Studienstart International in Cologne on the Rhine
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and, with around 41,000 students, largest universities in Europe in an attractive, modern and international metropolis.
Studienstart International is a closely supervised introductory phase for undergraduate students (Bachelor’s and state examination) from non-EU countries and lasts one semester. We prepare you optimally and individually for your studies and want you to feel at home in Cologne. (The Studienstart International is currently not available for the teaching degree and for Law). We do not charge tuition fees.
Regardless of whether you have access to a Studienkolleg or directly to the degree programme: We offer you two options with Studienstart International:
Studienstart International plus
This is our alternative to the Studienkolleg – free of charge and with a guaranteed place: Applicants who would have to attend a Studienkolleg before starting their studies receive subject-specific direct university admission at the University of Cologne after successfully completing a pre-semester.
- You attend basic courses in your chosen degree programme.
- We offer you individualised courses to improve your German language skills.
- You will attend seminars on intercultural sensibilisation and subject-specific study skills.
- In our administrative competence course, we provide you with orientation at the university and with municipal authorities.
- We offer regular information events and meetings.
- We network you with students in higher semesters and with our international university groups.
- In a part-time job workshop, we provide tips and tricks to help you find a part-time job that interests you.
Studienstart International integrale
With direct university admission, you attend our courses and receive our support services (see above) during the first semester of your degree programme.
Application requirements
- Admission to a Studienkolleg or direct university admission in Germany (find out here which university admission you have.)
- High German language skills (DSD-2, TestDaF 4×4, Goethe C1 among others)
- TestAS certificate
On Wednesday 13 May 2026, the University of Cologne will present the Studienstart International programme during a virtual session with German universities on the DAAD Egypt website.
You can find more information about the application here.
Do you have any questions? Please feel free to contact us: studienstart-international@verw.uni-koeln.de
We look forward to welcoming you in Cologne!
