History
The German Sport University Cologne, founded in Cologne in 1947, combines qualified teaching and international research of the highest level, even though its forerunner, the Deutsche Hochschule für Leibesübungen (DHfL, German University of Physical Education), founded in Berlin 1920, had already dedicated itself to the recent field of sport science.
Education
The spectrum of studies at the university includes five bachelor and nine master degree programmes as well as degrees in PE and six master degrees in advanced studies. Additionally PhD Studies in German and English are offered. The variety of training options enables precise orientation which aims to facilitate future career choices and prepares students optimally for the sport and exercise as well as health job market, which is constantly growing.
Research
Fields of research cover the ethical, sociological, economic and educational aspects of sport as an integral element of society; questioning the influence of exercise or lack of exercise, training and nutrition on healthy and diseased people across all age groups.
The four core research areas represent outstanding interdisciplinary research areas of the German Sport University Cologne as thematic focuses and are characterized by cross-institutional cooperation. They are based on the university's four main themes of performance, health, society and education and address major challenges facing society.
Career
If you are looking to expand your knowledge of a specific area, they are able to offer you tailor-made further education courses (also in English). They work together with individuals and companies to develop further education courses designed especially for you. Just contact them! They would be delighted to see you at one of their courses at the German Sport University!
The Career Service provides advice on career opportunities for students and graduates. It also assists graduates in finding jobs through web-based job boards, career fairs, on-campus recruitment as well as offering coaching, a diagnosis of potential, career workshops and support with writing job applications
German Sport University Cologne Key Statistics & Highlights
- #1996 Ranking
- 30 Scholarships
- 980 Academic Staff
- 6,000 Students
- Public Institution Type
German Sport University Cologne Overview
German Sport University Cologne Scholarships
German Sport University Cologne Scholarships
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German Sport University Cologne Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 87 places compared to 2025
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1745 | 1909 | 1996 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Housing services
If you would like to apply for accommodation, please use their application form. All four dorms (A-D) are on campus. Bathrooms and kitchens are shared. The kitchens are not equipped with pans, pots and dishes. Dorm D has bathrooms ensuite. Depending on double or single room (double rooms only in dorm D), the rent amounts to 300 - 450 € per month. Dorms A & B have WLAN access, in dorm C & D there is a data outlet at disposal. Please see the application form on the right side for further information.
Library services
The central library for sport sciences at GSU is the worldwide largest specialised library of sport and exercise sciences.
As a very experienced partner for studies, teaching, research, administration and the general public the library offers a fast and state of the art supply of documentation and information.
ICT services
In addition to general IT questions the IT helpdesk can help you with
- the setup of the campus WIFI (eduroam)
- the setup of your email account (employees only)
- questions about Sciebo
- forgotten passwords
- information about the purchase of licenses for programs related to your studies
Medical services
Students from Non-EU countries who want to study at a university must be insured in Germany. This applies only to Bachelor and Master students and not for Ph.D. students. Students from EU countries, who are already insured in their home country, do not have to obtain additional insurance in Germany as they can directly go to SHI-authorised physicians.
Campus life
Located at the Müngersdorf Sport Park, in the heart of Cologne’s green belt and within an almost perfect sport infrastructure, Europe’s largest sport university offers an unique environment for 980 employees and more than 6.000 students from 93 countries. More than 60 university partnerships are a sign of its international focus. As an university aligned with European ideas and state-of-the-art graduate and postgraduate degree programmes, it has constantly encouraged and influenced sport and exercise science.
Sports facilities
The German Sport University offers great opportunities for their students and staff to stay active on campus. Various sporting facilities, a swimming centre, an athlethics stadium etc. are available at certain times and can be used free of charge. The only fee for students is 25€ for the utilization of the gyms.
German Sport University Cologne Campus Locations
German Sport University Cologne Student Reviews & Awards
Based on 2 reviews
- 5 Star 2 Reviews
- 4 Star 0 Reviews
- 3 Star 0 Reviews
- 2 Star 0 Reviews
- 1 Star 0 Reviews
love it here
I honestly really do live it here. the campus ist great, really nice people study here, the professors and teachers really communicate on eye level and help you with anything you struggle with. Cafeteria could be better tho. Overall I`m really happy here and would recommend it to everyone
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