Just Arrived / Getting Started

The guides for your first days in Germany and at TH Köln.

Semesterausflug des International Office nach Hamburg 2013 (Image: International Office)

Exchange Students

Are you looking forward to your time abroad at TH Köln? Are you excited to meet new people and discover the city of Cologne but still have plenty of unanswered questions? The Department of International Affairs is happy to assist and accompany you during your first days and weeks at a new university in a new city.

Alle freuen sich auf's Auslandsemester (Image: TH Köln / Costa Belibasakis)

Applying as an Exchange Student

Do you intend to spend one or two semesters abroad at TH Köln as part of Erasmus+, a partner university exchange or organized on your own? If so, make sure to read all essential information on how to apply as an exchange student. Show more

Just Arrived Webteaser (Image: International Office)

Just Arrived / Getting Started

The guides for your first days in Germany and at TH Köln.

Accommodation

Dormitory or shared apartment?! Downtown or suburbs? What is the easiest way of finding affordable housing? International students will find answers to these questions as well as useful advice on all issues related to apartment-hunting in Cologne, Leverkusen and Gummersbach on our Accommodation webpage. Show more

Flaggen verschiedener Länder im Hörsaal (Image: Costa Belibasakis / FH Köln)

Visa

Many international students need to obtain a visa before coming to Germany. Make sure to inform yourself in time whether you need a visa and – if you do – what type of visa you require and where you can obtain it. Show more

HBF Köln (Image: TH Köln / Silva Oliveira)

Health Insurance for International Students

Every student in Germany needs to have health insurance (no travel health insurance) in order to be officially enrolled. In Germany there are two kinds of health insurance, statutory/public and private. Show more

International Office Campus Deutz (Image: FH Köln)

Admission and Enrollment for Exchange Students

Your first steps at TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences are easier than you might think – despite the numerous questions you might have prior to your arrival. That is why we have compiled all essential information for you online. Should any questions remain unanswered, we are happy to answer them in person during your enrollment at the International Office. Show more

Ein Student am Glückrad (Image: Heike Fischer / TH Köln)

Information for Exchange Students

Two positions at TH Köln work together to coordinate your exchange semester: The International Office provides you with information on organisational and practical issues (e.g. enrolment) regarding your exchange. Departmental coordinators help you with the academic aspects of your semester abroad and with the preparation of your personal study plan. Show more

Leben in Köln (Image: TH Köln / Mendia, Gustau Marc )

After your Arrival

You have finally made it to Germany – but what’s next? Registering with the city? Opening up a bank account? Where and how do I do these things? Upon your arrival in Germany, there are quite a number of organizational steps to take and things to bear in mind. On this webpage, we have compiled all essential information and addresses for your first days in Germany. Show more

Studierende mit einem Wörterbuch (Image: Costa Belibasakis/FH Köln)

German Courses

Whether you are an exchange student or degree-seeking student: Sound knowledge of the German language will facilitate your stay at TH Köln greatly. German is the language of instruction in most programs, in particular on a Bachelor’s level. Applying for Bachelor’s programs without an excellent command of German is in most cases not possible. Show more

MultiCa in der Mensa (Image: Thilo Schmülgen/TH Köln)

Your Student ID Card: MultiCa

Your 'MultiCa' is your student ID card and public transport pass for the entire Rhine-Sieg Transport Association (VRS). Additionally, it serves as your library and copy card, can be used to pay in all university cafeterias and gives you access to the university lockers. Show more

Zwei internationale Studentinnen Lächeln bei der Begrüßung (Image: Thilo Schmülgen/FH Köln)

Getting Started at TH Köln

Where do I find my schedule? How does PSSO work? What do I need ILIAS for? What is a Fachschaft? During your first days in Cologne, you will probably have lots of questions. This webpage can help you navigate your start at TH Köln. Show more

Karibu Orientierungstage (Image: TH Köln / International Office)

KARIBU Buddy Program

KARIBU means 'Welcome' in Swahili. Are you from abroad and about to enroll at TH Köln? Or are you in Cologne already and would like to add an international touch to your life? If that is you, our KARIBU buddy program is just what you are looking for. Show more

Farewell 2018 - 5 (Image: Costa Belibasakis/TH Köln)

Semester Program of the Department of International Affairs

Every semester, the Department of International Affairs organizes exciting cultural events to connect German and international students and invites you to jointly discover different aspects of Cologne. You will find all important dates and information in our semester program overview. Show more

TANDEM of the University of Cologne

Your semester abroad is approaching and you would like to improve your language skills? The desired language course is already full? You don't have the time and financing to take a language course abroad? The solution: a flexible and free on-site service! Show more