Founded in 1388, the University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Germany. As a member of the “German U15,” Germany’s association of leading research-oriented universities, it is also among the country’s top-level research institutions. In 2012, the University of Cologne was awarded extensive funding within the framework of the Excellence Initiative, a nationwide competition tendered by the German federal and state governments to promote cutting-edge research and enhance quality in education. The University of Cologne covers a broad spectrum of disciplines. It encompasses six large Faculties: ‘Management, Economics and Social Sciences’, ‘Law’, ‘Medicine’, ‘Arts and Humanities’, ‘Mathematics and Natural Sciences’, as well as ‘Human Sciences’. Currently, approximately 48,500 students are enrolled,taking advantage of a wide variety of courses including joint degree programmes with renowned international partner universities such as Paris-Sorbonne University, University College London, Maastricht University or the Warsaw School of Economics. Academic excellence, internationality, a strong focus on research and a wide range of study programmes create a vibrant and inspiring environment, making the University of Cologne an appealing modern university in the centre of Europe.making the University of Cologne an appealing modern university in the centre of Europe.making the University of Cologne an appealing modern university in the centre of Europe.