Study Destination Guide: Cologne

As one of the largest cities in Germany, Cologne is a highly attractive destination for international students. The city offers a warm welcome to students from all over the world and gives them the opportunity to have a unique experience. The support and facilities for international students in the city are also well developed. Institutions such as the University of Cologne offer special support programs and services to facilitate the integration of international students.

Language courses, academic counseling, cultural events, and accommodations are all available to meet the needs of international students. Cologne is also notable for its cultural diversity and vibrant social life. The city is full of historical buildings, museums, art galleries, and festivals. Famous landmarks such as Cologne Cathedral and beautiful landscapes along the Rhine River offer students many opportunities to explore. The nightlife in the city is also very lively. Restaurants, bars, clubs, and concert venues offer students a variety of possibilities for entertainment and social activities.

Cologne is also an advantageous place to travel thanks to its central location in Germany. Other parts of Europe are easily accessible. Students have the opportunity to explore other European cities during weekends or vacation periods.

Monthly Cost of Living in Cologne

The cost of living in Cologne can vary depending on personal preferences and lifestyle. However, you can find average monthly living costs in the information below.

Accommodation: Accommodation usually accounts for the largest part of the monthly living costs. There are often more affordable options for students, such as shared apartments or student residences. On average, the cost of student accommodation in Cologne can range from 300 to 600 Euros. This amount can vary depending on the type of accommodation, its location, and the size of the apartment.

Food and Drink: Food and drink expenses are also an important part of the monthly living costs. There are affordable restaurants, cafes, and student canteens in Cologne. You can spend between 7 and 10 Euros for an average lunch. It may also be a more economical option to prepare your own food by shopping at grocery stores.

Transportation: Cologne has a well-developed public transportation network, and discounted transportation cards are available for students. The cost of a monthly transportation card is around 80 Euros. With this card, you can use the metro, buses, and trains.

Entertainment and Cultural Events: Cologne hosts many cultural events, festivals, and nightlife. Ticket prices for events such as cinema, theater, and museums may vary. On average, tickets can cost between 10 and 20 Euros.

Other Expenses: Household expenses such as electricity, water, internet, and other costs such as personal needs should also be taken into account. These expenses usually vary on a monthly basis but, in general, can be around 100–200 euros.

Which Universities Are in Cologne?

Cologne is known for being home to a variety of higher education institutions. Prestigious universities and colleges, such as the University of Cologne, offer a wide range of education for international students. These institutions provide students with a quality education through programs in various disciplines and have a great reputation in the academic field. There are many schools in Cologne, but we have gathered the most important ones for you.

University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln): The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Germany. It offers many undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in different disciplines. It has a strong reputation in fields such as social sciences, natural sciences, law, economics, and business.
Cologne University of Applied Sciences (Technische Hochschule Köln): The University of Applied Sciences Cologne is a major university of applied sciences, offering courses in fields such as engineering, computer science, business administration, design, and media. It offers students practical experience through hands-on projects and industry collaborations.

Cologne School of Music and Performing Arts (Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln): The Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln is a renowned College for music, dance, and theater. Programs include musical instruments, vocal performance, dance, theater management, and composition.

Cologne University of Sport Sciences (Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln): The University of Sport Sciences Cologne is a university that provides education in areas such as sport sciences, sport management, sport psychology, coaching, and sport physiotherapy. It offers students theoretical knowledge and practical experiences in the field of sport.
Cologne University of Economics and Business Administration (Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Köln): The Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Köln (Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Köln) is a university of business administration, economics, law, and information management. It offers education in close cooperation with the business community.

What Are the Popular Majors at Universities in Cologne?

There are many popular subjects at universities in Cologne. Here are some examples of popular majors at the University of Cologne and other major universities:

University of Cologne

Business and Economics
Law
Psychology
Communication and Media Sciences
Computer Science and Information Systems
Sociology
Medicine
English Language and Literature
German Language and Literature

Cologne University of Applied Sciences:

Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Computer, etc.)
Computer Science and Information Technology
Business and Management
Design and Visual Communication
Media and Communication

Cologne School of Music and Performing Arts:

Music Performance (Instrumental or Vocal)
Musicology and Music Theory
Dance and Choreography
Theater Management and Dramaturgy

Cologne University of Sport Sciences:

Sport Sciences
Sport Management
Sport Psychology
Sports Physiotherapy
Coaching

Cologne University of Economics and Business:

Business Management
Economy
Marketing
Finance and Banking
Business Law
Business Information Systems

What Is Conditional Admission to Universities in Cologne?

The concept of conditional admission at German universities refers to an admission process in which a prospective student is admitted to an undergraduate program, but with certain conditions that must be met before full enrollment. It is usually granted to international students.

Language Proficiency Requirement

Many undergraduate programs in Germany are taught in German, and although some programs are offered in English, a certain level of German proficiency may be required. If students do not meet the language requirements of German universities, they may be admitted on the condition that they take an internationally recognized language proficiency test, such as the TestDaF or DSH, or complete a language course before being allowed to start their undergraduate studies.

Studienkolleg

Studienkolleg is a preparatory course designed to equip international students with the skills needed to study in Germany, such as the methodology and standards of the German education system. It can be offered as a conditional admission to international students who do not fulfill the academic admission requirements of universities in Germany.

Who Can Apply for Conditional Admission?

Students who graduated from science high schools, Anatolian high schools, basic high schools, private high schools, or colleges within the borders of the Republic of Turkey or TRNC have the right to apply for conditional admission to university education in Germany.

Students who have not graduated from such high schools can apply for conditional admission after successfully completing an associate degree program within the scope of formal education, after successfully completing the first year of a 4-year formal education university recognized by the Council of Higher Education, or after successfully completing the Studienkolleg education in Germany.

Erasmus+ Program in Cologne

The European Union supports the Erasmus+ Program, a study mobility initiative that encourages staff and student exchanges between member states of the continent. The universities in Freiburg are also involved in the Erasmus+ Program. The aim of the Erasmus+ Program is to enable students to experience different cultures, improve their foreign languages, increase their academic skills, and gain an international perspective. The program offers students the opportunity to study or do an internship at universities in Cologne for a semester or a year.

As Cologne is one of the largest cities in Germany, it is home to many universities and colleges. Therefore, Cologne is a popular destination for the Erasmus program.

Most Popular Erasmus+ Universities in Cologne

Turkish students or international students can follow some of the courses at their home university with an Erasmus agreement at a university in Cologne and transfer the credits of the courses to their home university. In this way, the student has the right to study in Cologne for a period of time. The Erasmus program also provides benefits such as improving language skills, increasing cultural understanding, making new friends, and fostering personal growth. Erasmus in a big and vibrant city like Cologne offers students access to a variety of cultural events, artistic and historical attractions, social life, and entertainment.

Here are the most popular Erasmus universities in Cologne: