University advertising
in Köln.
The university city of Cologne.
Cologne is far more than Carnival, Kölsch and the traditional FC. The cathedral city is one of Germany’s most important higher education hubs and, with its 22 higher education institutions and around 130,000 students, ranks among the top 3 most popular places to study—only Berlin and Munich have higher student numbers.
The city on the Rhine offers a unique blend of academic diversity, urban life, and Rhineland joie de vivre. Numerous renowned colleges and universities shape the location: from the zu Köln, one of the largest universities in Germany, to the Technische Hochschule Köln (TH Köln), and on to specialized institutions such as the Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln.
What also makes Cologne special is the close interlinking of science, business, and culture. The universities work closely with regional companies, research institutes, and public institutions, creating a dynamic ecosystem in which innovation and practical relevance are top priorities. Whether media and creative industries, health research, engineering, or sports science – the academic and research landscape is broad-based and well connected both nationally and internationally.
In addition, students and researchers benefit from the Rhineland metropolitan region as a vibrant living environment. Life in Köln is simply exciting and offers a diverse range of cultural and sports activities, numerous start-up centers, affordable leisure opportunities, and an open, tolerant environment. The international character of the city is reflected on the campuses just as much as on the streets, in the Veedeln, or along the Rhine promenades.
With its excellent transport connections, a growing start-up scene, and a steadily expanding higher education and research sector, Köln has long since established itself as an attractive hub for science and innovation and remains one of the most exciting places for students from Germany and around the world to learn, live, and develop further.
Cologne as a university location – figures and facts!
Studying in Cologne is a good idea. In 2022, 19,058 first-year students thought so too when they chose the city and the Cologne way of life as their new home. With 22 higher education institutions, the city on the Rhine offers an extraordinary variety of academic institutions, including renowned and highly specialized universities and universities of applied sciences. This broad higher education landscape makes Cologne an attractive destination for students from Germany and abroad.
Currently, 120,500 students are enrolled in Cologne. This makes the city one of the top 3 higher education locations in Germany. It is remarkable that the students make up almost 10% of the total population, a clear indication of the central role that education and science play in Cologne.
A major focus is on business and economics (15,757 enrolled students), followed by engineering (12,313) and the natural sciences (10,047). Cologne is also known for its law degree program: 6,594 prospective lawyers are currently studying in Cologne.
Source: Statistisches Bundesamt (WS 2024/25) • Graduate statistics PJ 2024
The universities in Cologne!
Cologne is one of the most important educational hubs in Germany and, in addition to the nationally known universities, offers a wide variety of specialized institutions. Students find a broad range of study options and career opportunities here.
Die Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln is one of the most renowned institutions in Europe in the field of arts and culture. It trains musicians, dancers, and composers and is a creative hub in the cathedral city. The Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln combines artistic practice with media-technology research and is an internationally recognized location for film, digital media, and design. Those interested in business and management can take practice-oriented degree programs with an international focus at Cologne Business School. The university offers English-taught programs and close cooperation with companies.
The Hochschule für Polizei und öffentliche Verwaltung Nordrhein-Westfalen is also an important part of the higher education landscape in Cologne. It prepares future leaders for the police and public administration and makes a significant contribution to public safety and administrative competence in the region.
Die Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln is Germany’s only university that is fully specialized in sport and physical activity. Since its founding in 1947, it has developed into an internationally recognized center for sport science. With over 6,100 students and 432 new first-year students, it offers an exclusive academic environment for sport-oriented and health-focused target groups. 997 employees, including 33 professors, ensure excellent research and practice-oriented teaching. Advertising at Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln enables companies to gain direct access to a highly specialized community with a strong connection to sport, health, and physical activity.
University of Cologne.
The Universität zu Köln is one of Germany’s most traditional and largest universities. Since its founding in 1388, it has shaped academic life in Cologne and is now one of the country’s leading universities. Anyone wishing to place advertising at the Universität zu Köln reaches one of the largest student populations in Germany and thus an attractive target group for brands and companies.
