You can apply between April 1 and May 15 each year. This is a strict deadline — late applications will not be accepted.

Yes — but only if you submitted your application by May 15.
Missing documents can be uploaded until May 20. This is the final deadline.

The IMES program begins in the winter semester (October) each year. There is no summer semester intake for first-semester students. However, if you are applying for a higher semester (e.g. transferring from another university or program), you may apply for both summer and winter semesters, provided that free places are available.

You must have a:

• Completed or nearly completed Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS)
• At least 12 ECTS in environmentally related topics
  (e.g., environmental sciences, geosciences, biosciences, environmental law, environmental economics)

If you are still completing your degree, see the next question.

Yes — if you are completing your degree in the current summer semester.

By May 15, you must upload:

• A transcript showing your current GPA
• A statement confirming the expected date of your final exams

You must submit your final Bachelor's certificate by December 31.
If it is not submitted by then, your enrollment will be revoked.

No. IMES is an English-language program. No German is required for admission or during your studies.

If your previous degree was not taught entirely in English, you must provide proof of English proficiency at C1 level (CEFR).
We accept the following certificates:

• IELTS (overall score of at least 7.0)
• TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 95)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
• UNIcert III or higher

If your entire university program was conducted in English, no additional certificate is required — just provide official confirmation from your university.

Yes. All applicants with non-German degrees must apply for a VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation) through uni-assist.

This is required before you apply through KLIPS 2.0.

The VPD is an official document confirming that your degree qualifies you to study at a German university. See also the websites of the International Office.

• Apply via the uni-assist online portal
• Choose: Uni zu Köln - VPD - All subjects
• Processing takes 4–6 weeks, so apply early (ideally by early April)

You must upload the VPD in your KLIPS application by May 15.

• If you have a German degree: apply via KLIPS 2.0
• If you have an international degree: first apply for a VPD via uni-assist, then apply through KLIPS 2.0.

You must submit your application in KLIPS by May 15. Missing documents can be uploaded until May 20, as long as the application was submitted on time.

When applying through KLIPS 2.0, you must upload the following:

• Transcript of Records (overview of your academic performance)
• Motivation Letter (in English)
• Proof of English proficiency (if required, see language section)
• VPD (Preliminary Review Documentation) from uni-assist (only if you have an international degree)
• If you are still completing your degree:
  • Current transcript showing GPA
  • Confirmation of your expected final exam date

You must submit your application in KLIPS by May 15. Missing documents can be uploaded until May 20, as long as the application was submitted on time.

You’ll be notified via email and in KLIPS. If accepted, you must confirm your acceptance within 7 days.

You may receive an offer from the waiting list. If so, you must accept it within 4 days.

Yes, lateral entry into the IMES program is possible if places are available in the desired semester.

You may apply for a higher semester (e.g. 2nd or 3rd semester) if:

• You have already completed relevant coursework in a comparable master’s program
• Your achievements can be recognized toward IMES modules
• There is available capacity in that semester

Deadlines for higher-semester applications:

• March 15 for summer semester
• September 15 for winter semester

The application still runs via KLIPS 2.0, and if you hold a non-German degree, you will also need a VPD from uni-assist.

If you're unsure whether your academic background qualifies for lateral entry, please contact the IMES Office for advice.

No. All IMES applications are processed exclusively through KLIPS 2.0.
If you have an international degree, you must first obtain a VPD from uni-assist, which you then upload to KLIPS.

Do not send any documents or applications by email or post to the IMES office.
They will not be considered under any circumstances.

Always use the official platforms:

• KLIPS 2.0 for all applications
• uni-assist for the VPD (international applicants only)

• Step-by-step: How to Apply
• Contact the IMES Office at imes-info(at)uni-koeln.de
• International Office Guide – University of Cologne