.png?width=208&height=80&name=asa%2Blogo%201%20(1).png "asa+logo 1 (1)")
Quick Facts
| Language & Academics |
Classes in English, German as a Foreign Language (Beginner to Advanced Levels) International Business; Consulting & Entrepreneurship; Digital Technology, AI & E-Commerce' International Trade & Emerging Markets; Business Psychology; Business Models & AI; Banking & Corporate Finance; Financial Analysis & Investment |
| Housing | Residence Hall |
| Sample Excursions | Hiking, Museum Visits, City Tours |
The City
Cologne, Germany: Where International Business Meets Culture
Set along the picturesque Rhine River, Cologne is one of Germany’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities—a place where ancient history and cutting-edge innovation live side by side. As Germany's fourth-largest city, Cologne is a dynamic hub for business, media, and technology, pulsing with creativity and global energy.
Famous for its awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral, lively riverside promenades, and colorful festivals, Cologne is also home to a diverse international community and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. It’s a city that celebrates both tradition and progress—where students can explore Roman ruins by day and join one of Europe’s forward-thinking startup scenes by night.
For aspiring professionals, Cologne offers unmatched opportunity. With a strong presence of multinational corporations, innovative startups, and major media companies, the city is a launchpad for careers in business, marketing, tech, and beyond.
Right in the heart of this thriving metropolis is the Cologne Business School (CBS)—a top-tier institution offering internationally focused business programs in a dynamic, English-speaking environment. At CBS, students gain more than just a degree: they access a powerful network of global thinkers, corporate leaders, and international peers, all while studying in one of Europe’s leading economic regions.
Whether you’re networking with industry experts, enjoying a riverside coffee in the historic Altstadt, or exploring Germany’s rich culture and vibrant nightlife, Cologne offers a unique and unforgettable student experience that blends academic ambition with real-world opportunity.
Course Offerings
Host Institution
Cologne Business School
In the heart of Cologne's thriving metropolis is Cologne Business School (CBS) – a top-tier institution offering internationally focused Business programs in a dynamic, English-speaking environment. You'll gain access to a powerful network of global thinkers, corporate leaders, and international peers, all while studying in one of Europe’s leading economic regions.
CBS’s guiding principle is, “Creating Tomorrow.” They prepare students to make an impact on day one of their career by offering practice-oriented teaching concepts that prepare students for both emerging industries and the demands of the job market. With around 1,300 corporate partners and personalized career support, CBS facilitates an optimal career start.
Early to recognize emerging trends, CBS introduced the American bachelor’s degree model in Germany, and in 2018 became the first German university to receive international IACBE accreditation (International Accreditation Council for Business Education). Additionally, CBS is accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration (FIBAA).
The CBS campus is more than just a place to study – it’s a space for community, networking, and career preparation. In small groups, you’ll work with professors and fellow students on real-world case studies, learn from industry experts, and cultivate lasting networks.
Excursions
The program includes local activities and excursions such as museums, city tours and cultural visits. Past examples have included: Museum Haus Der Geschichte, a hiking day in Drachenfels, and City Tour of Cologne.
Destinations and activities will vary by term. Please check your Program Calendar prior to departure for confirmation of excursion dates/locations.
Experiences
Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad.
Housing
The CBS International Business School operates the CBS Student Residence with fully equipped double and single rooms of varied size, close to the popular “Südstadt” neighborhood of Cologne, surrounded by an abundance of shops, cafés, and bars. Residents of the Student Residence are all visiting students of the CBS from around the world, who, just like you, are only in Cologne for a short time.
Each room is furnished with a twin bed (basic duvet, pillow and sheets provided), wardrobe, desk, chair, shelves, and lamp. There is a shared kitchen equipped with refrigerators, a freezer, stove, oven and microwave. You will be provided with a basic cutlery set. Shared bathrooms on each floor are available for residents. Students also have access to a common area with a dining table, couches, a TV and outdoor space. The Student Residence has internet and laundry facilities.
The distance to the CBS campus is approximately 2 miles / 20 minutes by public transportation.
Housing FAQ
Can I Room with a Friend?
You may request to live with a friend by emailing ASA at hello@academicstudies.com and we will do our very best to accommodate you. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back. However, Cologne Business School is responsible for all hall allocations, so we cannot guarantee that you can room with your friend. You will meet your hall-mates upon arrival; they could be from the U.S. or other countries.
