Universität zu Köln

Public University Cologne · North Rhine-Westphalia

1388

Founded

47.238

Student count

Public University

Type

NC-free programs ↗

If you're a Turkish student considering study in Germany, Cologne stands out as a city with both historical charm and a dynamic student life. At the heart of this city lies the Universität zu Köln, or the University of Cologne, one of Germany's oldest and largest universities, with a rich history dating back to 1388. Re-established in 1919, this esteemed institution operates as a comprehensive university (Volluniversität), offering a wide range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Known for its research-intensive structure and as a member of Germany's leading U15 research universities, the University of Cologne is a popular choice, especially among Turkish students looking for master's and bachelor's programs in Germany. You can easily find more information by checking out the university's campus maps (maps zur) and official website (zur website). Also, if you're a student looking for information on language courses in Cologne, you'll find topics like "TH Köln German Course" frequently discussed in our forums.

Quick Facts

City: Köln
State: Nordrhein-Westfalen
Type: Public University (öffentlich-rechtlich)
Founded: 1388 (Re-established: 1919)
Student Enrollment: Approx. 47.238
Number of Programs: 54 (4 Bachelor's, 46 Master's, 4 Doctoral)
HRK Member: Yes
Uni-Assist Member: No

Universität zu Köln: History and Academic Structure

The Universität zu Köln is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious educational institutions. Founded in 1388, closed in 1798, and re-opened in 1919, the university has since maintained its dedication to scientific research and innovative education. During the Weimar Republic, it was re-established after the loss of the University of Strasbourg following World War I, with the mission to "strengthen the German position on the Rhine."

Today, with over 47,000 students, the University of Cologne is one of Germany's largest universities, offering a broad academic spectrum through its six faculties: Law, Medicine, Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and Human Sciences. The university is a member of the German U15 association of large research-intensive universities and held the title of an 'excellence university' under the German Universities Excellence Initiative from 2012 to 2019. This highlights the university's research quality and international reputation. Its consistent ranking among Germany's top 20 universities globally further demonstrates this prestige.

Programs and Application Process for International Students

The Universität zu Köln offers a wide array of program options at both bachelor's and master's levels. The university currently has 4 bachelor's, 46 master's, and 4 doctoral programs. If you're a mechanical engineering graduate looking to pursue a master's in Germany, you don't necessarily have to stick to your exact field; you can apply for related or interdisciplinary programs. For example, mechanical engineering graduates might consider master's programs in business, management, materials science, or even computer science. The key is to ensure that your previous education meets the admission requirements of the program you're applying for.

Regarding what you need to study psychology in Germany, if you have a two-year associate degree, you'll typically need to complete a Studienkolleg (university preparatory course) in Germany or finish a bachelor's degree in your home country before applying for a bachelor's program. German language proficiency is usually required at a B2 or C1 level. It's crucial to check the specific admission requirements for each program on the university's official website.

Equivalency issues for law graduates are also a common concern. If your law degree isn't recognized by Anabin (a German database for evaluating foreign qualifications), you might not be eligible to directly pursue a master's in law in Germany. In this situation, you could consider options like completing missing courses to gain equivalency or looking for a master's program in a different field. For the most accurate information, you should thoroughly review the Anabin database and contact the university's international office.

For special circumstances, such as students affected by earthquakes who cannot access their high school diploma, you should first explore ways to obtain alternative documents from relevant institutions in your home country (e.g., Ministry of National Education, e-Devlet). If that's not possible, it's advisable to contact the international offices of German universities or the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) to explain your situation and ask if there are any special solutions. Universities may show flexibility in special cases.

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living

Rent (shared)

350-550 EUR

Shared apartment (WG) room or student dormitory

Food

200-350 EUR

Groceries and occasional eating out

Transportation (Semesterticket)

0-50 EUR

May be included in the semester contribution, valid throughout Nordrhein-Westfalen

Health Insurance

110-120 EUR

Statutory health insurance

Other Expenses (entertainment, books, etc.)

100-200 EUR

Average total 760-1220 EUR / mo

Places to Visit and Student Hangouts

Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)

Landmark

The city's landmark and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Universität zu Köln Main Building

Landmark

The university's main building and central campus area, home to classrooms and administrative units.

