Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the type of degree decisive for the selection of applicants?
In the selection process, it is not the type of degree but the grade that is relevant. "Staatsexamina" are therefore not considered to be of higher value in this sense.
How do I prove my language skills?
The Turkish language skills of students admitted from Cologne can be proven by completing the legal terminology course offered during the orientation week with at least the grade "vollbefriedigend".
Information on German language skills can be found here.
Can I study the Master's programme with my foreign Bachelor's degree?
In principle, the following applies: Your foreign Bachelor's degree (both from the EU/EEA and from a non-EU country) must be recognised in Germany. This is usually the case if you obtained your foreign Bachelor's degree at a state-recognised higher education institution abroad. Information on whether your foreign Bachelor's degree is generally recognised in Germany or how your foreign higher education institution is assessed in Germany can be found at anabin on the following page: anabin.kmk.org/anabin.html.
You can also use the university check of uni assist e.V.:
https://www.uni-assist.de/tools/check-hochschulzugang/
You would have to take care of a so-called "Vorprüfungsdokumentation" (VPD) before applying to us, this is a document that certifies the equivalence of your degree.
Please note the two-stage application procedure!
1. application for a pre-assessment documentation (VPD) at uni-assist
Processing time 4 - 6 weeks. Please apply for the VPD as early as possible before the application deadline at the University of Cologne.
2. application via the application portal of the UzK Klips 2.0.
All documents can also be uploaded to uni-assist and KLIPS without being certified. After enrolment, we reserve the right to request certifications on a random basis. You can find more information about this here:
Is the online application sufficient or do I still have to send the documents in certified form to ZIB?
The application process is completely online, which means you do not have to submit anything by post.
How long does it take to receive a reply in the form of an acceptance or rejection?
Feedback in the form of acceptance or rejection can be expected towards the end of August/beginning of September, the exact date may vary.
Do I have to present all the certificates (Bachelor's degree certificate, first "Staatsexamen" certificate and second "Staatsexamen" certificate) that I have with my application or is the highest degree sufficient?
In principle, you only need one certificate that is required for admission to the degree programme. However, in order to be able to consider the other certificates positively in case of doubt, we recommend submitting all certificates that are relevant for the degree programme.
Do the submitted certificates also have to be translated and certified in Turkish?
All documents must be submitted in bilingual form and certified. The Turkish version is required for enrolment at Bilgi University. This means that although initially only the German version must be certified when applying and enrolling in Cologne, the Turkish certification must also be submitted at the latest for enrolment at Bilgi, which would take place in the current winter semester before the transfer to Istanbul.