Are meals included?
Meals are not included, but you'll have kitchen access and grocery stores and cafes within walking distance.
When will I find out where I'll be living?
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program.
What should I bring with me?
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins.
How far will I live from school?
The accommodations are located approximately a 15-minute walk from campus.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.
- Culture & Ethnicity
- Disability Accommodation
- Food & Diet
- Financial Aid & Money Matters
- First Generation
- Gender Identity & Sexuality
- Mental Health
- Non-traditional Students
- Religion
Eligibility
Cologne Business School
Summer/Semester/Academic Year
- Requirements
- Minimum GPA 2.50 (Students with a GPA between 2.49 and 2.00 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a 1.99 or lower will not be considered)
- Language requirement: None. Courses are taught in English
- At least 18 years of age
- Currently enrolled in university
- Completion of at least 2 semesters of Business, Management or Economics-related studies
- Transcript (unofficial is acceptable). If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit a transcript from each institution attended.
- ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
- Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
- For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
Cost & Dates
Please wait to book a flight until you receive arrival instructions from your ASA program manager.
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR U.S. PASSPORT HOLDERS |
| Fall 2025 Arrive Sept. 1 - Depart Dec. 21 |
$16,695 | April 15, '25 | May 15, '25 | CBSF25 | No (See note below) |
| Spring 2026 Arrive Mar. 2 - Depart Jun. 21 |
$17,995 | Sept. 15, '25 | Oct. 15, '25 | CBSS26 | No (See note below) |
| Summer 2026 Arrive Early July - Depart Early Aug. 4 weeks, 1 module |
TBA | Feb. 27, '26 | March 13, '26 | CBSS326 | No (See note below) |
| Summer 2026 Arrive Early July - Depart Early Aug. 4 weeks, 2 modules |
TBA | Feb. 27, '26 | March 13, '26 | CBSS626 | No (See note below) |
| Fall 2026 Arrive Early Sep. - Depart Dec. 21 |
TBA | April 15, '26 | May 15, '26 | CBSF26 | No (See note below) |
Semester/Academic Year: For US passport holders the “visa” is actually a “Student Residence Permit”. US passport holders do not have to attend a visa appointment at a consulate prior to departing for Germany. Instead, after being accepted to the program, students will be asked to collect a handful of documents they must provide to apply for a Residence Permit Card in Germany. ASA and CBS will assist with these steps.
Summer: A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders attending programs under 90 days
Non-US passport holders should consult with ASA staff in advance of application regarding immigration requirements, regardless of program length.
What's Included
INCLUDED
- Exclusive "A WORLD OF CARE" Student Support Suite
- HOUSING in residence hall with kitchen facilities. Meals not included.
- TUITION for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.
- ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.
- OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Final transcript is issued by Cologne Business School. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.
- ACTIVITIES/EXCURSIONS: Semester and summer programs activities and local excursions. Locations change each term.
- INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.
- AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.
- MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.
- VISA ADVISING: Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” for details.
- PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION
- SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP
- SUBSCRIPTION TO MINDHAMOK: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs
NOT INCLUDED
- Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location
- Books, materials, lab fees
- Local transportation
- Personal expenses
- Meals
- Meals on excursions
- Residence Permit, if required
- Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program
For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.
If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance, click here.
Program Calendar
Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.
Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program’s arrival and departure dates.
Fall 2025
| EVENTS | DATES |
|---|---|
| Arrival and Housing Move-in | Students should arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) airport on Sep. 1 to be included in the group airport pickup |
| Orientation | Sep. 1-5 |
| Excursions | TBA |
| Classes start | Sep. 8 |
| Classes end | Dec. 5 |
| Exams | Dec. 8 - Dec. 20 |
| Housing move-out; students depart | Dec. 21 |
Spring 2026
| EVENTS | DATES |
|---|---|
| Arrival and Housing Move-in | Students should arrive at Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) airport on Mar. 2 to be included in the group airport pickup |
| Orientation | Mar. 2 - Mar. 6 |
| Excursions | TBA |
| Classes start | Mar. 9 |
| Classes end | Jun. 20 |
| Exams | Mid-June |
| Housing move-out; students depart | Jun. 21 |