Study in Köln

Located on the Rhine River, Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany. It boasts an array of gothic architecture, including the world-famous Cologne Cathedral. The building attracts more than 20,000 visitors a day, making it the most visited landmark in the country.

As an international student, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of a major city, including a range of museums and galleries, small boutiques, department stores, varied restaurants, and exciting nightlife.

Transport around the city is easy with trams, buses, and local trains all available. For those wanting to get out and explore Germany, the cities of Bonn, Dusseldorf and Dortmund are all within easy reach. The city also has an international airport, making it easy to travel home or see more of the world.

As an international student, you can expect to pay around €10,000 ($11,700) per year for a bachelor’s program, and between €6,000 and €10,000 ($7,000 - $11,700) per year for a graduate course. However, costs will vary between institutions.

The cost of living in Cologne largely depends on where you choose to live, but most students spend around €600 ($700) on monthly rent. Another €400 ($470) per month should cover other living expenses like food, transport, academic supplies, and socializing.

To study at one of Cologne’s institutions, you must earn a university entrance qualification. This usually means completing your secondary education and gaining a school-leaving certificate. You could also be asked to sit a Test for Foreign Students (TestAS) before being offered a place.

Some universities might ask for evidence of your German language skills before accepting you onto a German-taught program. Equally, you could be asked to demonstrate your English language capabilities through a TOEFL or IELTS test if you want to study in English.

If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss student, you can study in Cologne without a visa. However, all non-EU students must apply for a German student visa.