How do I apply to the Faculty of Human Sciences at the University of Cologne?
After being successfully nominated by your home university, you will receive a welcome email from the Center of International Relations of the Faculty of Human Sciences (ZIB HumF). You will further receive all necessary information and instructions for your application from the International Office.
Do I have to pay a fee to study at the University of Cologne?
Yes. After enrolling at the University of Cologne, you will receive your student ID along with a remittance slip. To complete your enrolment, you need to pay the semester social contribution of approximately €370.
This social contribution is not a tuition fee. It is a mandatory contribution that allows all students to use various student services, such as the university canteens and bistros, participate in university sports courses and, most importantly, includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket.
The Deutschlandsemesterticket gives you access to public transportation throughout Germany, including buses, trams, underground trains and regional trains.
For more information, please visit the University of Cologne website.
Is health insurance included in social contribution?
No. Health insurance is not included in the social contribution. However, all students are required to have valid health insurance to enroll at the University of Cologne.
If you live in an EU country or in the United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland or Norway, you will usually have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC or GHIC), or your health insurance provider at home can provide you with the necessary documentation for studying abroad.
If you are coming from a country outside the EU/EEA, please contact your health insurance provider for further information. Depending on your individual situation, you may need to take out additional health insurance either in your home country or with a public German health insurance provider.
How much workload should I expect during my semester?
A full-time semester workload normally comprises around 30 ECTS. This usually corresponds to approximately 8–12 courses, depending on the number of ECTS awarded per course. Courses can range from 2 to 6 ECTS.
The final number of credits you earn depends on the individual courses you choose, as well as their examination and assessment requirements.
In which language are the courses taught?
Most courses at our faculty are taught in German. However, there are also a limited number of courses offered in English.
But if you do not have German knowledge and at the same time must stay on track at home it might be problematic.
Please check the current course catalogue for the language of instruction when planning your Learning Agreement.
Will I have the opportunity to learn German?
As an incoming student at our university, you should already have a basic knowledge of German. However, the University of Cologne offers additional German language courses ranging from A1 to C1. You can choose either a pre-semester (online) course or one during the semester for free. A second course will cost fee.
These courses are worth 9 ECTS (including exam) and require registration before the beginning of the semester.
The pre-semester German language course starts approximately four weeks before the regular lecture period begins and is a great opportunity to improve your German before the semester starts.
What budget should I plan for my stay in Cologne?
Living costs in Cologne depend largely on your personal needs and lifestyle. Based on our experience, the following figures can serve as a general guideline for your monthly budget:
- Accommodation, including additional costs: €500–800
- Books and learning materials: approx. €30
- Food: €200–400
- Leisure activities: €50–200
- Health insurance: approx. €130, if your health insurance from home is not recognised
- Social contribution: approx. €340 per semester
Please keep in mind that these are average figures and that your actual expenses may vary.
Is there a welcome program for incoming students?
The Faculty of Human Sciences does not currently offer a dedicated welcome week specifically for incoming students. However, there is a mandatory Welcome Session on the first day of the semester.
Apart from that the International Office of the UoC offers several events throughout the semester.
In addition, the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and the student representatives at the Faculty of Human Sciences organise various activities and events throughout the semester. These are great opportunities to meet other international and local students and get to know Cologne.
You can find more information on Instagram:
@esifachschafthumfak and @esnkoeln