Institutes / Universities
Cologne Business School
Established in
1993Famous For
Business and Management
Fees
£12,000 - £17,800
- Overview
- Services
- Rankings
- Accommodation
- Location
- Courses
- Scholarships
Overview
Cologne Business School (CBS) is a leading private vocational university that has established itself as a premier destination for business education in Germany since its founding in 1993.
With a total student body of approximately 4,000 across its campuses, the Cologne location remains the heart of the institution, offering a highly international atmosphere where roughly 30% of the student population hails from outside Germany. The school is renowned for its International Management focus and was one of the first in the country to introduce Bachelor’s degrees taught entirely in English.
A defining feature of CBS is its commitment to practical application; the school maintains a network of over 800 partner companies, ensuring that the curriculum remains aligned with current market demands. Students benefit from small class sizes and a personal learning environment that prioritises individual development over the lecture-hall anonymity found at larger public universities. The institution holds the prestigious FIBAA accreditation and is a member of the AACSB, reflecting its high academic standards and global reach.
Services
The CBS International Office provides a dedicated "Welcome Week" featuring orientation sessions and intercultural workshops. International students can access the "Career Service" department for assistance with finding internships in Germany, as well as CV checks and interview coaching tailored to the local market.
Academic support is equally robust, with English-taught programmes supplemented by German language courses to help students integrate socially and professionally. The school also hosts a "Buddy Programme," pairing new arrivals with experienced students to help them settle into the local Cologne culture. For administrative hurdles, the student advisory service offers guidance on health insurance, visa extensions, and city registration.
Rankings
CBS consistently ranks as one of Germany's best private universities for business. In the 2024/2025 CHE University Ranking, the school achieved top marks in the categories of "International Orientation" and "Support at the Beginning of Studies". Furthermore, the "Wirtschaftswoche" university ranking has frequently placed CBS amongst the top private universities of applied sciences for business administration, a testament to the employability of its graduates in the eyes of German HR managers.
Accommodation
The university provides several housing solutions to ensure international students have a secure place to stay upon arrival. While there are no on-campus dorms in the traditional sense, CBS collaborates with various providers to offer modern living spaces.
Options include:
- Studentenwerk Köln: Access to public student halls, though these are highly competitive. BaseCamp Cologne: A popular private student residence offering fully furnished rooms with en-suite bathrooms and community spaces.
- The Student Hotel (TSH): Located within reach of the campus, providing a mix of student accommodation and hotel services.
- Apartment Houses: Various private providers like "Smartments" offer studio flats specifically designed for international residents.
Location
Situated in the vibrant "Südstadt" district, the CBS campus is in one of Cologne's most authentic and lively neighbourhoods. Students are just a short walk away from the scenic Rhine riverbanks and the expansive Volksgarten park, perfect for relaxing between lectures.
The campus is well-connected by the KVB tram lines, making the main train station (Köln Hauptbahnhof) accessible within minutes. For international travel, the Cologne-Bonn Airport is a mere 15-minute train ride away, while Düsseldorf Airport, a major international gateway, is reachable in under an hour.
Courses offered at Cologne Business School
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