With 47,283 enrolled students, the of Cologne is a truly large university. Every year, more than 5,000 first-year students begin their studies, while more than 8,000 graduates complete their degrees. These figures show the great potential of advertising at the University of Cologne if you want to reach first-semester students, students in higher semesters, or graduates.
The university is not only a place for teaching, but also a center for cutting-edge research. With around 740 professors and more than 8,400 employees, it offers excellent support and a wide range of degree programs. In the international ranking, the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, the University of Cologne is listed in 164th place. In the WiWo-Ranking 2023, the University of Cologne is among the top 10 in Germany in the subject areas of Business Informatics, Business Administration, Economics, and Law.
Image credit: By UzK – Own work, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
TH Köln.
Die Technische Hochschule Köln (TH Köln) is Germany’s largest university of applied sciences and stands for practice-oriented teaching, applied research, and close cooperation with industry. Since its founding in 1971, TH Köln has developed into a key engine of innovation in the region. With advertising at TH Köln, companies reach a large and diverse student body as well as a dynamic academic community.
With 20,438 enrolled students, TH Köln is one of the most important universities in the country. Each year, just under 2,600 first-year students begin their academic careers, while more than 3,300 graduates complete their degrees. Advertising at TH Köln offers companies the opportunity to reach an attractive target group directly on campus.
TH Köln is represented at three locations: Köln, Gummersbach, and Leverkusen. This regional presence opens up diverse advertising opportunities and broad reach. With 440 professors and around 2,000 employees, the university guarantees excellent support and practice-oriented education. In the WiWo Ranking 2023, TH Köln is among the top 10 universities of applied sciences in Germany in the fields of business informatics, computer science, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and business administration.
Impressions from the universities in Cologne
Reach all students in Cologne with us!
Would you like to advertise at the universities in Cologne? Then the best way to do that is with us! Because we are the exclusive marketer of the Kölner Studierendenwerk and therefore offer attractive advertising opportunities in the canteens and cafeterias spread throughout the city, with more than ten thousand visitors every day.
Feel free to contact us for further information!
Any more questions about university advertising in Köln?
Would you like to advertise at the universities in Cologne? Then you will find all the most important information in our FAQs, presented compactly and clearly, so you can get started in a targeted way. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us directly.
At which universities in Köln can I place advertising?
Advertising is possible at all major universities in Cologne, including the University of Cologne, the Technische Hochschule Köln (TH Köln), and the Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln. In addition, there are specialized institutions such as the Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln, the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln, and the Cologne Business School.
Can I also implement university advertising in Cologne digitally?
Yes, digital advertising on campus screens (DOOH) is an effective way to reach students in Cologne. Additionally, other digital online campaigns and social media activities can increase reach.
Warum ist Hochschulwerbung in Köln besonders effektiv?
Studierende sind eine kaufkräftige und markenaffine Zielgruppe. Mit Hochschulwerbung in Köln erreichen Unternehmen junge Menschen in einer entscheidenden Lebensphase, in der sie neue Marken kennenlernen und Kaufentscheidungen für die Zukunft treffen.
Welche Vorteile bietet Hochschulwerbung in Köln?
Hochschulwerbung in Köln ermöglicht den direkten Zugang zu einer jungen, gebildeten und konsumfreudigen Zielgruppe. Mit über 130.000 Studierenden gehört Köln zu den größten Hochschulstandorten Deutschlands. Unternehmen profitieren von hoher Reichweite, zielgerichteter Ansprache und einer starken Präsenz auf dem Campus.
Welche Werbeformate eignen sich für Hochschulwerbung in Köln?
Beliebte Formate sind Plakatwerbung auf dem Campus, digitale Screens (DOOH), Flyer-Verteilungen, Promotionsaktionen und Online-Kampagnen. Je nach Zielgruppe und Budget können Unternehmen ihre Werbung individuell anpassen.
Wie groß ist die Reichweite von Hochschulwerbung in Köln?
Mit rund 130.000 Studierenden bietet Köln eine der größten Reichweiten in Deutschlands Hochschullandschaft. Die Universität zu Köln allein zählt über 51.000 Studierende, die TH Köln rund 24.000 und die Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln über 6.000.
