of Indian students' reviews for UoC are-
- The Uni of Cologne is academically oriented. Professors and university's staff are very helpful
- For the value for money component, the University of Cologne has been rated 5 out of 5 as per Shiksha Popularity rankings. The University of Cologne is a budget friendly university as compared to British or U.S. based universities, as there is no tuition fee charged from international students.
Indian students who want to take admission to Cologne University, submission of APS Certificate is a mandatory requirement. New conditions have been introduced by APS India for the Master's applicants, as a few students have to appear for dMAT test.
University of Cologne Facts
Here are some facts about the University of Cologne-
|
Particulars |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Founded |
1388 |
|
University of Cologne Acceptance rate |
20% |
|
Type of university |
Public |
|
Accreditation |
NRW |
|
Popular courses among Indian students |
MBA, M.Sc., MA |
|
Student-to-faculty-ratio |
28:1 |
History
In 1388, the University of Cologne was established. 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
Yes, University of Cologne acceptance rate stands at 20%, which makes it competitive to get into. For University of Cologne admissions, Indian students must meet all the admission requirements at the university and submit proof of English language proficiency. University of Cologne has enrolled 5,000+ international students.
The University of Cologne is among the top choice of international students to pursue higher education in Germany. Cologne University is home to over 5,000 internationals students from all over the globe. The university offer various programs at UG and PG levels for its international students.
Those Master's courses that are taught in German, Indian students have to submit the suitable language proficiency test. The University of Cologne accepts the following German language proficiency tests for the Master's courses-
- TestDAF TDN 4 in all exam parts
- DSH 2
- Tele C1 Hochschule
- Tele C2
- ÖSD C2 and more
For Master's courses of Uni of Cologne, there is a 2 stage application process. The students have to first complete the preliminary review documentation (VPD). After this, apply through the university's application portal.
For admission to Bachelor's courses of the Uni of Cologne, students have to pass a valid TestAS certificate (centralized test for international students). The students can apply via Uni-Assist.
University of Cologne Ranking 2027
In the Shiksha Popularity rankings, University of Cologne ranks at #15 in the National Universities rankings. In the world rankings, the University of Cologne ranking is #161. Some of the University of Cologne subjects have also been ranked in Shiksha Popularity rankings. These rankings are #9 for LLM, #9 for M.A, #15 for Sciences, #26 for MS, etc.
By Other Ranking Bodies
The QS world rankings for 2027 have been released. In 2027, the University of Cologne QS ranking is #269. In 2026, this university ranked at #272 in QS rankings. A major improvement in the university's rank can be observed. As per Times Higher rankings, the University of Cologne ranking is #164 by THE in 2026, globally. Check the List of Top Universities & Colleges in Germany.
Subject Rankings
As per the Financial Times, the University of Cologne ranking for MIM course is #37 in 2025. Subject rankings as per Times Higher Education rankings 2026 are given below-
| Course | Times Higher Education Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|
| Law | #85 |
| Arts & Humanities | #97 |
| Psychology | #126-150 |
| Business & Economics | #126-150 |
#161
#16
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
The University of Cologne is one of the top ranked universities for higher education in the world. University of Cologne is ranked at #161 in world by Shiksha Popularity Rankings. Top ranking bodies worldwide ranks University of Cologne that are listed below-
Ranking Authorities | Rank |
|---|---|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings | #162 in world and #16 in Germany |
Times Higher Education 2026 | #164 in World University Rankings |
QS Rankings 2027 | #269 in QS World University Rankings |
US News and World Report 2026 | #228 in Best Global Universities |
The University of Cologne is one of the best universities in Germany for higher education. Top ranking authorities all over the world rank the University of Cologne. According to QS Ranking, the University of Cologne ranks at #272 under the category “QS World University Ranking 2026”. Whereas in 2027 QS rankings, the Uni of Cologne ranks at #269.
