8 Best Universities In Cologne For International Students 2025
Cologne is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Germany. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.
Out of 8 universities in Cologne, University of Cologne and German Sport University Cologne are the top-performing schools in Cologne. This list covers both public and private institutions in Cologne.
In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia.
| Rank | University | Country | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cologne | Germany | Public |
| 2 | German Sport University Cologne | Germany | Public |
| 3 | Cologne University of Applied Sciences | Germany | Public |
| 4 | Academy of Media Arts Cologne | Germany | Public |
| 5 | CBS International Business School | Germany | Private |
| 6 | Catholic University of Applied Sciences of North Rhine-Westphalia | Germany | Private |
| 7 | Cologne University of Music | Germany | Public |
| 8 | RFH – University of Applied Science Cologne | Germany | Private |
How do I get admission to the best universities in Cologne?
Applying to the universities in Cologne involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Cologne to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!
How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Cologne?
Tuition fees at Cologne’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 0 Euros to 15,600 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 Euros to 23,200 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Cologne!
As we cover the best universities in Cologne for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.
Top Universities in Cologne for International Students
The University of Cologne is recognized as one of the well-distinguished and research-focused institutions in Germany. It is one of the oldest schools founded in Central Europe, and it is also one of the biggest institutions in its country. The university has notable alumni that have received awards, such as the Noble Prize and Leibniz Prize.
German Sport University Cologne takes a very special position as the only sports university in Germany. It offers various sports-related courses and is equipped with adequate facilities and resources. The university has greatly expanded with its research and innovative infrastructures to provide more high-quality education for its students.
Technische Hochschule Köln is also known as the Cologne University of Applied Sciences in English. However, it is widely known as TH Köln for short. This public institution offers 100+ programs in various fields: applied sciences, business, architecture, engineering, computer, social sciences, etc. Three campuses comprise TH Köln: Cologne, Gummersbach and Leverkusen.
The Academy of Media Arts Cologne, also known as KHM (Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln), was founded in 1989. It is a public academic institution that offers courses in Media and Fine Arts, along with seminar-type classes in Art, Film and Television, and Literary Writing. The academy is home to over 400 students, with nearly 50% international students.Â
CBS International Business School is a private university in Cologne, Germany specializing in Business Applied Sciences degree programs. It was founded in 1993 and has since built 7 campuses in the country. The university is currently home to over 4,000 students, with around 30% international students.
Catholic University of Applied Sciences of North Rhine-Westphalia is a private, non-profit institution in Cologne, Germany. It is one of the country’s largest religious universities with four campuses: Aachen, Cologne, Muenster, and Paderborn. Besides theology and religious courses, they also offer social services and health science degree programs.
Known in German as Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, the Cologne University of Music is one of the biggest music schools in Europe and one of the leading institutions in performing arts. Since it was among the first music schools in Europe, this university has gained several accolades and awards from the government, and even now, many musicians around the world compete for a place to perform in this prestigious music academy. If you are interested in music, applying for the Cologne University of Music can be a great career choice.
RFH – University of Applied Science, Cologne has been providing world-class quality engineering, management, media, and health education for more than 60 years. The university has established strong partnerships with companies from different industries in the region where students can gain practical learning through industry projects and internships. It also greatly supports its students and faculty in conducting research for topics that most interest them.Â
We know that choosing your dream school in Cologne not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.
So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Cologne, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Cologne! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!