The University of Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest and most research-intensive public universities, continues to demonstrate a balanced global academic presence in 2025. In the latest rankings, it holds a QS World University Ranking of #285 and a significantly stronger THE ranking at #157, highlighting its growing influence in research quality, international outlook, and academic reputation. Its subject-wise performance reveals a mixed trajectory, with notable strengths in Life Sciences, Medicine, and Business Economics, but underperformance in fields like Computer Science and Natural Sciences. The University of Cologne ranking in Germany is #14 as per Times Higher Education, World University Rankings 2025 (THE WUR 2025).

Furthermore, the university's remarkable improvement in the QS Sustainability Ranking to #71 in 2025 reflects its strategic shift towards sustainable development and environmental responsibility. With varying rank movements across major global frameworks—QS, THE, and US News—the University of Cologne offers a nuanced case of academic excellence backed by specific domain strengths and clear opportunities for growth in others.

Explore: University of Cologne Reviews and Ratings

University of Cologne World Ranking

The University of Cologne QS ranking is #285 in the World University ranking category in 2025. In THE rankings, it is placed at the #157 position. Explore the University of Cologne world ranking trend for the last 5 years tabulated below.

Ranked By 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank 2022 Rank 2021 Rank
QS #285 #268 #335 #311 #282
THE #157 #160 #146 #172 #145
US News and World Report - #241 #244 #230 -

University of Cologne Computer Science Rankings

The University of Cologne rankings for Computer Science courses are as follows.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Computer Science and Information Systems #551-600 #601-650 #601-650
THE- Computer Science #601-800 #501-600 -

University of Cologne Rankings for Business Courses

Explore the latest rankings of the University of Cologne’s Business courses.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Accounting and Finance #301-375 #201-250 #201-250
QS- Economics and Econometrics #201-250 #151-200 #151-200
QS- Business and Management Studies #301-350 #251-300 #251-300
THE- Business and Economics #126-150 #126-150 #201-250

University of Cologne Rankings for Science and Medicine Programs

Explore the latest University of Cologne rankings for Science and Medicine programs tabulated below.

Subjects 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Anatomy and Physiology #101-170 #101-150 -
QS- Biological Sciences #157 #151-200 #144
QS- Medicine #176 #143 #151-200
QS- Life Sciences and Medicine #197 #176 #185
QS- Geophysics #201-150 #201-240 #151-200
QS- Earth and Marine Sciences #201-275 #201-250 #201-230
QS- Physics and Astronomy #251-300 #201-250 #201-250
QS- Social Sciences and Management #284 #279 #246
QS- Natural Sciences #319 #289 #277
QS- Materials Sciences #351-400 #351-400 #301-350
QS- Chemistry #351-400 #301-350 #351-400
QS- Environmental Sciences #351-400 #401-450 #401-450
QS- Mathematics #451-500 #351-400 #351-400
THE- Medical and Health #151-175 #151-175 #201-250
THE- Life Sciences #101-125 #101-125 #101-125
THE- Physical Sciences #251-300 #251-300 #251-300
THE- Social Sciences #151-175 #151-175 #176-200

University of Cologne Miscellaneous Rankings

Explore the other top rankings of the University of Cologne rankings are tabulated below.

Ranked For 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS- Sustainability #71 #78 #261-280
QS- Europe University Rankings- Western Europe #41 #38 -

University of Cologne maintains a solid global standing in 2025, especially in Life Sciences, Medicine, and Business & Economics, where it consistently ranks among the top institutions worldwide. Its overall position in frameworks like QS (#285) and THE (#157) underscores its academic and research strength. However, there is scope for growth in areas like Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and Engineering, where rankings remain modest. The university’s notable rise in the QS Sustainability Rankings (#71) also reflects its increasing focus on socially responsible education. Overall, Cologne offers a strong academic reputation with targeted subject excellence, making it a competitive choice for international students.

FAQs

Ques: Is the University of Cologne a good university?

Ans: Yes, the University of Cologne is considered a prestigious public research university in Germany. It ranks #157 in THE World University Rankings 2025 and #285 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, indicating strong global academic performance. It is especially well-regarded in Life Sciences, Medicine, Business & Economics, and Sustainability.

Ques: What is Cologne University ranked in QS?

Ans: The University of Cologne QS World University Ranking for 2025 is #285 globally. It also ranks #41 in Western Europe and #71 in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025, showing its growing impact in academic and sustainable development metrics.

Ques: Is the University of Cologne hard to get into?

Ans: Yes, admission to the University of Cologne is highly competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of around 20% for international students. Applicants must meet strict academic, language, and documentation requirements, especially for postgraduate and MBA programs.

Ques: Is Cologne expensive for students?

Ans: Compared to other major European cities, Cologne is moderately expensive for students. Monthly living expenses typically range between EUR 850 to EUR 1,200, including rent, food, insurance, and transport. However, there are no tuition fees at the university—students only pay a small semester fee, making it affordable academically.