About the City – Why Students Love to Study in Cologne
To study in Cologne is to merge world-class education with riverside coffee breaks, street art strolls, and carnival chaos. It’s Germany’s fourth-largest city, but ask any student, and they’ll tell you it feels like home.
Cologne (or Köln in German) sits on the banks of the Rhine, oozing a mix of Roman history, gothic charm, and youthful grit. Its iconic cathedral, Kölner Dom? Mesmerising. But it’s the vibe that keeps students here. The beer gardens. The festivals. The kindness of locals who’ll happily switch to English when your German runs out at “Hallo.”
With more than 100,000 students across several universities, Cologne thrives as one of Germany’s top higher-ed hotspots. It’s a city that doesn’t sleep, but still delivers on lectures, research, and library all-nighters.
Everything’s here. Big city benefits, small neighborhood feels, global opportunities, and lots and lots of bratwurst.
Why Cologne Is a Smart Choice for International Students
1. Academic Prestige Meets Local Warmth
Cologne is home to Germany’s largest university, so it’s no surprise that it attracts learners from across the globe. The University of Cologne and other institutions offer diverse fields in English, especially at postgraduate level. Psychology, economics, business, social sciences, digital media, you name it.
2. International and Intercultural by Nature
With over 10,000 international students, Cologne is a cultural melting pot. It’s student-friendly to its core, offering orientation services, multilingual support, buddy programs, and vibrant Erasmus student networks.
3. Affordable Compared to Other Big Cities
Unlike Berlin or Munich, the cost of living and rent in Cologne stays manageable. Monthly rents can go as low as €350 in student housing, and thanks to Germany’s public universities, most programs charge little to no tuition fees, especially for EU citizens.
4. A City That’s Never Boring
Cologne lives for fun. Its annual street carnival is legendary. The music and arts scenes are thriving. And the café culture is unreal. Need a breather after finals? Head to the Rhine beach or day-trip to Belgium or the Netherlands.
Bottom line? If you want academia without the stiffness, and Germany without the clichés, study in Cologne.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Cologne
1. University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln)
One of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Known for economics, education, psychology, and social sciences. Great Erasmus and international mobility programs.
2. TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences
Germany’s largest university of applied sciences. Courses in engineering, architecture, design, business, and IT. Many modules in English, practical and industry-driven.
3. CBS International Business School
Private and modern. High employment rates. Popular for English-taught business, marketing, HRM, and digital media bachelor and master programs.
4. Cologne Business School (CBS)
Another big name in private education. Triple-accredited and globally known for management, finance, and entrepreneurship.
5. Macromedia University of Applied Sciences – Cologne Campus
Focused on media, journalism, and digital marketing. English courses available and highly industry-oriented.
6. HMKW University of Applied Sciences for Media, Communication and Management
Known for media studies, marketing psychology, and visual communication. Strong practical links to Cologne’s media ecosystem.
7. FOM University of Applied Sciences – Cologne
Evening and weekend formats designed for working students. English-taught MBAs and part-time study options.
8. Karl Rahner Academy (Katholische Hochschule)
Specialises in theology, social work, and religious studies. Mostly in German but deeply rooted in ethics and cultural studies.
9. Alanus University of Arts
Just outside Cologne. Offers visual art, theatre, and eurythmy with a high emphasis on creativity and anthroposophical education.
10. Cologne University of Music and Dance (HfMT Köln)
Top-tier music academy with performance arts degrees. Strong global partnerships and auditions required.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Cologne
- Uninest Student Residence – Urbanum
- The Fizz Cologne
- BaseCamp Cologne
- LivinnX Cologne
- SMARTments Student Cologne
- KSTW Student Residence Luxemburger Straße
- Wohnheim Siegburger Straße (Kölner Studierendenwerk)
- Casa Cologne by Deltawohnung
- YOUNIQ Cologne
- Studierendenwerk Wohnheim Neustadt-Süd
These properties offer stylish, budget-friendly, and well-located student living, most come with furnished private rooms, laundry, community lounges, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Top 10 Student Areas in Cologne (With Nearby Universities & Housing)
1. Ehrenfeld
- Nearby: TH Köln and media campuses
- Vibe: Hipster central
Home to converted warehouses, indie music bars, and art spaces. Cool, diverse, and budget-friendly.
2. Lindenthal
- Nearby: University of Cologne
- Vibe: Classic student suburb
Green parks, mid-range rent, easy tram access. A favorite among undergrads and PhD students.
