Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences
About
Katholische Hochschule NRW in Köln is tuition-free, IELTS 6, covering social sciences, health, and education. One of Germany's largest cities offers extensive internship and part-time work in media, healthcare, and social services, plus the 18-month job-seeker visa after graduation.
Cologne is an energetic, multicultural city on the Rhine with a famous cathedral, vibrant student bars, and a real mix of cultures. Cost of living is moderate, the city has excellent museums and nightlife, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than Stuttgart or Frankfurt.
Application deadlines
- Social Work, B.A. (Aachen campus), standard track, all applicants31 May
Application window opens 1 December. Applications uploaded 1 June-31 July may still be considered if places reopen. Source: https://katho-nrw.de/studium/studienplatzbewerbung/bewerbungszeitraeume
- Social Work dual-track, B.A. (Aachen campus), all applicants31 March
Application window opens 1 December. Source: https://katho-nrw.de/studium/studienplatzbewerbung/bewerbungszeitraeume
- Applied Nursing Science, B.Sc., full-time (Köln campus), all applicants15 November
Application window opens 1 September. Source: https://katho-nrw.de/studium/studienplatzbewerbung/bewerbungszeitraeume
- Midwifery, B.Sc. (Hebammenkunde), all applicants31 March
Application window opens 1 January. Source: https://katho-nrw.de/studium/studienplatzbewerbung/bewerbungszeitraeume
- Summer semester 2027 — Supervision/Coaching, M.A. (Münster campus), all applicants2026-09-15
Application window opens 15 January 2026. Source: https://katho-nrw.de/studium/studienplatzbewerbung/bewerbungszeitraeume
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences is €0 per year. Living costs in Köln are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences?
English-taught programmes at Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences typically require IELTS 6 or equivalent. Confirm the exact requirement per programme on the official admissions page.
How much money do you need to show for a student visa to Germany?
For a student residence permit in Germany you must prove €11,904 per year (2026, DAAD / Study in Germany — proof of financing (blocked account, 992 EUR/month for 12 months): https://www.study-in-germany.com/en/plan-your-studies/requirements/proof-of-financing/).
Where is Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences located?
Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences is in Köln, Germany. Wörthstraße 10, 50668 Köln, Germany
What can you study at Katholische Hochschule Nordrhein-Westfalen - Catholic University of Applied Sciences?
Fields offered include: Social Sciences, Health, Education.
Accommodation
Katholische Hochschule NRW, Abteilung Köln (KatHO) is one of the seven Cologne institutions explicitly named among KSTW's partner institutions — its private, church-run status doesn't disqualify it, since it is staatlich anerkannt (state-recognized). Students can apply for KSTW dorm rooms on the same terms as public-university students.
Source- Studierendenwerk Köln · regional student services — it allocates the halls, not the university
- WG-Gesucht
- HousingAnywhere
- ImmobilienScout24
National funding for this destination
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Why this works
- Tuition is €0 per year for international students, unlike many private German institutions that charge €10,000–20,000 annually.
- An IELTS 6.0 entry requirement is accessible for CIS students with standard English preparation.
- Social sciences, health, and education fields align with Germany's strong public-sector and NGO job market.
- Köln is one of Germany's largest cities, offering extensive internship and part-time work opportunities in media, healthcare, and social services.
- Germany grants 18 months post-study job-seeker visa, letting graduates search for employment across the EU after finishing.
- International students in Germany may work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, providing income alongside studies.
What to check
- Daily life and many bachelor programmes require strong German; limited German skills will restrict social integration and course choice.
- Non-EU school leavers often must complete a preparatory year (Studienkolleg) or recognised preparatory year before the degree (foundation year) before university admission in Germany.
- Germany requires proof of funds via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) of approximately €11,904 for a student visa — a significant upfront commitment.
- Köln has a well-known accommodation shortage; finding affordable housing before arrival can be difficult and time-consuming.
- As a university of applied sciences with a Catholic profile, the range of academic disciplines is narrower than at a large public research university.
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These fields in the country
Tuition and deadlines change with each academic year — the date beside the figures says when we last confirmed them on the official source. Visa rules are set by governments and can change between our checks.
We break down figures like these in the channel — each one with a source and a date. Open the channel