University of Cologne

The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and the biggest German universities, established in 1388. It is constantly ranked among the top 20 German universities in the world rankings. The University is also a member of the German U15 association of major research-intensive universities and was a university of excellence as part of the German Universities Excellence Initiative from 2012 to 2019. The university is known for its leading researchers in economics, law, and business, both for national and international rankings.
The university has produced several notable alumni, including  Peter Grünberg (2007 Nobel Prize winner in Physics),  Gustav Heinemann (Federal Republic of Germany's President from 1969 to 1974). 

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.

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.