ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln

Overview

ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln is a public university located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, specializing in the fields of film and arts education. The school focuses on providing practice-oriented programs in Fine Arts and Performing Arts, preparing students for careers in creative industries. As a public institution, ifs charges no tuition fees; students are only responsible for a semester contribution. Being a university, ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln aims at research-led education while fostering practical skills through its curricula. With an emphasis on real-world experience, students have opportunities to engage in projects and internships that enhance their learning and professional network.

Programs at ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln

3 programs across 1 study levels.

Tuition fees & costs

Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees — only the semester contribution. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and private universities set their own fees. Figures are indicative; confirm with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the TestAS. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good grade average; some subjects are restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC) or an aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).

Language: German-taught degrees: DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or Goethe-Zertifikat C2. English-taught degrees: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88+ (programme-dependent); many international master’s programmes are taught fully in English and require no German at entry.

How to apply

1. 1Check your qualification for equivalence in the anabin database and confirm the programme’s intake and deadline (usually 15 July for October, 15 January for April).
2. 2Confirm you meet the entry requirements: A secondary-school leaving certificate recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur (checked against the anabin database, usually via uni-assist). Applicants whose qualification is not directly equivalent complete a Studienkolleg year and the Feststellungsprüfung, or sit the TestAS. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree with a good grade average; some subjects are restricted by a Numerus Clausus (NC) or an aptitude assessment (Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren).
3. 3Apply through uni-assist (most international applicants), hochschulstart.de for nationally restricted subjects such as medicine, or directly with the university where it accepts direct applications.
4. 4Submit certified transcripts and translations, your language certificate (DSH / TestDaF / telc for German-taught, IELTS / TOEFL for English-taught) and — if your country requires it — the APS certificate, then pay the processing fee.
5. 5On receiving your letter of admission (Zulassungsbescheid), open a blocked account and take out health insurance, then apply for the national student visa (Visa D) at the German mission in your country.

Scholarships for ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln students

National and foundation scholarships open to students at ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln. Because public universities in Germany charge no tuition, these mostly fund living costs.

Frequently asked questions