University and City Library of Cologne (USB Köln)

Library

The main library for the University of Cologne and the city, offering a wide range of resources and study spaces.

Zülpicher Straße

Square

A lively street and popular student meeting point with numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Rheinpark

Park

A large park located along the Rhine River, ideal for relaxation and social activities.

Museum Ludwig

Museum

A significant art museum renowned for its modern art collections, located right next to the Kölner Dom.

Student Life and Culture

Cologne is one of Germany's most student-friendly cities, and student life at the Universität zu Köln is incredibly vibrant and diverse. The city's multicultural environment makes it easy for international students to adapt. The university campus, conveniently located near the city center, offers students rich academic and social opportunities.

You can join numerous activities like student clubs, sports groups, cultural associations, and volunteer projects to meet new people and develop your interests. The area around Zülpicher Straße, in particular, is a popular spot where students gather and socialize in the evenings. Parks and cafes along the Rhine River are also pleasant places for students to relax during study breaks or on weekends. Annual events like Carnival are also an unforgettable part of the student experience in Cologne.

Multicultural and international student environment
Vibrant campus life close to the city center
Wide range of clubs and associations
Social and recreational opportunities along the Rhine River
Rich social life with traditional city events like Carnival

Frequently Asked Questions

If a law graduate's degree isn't recognized by Anabin, are they ineligible for a master's in Germany? What steps are needed to get equivalency? ▼

If your law degree isn't recognized by Anabin, you might face difficulties pursuing a master's directly in law in Germany. In this situation, you may need to take additional courses to complete missing credits or consider master's programs in a different, more general field (e.g., international relations, management). You can get the most accurate information from the university's international office or the Anabin database.

I have a master's degree from Turkey and want to pursue a bachelor's in Germany, but I was affected by an earthquake and can't access my high school diploma. How can I resolve this issue? ▼

In special situations like being an earthquake victim and unable to access your high school diploma, first try to obtain a certified copy of your diploma or an equivalent document from relevant institutions in your home country (e.g., Ministry of National Education, e-Devlet). If this isn't possible, it's recommended that you contact the international office of the university you wish to apply to, or the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), to explain your situation in detail and ask about alternative solutions.

Which master's programs can a mechanical engineering graduate pursue? Does it have to be mechanical engineering? ▼

No, it doesn't necessarily have to be mechanical engineering. Many universities in Germany offer interdisciplinary or different master's programs to graduates from related fields. Mechanical engineering graduates, for example, can pursue master's degrees in areas like materials science, energy engineering, industrial engineering, business engineering, robotics, or even certain computer science fields. The important thing is to review the admission requirements of the program you're applying for and ensure your previous education meets those criteria.

What are the requirements to study psychology in Germany? I have a two-year associate degree. What German language level is needed, and what are the conditions? ▼

For those with a two-year associate degree, direct admission to a bachelor's program in Germany is generally difficult. You're usually expected to either complete your bachelor's education in your home country or attend a Studienkolleg (university preparatory course) in Germany. For popular fields like psychology, German language proficiency is typically required at a C1 level (documented by exams like TestDaF, DSH). Requirements can vary by university, so you must check the admission conditions on your target university's website.

I'm a recent bachelor's graduate. When do applications for preparatory courses and German language courses start for 2024? I have no information about the process. ▼

Applications for university preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) and German language courses in Germany typically run from January-March for the summer semester and May-July for the winter semester. However, these dates can vary depending on the university and course provider. For general information about the process, you can visit the DAAD website, read the guides on our AlmanyaUni platform, and check the 'International Students' or 'Sprachkurse' sections on the official website of your target university or language school.

When the visa is issued, does iDATA notify you, or do you only receive notification that your passport has been dispatched? ▼

iDATA does not directly inform you about the outcome of your visa application. You typically receive an SMS or email indicating that your passport has been returned from the consulate to iDATA. You will see whether your visa has been approved or rejected when you receive your passport. Visa approval or rejection information is directly on your passport.

