What's New in University of Cologne?
May 26, 2025:
Semester fees at University of Cologne has slightly increased to €335.65 (~ INR 32,503) for 2026/27 from €304.75 (~ INR 29,511) in 2025.
May 23, 2025: University of Cologne is offering an early bird fee waiver for their Part-time Executive MBA program. Apply by June 30, 2025, and get a fee reduction of 2,000 EURO.
University of Cologne admission is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 20% for international students. The university offers two major intakes: Winter Semester 2025 (applications open in June, deadline July 15) and Summer Semester 2026 (applications open in January, deadline January 15). Undergraduate applicants must have at least 50% in 10+2 with JEE Main & Advanced scores, while postgraduate applicants need 81–90% in their bachelor’s degree. German language proficiency (TestDaF TDN 4 or equivalent) is required for most programs, and English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5–7.0) for English-taught master's degrees.
The University of Cologne admission process begins with applying for VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation) through Uni-Assist, which takes about 4–6 weeks. Once received, applicants must complete their application on the KLIPS 2.0 portal, uploading all required documents. Notably, the university does not charge any application fee, making it an attractive and affordable option for international students looking to study in Germany.
- University of Cologne Application Deadline for International Students
- University of Cologne Admission Requirements for International Students
- University of Cologne MBA Admission Requirements
- University of Cologne English Language Requirements
- University of Cologne Application Process
- University of Cologne Admissions Decision Dates
- University of Cologne Acceptance Rate and Student Statistics
- FAQs
University of Cologne Application Deadline for International Students
The University of Cologne offers two major intakes for international students: Winter and Summer. The winter semester starts in October, and the Summer semester begins in March. The University of Cologne application deadline for international students are tabulated below.
| Intake | Application Opens | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Semester 2025 | Beginning of June 2025 | July 15, 2025 |
| Summer Semester 2026 | Beginning of January 2026 | January 15, 2026 |
| MBA (MSc in Business Administration) | - | June 15, 2025 |
| Executive MBA | - | August 11, 2025 |
Also Read: Intakes in Germany
University of Cologne Admission Requirements for International Students
The University of Cologne offers 369 courses through its 6 faculties. MS in International Management, Executive MBA, MS in Information Systems, and MS in Physics are among the flagship masters courses of this university. Top undergraduate courses include: Computer Science, Economics, Data Science and Machine Learning among others. The University of Cologne admission requirements for international students are as follows.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
All the undergraduate programs ta Uni Cologne are taught in German only. The admissions requirement for the courses in Technology and Natural Sciences are as follows.
- 10+2 Certificate with minimum 50% marks
- JEE Main & Advanced (both required)
- German Language Proficiency (TestDaF TDN 4 or equivalent)
Note: For admission to other programs, visit the official course page or contact the Admissions Team of the university.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
The admissions requirements for the University of Cologne master’s programs are as follows.
- Bachelor’s degree with 81% - 90% marks from a recognized Indian institution
- APS Certificate (Academic Evaluation Centre)
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: 5.5 to 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 72
- German Language Proficiency (for German-taught programs):
- TestDaF TDN 4
- DSH 2 / Goethe C1 / Telc C1 Hochschule, etc.
Note: All documents not in English or German must be officially translated.
University of Cologne MBA Admission Requirements
The University of Cologne MBA is a full-time, 4 semester long postgraduate program, with Corporate Development, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management specializations in English. Only the Accounting & Taxation specialization is available in both German and English. The University of Cologne MBA requirements are follows:
- Bachelor's Degree with 2.7 on 6.0 scale (81-90%)
- English Language Requirements:
- IELTS: 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 72
- German Language Proficiency:
- TestDaF: 4
- Goethe Certificate: C2
University of Cologne English Language Requirements
There are no English-taught undergraduate programs of study at the University of Cologne. Students must therefore demonstrate excellent German-language skills when they apply. For the postgraduate programs taught in English, the following minimum test scores are required:
- IELTS: 5.5 to 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 72
The University of Cologne German language requirements are as follows.
| Test Name | Required Score/Level |
|---|---|
| TestDaF | TDN 4 in all examination parts |
| DSH | DSH 2 |
| Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) | Level II of the KMK (DSD II) |
| Telc | C1 Hochschule / C2 |
| Goethe-Institut Certificate | C1 |
| ÖSD | C2 |
| Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) – German Section | Pass |
Know More: Exams Required to Study in Germany
University of Cologne Application Process
The application process for the University of Cologne admissions are as follows.