The University of Cologne is among the top ranked universities in the world. As per Times Higher Education (THE), University of Cologne ranks at #164 under the World University Rankings 2026. THE also ranks Cologne University programs that are listed below-
Ranking Categories by THE (Times Higher Education) 2026 | Rank |
|---|---|
World University Rankings | #164 |
Arts and Humanities | #97 |
Business and Economics | #126-150 |
Medical and Health | #151-175 |
Computer Science | #600-800 |
Education Studies | #201-250 |
Law | #85 |
Life Sciences | #126-150 |
University of Cologne Courses & Fees
Cologne Uni offers 350+ programs at UG, PG, and doctoral levels for its Indian students. The courses at the Uni of Cologne are offered via 6 faculties in the study areas such as Social Sciences, Law, Humanities, Economics, Natural Sciences and Medicine.
University of Cologne Popular Programs
Note that out of 350+ courses at the University of Cologne, 28 courses are taught in English. Most of these are Master's courses. The top programs opted by Indian students at Cologne University are listed below-
- M.Sc. in Business Administration
- MSc in Economics
- MSc in International Management
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Business Analytics and Economics
Note: For admission to the courses taught in English at the Uni of Cologne, the students are required to submit a German language proficiency score. But for the courses taught in English, mostly Master's courses, there are no formal German language proficiency requirements. For these courses, students can submit English language proficiency scores.
Is there any fees at Cologne University?
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 53.807). 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 |
|---|---|
| Rent (including extra charges) | EUR 442 (INR 49,568) |
| Alimentation | EUR 200 (INR 22,429) |
| Clothes | EUR 47 (INR 5,270) |
| Learning Material | EUR 20 (INR 2,245) |
| Health Insurance, Medical Fees | EUR 120 (INR 13,471) |
| Communication (Phone, Internet) | EUR 33 (INR 3,704) |
| Leisure/Culture/Sports | EUR 71 (INR 7,907) |
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
- University of Cologne is one of the top choice of international students to pursue MBA for higher education.
- Cologne University offers 350+ degree programs at UG, PG, and doctoral levels for its international students.
- University of Cologne offers MBA for the duration of 2 years for its international students.
The language of instruction of MSc in Chemistry Cologne University course is English. This course spans 4 semesters.The semeser fee is EUR 355.65 (Around INR 38k).
For admission to this course, Indian students are required to have a Bachelor's degree. Also, submit an IELTS score of 6.5 / TOEFL score of 93
The Uni of Cologne MSc in Business Administration course is taught in English. Only the specialisation Accounting and Taxation is taught in two languages, English and German both. The duration of these courses is 4 semesters. The specializations for this course are-
- Marketing
- Finance
- Corporate Development
- Supply Chain Management
- Accounting and Taxation
At the University of Cologne, 25+ courses are taught in English. Majority of the courses taught in English are at Master's level. Study areas for these courses are-
- MSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
- MSc in Business Administration
- MA in Digital and Computational Archaeology
- MSc in Economics
University of Cologne Admission Requirements for Indian Students
For the University of Cologne admissions to UG courses, students have to apply via Uni-Assist. Then, students have appear for TestAS (entrance exam for UG studies). For all the Master's degree programs, a preliminary VPD is required to apply. The processing time for the applications is 4-6 weeks. After this, apply through the university's application portal.
University of Cologne Application Deadlines
Cologne University offers admission for Indian students in two intakes namely Summer and Winter each year. A few of the University of Cologne deadlines are given below-
|
Intakes |
Deadline for PG courses |
|---|---|
|
Summer Semester |
Jan 15, 2027 |
|
Winter Semester |
Jul 15, 2027 |
University of Cologne Eligibility
For admission to the University of Cologne UG courses, Indian students have to appear for TestAS. This is centralized aptitude test for international students. Also, for admission to Bachelor's courses, the students have to submit German language test scores such as DSH 2 / TestDAF / Telc C1 or C2. Documents required to apply to this university are-
- High school certificate / Bachelor's degree
- Transcripts of previous studies
- APS Certificate
- Official academic transcripts
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS – 5.5 to 7.0 or equivalent)
- Financial documents
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
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 |
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
No. Indian students who want to take admission to the University of Cologne have to submit APS Certificate. This is a mandatory condition. Only after submitting the APS certificate, admission is possible to the Uni of Cologne. For admission to the UG courses of this university, Indian students are also required to appear for Test for Academic Studies (TestAS).