Can you recommend private dorms in Wuppertal, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and the surrounding areas? ▼

While private dormitory recommendations vary based on personal preferences and budget, the state-run dormitories operated by 'Studentenwerk' (student services organization) in these cities are the most economical options. For private dorms, you can check listings on websites like 'WG-Gesucht.de', 'ImmobilienScout24', or follow student groups on 'Facebook'. Additionally, branded private student dorms like 'YOUNIQ', 'BaseCamp', and 'The FIZZ' can be found in these cities, but they are generally more expensive.

To learn more about the Universität zu Köln or to ask your questions about your study in Germany journey, join our AlmanyaUni forums and interact with other students!

Universität zu Köln — Gallery

Programs

54 total

4 Bachelor

46 Master

4 PhD

Useful Links

Official website ↗ Wikipedia (DE) ↗ Wikipedia (EN) ↗ Hochschulkompass ↗

Location

Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

Sources

Official website ↗ Wikipedia (DE) ↗ Wikipedia (EN) ↗

Favorite NC-free Programs Add to Compare University Website ↗

Programs & Departments

150 active programs · 54 English · 22 NC-frei

Bachelor (64)

a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne

DE+EN

Bachelor

Sosyal Bilimler 6 sem

The a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne is the graduate school of the University of Cologne’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities – one of the largest...

Universität zu Köln

Quick Facts

Universität zu Köln: History and Academic Structure

Programs and Application Process for International Students

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living

Places to Visit and Student Hangouts

Student Life and Culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Universität zu Köln — Gallery

Programs

Useful Links

Location

Sources

Programs & Departments

Bachelor (64)

a.r.t.e.s. Graduate School for the Humanities Cologne

Angewandte Hebammenwissenschaft

Antike Sprachen und Kulturen

Ästhetische Erziehung, Lernbereich

Bachelor's in Management, Economics and Social Sciences (BSc)

Betriebswirtschaftslehre (BWL)

Bildungswissenschaften

Biochemie

Biologie

Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy: PhD in Physics (Cologne)

Chemie

Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research

Deutsche Gebärdensprache

Deutsche Sprache und Literatur

Dolmetschen: Deutsche Gebärdensprache – Deutsch

Erd- und Klimaphysik

Erziehungswissenschaft

Ethnologie

Geowissenschaften

Germanistische Linguistik

Geschichte

Gesundheitsökonomie

Heilpädagogik

Japanische Kultur in Geschichte und Gegenwart

Katholische Theologie

Klinische Pflege

Kunst

Kunstgeschichte

Linguistik und Phonetik

Management, Economics and Social Sciences

Mathematik

Medienkulturwissenschaft

Medienwissenschaft

Musik

Musikvermittlung

Musikwissenschaft

Pädagogik

Philosophie

Philosophie, praktische

Physik

Politik

Psychologie

Rechtswissenschaften, deutsch-französisch (Köln/ Paris I)

Rechtswissenschaften, deutsch-italienisch

Rechtswissenschaften, deutsch-türkisch (Köln/ Istanbul)

Romanistik

Slavistik

Sonderpädagogische Fachrichtung: Förderschwerpunkt Emotionale und soziale Entwicklung

Sonderpädagogische Fachrichtung: Förderschwerpunkt Geistige Entwicklung

Sonderpädagogische Fachrichtung: Förderschwerpunkt Hören und Kommunikation

Sonderpädagogische Fachrichtung: Förderschwerpunkt Körperliche und motorische Entwicklung

Sonderpädagogische Fachrichtung: Förderschwerpunkt Lernen

Sonderpädagogische Fachrichtung: Förderschwerpunkt Sprache

Sozialwissenschaften

Sprachen und Kulturen Afrikas

Sprachen und Kulturen der islamischen Welt

Sprachliche Grundbildung, Lernbereich

Sprachtherapie

Volkswirtschaftslehre (VWL)

Wirtschaft-Politik

Wirtschaft-Politik/ Sozialwissenschaften

Wirtschaftsinformatik

Wirtschaftspädagogik

Wirtschaftswissenschaft, Berufliche Fachrichtung

Master (79)