About
The University of Cologne, one of Germany's oldest and largest universities, is a research-intensive institution renowned for its broad academic spectrum, particularly strong in Economics, Law, Social Sciences, and Humanities. For international students, it offers a vibrant and multicultural environment with a dedicated International Office providing extensive support, from welcome services to language courses and cultural integration programs. While most Bachelor's programs are taught in German, there's a growing selection of English-taught Master's degrees, making it accessible to a diverse global student body. The university actively promotes international exchange through numerous partnerships and summer schools. Its location in the dynamic city of Cologne, known for its rich history and lively student scene, provides an exceptional backdrop for academic and personal growth.
Background
The University of Cologne (German: Universität zu Köln) is a public research university in Cologne, Germany. It was established in 1388. It closed in 1798 before being re-established in 1919. It is now one of the largest universities in Germany with around 43,594 students. The University of Cologne is a member of the German U15 association of major research-intensive universities and was a university of excellence as part of the German Universities Excellence Initiative from 2012 to 2019. It is consistently ranked among the top 20 German universities in the world rankings. The University of Cologne has 5 Clusters of Excellence: CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research, Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy, CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence for Plant Sciences, ML4Q Cluster of Excellence Matter and Light for Quantum Information and DYNAVERSE Cluster of Excellence. As of 2025, among its notable alumni, faculty and researchers are 5 Nobel Laureates, 11 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize winners, 8 Humboldt Professorship winners, and 2 Humboldt Research Awards winners.
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Quick facts
Nearby universities
Also in Cologne
Elsewhere in Germany
- Universität Leipzig · Leipzig
- Universität Lüneburg · Lüneburg
- Universität Mannheim · Mannheim
- Universität Osnabrück · Osnabrück
- Universität Paderborn · Paderborn
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Wondering if Universität Köln is the right fit for you?
SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.