Universität zu Köln

Exchange

Photo by: Tim Bartel CC BY-SA 2.0
Map from: Google Maps

Location: Cologne, Germany
Language of instruction: English, German
Tuition payable to: UBC
Program website: Universität zu Köln Exchange Website
Terms available: Term 1, Term 2, Full year Term 1 + 2 (UBC Term 1 start)

Apply

Who can go?

  • Only Faculty of Arts and Commerce (UBCV) students are eligible to apply to this institution

**There is one-time funding available through Erasmus+ for students studying at Universität zu Köln/University of Cologne in the 2026-7 academic year. See funding details at the bottom of this page.**

Academic planning

Term dates

  • UBC Term 1 (UoC Winter semester):  Mid-October to Mid-February (or Mid-December)
    • Term 1 exchange students studying English-taught courses can choose a short-term option and complete their exchange at Cologne in December (students will need to complete additional assignments to receive full credits). Exchange students can choose to stay for the regular term (until the end of February) if they prefer
  • UBC Term 2 (UoC Summer semester): Mid-April to Mid-July
  • UBC Full Year (UoC Winter + Summer semester): October - July

*Orientation days are organized in the week before the term begins

Areas of study available:

  • Arts
  • Commerce (UBCV)
  • Land and Food Systems

Course availability and restrictions

  • Most students will take Commerce, Political Science, Economics or other social science courses in the WiSO Faculty
  • Information on the Cologne Faculty of Arts.
  • COMM (UBCV) students may also request on an individual basis to take courses in Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Education and Humanities
  • Most universities in Germany provide a “Schein," which you will receive for each course completed - make sure to keep it for your records and provide a copy to Go Global upon return from exchange

Partner Course Information

Course equivalency Formula

  • ECTS credits divided by 2 = UBC credits

Course load Information

  • 5-6 courses (each of them with two classroom hours per week) per term on average
  • Students can take more if they wish

Transfer credit

The transfer credit process takes approximately 16 weeks following each submission deadline. You should allow sufficient time to meet important deadlines that may affect you (e.g. application for graduation, registration in courses that require prerequisites that you took on exchange, entry to a major/honours program, etc.)

Search for previously approved courses

Additional note for language of instruction

  • Students must have at least a B1 level to study in German (To determine your level, please self-assess with: European Language Portfolio Global Scale)
  • Exchange students are welcome to take classes in English or German or a mix of both
  • The broad offer of English taught courses makes it possible to successfully complete a term in English only

Other opportunities at this partner

*NEW* University of Cologne Erasmus+ Scholarship (KA171)

  • The Erasmus+ Programme provides funding for student, faculty and staff mobility between institutions in the European Union and their international partners.
  • Two scholarships are provided by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union for a one-term exchange at UoC during the 2026/7 academic year within the WiSO Faculty only.
  • Scholarship Details:
    • Monthly grant: 900 Euro/month
    • One-off travel grant: 1188 Euro
    • Additional funding is possible based on the factors outlined here: 250 Euro/month
  • Students who are matched to the University of Cologne will be contacted by Go Global with further details on how to be considered for this award.
  • For more information, visit this page.

Student experience

Housing
Information on accommodation

Accessibility
Some destinations may be more accessible than others for students with disability-related accommodations. If you identify with having a disability or pre-existing health condition which could impact your participation, or if you require academic accommodation, please contact a Go Global advisor before applying to explore options that are best for you.

Equaldex
The Equality Index measures the current status of LGBTQ+ rights, laws, and freedoms

Social Media

Read Student Reports

Finances and funding

While you’re learning abroad, you remain a UBC student and are eligible for UBC awards, scholarships, and financial assistance.

  • 15 credits or equivalent full-time program tuition per term, paid to UBC

Financial Planning 

Awards & Scholarships  
All students are automatically considered to receive either the Go Global Award ($1000) or Go Global Scholarship ($1500) for each term that they are abroad.  

All awards and scholarships available through Go Global:  
UBCV Students  
UBCO Students 

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