The University of Cologne is one of the largest and oldest public research universities in Germany. The university is located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is known for economics, business, law, medicine, humanities, social sciences, management, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, psychology, education, cultural studies and interdisciplinary research. It is a good option for students who are looking for a large public university in one of the biggest cities of Germany with good academic programs in business, economics, law, medicine, society, culture and science.

The university was established in 1388 and re-established in its present form in 1919. Today, the University of Cologne has a broad academic profile and is especially known for management, economics, social sciences, law, medicine, humanities and natural sciences. Cologne is one of Germany’s major cultural and business cities and can be attractive for students interested in careers in media, consulting, finance, public policy, healthcare, law, education, research and international organizations.

At the undergraduate level, a large number of University of Cologne programs are taught in German. International applicants should check German language requirements carefully before applying. Areas of undergraduate study: business administration, economics, social sciences, political science, sociology, law, medicine, dentistry, psychology, education, history, philosophy, German studies, English studies, languages, culture, mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences and teacher education. In regulated fields such as medicine, dentistry and law special admission or state examination structures may apply.

The University of Cologne offers German and selected English-taught programs at the master’s level. Popular postgraduate fields of study are Business Administration, Economics, International Management, Information Systems, Political Science, Sociology, Culture and Environment in Africa, North American Studies, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology, Education, Linguistics, History, Philosophy and related interdisciplinary fields. Admission is based on academic suitability, proof of language, previous coursework and program-specific requirements.

The University of Cologne supports research in economics, management, law, medicine, humanities, social sciences, education, psychology, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, life sciences and interdisciplinary fields at doctoral level. Doctoral candidates can work through faculties, graduate schools, research centers or projects run by a supervisor. The university’s size, research networks and location can all contribute to academic and professional development in a broad range of fields.

Tuition fees The regular degree programs at the University of Cologne are free of charge. Students pay a social contribution fee each semester and that varies from semester to semester. This contribution helps student services and may include advantages related to public transport, depending on the rules that are in place. Students should also budget for accommodation, health insurance, food, transport, books, study materials, visa or residence permit costs and personal expenses. Cologne is a large city and house prices vary greatly.

University of Cologne is the best overall choice for students who want a large German public university with strong programs in business, economics, law, medicine, social sciences, humanities and natural sciences. It is particularly well suited for students interested in careers in consulting, finance, management, health care, legal services, public policy, media, education, research, international organizations and doctoral study.