6 Free and Cheap Universities in Cologne for International Students

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In Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Germany without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Cologne, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 8 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Cologne, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Cologne for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Cologne ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Cologne 0 Euros 100%
Cologne University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
German Sport University Cologne 0 Euros 100%
Academy of Media Arts Cologne 0 Euros 100%
Cologne University of Music 0 Euros 100%
CBS International Business School 13,200 Euros - 15,600 Euros -499%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 2,201 Euros for universities in Cologne.

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1. University of Cologne

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.

2. Cologne University of Applied Sciences

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.

3. German Sport University Cologne

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.

4. Academy of Media Arts Cologne

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. 

5. Cologne University of Music

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.

6. CBS International Business School

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Cologne for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Cologne ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Cologne 0 Euros 100%
Cologne University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
German Sport University Cologne 0 Euros 100%
Academy of Media Arts Cologne 0 Euros 100%
Cologne University of Music 0 Euros 100%
CBS International Business School 14,400 Euros - 23,200 Euros -499%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 2,401 Euros for universities in Cologne.

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1. University of Cologne

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Cologne should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Cologne University of Applied Sciences

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Cologne University of Applied Sciences. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Cologne University of Applied Sciences is 0 Euros.

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.

3. German Sport University Cologne

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.

The tuition fee at German Sport University Cologne for incoming international master’s students is 0 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Academy of Media Arts Cologne

Another affordable university to consider in Cologne is Academy of Media Arts Cologne.

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. 

The tuition fee in Academy of Media Arts Cologne for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Euros.

5. Cologne University of Music

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Cologne University of Music has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 0 Euros yearly.

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.

6. CBS International Business School

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia?

Applying to cheap universities in Cologne requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Germany for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Cologne?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Cologne. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Cologne is the Academy of Media Arts Cologne, which offers Media and Fine Arts, Animation, and TV and Internet to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Academy of Media Arts Cologne offers Media and Fine Art, 3D-Animation, and Creative Production.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Cologne, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Cologne as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Cologne for international students was helpful!