Application for Advanced Semester

If you are already enrolled at another university (and not at the University of Cologne) and wish to change your subject to a higher semester, there is a uniform procedure for EU citizens (and, in terms of admissions law, German equals) and non-EU citizens.

For all degree courses, with or without restricted enrolment, you must apply using the online application portal Klips 2.0

What are the application deadlines?

• For the winter semester: September 15th (Date of receipt)
• For the summer semester: March 15th (Date of receipt)

Please submit the following to the International Office: 

• Signed application form (printout from the Klips 2.0 online application).
• Copy of their passport or identification card.
• Recognition of previous studies and semester classification*
• German-language proficiency - The teaching language of all Bachelor's programs at the University of Cologne is German. The same applies to the courses of study with state examination as well as the course of study with 1. Prüfung (law). In order to study at the University of Cologne, you must therefore demonstrate very good German language skills. We recognize the following German certificates:
  • TestDaF TDN 4 in all examination parts
  • DSH 2**
  • Deutsches Sprachdiplom, level II of the KMK (DSD II)
  • Telc C1 Hochschule
  • Telc C2
  • Goethe-Insitut C1 certificate 
  • ÖSD C2
  • Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) with subject Deutsch

According to the current DSH regulations, certain international school-leaving certificates, e.g. from German-speaking regions, are recognised as exceptions or as equivalent. If you have any questions, please contact us via our contact form.

* For all applications to the higher semester (relocation or transfer), a semester classification for the relevant semester from the responsible Examination Office of the University of Cologne is required. A simple enrolment certification of the actual home university will no be enough.

** Only DSH of higher education institutions with registered examination regulations in accordance with the provisions of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK).

In addition please refer to the latest information of our Student Application and Registration Office.

For e-mail enquiries please use our contact form.

Address: (At the moment we are not able to offer personal advice on site, please contact us by e-mail, zoom or mail. Documents can also be dropped in the letterbox in front of the International Office.)
Universität zu Köln
International Office, Team Zulassung
Studierenden Service Center, EG
Universitätsstr. 22a
50937 Köln
SSC (Student Service Center)< ground floor

Mailing address:
Universität zu Köln
International Office, Team Zulassung
Albertus-Magnus-Platz
50923 Köln

Service Point and telephone availability: General enquiries:

Opening hours:
Mondays till fridays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Telephone: 0221-470-7797

Personal consultation hours on Zoom:

Prospective students - Bachelor/State Examination (for EU citizens and and citizens on equal terms, Germans with foreign Entrance Qualification):
tuesdays  10 am  - 12:30 pm
wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm
(registration)

Prospective students - Bachelor/State Examination (for non-EU citizens):
tuesdays  10 am  - 12:30 pm
wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm
(registration)

Prospective students - Master:
tuesdays  10 am  - 12:30 pm
wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm
(registration)

Prospective Doctoral Students:

Faculty of Management, Economis and Social Science; Faculty of Law, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences
tuesdays  10 am  - 12:30 pm
wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm
(registration)

Faculty of Medicine
tuesdays  10 am  - 12:30 pm
wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm
(registration)