5 Best Public Universities in Cologne for International Students

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Cologne is one of the cities in Germany you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Cologne can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 8 universities you can find in Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia, and 5 of them are public universities. Although your choices might seem few, you’ll take less time looking over them and making your final choice.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Cologne, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Rank University Location
1 University of Cologne Cologne, Germany
2 German Sport University Cologne Cologne, Germany
3 Cologne University of Applied Sciences Cologne, Germany
4 Academy of Media Arts Cologne Cologne, Germany
5 Cologne University of Music Cologne, Germany

Public Universities in Cologne

1. University of Cologne

  • University of Cologne Page
  • 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. German Sport University Cologne

  • German Sport University Cologne Page
  • 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.

    3. Cologne University of Applied Sciences

  • Cologne University of Applied Sciences Page
  • 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.

    4. Academy of Media Arts Cologne

  • Academy of Media Arts Cologne Page
  • 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

  • Cologne University of Music Page
  • 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.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Cologne?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Cologne can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.

    As for tuition fees, public universities in Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia are free, and the government extends this benefit to international students. That means you need not worry about the majority of your education costs, and can surely manage your finances well.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Cologne, North Rhine Westphalia. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.