Technische Hochschule Köln
About
A university in Cologne offers engineering, computer science, economics, natural sciences, arts, and social sciences; tuition is tuition-free for international students, with an IELTS 6 entry bar. The EU-recognised diploma comes with Germany's 18-month post-study job-seeker visa. Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city, with a dense corporate and creative-industry presence for internships.
Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city — historic, vibrant, with the cathedral dominating the skyline and student life distributed across multiple neighbourhoods on both banks of the Rhine. Rents are moderate for a major city (€400–650), and the culture is genuinely internationalist; you'll find yourself in a real city with museums, live music, and a thriving startup scene.
Application deadlines
- WiSe (2nd window)Sep 15
Second window Aug 15–Sep 15 for available places in NC-free programmes only.
- SoSeJan 15
Via the central application service (uni-assist). Limited SoSe programme availability.
- Winter semester — Bachelor programmes with restricted admission (NC)15 July
Confirmed, matches stored row. The university states this as a standing annual rule, not a one-off cycle date. Source: https://www.th-koeln.de/studium/bewerbungsfristen_5322.php
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Technische Hochschule Köln as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Technische Hochschule Köln is €0 per year. Living costs in Cologne are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Technische Hochschule Köln?
English-taught programmes at Technische Hochschule Köln 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/).
Does Technische Hochschule Köln offer scholarships?
DAAD: Master's/PhD, merit-based (RU/BY de-facto restricted post-2022). Deutschlandstipendium: €300/mo, all nationalities, merit + social commitment. Apply via university portal (Apr–Jun).
Where is Technische Hochschule Köln located?
Technische Hochschule Köln is in Cologne, Germany. Betzdorfer Str. 2, 50679 Köln, Germany
What can you study at Technische Hochschule Köln?
Fields offered include: Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Natural Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, International Business, Business, Media.
Accommodation
Kölnisches Studierendenwerk (KSTW): 90 residences, ~5,000 places. Standard rate ~€339/mo (2025). Range €171–500/mo depending on room type. High demand — only ~1/3 of applicants receive a place. Apply as early as possible.
- Studierendenwerk Köln · regional student services — it allocates the halls, not the university
- WG-Gesucht
- HousingAnywhere
- ImmobilienScout24
Scholarships
- 🏛DAAD
- 🏛Deutschlandstipendium
DAAD: Master's/PhD, merit-based (RU/BY de-facto restricted post-2022). Deutschlandstipendium: €300/mo, all nationalities, merit + social commitment. Apply via university portal (Apr–Jun).
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- Zero tuition for non-EU students makes this a rare affordable option compared to private German universities.
- As a public university of applied sciences, the degree is EU-recognised and portable across all Schengen states.
- Fields span engineering, computer science, economics, and arts — strong alignment with small and mid-sized companies (Mittelstand) and tech-sector demand.
- Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city, offering dense internship and part-time work opportunities across multiple industries.
- Germany allows international students 120 full or 240 half working days per year during studies.
- After graduation, an 18-month job-seeker visa lets you stay in Germany to convert your degree into employment.
What to check
- Most bachelor programmes are taught in German; without C1 level your programme choices are severely limited.
- Non-EU school leavers without a recognised Abitur equivalent typically must complete a preparatory year (Studienkolleg) before admission.
- Proof of funds requires a blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) of roughly €11,904 before the visa is issued — significant upfront capital.
- Cologne has a well-documented housing shortage; student accommodation is competitive and rents are above the German average.
- IELTS 6.0 is the stated minimum, but English-taught programmes at applied-sciences universities are fewer than at research universities.
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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.
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