Universität zu Köln for Kenyan Students

🇩🇪 Cologne, Germany · Excellence Initiative
Foundation Year Required 3 Scholarships ✓ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #285
Founded 1388
Students 53,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 · Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts — Kenyan Students
KCSE Accepted Not Accepted
Minimum GPA (Masters) 3 / 4
IELTS Required 6.5 overall
Tuition Range €600 – €800/yr
Scholarships Available Yes – 3 available
Application Deadline May 31 for winter semester
Processing Time 8–16 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

See official university website for current requirements.

Fees & Deadline

Application deadline: July 15 for winter semester.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4 (2:1 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. English-taught programmes in Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences, and Media Studies.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: €600–€800. Application deadline: May 31 for winter semester. Decision time: 8–16 weeks.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3.5/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. DAAD scholarships and DFG-funded positions available for Kenyan PhD students.

Specific Requirements

Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.

Deadline

Rolling — contact supervisor directly

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
Motivation letter (500–1,000 words)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Research proposal (PhD applicants)

Available Scholarships

DAAD Scholarship

Full tuition + €992/month stipend + health insurance + travel allowance Deadline: August–October (apply directly to university)

by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Deutschlandstipendium

€300/month for at least 2 semesters Deadline: Varies by university

by Federal Government + Private sponsors · Undergraduate, Masters

Learn more →

Cologne Graduate School Scholarship

Merit-based partial scholarship for outstanding international Master's students; also Deutschlandstipendium slots available Deadline: Check University of Cologne international office for current cycle

by University of Cologne / Private sponsors · Masters

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kenyan students with a KCSE certificate apply to the University of Cologne?

KCSE with strong grades may allow direct undergraduate entry; otherwise, Kenyan students can complete a Studienkolleg in Germany or 1 year at a Kenyan university first. Kenyan university graduates can apply directly for Masters programmes in Economics, Business Administration, and Social Sciences with IELTS 6.5.

Is the University of Cologne free for Kenyan students?

Yes — the University of Cologne charges no tuition fees for non-EU international students, including Kenyans. You only pay the Semesterbeitrag of ~€305/semester (~€610/year). This covers student services and public transport discounts.

What post-graduation opportunities exist for Kenyan graduates in Germany?

Kenyan graduates from the University of Cologne can apply for Germany's 18-month Job-Seeker Visa to search for employment. Cologne's economy, driven by financial services and media, offers strong opportunities for Economics and Business graduates — and the visa gives 18 months to secure the right role.

Tips for Applying to Uni Cologne

The University of Cologne (QS #285) offers English-taught programmes in Economics, Business, and Social Sciences with zero tuition fees for Kenyan students — just the Semesterbeitrag of ~€610/year. Kenyan students with strong KCSE grades may qualify for direct undergraduate entry, making it more accessible than many German universities. The 18-month Job-Seeker Visa and DAAD scholarships make this one of the most financially manageable study-abroad routes available to Kenyan students.

Official source: Universität zu Köln ↗

Plan Your Germany Student Visa

Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Kenyan passport holders applying to Germany.

Full Visa Guide →

Cost of Living in Cologne

Accommodation €600 – €1,100/month

Student halls available through Studierendenwerk Köln. Apply well in advance.

Food & Groceries €240 – €380/month

Transport €80/month

Semester ticket often covers local public transport.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost €920 – €1,560/month