Erasmus guide TH Koeln
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at TH Koeln in Cologne, Germany.
Study abroad at TH Koeln: overview
Study abroad at TH Koeln means choosing a large university of applied sciences with practical routes in engineering, business, media, social work and cultural sciences. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Approx. 25,000 students in recent institutional profiles; international mix: Applied international routes across faculties; exchange support is practical and structured; academically it fits best around Engineering and Technology, Business and Economics, Media and Communication, Social Work and Social Policy. The part to check without romanticising it: you should confirm your home faculty accepts applied, practice-led coursework.
Enrollment
Approx. 25,000 students in recent institutional profiles
International Mix
Applied international routes across faculties; exchange support is practical and structured
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Engineering and Technology, Business and Economics, Media and Communication, Social Work and Social Policy in Cologne, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: you should confirm your home faculty accepts applied, practice-led coursework.
Language of instruction: German (primary); English-taught programmes growing in engineering, business, and media
Exchange & application at TH Koeln
Start with home-university nomination, then confirm faculty rules, Learning Agreement, insurance and semester contribution. Do not treat acceptance as the end of the process.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, TH Koeln incoming application, passport or ID, study plan, insurance documents, programme-fit check, and language preparation for the chosen courses.
📨Nomination Process
Your home university nominates first; the German host then opens application or enrolment steps.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Usually spring; check faculty and partner instructions. | Usually spring/early summer after nomination. |
| 2nd semester | Usually autumn; summer-semester options can be narrower. | Usually autumn after nomination. |
Arrival Checklist
- Check which campus your courses actually use.
- Join the TH Koeln Buddy Program before arrival if possible.
- Use the incoming consultation hours rather than trying to solve everything alone.
Academics & courses at TH Koeln
Expect ECTS, direct feedback, faculty-level course rules and a mix of lectures, seminars or projects. German-taught modules can require stronger language skills than the title suggests.
📝Course Registration
TH Koeln is practical and supportive, but students should still confirm campus location, timetable fit, and language before finalizing a course mix.
🎓Credit System
ECTS
💯Grading System
German 1.0-5.0 grading scale with ECTS credits; applied modules may include project grades, presentations, lab reports, and final exams.
✍️Exam Culture
Assessment is practical: labs, projects, tutorials, presentations, and written exams are often combined, with attendance required in applied or workshop-based modules.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at TH Koeln
Exchange students usually pay no host tuition at German public universities, but semester contribution, insurance, housing and transport still matter. Full-degree tuition differs by state and student status.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + semester contribution | Partner exchange students normally pay no host tuition, but semester contribution, insurance and living costs still apply. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | Usually no tuition at public universities; semester contribution applies | Most German public universities charge semester contribution rather than tuition; Bavaria/Munich rules and special programmes can differ. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Often no tuition in this state; semester contribution applies | Non-EU fees depend on federal state, institution and programme; verify official fee pages before applying. |
EUR 0 tuition + semester contribution
Partner exchange students normally pay no host tuition, but semester contribution, insurance and living costs still apply.
Usually no tuition at public universities; semester contribution applies
Most German public universities charge semester contribution rather than tuition; Bavaria/Munich rules and special programmes can differ.
Often no tuition in this state; semester contribution applies
Non-EU fees depend on federal state, institution and programme; verify official fee pages before applying.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at TH Koeln
Cologne housing should move in parallel with the application. Student residences are limited, and private rooms need careful contract checks.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Cologne
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at TH Koeln
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, orientation and buddy or student groups early. German systems work well once you know which office owns each question.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
🧠Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC-compatible route where accepted
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
German public insurer confirmation
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Accepted private insurance
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus services
Incoming Exchange consultation
Direct support, consultation hours, and first-weeks guidance from the International Office.
TH Koeln Buddy Program
Buddy groups connecting senior students with new international students before and during the semester.
Student Services (TH Köln)
TH Köln central services hub: academic advising, health and insurance information, disability support, psychosocial counseling, and career guidance for all students.
Special Needs & Disability
Barrier-free study support at TH Köln for students with health impairments, disabilities, or chronic illness. Academic adjustments and personal guidance available.
Health & Safety Information
Health insurance guidance, safety information, and referrals to psychosocial support services at TH Köln. Useful first stop for newly arriving exchange students.
Student life at TH Koeln
Student life in Cologne depends on repeated routines: Mensa, sports, student associations, language tandems and neighbourhood plans. Waiting passively can make the semester feel colder than it is.
Student Clubs
- TH Koeln suits students who want a practical campus rhythm and an easier first-month landing than more chaotic big-city setups.
Buddy Program
The TH Koeln Buddy Program is the clearest social and practical entry point for new international students.
Sports & Recreation
- Campus and city sports options in Cologne
Public Groups & Communities
TH Koeln Buddy Program - official mixed buddy groups for new international students.
Incoming Exchange consultation and info sessions - the most practical newcomer support route on campus.
ESN Koeln - citywide Erasmus network that adds a broader social layer beyond your programme.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Clarify your actual campus and route immediately.
- Use buddy-group contacts before you need urgent help.
- Build one campus circle and one citywide circle in the first two weeks.
Key exchange dates at TH Koeln
The key dates are nomination, application, semester-fee payment, course registration, housing, arrival and orientation. Keep exam and resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Nomination and application
Spring for winter semester; autumn for summer semester
Home university nomination comes first; the host application and Learning Agreement follow.
-
2
Housing, insurance and semester fee
As soon as acceptance arrives
Cologne housing and German admin move early. Confirm insurance, semester contribution and arrival documents before travel.
-
3
Arrival and orientation
September/October or March/April
Use orientation for enrolment, campus systems, Anmeldung, Mensa, student groups and course changes.
Campus events hub: Browse all events