Research Master
University of Cologne offers this 24-month English-taught master's in Cologne, ranked #164 by Times Higher Education.
What it takes to get in
- Deadline
- 1 Aug 2026
What it costs
Plan for roughly €16k–€19k per year all-in as a Non-EU student — tuition plus a normal Cologne student life.
Living in Cologne →
Rankings
- Times Higher Education 2026#164
- FT — Masters in Management 2025#37
- FT — European Business Schools 2025#62
- THE — Law 2026#85
- THE — Arts And Humanities 2026#97
- THE — Business And Economics 2026#126
- THE — Life Sciences 2026#126
Visa & life in Germany
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a national (D) visa plus a residence permit after arrival; proof of finances (blocked account, ~€11,900/yr) is the main requirement. EU students just register locally (Anmeldung).
- Post-study work
- 18-month job-seeker residence permit after graduation — you can work without restriction while searching for a position matching your qualification.
- Tuition
- Public universities charge no tuition for most programmes — just a semester contribution of €150–€400. Exceptions: Baden-Württemberg (€1,500/semester for non-EU) and some TUM professional master's.
- Scholarships
- DAAD scholarships for international students, Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month, merit-based), plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About University of Cologne
Common questions
Is Research Master at University of Cologne taught in English?
Yes — the programme is taught entirely in English.
How much does Research Master at University of Cologne cost?
There are no tuition fees for this programme — you'll only pay living costs and any semester contribution.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Cologne?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in Germany after graduating?
Yes. Germany grants graduates of German universities an 18-month residence permit to look for work matching their qualification, and you can work without restriction during the search period.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 Aug 2026. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
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