Catholic University of Applied Sciences of North Rhine-Westphalia
Cologne, Germany
Quick facts
- World rank
- Unranked
- Acceptance rate
- 50%
- Students
- 5,491
- International students
- 5%
- Institution type
- Private non-profit
- Founded
- 1971
Overview
The Catholic University of Applied Sciences of North Rhine-Westphalia (katho) is Germany's largest church-sponsored private university with state certification. Founded in 1971 by the five Catholic dioceses of North Rhine-Westphalia, it operates across four campuses in Aachen, Cologne, Münster and Paderborn with approximately 5,491 students. The university specialises in social services, health science and practical theology, offering bachelor's and master's degree programmes with a strong emphasis on applied learning and practice.
Fields of study
- Social Work
- Inclusive Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Nursing Science
- Nursing Management
- Nursing Education
- Midwifery
- Theology
- Counseling
- Supervision and Coaching
- Addiction Therapy
Accreditation: State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Admissions requirements
- IELTS (minimum)
- —
- TOEFL iBT (minimum)
- —
- GPA (minimum)
- —
- Intakes
- Winter Semester, Summer Semester
- Application deadlines
- Varies by program
- Rolling admissions
- No
- Admissions contact
- studienbuero.koeln@katho-nrw.de
Requirements differ between programs. Check the program page and the university's admissions office for the latest criteria.
Tuition & costs
International students
Free / semester
From about Free / year
Domestic students
Free / semester
No tuition fees charged. All students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) each semester covering social services, a public transport pass valid throughout NRW, and AStA student union fee. The exact amount is set each semester.
Tuition varies by program. Confirm with the university before applying.
Programs
Information last verified Oct 3, 2026. Last updated Oct 14, 2026. Fees, deadlines and requirements change — always confirm with the university.