Exchange Students

The closing date for submitting the application online for the next summer term is November 1st(the summer semester starts in March) . The application period is: October 1st to November 1st of each year.

The closing date for submitting the application for the next winter term is May 1st (the winter semester starts in September). The application period is: April 1st to May 1st of each year.

Please contact Angelica Salcines (salcines@kisd.de) if you wish to apply. She will be able to provide further information and details about the application process. Please find further information about studying at KISD as an exchange student here.

Based on your given information we will create your personal study program. As an exchange student you will study in the »Integrated Design« program. You will be able to choose out of our 12 areas of expertise the basis for an interdisciplinary and project-oriented design program, in which you can develop your individual main focus.

A new curricular calendar is published at the beginning of each semester with new projects and seminars. As an exchange student, you choose course units from this curricular calendar having the opportunity to adjust your semester to your interests within a certain framework. The new curricular calendar will be available on our website in August (winter semester) / in January (summer semester).

As soon as the new calendar is published, we will send you an email with further instructions about the course selection at KISD.

In general, studies at the KISD are project-oriented. Besides these projects, studies are characterized by scientific seminars which are accompanied by lectures, technical seminars, and workshop introductions. Additional courses are also offered for example for short-term projects in order to teach specific know-how within a short period of term. The spectrum is completed by student work groups in which students contribute to everyday life at KISD.

All students at KISD get credits (ECTS) for their courses. The European Credit Transfer Accumulation System (ECTS) is based on the principle that 30 credits measure the workload of one semester. The workload of a full-time study program in Europe adds up to around 900 hours per semester and in those cases one credit correlates to about 30 working hours.

For international students it varies and depends on the specification of the home university. Please check how much credit points you have to achieve during your semester abroad.

At our official Welcome Meeting in the very beginning of the semester, you will get additional advice from us and have the chance to finalize your study plan.

Welcome Meeting

The official welcome meeting will be taking place in September and March each year. Make sure you arrive before this date. In this meeting you will be welcomed by the Dean  and Director and get to know the International Committee.

Cologne Resources

At the beginning of October »Cologne Resources« project starts. This is a compulsory one-week project for all the freshmen students at KISD and new exchange students. You will get to know the resources of KISD and Cologne, and will have a chance to work in a small group with one of our 14 professors. The subjects of these projects vary from professor to professor in his/her respective field of teaching. On Friday, you will have your first public presentation.

Project and seminar start

One week later, the regular projects and seminars start. Please check the curricular calendar and make sure to come in time to the first meetings: Always at the first meeting of a project, the final decision will be made regarding who can join the project: if you are not present, someone else will get your place.

Exchange Program

There is an obligatory mentoring program for exchange students. You will be informed which professor will supervise you as a mentor. During the semester we will also have meetings with all exchange students. The International AG will organize international nights and excursions – for this we will need your ideas and support!

On this website our International Office provides detailed information concerning your stay here at KISD, TH Köln, such as accommodation, semester fees, insurance and other essential aspects.

International Committee at KISD

Our International Committee (IC) is responsible and in charge of all different international matters related to KISD. Taking care of the student exchange and our strategic partner universities is one of the main tasks of the IC. In case of a high demand of students the Committee decides about the placements at our partner universities. Currently the IC consists of two professors, the International Relations Officer and a student representative.

International AG

The International AG gives a support to international students before and during their time at KISD and develops concepts for keeping in touch after studying in Cologne. In a strong collaboration with the Internatational Relations Officer the AG supports the international cooperations and activities at KISD.

International Relations Officer

Since 2008 the International Relations Officer is the first contact point at KISD for international requests. Lisa Janßen coordinates the communication with partner universities and informs exchange students, guest lecturers, and KISD students, who plan to study abroad.

Lisa Janßen
International Relations Officer
Room 123
+49 221 8275 3655
lisa.janssen@th-koeln.de

Student and Guest Advisor

International Office

For all kind of questions concerning housing, visa, health insurance or to get an advice about scholarships and fundings, please contact the International Office at TH Köln. They have an office in Claudiusstraße, so they are easy to reach to talk in person.

Language Center

The Language Center at TH Köln offers different language courses, which can be interesting for international students who want to learn or improve their German and for degree seeking students who want to learn a new language or get prepared for their studies abroad. Usually a placement test  is required.