University of Cologne Application Fee: Not required
University of Cologne Application Portal: Klips 2.0
- Apply for VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation) via Uni-Assist:
- Register at Uni-Assist
- Choose "Hochschule Uni zu Köln - VPD"
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks
- Apply through Klips 2.0 (University's Portal) after receiving your VPD:
- Upload the required documents and certificates
- Track your application status online
Must Read: How to Apply to German Universities in 2025?
University of Cologne Admissions Decision Dates
The application processing time for the University of Cologne can vary, on average it takes 4 to 8 weeks for the preliminary review documentation (VPD) from Uni-Assist and 3 to 4 weeks for the formal and subject-related review of your application after you submit it online through KLIPS.
Within 3-4 weeks of submitting your application, the University of Cologne will carry out two checks:
- Formal Review: Verifies if all required documents are complete, correctly formatted, minimum grades and language scores are met, and if at least 70–80% of the previous program is completed.
- Subject Review: Checks if you meet the course-specific admission criteria.
Note: If anything is missing, you will be notified by email. Final decisions can be tracked through the University of Cologne application portal KLIPS.
University of Cologne Acceptance Rate and Student Statistics
The University of Cologne acceptance rate for international students is around 20%, portraying a highly selective admissions process. Currently, the university has 45,187 students, including 5,074 international students.
University of Cologne offers a structured and competitive admissions process for international students, with clear academic and language requirements. With no application fee and globally recognized programs, it presents a cost-effective opportunity for students aiming to study in Germany. However, due to its 20% acceptance rate, applicants must ensure timely submission of all documents, meet the required academic requirements, and carefully follow the Uni-Assist and KLIPS 2.0 procedures to enhance their chances of admission.
FAQs
Ques: How to get admission in University of Cologne?
Ans: To get admission to the University of Cologne, international students must apply through Uni-Assist for a VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation) and then submit their application on the KLIPS 2.0 portal. The process involves submitting academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency (German or English based on the program), and other required documents. The university conducts both a formal and subject-related review, and applicants can track their status online.
Ques: Is the University of Cologne free for international students?
Ans: Yes, the University of Cologne does not charge tuition fees for international students. However, students must pay a semester contribution, which covers administrative costs and a public transport ticket. The application process is also free, as there is no application fee required.
Ques: What is the IELTS score for University of Cologne?
Ans: For English-taught postgraduate programs at the University of Cologne, the required IELTS score ranges from 5.5 to 7.0, depending on the program. For undergraduate courses, applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency, as they are taught exclusively in German.
Ques: Is Cologne expensive for students?
Ans: Cologne is moderately expensive compared to other German cities. Students should budget around EUR 850 to EUR 1,000 per month for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs. However, the lack of tuition fees makes the University of Cologne an affordable option overall.
Ques: Is GMAT required for University of Cologne?
Ans: No, the GMAT is not required for admission to the University of Cologne, including its MBA programs. Instead, applicants must meet academic requirements (such as a bachelor’s degree with at least 81-90% marks) and language proficiency in English and/or German, depending on the specialization.
College Student Profiles
University of Cologne Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake (15th May 2026) | USD 798 /Yr EUR 671 /Yr | TOEFL- 95 | IELTS- 7 | PTE- 76 |
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My university has one of the most renowned programs in anthropology and ethnography. It enrolls more than 5000 international students annually. It boasts of an intercultural environment that I found attractive. Enrolling in my particular programs is based on good references and above-average grades in your previous educational qualification. I did not pay any application fee and it was the only university I applied to in Germany. After enrolment, I was informed that I was selected on the basis that there was a project that was being started in the area studies program that I was well experienced in.
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