University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln) at a glance
- City
- Cologne
- Type
- Public university
- Website
- uni-koeln.de
Key takeaways
- The University of Cologne states that it does not charge any tuition fees; you pay only the semester fee.
- Cologne estimates monthly living costs at about €1,200, including about €600 rent.
- Master's applicants first need a uni-assist VPD (allow 4 to 8 weeks), then apply in KLIPS 2.0.
- Non-EU bachelor's applicants apply via uni-assist and must submit a TestAS certificate.
- For winter 2027/28, deadlines range from 31 March (CEMS MIM) to 15 July (general master's).
On this page
- Why the University of Cologne is good value
- Tuition fees and living costs in Cologne
- English-taught programs at Cologne
- Admission requirements
- University of Cologne deadlines
- Scholarships
- Working while you study and after graduation
- Mistakes to avoid when applying to Cologne
- How to apply to the University of Cologne step by step
The University of Cologne does not charge tuition fees, including for non-EU students. Its official costs page says the university "does not charge any tuition fees"; every student pays only a semester fee, which covers the Studierendenwerk, student government, university sports and the Deutschlandsemesterticket.
Cologne stands out for its English-taught business and economics master's and for two English-taught bachelor's programs. Here is what non-EU students pay, which programs exist, and how the two-stage application works for 2027/28.
Why the University of Cologne is good value
- No tuition for any regular program.
- English-taught bachelor's programs: Management, Economics and Social Sciences (B.Sc.) and Quantitative Biology (B.Sc.).
- A large English business master's offer, including CEMS International Management, Business Analytics and AI, Finance, Marketing and Supply Chain Management.
- Summer intake for several master's, such as Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience.
- A VPD that stays valid: once uni-assist issues it, you can reuse it for later applications.
Tuition fees and living costs in Cologne
The semester fee is recalculated each semester, and the costs page does not print the current amount. As an older reference, the DAAD cites €304.25 for the winter semester 2024/25. Check the current figure before you enrol.
| Item | Per month |
|---|---|
| Rent incl. extra charges | €600 |
| Food | €200 |
| Health insurance and medical fees | €150 |
| Leisure, culture and sports | €71 |
| Clothes, communication, learning material | €100 |
| Semester fee (monthly equivalent) | €60 |
| Total | About €1,200 |
For a residence permit, Cologne lists proof of €992 per month (€11,904 per year) and recommends a blocked account. Our cost of studying in Germany guide explains the options.
English-taught programs at Cologne
Bachelor's
Management, Economics and Social Sciences (B.Sc.) and Quantitative Biology (B.Sc.). Both start in the winter semester only.
Master's (examples)
- Business: International Management (CEMS MIM), Business Administration with Corporate Development, Finance, Marketing or Supply Chain Management tracks
- Data and economics: Business Analytics and AI, Business Analytics and Econometrics, Economics, Economic Research, Computational Sciences
- Life sciences: Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, Genetics and Biology of Aging and Regeneration
- Environment and earth: International Master of Environmental Sciences (IMES), JIMES, Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere
- Humanities: African Studies and Egyptology, North American Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Digital and Computational Archaeology
Admission requirements
- Master's: a recognised bachelor's (checked via anabin) and subject-specific requirements set by each admission committee. English levels are set per program; no German is needed for English-taught master's.
- Master's tests: some WISO (management, economics and social sciences) programs may require GMAT or GRE.
- Bachelor's: a school-leaving certificate with direct university access, plus a TestAS certificate (core test and subject module); non-EU applicants are selected by TestAS percentile rank.
- No direct access? You must first attend a Studienkolleg (Studienstart International plus).
- APS: only for China, India and Vietnam.
Read Germany university admission requirements for the general rules on TestAS and Studienkolleg.