3. Südstadt (Neustadt-Süd)
- Nearby: Business schools, UoC humanities
- Vibe: Lively and central
Bright-colored buildings, vintage bookstores, and riverside jogging trails. Slightly higher rent, but worth it.
4. Belgisches Viertel (Belgian Quarter)
- Nearby: CBS, Macromedia
- Vibe: Stylish and social
Known for high-end bars, urban fashion, and good cafés. Very international, slightly pricier.
5. Nippes
- Nearby: Easy U-Bahn ride to most campuses
- Vibe: Family-friendly and quiet
Tree-lined streets, relaxed lifestyle, lower rents. Ideal for those who want calm after class.
6. Riehl
- Nearby: Close to Zoo & UoC Science Labs
- Vibe: Nature meets nerd-life
You’re near botanical gardens and the river. Peaceful but don’t forget your U-Bahn card.
7. Kalk
- Nearby: TH Köln
- Vibe: Affordable and diverse
Student-heavy with lower housing prices. Great food, multicultural markets, strong community feel.
8. Mülheim
- Nearby: TH Köln Engineering
- Vibe: Up-and-coming
Has creative hubs, co-working spaces, and cheaper rent options. Think “Berlin vibes” without Berlin rent.
9. Altstadt (Old Town)
- Nearby: Central to all
- Vibe: Touristy but historic
Great atmosphere but less residential. Still, some students love being in the heart of it all.
10. Sülz
- Nearby: Lindenthal Campus
- Vibe: Local, safe, student chill
Filled with bookstores, bakeries, and long-standing student flats. A good mix of quiet and convenience.
Cost of Living in Cologne – Student Budget Breakdown
Cologne may be a large city, but it won’t bury your bank account.
| Category | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared or studio) | €350 – €700 |
| Public transport | €25 – €35 (semester ticket) |
| Groceries & meals | €150 – €250 |
| Utilities & Internet | €50 – €80 |
| Entertainment & extras | €80 – €150 |
➡️ Monthly total: €700 – €1,200 depending on your lifestyle.
Want to stretch your euros?
- Apply for Studierendenwerk housing
- Use the semester public transport pass included in uni fees
- Eat at university canteens – hearty meals for under €4
- Tap into DAAD scholarships or local Erasmus+ grants
Cologne makes student life easy to enjoy, and easy to afford.
Local Transport for Students in Cologne
Commuting in Cologne? Piece of cake.
1. U-Bahn & S-Bahn
Trains run frequently, connects virtually every neighborhood to major campuses. Semester tickets are included in student fees and cover unlimited rides.
2. Trams & Buses
Reliable, safe, and easy to use. Trams connect outer districts to the centre efficiently.
3. Bicycles & Scooters
Cycle-friendly with dedicated paths. Shared e-scooters and bikes are everywhere, perfect for zipping to class or lunch breaks on the park.
4. Walking
Yes, even in a big city. Central areas are pedestrian-friendly, and many students walk to campus through leafy paths and scenic bridges.
5. Trains
Need to escape? The central station (Hauptbahnhof) links you to Bonn, Berlin, Amsterdam, and beyond.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Cologne
To study in Cologne is to blend the best of Germany: high-quality education, affordable living, massive student community, and cultural electricity.
You’ll soak in global insights in English-speaking classrooms. Walk medieval streets. Chill by the Rhine. Pop to Paris for the weekend. And grow, not just as a student, but as a human.
This city has heart, brains, and all the bratwurst you can handle.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Cologne
1. Is Cologne a safe city for students?
Yes, Cologne is considered very safe and student-friendly, with excellent public transport and well-lit areas.
2. Can I study in English in Cologne?
Absolutely. Many universities offer English-taught programs, especially for master’s and business courses.
3. How much will I spend per month as a student?
Expect costs between €700–€1,200/month, including rent and living expenses.
4. Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes! Look into DAAD, Erasmus+, and university-specific scholarships.
5. What’s student life like in Cologne?
Lively, inclusive, cultural. From techno clubs to jazz bars, there’s something for everyone.
6. How do I find housing?
Through Kölner Studierendenwerk, private platforms, and student residence providers like Uninest or BaseCamp.
7. Do I need to speak German?
Not always. You can survive in English, but German helps with paperwork and making friends.
8. Is public transport included in tuition?
Yes! Semester fees usually include your regional travel card.
9. What’s the weather like?
Mild summers, cold winters. Bonus: Those riverside sunrises are worth an early class.
10. Why study in Cologne over Berlin?
Smaller crowds, more affordability, stronger community feel, but just as much culture and opportunity.
