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Programme Details
Programme Details
Minimum mark 60%
Level Undergraduate
Language/s B1 German required
Agreement Scope History of Art department exchange
Exchange Places 2 full year places for History of Art in 2026/27
Overview
Overview
About:
Founded in 1388, the University of Cologne is one of the oldest universities in Germany. With more than 50,000 enrolled students, it is also currently one of the largest German universities.
Highlights:
Cologne is one of Germany’s largest and most diverse cities. With Cologne Cathedral, its many world-renowned museums and the vibrant Belgian Quarter, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to its many independent bars, cafés and restaurants Cologne is also rapidly becoming a trendy city for students.
Location:
Köln (Cologne), North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Academic information
Academic information
Courses / Modules:
The University of Cologne offers a wide range of courses for international students. For more details of the courses on offer, see the Arts & Humanities Faculty course pages
Credit (Full-time Load per semester):
You must take a full credit load while on exchange. The University of Cologne uses both the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and Leistungspunkte (LP) to show credit values. 30 LP is the equivalent to 30 ECTS and 60 York credits. 60 LP is equivalent to 60 ECTS and is the equivalent to 120 York credits.
Teaching Periods:
Teaching is across two semesters. The winter semester typically begins in mid-October and ends at the start of February, and the summer semester typically begins in mid-April and ends mid-July. Students taking preparatory German courses may be required to arrive in September.
Language:
German language level of at least B1 is required
You may be able to participate in a free preparatory German language course for exchange students or to take German classes during the exchange. You should check with your departmental coordinator at York to find out whether you can take these for credit.
Student life
Student life
Accommodation:
As in many larger German cities, there can be high demand for accommodation in Cologne, particularly at the start of the semester and accommodation for exchange students is not guaranteed. The University of Cologne recommends that you begin seeking accommodation well in advance. They provide advice and guidance on accommodation, including details of student residences operated by the Kölner Studierendenwerk, residences operated by other institutions and also recommended sites for finding private sector accommodation.
The University of Cologne also runs the Wohnen für Hilfe scheme, arranging housing partnerships to bring together people with different needs from different generations. Senior citizens, families, single parents or people with disabilities, who run their own household and would like to have the company, support and security of a student, provide them with living space. In return, the students support the housing providers by helping with day-to-day tasks.
Student services:
The university has a Services for Enrolled International Students which can help with any questions exchange students may have regarding their stay or their studies
Orientation week:
At the beginning of each semester, the university offers a "Welcome Session" for exchange students from partner universities. In the "Welcome Session", students are officially welcomed and receive information on enrolment, the semester schedule and the organization of life in Cologne. You will receive further information by email after your nomination. Also at the beginning of the pre-semester, the university offers international exchange students Intercultural Training (in English) to prepare you in the best possible way for your stay in Germany. You will receive further information on this by email after your nomination as well.
Visas:
You may need a visa to study in Germany. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Gov.uk Travel Advice page for Germany and its Living in Germany guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.
Travel insurance:
If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.
Health insurance:
Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).
If you’d like to study in Germany, you have to have health insurance. You will need to present proof of health insurance when you enrol at university and apply for a residence permit. Make sure to take care of your health insurance status before you come to Germany. The University of Cologne provides additional information on health insurance requirements.
Student experiences
Student experiences
Have a look at some student stories on the Global Opportunities website.
Top Tips for Studying in Germany
Top Tips for Studying in Germany
Please note: these tips have been provided by the University of Cologne or by former exchange students- Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.
Money and Banking:
Monthly budget: the estimated cost of living per month for a student in Cologne is at least €830.00.
Note: The semester fee of around €280 has to be paid each semester/6 months. It includes a ticket for public transportation in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Banking: Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.
Staying Connected:
Make plans: Going to International events is a good way to meet people, especially the trips the international desk organise early in the term A great way to connect with people is also by joining clubs, groups and societies.
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.
Food:
Food shopping: Prices for groceries are relatively moderate in Germany and supermarkets are generally open from Monday to Saturday between 8:00 and 20:00.
Local food markets: You can also buy good quality fresh fruit and vegetables at very reasonable prices at your local market. In Germany, all shops are closed on Sundays. Petrol station shops and the shops near the train station are the only places that remain open during the night as well as on Sundays and public holidays.
Paperwork and bureaucracy:
Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible! Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help! If you are struggling with the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host insition are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed.
What I wished I'd known...:
Making the most of your experience: That I wouldn't be spending as long as I hoped there - you never know what'll happen. So go all out all the time, because it could end when you least expect it!
Useful links
Useful links
The University of Cologne social media links
Facebook: @universitaetkoeln https://www.facebook.com/universitaetkoeln/
Instagram: @uni_koeln https://www.instagram.com/uni_koeln/?hl=en
Twitter: @UniCologne https://twitter.com/UniCologne?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk
Contact Global Opportunities
Contact Global Opportunities
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