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Quick Facts
| Language & Academics |
Classes in English, German as a Foreign Language (4 levels) AACSB accredited Business, Business Psychology, Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, and more |
| Housing | Residence Hall |
| Sample Excursions | Hiking, Museum Visits, City Tours |
The City
Cologne, Germany, is a vibrant and dynamic city located along the scenic Rhine River, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving economy. As Germany's fourth-largest city, Cologne is a hub for business, media, and technology, offering students a unique blend of modern urban life and historic landmarks like the iconic Cologne Cathedral. The city is home to a wide range of multinational companies, making it an ideal location for international students pursuing careers in business. The Cologne Business School (CBS), located in the heart of the city, provides a global perspective on business education, offering students access to numerous networking opportunities and a dynamic academic environment in one of Europe's most exciting business regions.
Course Offerings
Module Load and Credits
Each module is worth 6 ECTS which is 3 US credits.
Students can take 4 or 5 modules per semester:
- 4 modules = 24 ECTS (12 US Credits)
- 5 modules = 30 ECTS (15 US Credits)
30 ECTS is the maximum allowed. Students must take at least two modules from the same certificate.
By completing 30 ECTS/ 15 US Credits (3 core modules + 2 elective modules), students can earn a Business Studies Certificate.
Available Study Fields and Certificates
Students can choose modules from the following 3 study fields, which offer 7 different certificates:
Study Field: European Business Management
Certificate: European Business Management
Certificate: Bachelor of Arts in International Business
Study Field: International Business (IB)
Certificate: IB- Business Psychology
Certificate: IB - International Trade
Certificate: B - Marketing Management
Certificate: IB - Financial Management
Certificate: IB - Management Consulting
Study Field: Information Systems and Business Models
Certificate: Business Models and AI
Elective Modules
To reach 24 or 30 ECTS, students need to choose elective modules. You must select 4 or 5 modules in total:
- 2-3 elective modules
- 2-3 alternative elective modules (to have backup options in case of full courses or timetable conflicts).
Prerequisites
Some modules have specific prerequisites. Before selecting a module, check that you meet the required knowledge or skills.
German Language Course
We recommend considering a German language course as one of your elective modules. German is taught at 4 levels.
Important:
- We cannot guarantee placement in all selected modules, so please choose alternate modules.
- Each semester consists of 12 weeks of lectures and 2 weeks of exams.
Course and Module Descriptions
You can find detailed descriptions of all modules in the Mobility Portal
- Go to the Course Catalogue at the top.
- Select your study level (bachelor)
- Under Faculty, choose your Campus (ex. CBS - Campus Cologne)
- Select your Type of application (incoming)
- Under Academic Year, choose the correct year (ex. 2024/2025, 2025/2026, etc.)
- Select your semester
- You can then search by Subject or Keyword by clicking on Start Search
- Click on the “i” info icon for each module to see more details and print a PDF of the module outline
Note: Module availability may change.
If you need any assistance, please reach out to us at Hello@academicstudies.com
The program includes local activities and excursions. Destinations and activities vary by term. Please check your Program Calendar prior to departure for confirmation of excursion date/location.
Experiences
Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad.
Housing
Housing Information
CBS Students Residence
The CBS International Business School operates an own student residence with fully equipped double and single rooms close to the popular “Südstadt” neighborhood of Cologne, surrounded by an abundance of cool shops, cafés, and bars. The house offers you ideal accommodation while you study abroad at CBS.
The 1 and 2-bed rooms are bright, friendly, and well equipped. Each room is furnished with a bed, closet, desk, storage rack, lamps, beddings, and private safe.
A large and spacious common kitchen is fully equipped with refrigerators, a freezer, stove, oven, and microwaves. Plenty of bathrooms on each floor are available to all residents. Furthermore, students share a comfortable living room with dining facilities, couches and a TV as well as a big yard.
Residents are all visiting students of the CBS from around the world, who, just like you, are only in Cologne for a short time.
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 |
| Summer 2025 Arrive Jul. 11 - Depart Aug. 8 | TBA | TBA | TBA | CBSS25 | No (See note below) |
| Fall 2025 Arrive Sep. 9 - Depart Dec. 21 | TBA | TBA | TBA | CBSF25 | No (See note below) |
| Spring 2026 Arrive Mid-Mar. - Depart Late Jun. | TBA | TBA | TBA | CBSS26 | 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
List of Included
- 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
List of 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
Other details and link for ASA Costs of Attendance
For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students only, medical insurance during winter break is included if it is required to get your visa.
If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance for your financial aid office, or if you simply want an estimate of the not-included costs listed above.
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 TBA to be included in the group airport pickup |
| Orientation | TBA |
| Excursions | TBA |
| Classes start - | TBA |
| Classes end - | TBA |
| Housing move-out; students depart | TBA |