Via Uni-Assist applications to Cologne Uni, the students have to submit the following documents -
- APS Certificate
- School leaving certificate
- Transcripts of records
- English language proficiency score
University of CologneUniversity of Cologne Scholarships for Indian Students
Indian student can avail DAAD Prize sponsored by German Academic Exchange Service at University of Cologne. Since 1995, the University of Cologne has been awarding it and had so far honoured students from 20+ countries. The prize is awarded to Indian students for special academic achievements.
- Deutschlandstipendium is also available for international students of the University of Cologne. This is for first-year and Master's students. They receive Euros 300 per month for at least two semesters. For this, students have to apply by the specified scholarship deadline.
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Yes, Indian student can avail DAAD Prize sponsored by German Academic Exchange Service at University of Cologne. Apart from this, University of Cologne offers a variety of programs at UG, PG and doctoral levels for its Indian students. The university student body features 5,000 international students.
The University of Cologne DAAD scholarship attracts students from all over the world. The DAAD scholarship is one of the most popular funding options for Indian students wishing to study in Germany. This scholarships covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend of around EUR 850 (INR 94.6K) to EUR 1,200 (INR 1.33 L), health insurance, and travel allowance. Indian students can apply directly through the Official DAAD Portal by submitting academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
2 yearsUniversity of Cologne Placements: Top Employers & Average Salary
University of Cologne grads work for leading sectors such as Research, Education, Business Development, Healthcare Services, Operations, etc. University of Cologne graduates are constantly in high demand worldwide. As per the Times Higher Education Graduate employability rankings 2026, the University of Cologne ranks at #13 in Germany and #138 in 2026.
University of Cologne Placement Rate
University of Cologne graduates work for top companies such as Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, Bayer, Deutsche Bank, RTL Group, etc. Also, Non-EU students can work up to 140 full days (4-8 hours per day) or 280 half days (1-4 hous per day) per year. This condition is also applied to paid and unpaid internships. Check details about Part Time Work in Germany for International Students.
ROI after Education at University of Cologne
The graduates of the University of Cologne can apply for an 18-month permit to find work. For this, the students must have a valid residence permit. Salary details for the Uni of Cologne courses are given below.
|
Course |
Annual Fee (Investment) |
Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
|
MBA |
No fee required |
EUR 69,302 (INR 77.64 L) |
|
UG |
No fee required |
EUR 48,000 (INR 53.77 L) |
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The University of Cologne is one of the top choice of international students. The university placement rate attracts students from all over the world. Cologne University graduates work for leading organisation that are listed below-
- Deloitte
- WDR
- Uniklinik Koln
- Selbstandig
- University of Cologne
The University of Cologne graduates are constantly in high demand all over the globe. The university grads are highly skilled in Project Management, Microsoft Office, English, Communication, etc. University of Cologne graduates work for top sectors that are listed below-
- Business Development
- Education
- Research
- Media and Communication
- Operations
University of Cologne placement rate attracts international students the most. University of Cologne graduates are constantly in high demand worldwide. According to sources available on the web, the average salary of University of Cologne graduates are given below-
Particulars | Average Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|
PG | EUR 69,302 |
UG | EUR 48,000 |
Indian students at the University of Cologne can work part time. They are allowed to work up to 140 full days (4-8 hours per day) or 280 half days (1-4 hours per day). This rule is applicable to internships as well.
