Erasmus guide TH Koeln
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at TH Koeln in Cologne, Germany.
Snapshot
A practical applied-sciences exchange choice with strong first-week support, a real buddy programme, and a campus style that works well for students who want structure without a cold atmosphere.
Why students shortlist it
A Cologne university of applied sciences with practical routes in engineering, business, media, communication, social work, cultural sciences, and design-related fields. It suits students who want project work and industry-facing coursework.
Teaching languages: German (primary); English-taught programmes growing in engineering, business, and media
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
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
Students nominated by a home university that has an approved exchange partnership with TH Koeln.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Follow the current timeline communicated by TH Koeln after nomination | TH Koeln guides students through the exchange process 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
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.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + ~EUR 100–300 semester contribution | German public universities waive tuition for exchange. Semester contribution varies: LMU ~€97 (Grundbeitrag from Summer 2026, Semesterticket suspended), TUM … |
| Full degree – international | EUR 0 tuition (all nationalities) | NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) has NO non-EU state fee — tuition free for everyone. Only cost: semester contribution ~€300 (includes NRW public transit VRS/VRR… |
EUR 0 tuition + ~EUR 100–300 semester contribution
German public universities waive tuition for exchange. Semester contribution varies: LMU ~€97 (Grundbeitrag from Summer 2026, Semesterticket suspended), TUM …
EUR 0 tuition (all nationalities)
NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia) has NO non-EU state fee — tuition free for everyone. Only cost: semester contribution ~€300 (includes NRW public transit VRS/VRR…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
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
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 & Erasmus 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 Dates
Buddy matching and incoming support
Before and at semester start
The buddy programme and consultation hours are the practical keys to a smoother arrival.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Campus events hub: Browse all events