Rankings
How every major ranking places the University of Cologne. Lower is better.
Strongest subjects in the QS subject rankings (2025):
Master's courses by field
Number of courses and typical yearly tuition for international students.
| Field | Courses | Typical fee | Courses in Course Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social sciences | 9 | $828 | See → |
| Business & management | 8 | $828 | See → |
| Humanities & languages | 8 | $828 | See → |
| Life sciences & biotechnology | 6 | $828 | See → |
| Computer science & data technology | 5 | $828 | See → |
| Environment, sustainability & agriculture | 5 | $828 | See → |
| Economics, finance & accounting | 4 | $828 | See → |
| Natural sciences | 3 | $828 | See → |
| Public health & allied health | 2 | $1,869 | See → |
| Education & teaching | 1 | $828 | See → |
| Law, politics & governance | 1 | $8,226 | See → |
Costs and entry
20 publish an application deadline for international students.
Jobs after studying at the University of Cologne
The job market for the University of Cologne's biggest fields, and how graduates stay to work in Germany.
Questions students ask
How much does a master's course at the University of Cologne cost?
Typical tuition for international students is about $828 a year. Most courses last 2 years. Fees vary by field: law, politics & governance courses are typically $8,226, social sciences $828.
How is the University of Cologne ranked?
The University of Cologne is ranked #272 by QS (2026), #164 by Times Higher Education (2026) and #151–200 by ARWU (2025) in the world. Its strongest QS subjects include Anthropology (#51) and Archaeology (#51).
What IELTS score does the University of Cologne need for a master's course?
Most master's courses (3 of the 6 that list it) ask for IELTS 7 overall.
How many master's courses does the University of Cologne offer?
52 master's courses across 11 fields; the largest are social sciences (9), business & management (8) and humanities & languages (8).
Shortlisting the University of Cologne?
Compare its courses side by side with other universities, or let UNIFER handle your applications for one flat fee.
Updated 24 September 2026. Courses and fees from the University of Cologne's own course pages; fees converted to US dollars. Rankings: QS World University Rankings 2026, Times Higher Education 2026, ARWU 2025, QS subject rankings 2025. Always confirm fees and requirements on the university's website.