Education
The UoC’s syllabus currently comprises about 100 quality-assured degree programmes (Ger.), giving students the opportunity to choose from a total of over 300 subject and teaching degree combinations. The bachelor and master’s programmes have recently successfully undergone the Model Accreditation (Modellakkreditierung) process and thus now have harmonized programme structures and examination regulations, and introduced special quality standards in cross-cutting areas such as internationalization, advice and supervision, and equal opportunities.
Research
The University of Cologne’s six Faculties are the institutional framework for its research activities. The Faculties offer a total of 102 degree programmes and support 16 cross-Faculty research and teaching centres. Moreover, the UoC has several large, internationally competitive research areas: mechanisms of aging-associated diseases; behavioral economic engineering and social cognition, quantum matter and materials, socio-economic, cultural and political transformations in the global south, plant sciences and skills and structures in language and cognition.
Career
The University´s study programm prepare graduates for excellent career opportunities on the employment market. The Professional Centre renders personal assistance to students in seizing these opportunities: through its Professional & Academic School and the Career Support Centre.
University of Cologne Key Statistics & Highlights
- #151 Ranking
- 39 Masters
- 75 Scholarships
- 1,121 Academic Staff
- 32,405 Students
- 5,833 Students (int'l)
- Public Institution Type
University of Cologne Careers
This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes
University of Cologne Overview
University of Cologne Scholarships
University of Cologne Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Cologne. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
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University of Cologne Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 53 reviews
- 5 Star 18 Reviews
- 4 Star 28 Reviews
- 3 Star 5 Reviews
- 2 Star 2 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.1
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.1
- Student Diversity 4.0
- Admission Process 4.0
- Quality of Student Life 4.1
- Career Development 4.2
University of Cologne
I am very happy to study in the University of Cologne and I am satisfied with what I have experienced there. One little thing I want to add is that the exam time is only 60 minutes for a 6-ECTS course, which was a little bit short. Nevertheless, I have always enjoyed my study time there.
Good, would recommend
As an international student, I found German culture a bit tough to adjust to, so I didn't have much of a social life outside of my course's own group. That said, the education is excellent. They're very strict about exams and attendance, so be prepared for that.
Covid almost ruined my experience
My experience at the University was affected by Covid to a great extent. Most of my classes were online and I rarely attended any in-class lectures or any social events. The quality of the courses and the expertise of the professors was really on a high level and I believe I learned a lot during my studies. I loved the chance to complete a semester abroad - the choice of the universities is really big.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
University of Cologne Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 151 | 151 | 151 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
By Times Higher Education
Dropped 7 places compared to 2025
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 160 | 157 | 164 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Climbed 13 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 244 | 241 | 228 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
By TopUniversities
Climbed 13 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 268 | 285 | 272 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
If you have any questions regarding studying in Cologne, please feel free to contact the staff of the department "International Students"!
Housing services
- The Kölner Studierendenwerk operates 90 student dormitories with 5.000 spots for students from all of Cologne’s universities, including spots for students with children or families.
- In addition to the student dormitories operated by the "Kölner Studierendenwerk", an array of private student dormitories (website in German language) operated by other institutions exists as well.
Library services
- As part of the University of Cologne, the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences (WiSo Faculty) offers you a huge store of specialized academic literature and periodicals.
- The largest holdings are found in the University and City Library.
Medical services
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone seeking to enrol at a German university. You can either take out German statutory health insurance (appr. 80 € per month) or prove that you are sufficiently covered by a foreign or private health insurance policy by presenting either an EHIC card or an exemption certificate ("Befreiungsbescheinigung") issued by German statutory health insurance company.
Campus life
The University of Cologne is set on a large urban campus in the heart of the lively and thriving city of Cologne. The surrounding Rhineland is one of Europe’s most developed economic regions. Open, friendly and with an international outlook, Cologne is a great place to live, work and study. We would be delighted to welcome you in Cologne.
Sports facilities
Our broad offer includes different mass and health-oriented sports, a comprehensive course programme, and special events. We promote the dual careers of top athletes and host a modern gym.
Accreditation
The Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences ("WiSo Faculty") of the University of Cologne was re-accredited by the EQUIS Accreditation Board on 27 March 2018 and received the world-renowned EQUIS accreditation of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) for the highest possible duration of five years. This confirms the high international quality standard of the faculty in research and teaching. At the moment, only 108 business schools worldwide hold this internationally recognized accreditation with a 5-year duration