CSS on Migration 2023 (2023)

The subject of the Cologne Summer School 2023 is migration from a global perspective. Human mobility across the globe has become an essential aspect of modern societies: We will tackle the topic of migration in its multifaceted aspects and effects with diverse disciplinary approaches from a global point of view. In Economics, Legal and Social Sciences, History, Education, Arts, and Humanities, we will explore the causes and conditions for different forms of migration. The sessions will include questions about migration policies, nation-states, ethnic diversity, and social cohesion. Moreover, we will examine the relationship between colonial history and (forced) migration of the 21st century. We will ask what an international perspective – beyond the regional and national – contributes to the research on migration.

For two and a half weeks, 24 selected participants will meet for hybrid lectures and seminars, onsite workshops, and study trips in Cologne. Twelve selected online participants from all over the world will join them in the afternoon for all hybrid sessions.

During the first ten days of the Summer School, lecturers from UoC and partner Universities will present and discuss concepts and case studies from different disciplinary fields in a hybrid setting for onsite and online students. In the second week, the academic program will consist of study trips and site visits to German and international institutions situated in Cologne and the Rhineland concerning the topic of migration (e.g., public institutions in the economic, legal, and social realm, museums, educational and political associations, NGOs). A student project with a presentation at the end of the Summer School will reflect on and deepen the insights into human mobility from a global perspective.

Application period for this program is closed. We are looking forward to welcoming the selected participants in Cologne this summer!

Lecturers and classes

Program Flyer

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Click through all sections to inform yourself about the requirements

What are the application requirements?

You have to be a student at the University of Cologne ORa student at a partner university of the University of Cologne.If you don’t know whether your university is a partner of UoC or not, check this page.

If your university is not listed, it is still possible that a partnership on the faculty or department level exists. Therefore, we advise you to inquire at the International Office of your home university or to contact an international program coordinator in your department.

You also need a certificate in English language (preferably C1). See following questions for more details.

What does the hybrid format actually mean?

The hybrid format enables students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, with country specific challenges and different personal needs, with the respectiveacademic curricular and coursework obligations to participate in the Cologne Summer School.We offer two options for participation: onsite and online.

The online group will join the hybrid lectures and workshops from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm (CEST, UTC+2) and therefore, will participate part-time. This option is compatible with time zone differences, ongoing studies, internships, part-time job obligations, and care work.

The onsite group will participate in only-onsite lectures, workshops, study trips from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and in hybrid lectures and workshops from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm. The onsite option is a full-time participation which takes place in Cologne, Germany.

Do I have to pay tuition fees for this course?

No.As a student of one of the partner universities of the University of Cologne ORas a student of the University of Cologne you donot have to pay any tuition fees. The onsite as well as the online scholarship includes the tuition fee.

Which costs does Cologne Summer Schools cover for me?

If you are selected to participate onsite, you will receive a mobility grant of at least 50% of the amount indicated for your country by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Click here to download the list for all countries.Furthermore, Cologne Summer Schools provides scholarships that will cover tuition fees, accommodation in a hostel including breakfast, a German course, intercultural training, excursions, study trips, cultural activities, and evening events.

If you are selected to participate online, the scholarship covers tuition fees, a buddy program, online cultural activities, hybrid events, and a networking session with CSS alumni.

What kind of costs do I take care of by myself?

For onsite participation:

Travel costs (that exceed the amount of the offered mobility grant)
Visa fees
Health and travel insurance
Any leisure activities that are not part of the academic and cultural program of the summer school and you decide to undertake in your free time like travels to nearby cities, shopping, museum visits etc.

What documents do I need for my application?

Certificate in English (proficiency level)
- TOEFL≥ 90, TOEFL iTP (627–677), TOEFL iBT (95-120), IELTS (6.5-9)
- TOEIC ≥ 750, Cambridge Certificate C1 Advanced or Proficiency (C2) Certificate.
- Not required for native speakers or persons who study entirely in English
- You will be asked to verify that you study in English in the application form
CV (English, max.2 pages)
Transcript of Records in English (stamped andsigned by your home university)
Video of Motivation in English: Instead of uploading a letter of motivation, we ask you to upload a video of max. threeminutes inwhich you introduce yourself and explain your motivation to participate in the summer school on migration. (You will find more information in the program flyer and application form.)

Which English level is required?

Since the program is taught entirely in English and your active participation is essential for the group work sessions and the preparation of a final presentation, we require a certificate of English proficiency. We accept the most common certificates with these scores: TOEFL iTP (627–677), TOEFL iBT (95-120), IELTS (6.5-9), Cambridge Advanced (C1) or Proficiency (C2) Certificate.

You do not need a language certificate if:

English is your native language.
If your university degree is thaught entirely in English. Please provide us with a verification (e.g. website of your study program ortranscript of records explicitly stating English as official language of instruction).

The application form will consider all of these factors and adjust accordingly.

What are the selection criteria?

A selection committee will choose the summer school participants according to the following criteria:

Grade point average of your university performance
Grade point average of your English proficiency certificate (minimum of C1)
Quality of your video of motivation(motivation, academicinterests, contribution to this year'ssummer school topic)
Relevant extracurricular activities
High interest in and contribution to the topic of the summer school and motivation to engage in discussions, group activities
Willingness to participate ifoffered an online spot instead of an onsite one

When will I know if I am selected?

Admission decisions will be sent via email to each chosen candidate maximum a month after the application deadline has expired.
To ensure that we reach you, please take care that your contact information in the application is legible. Also, check regularly your spam box.

All applicants will receive an email with either an admission or a rejection letter.

Which type of scholarship can I apply for?

Cologne Summer Schools offers mobility grants and onsite scholarships for onsite participation. You will find detailed information in the application form and program flyer.

Cologne Summer Schools offers online scholarships for online participation. You will find detailed information in the application form and program flyer.

Can I acquire ECTS with my participation in the summer school?

Yes. Upon successful participation in the summer school, which consists of attending all classes and completing a final group project, you will receive a certificate. Onsite participants will be granted 3 ECTS, online participants 1 ECTS since they will take part in fewer classes. Every student is self-responsible for the communication with their home university and the procedure of acknowledgement of the ECTS.

Do I need a visa for travelling to Germany?

Plese check yourself if you need to apply for a visa to travel to Germany:

Visa regulations: Overview of visa requirements for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany

Please inform yourself about the visa application processat the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Please note:

Processing times for visa applications take at least two months. Therefore we highly recommendto apply for the visa immediately upon receipt of your admission to the summer school.
The International Office of the University of Cologneis not responsiblefor arranging your visa. We will send you an official invitation letter which to attach to your visa application to confirm thereason you wish to travel to Germany.
On the planned date of departure from Germany, your passport should have at least another three months validity. It should also contain at least two empty pages where the visa can be inserted.

For further information please visit the following websites or contact the offices of German consulate and embassy in your home country.

Where do I apply and when is the deadline?

The new extended application deadline is March 31, 2023 at 23:59 CEST, UTC+2 (German time)!

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

The application takesplace entirely online. Please read carefully through the informationand details in the program flyer. You will find the link to the application form on the last page.