University of Cologne deadlines
Cologne lists these as recurring yearly deadlines (the year is not printed on its pages). For master's, get your uni-assist VPD 4 to 8 weeks before the deadline.
| Intake | Programs | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Summer semester 2027 | Master's with summer start (portal opens early December) | 15 January 2027 |
| Winter semester 2027/28 | CEMS MIM and Economic Research | 31 March 2027 |
| Winter semester 2027/28 | IMES and JIMES | 15 May 2027 |
| Winter semester 2027/28 | WISO faculty master's | 15 June 2027 |
| Winter semester 2027/28 | General master's deadline | 15 July 2027 |
| Winter semester 2027/28 | Bachelor's via uni-assist (receipt date) | 15 July 2027 |
Scholarships
Cologne points to DAAD scholarships and its own scholarship pages, including the Deutschlandstipendium. Funding is competitive and usually not available to first-semester students, so plan your own budget. See scholarships in Germany for international students.
Working while you study and after graduation
Non-EU students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. After graduation you can apply for a job-seeker residence permit for up to 18 months. Read work and stay in Germany after graduation.
Mistakes to avoid when applying to Cologne
- Starting the VPD too late. uni-assist needs 4 to 8 weeks, and Cologne's master's application in KLIPS 2.0 depends on it.
- Applying for a bachelor's without TestAS. Non-EU bachelor's applicants must include the TestAS core test and subject module.
- Missing an early faculty deadline. CEMS MIM and Economic Research close on 31 March, months before the general 15 July date.
- Expecting to enrol before paying. The full semester fee must be paid before enrolment.
- Assuming summer entry exists everywhere. Only some master's admit in the summer semester, and the English bachelor's programs start in winter only.
Benefits
- No tuition fees
- Two English-taught bachelor's programs
- Strong English business, analytics and economics master's
- Clear official living-cost estimate
Difficulties
- Two-stage master's process (uni-assist VPD, then KLIPS 2.0)
- TestAS is mandatory for non-EU bachelor's applicants
- Living costs of about €1,200 per month
- Deadlines differ by faculty
Applying from Afghanistan
anabin rates the Afghan 12th-grade certificate as access only after Studienkolleg or two years of university study, so most Afghan school leavers cannot apply directly for a bachelor's. An Afghan bachelor's degree gives direct access to master's study. National visas are handled by the German Embassy in Islamabad; see our Germany student visa guide.
How to apply to the University of Cologne step by step
- 1
Choose your program and deadline
Note the faculty deadline and any GMAT, GRE or TestAS requirement.
- 2
Get your uni-assist VPD
Submit your certificates and certified translations to uni-assist 4 to 8 weeks before the deadline (€75 for the first application).
- 3
Apply in KLIPS 2.0
Upload the VPD and program-specific documents before the deadline.
- 4
Bachelor's applicants
Apply fully via uni-assist with your TestAS certificate by 15 July for the winter semester.
- 5
Prove funds and apply for the visa
Open a blocked account for €11,904 per year and book your appointment early. See our documents and legalization guide.
- 6
Pay the semester fee and enrol
The full semester fee must be paid before enrolment.
Keep all Cologne faculty deadlines in one list: track deadlines for free on FindUniPath, and compare more universities in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Is the University of Cologne free for international students?
Yes. The university says it does not charge any tuition fees. All students pay a semester fee, which is recalculated each semester.
Does the University of Cologne offer bachelor's programs in English?
Yes: Management, Economics and Social Sciences (B.Sc.) and Quantitative Biology (B.Sc.). Non-EU applicants apply via uni-assist and need TestAS.
Do I need TestAS for the University of Cologne?
Yes for bachelor's programs if you are a non-EU applicant. A TestAS certificate with core test and subject module is mandatory.
What is a uni-assist VPD and why does Cologne need it?
It is a preliminary review of your foreign degree by uni-assist. Cologne master's applicants need it before applying in KLIPS 2.0; it takes 4 to 8 weeks and stays valid.
How much does it cost to live in Cologne as a student?
The University of Cologne estimates about €1,200 per month, including around €600 for rent.
Official sources
Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change — always confirm on the official page before you apply.
- 1.University of Cologne — Costs and financing
- 2.University of Cologne — International master's applications
- 3.University of Cologne — International bachelor's applications
- 4.University of Cologne — Range of courses
- 5.uni-assist — Handling fees
- 6.DAAD — Finances (semester contribution example)
- 7.DAAD — Side jobs for international students
- 8.DAAD — Career planning after graduation
- 9.anabin — School certificates with university access
- 10.German Embassy for Afghanistan — Visa and entry