Study in Cologne (Köln): universities, programmes and fees
Cologne has 8 universities and colleges in our catalogue with 114 undergraduate programmes in 47 fields of study. At public institutions an EU student typically pays no tuition fee, a non-EU student no tuition fee. 4 programmes are taught in English.
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.
Universities in Cologne
| University | Type | Programmes | EU fee / year | Non-EU fee / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universität zu Köln | public | 56 | €0 | €0 |
| Technische Hochschule Köln | public | 32 | €0 | €0 |
| Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln | public | 10 | €0 | €0 |
| Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln | public | 6 | €0 | €0 |
| CBS University of Applied Sciences | private | 5 | — | — |
| Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences | private | 3 | — | — |
| Rheinische Hochschule Köln | private | 1 | — | — |
| Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln | public | 1 | €0 | €0 |
What you can study in Cologne
- Music and Musicology 12
- Languages and Literature 10
- Audiovisual Communication 7
- Pedagogy 5
- Mechanical Engineering 4
- Sport Sciences 4
- Business Administration 4
- Law 4
- Geology 3
- Computer Science 3
- Mathematics 3
- Psychology 3
- Journalism 3
- History 3
- Logistics 2
- Energy Engineering 2
- Multimedia and Video Games 2
- Chemistry 2
- Geography 2
- Design 2
- Nursing 2
- Finance and Accounting 2
- International Business 2
- Economics 2
- Primary Education Teaching 2
- Archaeology 2
- Performing Arts 2
- Architecture 1
- Civil Engineering 1
- Electrical Engineering 1
- Biology 1
- Biochemistry 1
- Physics 1
- Biomedical Sciences 1
- Dentistry 1
- Medicine 1
- Speech Therapy 1
- Physiotherapy 1
- Solicitor Studies 1
- Social Work 1
- Sociology 1
- Social Education 1
- English Studies 1
- Conservation and Restoration 1
- Anthropology 1
- Philosophy 1
- Art History 1
Programmes in English
| Programme | University | EU fee / year | Non-EU fee / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Games Bachelor | Technische Hochschule Köln | €0 | €0 |
| International Business Bachelor | Technische Hochschule Köln | €0 | €0 |
| English Studies Bachelor of Arts (2 Fächer) | Universität zu Köln | €0 | €0 |
| Management, Economics and Social Sciences Bachelor of Science | Universität zu Köln | €0 | €0 |
Entry scores
The score of the last admitted student, from official lists (lower is better).
Student residences
Prices published by the universities or the public student housing service.
| Residence | University | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wohnheime des Studierendenwerks Köln | Universität zu Köln | 190–474 EUR / month |
| Wohnheime des Studierendenwerks Köln | Technische Hochschule Köln | 190–474 EUR / month |
| Wohnheime des Studierendenwerks Köln | Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln | 190–474 EUR / month |
| Wohnheime des Studierendenwerks Köln | Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln | 190–474 EUR / month |
| Wohnheime des Studierendenwerks Köln | Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln | 190–474 EUR / month |
How admission works in Germany
Some programmes have open admission; others have fewer places than applicants (numerus clausus), where the school-leaving grade (1.0 is best, 4.0 worst) and waiting time decide. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy are allocated through hochschulstart.de. Foreign school certificates are checked (often via uni-assist); if the certificate gives no direct access, a year at a Studienkolleg and the Feststellungsprüfung exam are required. German-taught programmes require German at DSH-2 / TestDaF 4 level. More in the guide Study in Germany.
Sources
- DAAD — Finances: tuition fees at higher education institutions in Germany, checked 4 October 2026
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Studiensuche (Studienangebote, grundständig, Vollzeit), checked 4 October 2026
- Universität zu Köln — Verfahrensergebnisse Wintersemester 2025/26 (Eignungsquote), checked 4 October 2026
How the figures are collected and calculated: Data and sources.