University of Cologne
Universität zu Köln | |
University seal of 1392 | |
| Latin: Universitas Coloniensis | |
| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Established | 1388 |
Academic affiliation | U15 |
| Budget | €920 million |
| Rector | Joybrato Mukherjee |
Academic staff | 4,768 |
| Students | 45,187 |
| Location | , , Germany 50°55′41″N 6°55′43″E / 50.92806°N 6.92861°E |
| Campus | Urban |
| Website | university.cologne |
The University of Cologne (German: Universität zu Köln) is a university in Cologne, Germany. It was established in 1388. It closed in 1798 before being re-established in 1919. It is now one of the largest universities in Germany with around 45,187 students. The University of Cologne is a member of the German U15 association of major research-intensive universities and was a university of excellence as part of the German Universities Excellence Initiative from 2012 to 2019. It is constantly ranked among top 20 German universities in the world rankings.
The University of Cologne has 5 Clusters of Excellence: CECAD Cluster of Excellence for Aging Research, Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy, CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence for Plant Sciences, ML4Q Cluster of Excellence Matter and Light for Quantum Information and DYNAVERSE Cluster of Excellence. As of 2025, among its notable alumni, faculty and researchers are 5 Nobel Laureates, 11 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize winners, 8 Humboldt Professorship winners, 2 Humboldt Research Awards winners.