University of Cologne Admission 2027: Deadlines, Requirements, Fees for International Students

Admission at a glance

The University of Cologne is one of Germany's oldest universities, tracing its origin to 1388, and today one of its largest, with particular strength in law, economics, medicine and the humanities. It charges no tuition fee to any enrolled student, whether from the EU or not; all students pay the same social contribution fee (Semesterbeitrag) each semester, covering the Kölner Studierendenwerk, the AStA student committee, university sport and the Germany-wide semester ticket, though the university recalculates the exact amount every term rather than publishing one fixed figure. Admission to bachelor's and state examination programmes for non-EU citizens closes 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester; most master's programmes follow the same two dates, though the WiSo Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences sets some of its own earlier deadlines, including 31 March for International Management (CEMS MIM) and Economic Research. Many non-EU bachelor's applicants first need a preliminary document review through uni-assist, while a large share of master's programmes admit directly through the university's own KLIPS system instead. English requirements are set per programme: bachelor's programmes with an English-taught component commonly ask for a B2-level certificate, while English-taught master's programmes, such as the Neuroscience M.Sc., typically ask for a higher C1-equivalent score.

Requirements

Bachelor's

Applicants need a higher education entrance qualification recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur, confirmed through uni-assist for most non-EU applicants. Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German and require a German language certificate; a smaller number of English-taught bachelor's programmes ask for English at around B2 level.

Master's

Applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree. Many master's programmes admit through the university's own KLIPS system rather than uni-assist. Language requirements are set per programme: German-taught programmes ask for a German certificate (commonly TestDaF level 4 or DSH-2), English-taught programmes for an English certificate, typically at B2 to C1 level.

Full requirements and documents