Universität zu Köln

The history of Germany’s second oldest university began in 1388 in the immediate vicinity of Cologne Cathedral. In the course of its more than 600 years, the alma mater on the Rhine has evolved into an outstanding university. Furthermore, with almost 50,000 students it is now Germany’s largest institution of higher education. The Philosophy Department alone has over 14,000 students – more than many entire universities. It should therefore come as no surprise that it is one of the top four research universities in Germany. The latest innovation is a four-year Anglo-German law degree program that is being offered jointly with University College London.

Cologne is also the home of the Deutsche Sporthochschule (photograph), a sports school that is unique in Germany. More than 6,000 students are studying for a sports science diploma or a teaching qualification.

FACTS

Students: 49,102

Foreign students: 6,226

Professors: 864

Departments: 8

Year of foundation: 1388

Population: 1.02 million

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