University of Cologne
📍 Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
One of Germany's largest universities and a top choice for economics and business, in the lively city of Cologne. The semester fee includes an NRW transport ticket.
Fields of study
Popular programmes
- 🎓MSc Economics
- 🎓MSc Business Administration
- 🎓MA Culture & Environment in Africa
- 🎓MSc Information Systems
Admission requirements
Programme-specific minimums vary — confirm on the official programme page before applying.
- Academic / GPA
- Bachelor's with ~70%+ (German 2.5 or higher); Economics and Business Master's expect 75%+.
- English (IELTS / TOEFL)
- IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 92+
- German language
- DSH 2 / TestDaF 4×4 for German-taught programmes
- Other documents & expectations
- Subject-relevant Bachelor's
- Letter of Motivation
- GMAT/GRE optional for some Business Master's
Application deadlines
Deadlines change yearly — always verify on the official programme page.
🍂 Winter intake (starts October)
Master's: 15 July (most). Bachelor's: 15 July.
🌸 Summer intake (starts April)
15 January for limited programmes.
ℹ️ Semester fee includes the NRW Semesterticket.
How to apply
Apply via uni-assist
Centralised application service for international applicants. Pay ~€75 for first application, €30 each additional.
Open the application portal →Got admission? Here's what to do next.
Every international student needs the same three things to study at this university: an offer letter, a blocked account, and health insurance. Here's the honest order.
📋 How to apply — step by step
Tailored for this university's application route.
- 1Create a uni-assist account at uni-assist.de (free, English).
- 2Upload certified copies of your degree, transcripts and language test.
- 3Pay the application fee (~€75 for the first programme, ~€30 for each additional).
- 4uni-assist verifies your documents and forwards them to the university (4–6 weeks).
- 5The university makes the final admission decision and sends an offer letter.
- 6Accept the offer and enrol (Immatrikulation) to receive your enrolment letter.
💳 Open a blocked account
German embassies require proof you have ~€11,904 for one year. A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the standard way to show this.
Expatrio
Berlin-based fintech designed for international students — quick, English-friendly, popular bundle option.
Fintiba
One of Germany's longest-running blocked-account fintechs, very widely used by international students.
🩺 Health insurance
You need pre-arrival travel + health insurance for your visa appointment. Once you arrive and enrol, switch to public insurance (TK / DAK) if you are under 30.
DR-WALTER Educare24
Most international students applying via Expatrio — comes bundled with the blocked account.
Mawista Student
Students using Fintiba, or those who want standalone visa insurance without bundling.
📋 Student visa process
With your offer letter, blocked account, and insurance in hand, you're ready to apply for the student visa at your German embassy. Plan 4–12 weeks for the visa decision.
Frequently asked questions
Answers based on the most-asked questions about Uni Köln.
Is Uni Köln tuition-free for international students?+
Yes. University of Cologne is a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia where tuition is €0 per semester for international students. You still pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of about €295, which typically includes a public-transport ticket.
What English language score does Uni Köln require?+
For English-taught programmes, University of Cologne typically requires IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 92+. Programme-specific minimums can vary — always confirm on the official programme page.
When is the application deadline for Uni Köln?+
For winter intake (programmes starting in October), the deadline is typically: Master's: 15 July (most). Bachelor's: 15 July. For summer intake: 15 January for limited programmes.
How do I apply to Uni Köln?+
International applications go through uni-assist (uni-assist.de). You upload certified copies of your degree, transcripts and language test, and uni-assist verifies them before forwarding to Uni Köln. The application fee is approximately €75 for the first programme.
Is Uni Köln a good university?+
Yes. University of Cologne is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world — currently around #321 globally. It is particularly strong in Economics, Management, Law.
🏙️
Living in Cologne
Average ~€1,000/month, rent ~€550/month.
City guide →💰
Find a scholarship
DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium and university-specific awards.
Browse scholarships →📋
Visa walkthrough
Step-by-step from offer letter to embassy appointment.
Read the visa guide →