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The Hohenzollern Bridge and Cologne Cathedral from above, looking west
©SeanPavonePhoto – stock.adobe.com

Studying in Köln

Köln offers you 99 degree programmes in English at 24 higher education institutions.

For almost 2,000 years, Cologne has been standing for an open-minded and fun-loving atmosphere – in a true Cologne tradition the city provides a warm welcome for everyone. Besides the world-famous carnival and numerous bars, the Roman city also offers a lot of art, culture and history. However, relaxation is guaranteed as well: many parks and cafés invite you to linger in the city centre!

In Cologne, you will notice one thing in particular: the tolerance and openness of the city. Here, around 180 nations and over a million people with different backgrounds and identities live together. Perhaps this is why it is often said that Cologne is not just a city, but a feeling: here you are allowed to be who you are.

An indispensable part of the special Cologne atmosphere is the cathedral: people living in Cologne love their landmark. Like a lighthouse, it serves as an orientation point for many in the city of millions; it is visible from all directions and from far away. There is even a joke in Cologne that as long as the cathedral is still standing, everything is fine.

But the cathedral is not the only symbol of optimism! To get through the next phase of exams, you can, for example, take one of the many Cologne nuggets of wisdom to heart. There is even a Cologne “constitution” that lays down eleven rules for a relaxed and happy life.

Life in Köln

1,085,000 residents

  • High-speed train connections

    In close vicinity

  • International airport

    In close vicinity

  • Coast

    North Sea in 230 km distance

  • Mountain range

    Siebengebirge in 30 km distance

  • Other countries

    The Netherlands in 60 km distance

  • Attractions within 100 km

    • Kölner Seilbahn cable car in 3 km distance

    • Monschau in 67 km distance

    • Königswinter in 34 km distance

    • Benrath Palace in 26 km distance

24 higher education institutions in Köln

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Subject groups of degree programmes in Köln

There is a wide range of degree programmes in Köln. Here you can see the main subject groups. Currently, degree programmes in Köln are mainly offered in the subject group Economic Sciences, Law, followed by Teaching Degrees and Humanities and Social Sciences. Find out more information here about the subject groups and degree programmes offered in Germany.
  • 2

    Agricultural and Forest Sciences

  • 158

    Humanities and Social Sciences

  • 82

    Mathematics, Natural Sciences

  • 104

    Art, Music, Design

  • 112

    Language and Cultural Studies

  • 77

    Medicine, Health Sciences

  • 320

    Economic Sciences, Law

  • 72

    Engineering Sciences

  • 198

    Teaching Degrees

People linger on the Rhine promenade and the Rhine steps.
©iStock.com/horstgerlach

In addition to the cathedral, the Rhine steps have become an essential part of the cityscape.

A total of eight bridges cross the Rhine in Cologne.

The people of Cologne divide their city into “linksrheinisch” and “rechtsrheinisch”, i.e. located on the left and right banks of the river Rhine. The city centre and most of the higher education institutions are to be found on the left bank of the Rhine. Both banks have their peculiarities – and above all, both have an inviting river promenade in the form of parks and boulevards. You can escape for a bit from everyday life by strolling along the Rhine and going from one end of Cologne to the other. From here you can not only see the Cologne skyline and its numerous Romanesque churches but also discover many beautiful things, from cafés and restaurants to various museums.

Speaking of leisure: in Cologne, you are in a colourful city with a broad range of cultural and leisure pursuits. There are over 100 different museums on all kinds of topics, from Roman/archaeological or historical areas to topics such as sports, chocolate, scents or cultures. Once a year, the largest literature festival in Europe also takes place here, inviting visitors to readings, discussions and talks. The city's larger and smaller music festivals as well as numerous other events ensure a good mood and exuberant dancing.

Cologne is also a hotspot for street art. Particularly in the Belgian Quarter, in Ehrenfeld or on the Ebertplatz, the works of art can be admired on the walls of the city. You can take part in street art tours to explore hidden gems of urban art.

Do you want to experience a city going berserk? During the so-called fifth season, all of Cologne quakes and celebrates carnival for five whole days; from Weiberfastnacht (Fat Thursday) to Veilchendienstag (Shrove Tuesday). In addition to all the parties and cabaret events, the parades in the individual districts and the street carnival are particularly popular.

A young woman walks through the city
A young woman walks through the cityJan von Allwörden / DAAD

You can find more information at study-in-germany.de

For more information on living and studying in Köln, visit the city portraits at study-in-germany.de