Cologne offers an outstanding range of programs at all undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, the city is particularly renowned for its courses in economics, international business, and finance.
Key facts
- Summer/winter temperature64/36°F
- Population1.12 million
- Universities10
- CountryGermany
Why study in Cologne?
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.
Universities in Cologne
Cologne is a vibrant student city that’s home to several top universities and more than 70,000 students. The city is also a hub for schools specializing in sport, business, media, science, and more.
What to study in Cologne
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What is the cost of study in Cologne?
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.
How to study in Cologne
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.
Student reviews for Cologne
pedro marcon
Studied General Studies at CBS International Business School
Tell us about Cologne
Cologne is a nice university city, but due to the restrictions I couldn’t enjoy it to the fullest.
Mustafa Farhan
Studied General Studies at CBS International Business School
Tell us about Cologne
The City Koln is really beautiful and as a cosmopolitan city, it is very welcoming for foreign students. Everyone here is really helpful and friendly. I have found myself in many situations where strangers have helped me going way beyond their way and this for me is a very unique experience as i have not seen such friendly and loving people. The City is really safe and even when going out at night it is completely safe and nothing sketchy goes around. The transport system is really punctual, the DB, has very good routes not just within the city but also around, making it easy to reach different destinations quickly without any delays. The hygiene on these trains is well maintained, making it safer to travel during covid. The shops such as REWE, ALDI and LIDL are very useful and with my personal experience i can find great varieties of foods and especially some really tasty cookies. The country is really wholesome and welcoming and so far have enjoyed the nightlife and the whole journey here.
Caroline Hinrichs
Studied General Studies at CBS International Business School
Tell us about Cologne
I am studying in Cologne. It is a beautiful city! I feel completely safe during the day, as well as at night. There are hundreds of bars and restaurants throughout the city that are very nice. The public transportation in the city is amazing and usually on time as well. There are so many cute shops and stores where you can go shopping.
Sohail Saleh muhammad
Studied Business Finance at CBS International Business School
Tell us about Cologne
Regarding safety, it depends some areas are safe, some aren't, transport, shops and nightlife are great.
Rowan Radhakrishnan
Studied International Business at CBS International Business School
Tell us about Cologne
It's one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It's a blessing to live here as I have parents of different ethnicities therefore settling here was much easier than expected as the people here are so accepting of different cultures.