University of Cologne

Visiting your child at the University of Cologne means flying into Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN); the S-Bahn reaches the centre in about 15 minutes. Plan the Schengen visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from CGN to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a German Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) - one visa covers Germany and all 29 Schengen countries. It is applied for online via Germany's Consular Services Portal/VIDEX, with biometrics given at any VFS Global centre in India. It allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period; frequent visitors can be granted multi-year multiple-entry visas (each stay still capped at 90/180). Indian parents face a higher rejection rate, so a complete, well-documented file matters.

• Apply via Germany's Consular Services Portal/VIDEX, then book biometrics at any VFS Global centre in India.
• Since 10 April 2026 the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) captures face and fingerprints at the first Schengen entry - expect self-service kiosks at the airport.
• Build a strong file: confirmed travel and accommodation, financial proof, and clear home ties; if you sponsor the trip, a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklarung) helps.
• One Schengen visa covers all 29 countries, so parents can travel onward in Europe within the 90/180 limit.

Just admitted to the University of Cologne? Here's your arrival checklist.

Arrival checklist

• Book your flight into Cologne/Bonn (CGN) or Dusseldorf (DUS) early for the best autumn-intake fares.
• S-Bahn (S19) from CGN to the centre (~15 min), then tram to campus.
• Start the WG search early; the student quarter (Sulz/Kalk) is popular.
• Open your blocked account (Sperrkonto, ~EUR 11,904) before your visa appointment, and register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks of arrival.

Cologne, the Rhineland's largest city, is mid-cost and famously friendly - about EUR 900-1,250 a month all-in sharing and cooking. It has one of Germany's biggest universities, a lively media and culture scene, and an excellent tram/S-Bahn network covered by the semester ticket. The University of Cologne charges only a semester fee.

Monthly cost of living in Cologne (a student estimate)

That's roughly €10,500-14,500 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

Cologne rents are moderate by big-city standards; the WG (shared flat) is the standard student route.

• Start the WG search early; the student quarter (Sulz/Kalk) is popular.
• Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN) is close; Dusseldorf Airport is also nearby.
• Register your address (Anmeldung) promptly after arrival.

Working part-time

On a student residence permit (Section 16b) you can work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year without extra approval (a full day is over 4 hours, a half day up to 4), or alternatively up to 20 hours/week during the lecture period, with no limit during semester breaks. As of March 2026 the cap rose from 120 to 140 days. Student-assistant jobs at your own university do not count toward the limit, but self-employment and freelancing need authority approval. The 2026 minimum wage is EUR 13.90/hour, and the Werkstudent (working-student) model is popular. After graduating you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker residence permit (Section 20) with unlimited work rights while you search, then switch to an EU Blue Card or Skilled Worker permit once you have a qualifying job.

Safety & student support

the University of Cologne sits in a generally safe German city; use normal city awareness at night.

• the University of Cologne has campus security and student services - save the campus number.
• German cities are generally very safe, with reliable public transport at night.
• A friendly, generally safe city; normal awareness around the station and nightlife at night.

Indian community & food

Cologne has an established Indian community with desi grocers across the city.

Indian grocery stores

• Indian/South Asian grocery shops around the city stock spices, lentils and staples.
• Mainstream REWE, Edeka, Aldi and Lidl carry world-food aisles; Asian supermarkets cover specialty items.
• Cologne's broad food scene includes many Indian restaurants.

Student community

• The University of Cologne has active Indian/South Asian student associations with Diwali and Holi events.
• The city has Hindu temple communities.

• A good range of Indian restaurants across the city.

Cost & living figures for Cologne last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.