The application procedure for admission to CGS is online only! Since your registration as an applicant and your application form are submitted in one document, it is essential for you to read this entire section carefully so that you do things in the proper order. Note that you will not be able to change your data once it has been submitted.

Application procedure starts February 15.

The deadline for all applications is April 30, at 12pm (noon).  

Application procedure:

Step 1: Submit Application and  Registration Form. Do not send any other materials until requested to do so!

Step 2: Submit Supplementary Application Materials as requested by CGS

Application Materials

After you have registered, you will be asked to submit your application forms. These should include:

• A cover letter with a clear statement of your motivation and your research interest
• Curriculum Vitae
• A list of possible dissertation topics with a short explanation of each
• Abitur-Zeugnis (for German residents only)
• GMAT/GRE and TOEFL (for non-German residents only)
• Scans of official academic transcripts
• Scan of your last degree awarded
• Two recommendations to be filled out on-line and submitted directly to CGS by two referees

Note: Non-European students please provide us with your original grade and indicate the equivalent according to the German system (German system: 1=very good, 2=good, etc.) 

GRE or GMAT is mandatory for all non-Germans. Also, non-German students need a TOEFL test. There will be no exceptions. Please refrain from contacting us about this via email. Thank you for your understanding.

For Referees

You have been asked by an applicant to the Cologne Graduate School in Management, Economics and Social Sciences to write a letter of recommendation. Please refer to the applicant's Registration Code as stated in the e-mail you will receive from us once the application process has started.

Note: CGS will not accept paper application or any other unsolicited material. Please refrain from contacting us directly about the status of your application. You will be notified in due time. Thank you.