International Business (Master's program) – Advice and Support

Absolventen des Schmalenbach Institut in Talaren im November 2013 (Image: FH Köln / Thilo Schmülgen)

Do you have questions on the Master's program in International Business?

You may find your answers in the FAQ below.
Should you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please note that some services that Cologne University of Applied Sciences offers are currently only available in German. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Application and admission

+How do I apply?

Application procedures differ for German/EU citizens and other nationalities. Please make sure you select the option that applies to you. Please refer to the links below for more information.

+I obtained my entrance qualification outside of Germany. How can I find out if I am eligible to apply to the Master's program?

The University Application Service for International Students (uni-assist) evaluates international entrance qualifications on behalf of Cologne University of Applied Sciences. International students are required to submit their academic documents to uni-assist for review as part of the applications process.

Please consider contacting our Department of International Affairs prior to applying. They may be able to offer you additional information tailored to your situation.

+What are the language requirements for the Master's program in International Business?

Basic knowledge of a foreign language other than English and your native tongue (in most cases German) is required to apply to this program. The language of instruction is English. As a result, you are not required to submit evidence of your German language skills to be admitted. However, we strongly recommend to learn some German before starting your studies, as you will need at least a basic knowledge of German to cope with daily life in Germany.

Financial aspects

+What is the tuition fee and are there any scholarships available?

Cologne University of Applied Sciences does not charge tuiton fees. However, students are required to pay an administrative fees of approx. € 280 per semester (e.g. € 281,50 for the summer semester 2021). This fee includes a public transport pass for all of North Rhine-Westphalia for the entire semester.

There are some scholarships available. Please refer to the links below for additional information.

International Affairs Our Department of International Affairs offers additional information on living expenses and other financial aspects. Please contact them in case you have further questions.
A. Wilhelm Klein Stiftung [GERMAN] The foundation focuses on supporting students with financial difficulties, e.g. with interest-free loans.
Deutscher Bildungsserver An overview of all scholarships offered for both German and international students.

+Do I have to pay for my semester abroad?

The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law has exchange agreements with universities around the world. Students who choose to study at one of our partner insitutions are not required to pay tuition fees for their semester abroad. However, the number of places is limited and we cannot guarantee that you will get a place at the university of your choice. We thus recommend planning your semester abroad well in advance.

Students who choose to study at a university we have no agreement with should be aware that many institutions outside of Germany charge tuition fees. All students should take into account that the cost of living abroad may be higher than Cologne. It is the students' responsibility to ensure they have sufficient financial resources for their semester abroad.

Financial support might be available. Please contact the Department of International Affairs for more information. Please note: Some universities/countries do not qualify for "Auslands BAföG".

Incomings

Other

+Can I pursue the Master's program in International Business part-time or as a distance/online course?

No. The Master's program in International Business is a full-time program, part-time or online/distance learning options are not offered. According to the curriculum, students are expected to take five modules per semester, equalling a workload of approx. 900 hours. Students who choose to take four or less modules per semester should be aware that they will not be able to graduate within four semesters. Please note that you are also expected to take courses worth 30 ECTS during your semester abroad and that the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law will only be able to support you for one semester.

+Is it possible to switch programs?

If you wish to enroll in a different program at TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences), you need to submit a regular application. There is no preferential treatment for students who are already enrolled at our institution. Please note that German language proficiency is required for most programs, as the language of instruction at our institution is usually German.

+Can I spend an exchange semester at TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences)?

If you are enrolled at one of our partner universities you may apply for an exchange semester. Please contact the Department of International Affairs at your home university for more information.

We cannot accept applications from freemovers if the home university is not a partner university.

+Does TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences) offer on-campus accommodation?

There is no on-campus housing at TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences). However, the 'Kölner Studentenwerk' (Cologne Association for Student Affairs) offers student accommodation in and around Cologne. This service is available to all students enrolled at one of Cologne's institutions of higher education.

Please make sure to arrange your accommodation, whether private or through the Kölner Studentenwerk, in time. Cologne is very popular with students and as a result the demand is usually particularly high just before the beginning of each semester.

Student accomodation in Cologne
Housing Anywhere Free International housing platform for exchange and internship students.
International Affairs Our Department of International Affairs offers additional information on living expenses and other financial aspects. Please contact them in case you have further questions.

+Will all classes be on the same campus?

Usually yes. All lectures of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law will be held on the Südstadt campus. Other classes, such as language courses, might be on a different campus.

Program Director