Study in Cologne, Germany

About Cologne

Cologne (Köln) is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and one of the largest in Germany: according to the city's statistics office, it had about 1,097,500 inhabitants in 2024. It lies on the Rhine in the west of the country, and its cathedral, museums, media companies and lively nightlife make it a popular place to live as a student.

Students choose Cologne for its very large public university, for a wide range of specialised colleges in sport, music, media and applied sciences, and for German courses in a big, international city.

Studying in Cologne

SpainExchange lists four schools in Cologne: two universities and two language schools. The Universität zu Köln (University of Cologne) has about 44,000 students and six faculties (43,594 students in 2024). The city's medieval university was closed by the French government in 1798, and the present university was founded in 1919. It is now a German University of Excellence. Other public institutions in the city include the Technische Hochschule Köln, the Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, the Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln.

CBS University of Applied Sciences (CBS International Business School) is a private business school with nine locations, including Cologne. It offers full-time bachelor's programmes in English, such as International Business, Business Psychology and Finance and Management, and a preparatory Studienkolleg (Prep4University) for international students.

For German, TANDEM Köln in the Südstadt district runs intensive courses all year that are suitable for a visa application, with 20 lessons a week in small morning groups; a four-week A1 intensive course costs €528 as a starter offer. It is an official TestDaF and telc exam centre. Activ lernen, founded in 1998, offers Monday-to-Friday intensive courses from €395 for the first month and is also a licensed telc and TestDaF exam centre.

Cost of living for students

State universities generally charge no tuition for bachelor's degrees and most master's degrees, according to the DAAD; private institutions such as CBS set their own fees. Students pay a semester contribution instead: the DAAD gives the University of Cologne as an example, with a total of €304.25 for the 2024-25 winter semester, of which €176.40 was for the semester ticket for public transport.

Housing is the main cost. According to the Kölner Studierendenwerk, students in Cologne spend an average of €442 a month on rent including utilities, compared with €410 across Germany. Students at most of the city's universities can apply for a place in its residences, even before they are admitted. The DAAD estimates total living costs at €900 to €1,200 a month.

Students from outside the EU who need a visa must prove funds of €992 a month (DAAD figure as of 1 January 2025). German-taught degrees usually require level B2, while English-taught international programmes are exempt. A prospective student visa is valid for up to nine months and also covers a language course; a tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa.

Getting around and daily life

Cologne has an extensive network of light rail, trams and buses, and regional and high-speed trains from the main station next to the cathedral. Since January 2026 the Deutschlandticket costs €63 a month and is valid on local transport throughout Germany. Cologne Bonn Airport serves the city, and Düsseldorf Airport is also within easy reach by train.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Cologne?

The largest is the University of Cologne, with about 44,000 students. The city also has the Technische Hochschule Köln, the Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, art and music colleges, and private institutions such as CBS University of Applied Sciences.

How much does a room in Cologne cost?

According to the Kölner Studierendenwerk, students in Cologne pay an average of €442 a month for rent including utilities, above the German average of €410.

Where can I take TestDaF or telc exams in Cologne?

Both TANDEM Köln and Activ lernen are exam centres for TestDaF and telc and run preparation courses.

Can I study in English in Cologne?

Yes. CBS University of Applied Sciences teaches several full-time bachelor's programmes in English, and English-taught international programmes generally do not require German.