University of Cologne Courses and Fees 2026
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
M.A.(86 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 72 & Above, PTE |
MS(43 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 95, PTE: 59 - 76 |
MBA/PGDM(14 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 100, PTE: 68 & Above |
B.A.(56 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years-42 months Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
M.Sc.(10 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 100, PTE: 68 & Above |
Others PG(38 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
BBA(13 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 72 & Above, PTE |
LL.M.(13 courses) | INR 0 - 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
MIM(3 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
B.Sc.(15 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The University of Cologne offers programs at both UG and PG levels for its Indian students. Cologne University tuition fee can vary from one programme to another. The University of Cologne annual tuition fee for Indian students is listed below-
| Course level | Annual Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|
| UG | INR 0 |
| PG | INR 60.81 L |
The University of Cologne is one of the most prominent universities for higher education in Germany. University of Cologne annual tuition cost may vary from one student to another. Check the table listed below for the cost of attendance for Indian students at Cologne University-
| Expenses | Monthly Cost of Living in Cologne |
|---|---|
| Rent (including extra charges) | EUR 442 (INR 49,568) |
| Alimentation | EUR 200 (INR 22,429) |
| Clothes | EUR 47 (INR 5,270) |
| Learning Material | EUR 20 (INR 2,245) |
| Health Insurance, Medical Fees | EUR 120 (INR 13,471) |
| Communication (Phone, Internet) | EUR 33 (INR 3,704) |
| Leisure/Culture/Sports | EUR 71 (INR 7,907) |
- University of Cologne offers programs at UG, PG as well as doctoral level to all international students each year.
- Studying in this university can be considered extremely inexpensive or very affordable since the University of Cologne does not charge tuition fees.
- It is mandatory for all students to pay a social contribution fee of around EUR 250 per semester or EUR 500 each year.
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 Grunberg (Physics 2007)
Benjamin List (Chemistry 2021)
College comparison
Compare University of Cologne with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 0 | #269 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 0 - 4.42 L | #185 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 0 | #540 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 0 | #376 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 0 | #209 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 0 - 5.71 L | #500 QS, 2027 |
CompareUniversity of CologneStudying in Germany
Key Facts About Germany
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
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. Some of the international student associations at University of Cologne are-
- International Student Association Cologne - ISAC
- ASA - African HG
- SAMBO - Southeast Asian HG
- ZAG Central Asian - HG
- TUSCO - Turkish HG
Sports facilities - In co-operation with the General University Sports Centre of the German Sport University Cologne, the Uni of Cologne offers the largest sports programme in Germany. Courses in 150+ sports take place near the campus of Cologne Uni.
University of Cologne Location
UoC is located at Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Köln, Germany. Students can check the University of Cologne photos from Shiksha's gallery.
Commonly asked questions On Others
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.
The University of Cologne offers a vibrant student life into Germany's fourth-the largest city for its students. With over 50,000 students and a young demographic - every third resident is under 30. The city is bustling with cultural events, a legendary nightlife, and diverse student jobs.
The University of Cologne does not offer any on-campus accommodation for its Indian students. However, students at the University of Cologne have several housing options to choose from the following-
- Student Dormitories
- Private Apartments
- Private Student Residences
- Homestays
University of Cologne
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
A comparison of the Johannes Gutenberg University with similar universities such as the University of Cologne is given below:
Factors | JGU | Uni of Cologne |
|---|---|---|
Fees | No tuition fees for majority of courses | No tuition fees |
QS Rankings 2027 | #500 | #269 |
Courses offered | 240+ | 200+ |
The choice to study at a particular university will depend on students' choices, preferred location, cost of living, etc. However, one thing that JGU offers is a wide range of
B
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
The University of Cologne is a public university situated in the UK. The University of Cologne offer programs at UG and PG levels for its international students. Shiksha Popularity Ranking ranks University of Cologne at #162 in world and #16 in Germany.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
There are 2 intakes to get into Nursing courses at the University of Cologne. Students can apply for Summer semester and Winter semester. The deadlines for summer semester are closed for this year. While the application deadline for winter semester is closed.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
No University of Cologne do not charge any tuition fee from international students who What to pursue Nursing. Instead, the students are required to pay a semester fee of EUR 335.65 to the university which is comparatively very low compared to other universities.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
Most of the Nursing courses at University of Cologne are offered in German language. In fact, all Ug Nursing courses at this university are only German taught courses. While, PG Nursing courses offer very few courses in English language, else all the courses are offered in German.
K
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
University of Cologne
Main building
Main building (east view)
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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