FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to work at the University of Cologne?
Which benefits does the University of Cologne offer?
We have summarized our ‘Benefits’ on this website.
How much do I earn as a staff member of the University of Cologne?
The salary for staff members of the University of Cologne is based on the remuneration groups of the pay scale for the German public sector (TV-L). The jobs are assigned to pay groups 1 to 15. The pay group is indicated in the job advertisements and specifies the classification of the job. With increasing experience, the gross salaries in the pay groups rise gradually. You can find the current remuneration levels in this table.
The remuneration of civil servants is based on the pay scale for civil servants of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
What are my weekly working hours and how many days of holiday am I entitled to?
The regular weekly working time for full-time employees is 39.83 hours for employees of the public sector; civil servants work for 41 hours every week. If you work five days a week, you are entitled to 30 days off per year. 24 December and 31 December are public holidays in accordance with the collective agreement. If your working schedule is different, the number of days off will be adjusted accordingly.
Can I also work part-time?
There are various options for staff members and civil servants who wish to change their working hours. You can find further information here.
Is it possible to work remotely?
Yes, the University of Cologne offers the possibility of mobile working. A service agreement was concluded in 2021.
What kinds of support does the University of Cologne offer to balance work and family life?
The Dual Career & Family Support (CFS) is the first point of contact at the University of Cologne when it comes to balancing a (dual career) partnership, family and a career. As a central office for information, advice and service, we support employees in achieving and maintaining a good balance between their work and private life.
You can find an overview of the Dual Career & Family Support’s services, e.g. the daycare centre and emergency childcare, here.
What kinds of career prospects does the University of Cologne offer?
On the one hand, our advanced training helps new employees to settle into their new jobs. On the other hand, the offers deepen and enhance their knowledge and skills in their current functions. The aim is to promote and support our staff through effective and sustainable training programmes, enabling them to fulfil their tasks in the best possible way and to face new challenges. Employees can improve their career opportunities and acquire qualifications by taking part in continuing professional development.
You can find the university’s extensive range of advanced training offers here.
Is it possible for students to work at the University of Cologne?
Enrolled students without a first professional qualification are employed as student assistants (SHK) at the University of Cologne and fulfil academic or artistic tasks.
The field of activity of a student assistant must be focussed on the completion of academic tasks and serves to support the academic work of lecturers and academic staff.
The aim of employing student assistants is to give students a first insight into the working methods of a chair or research institution during their studies, providing them with access to academic thinking and methods.
For more information, click here.
Job advertisements specifically for students are published on stellenwerk.de.
What opportunities does the University of Cologne offer for vocational training or integrated degree programmes?
The University of Cologne not only educates students, but also offers a wide range of attractive and practice-oriented apprenticeships and integrated degree programmes. We train in over 20 different professions in craft, commercial and (media) technical professions.
We also offer an exciting combination of theory and practice with integrated degree programmes, such as plant mechanic in sanitary, heating and air conditioning technology (B.Eng.) and mathematical-technical software developer (MATSE) & Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (B.Sc.).
You might be interested in the integrated Bachelor’s degree programme in Fitness Science and Fitness Economics (B.A.) if you want to complete an academic degree with a focus on fitness in combination with work-based training.
Starting from 1 September 2023, we are also offering a 3-year integrated degree programme as an inspector candidate in the administration of the University of Cologne with the Bachelor's degree programme ‘State Administration – General Administration’ in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences for Police and Public Administration (HSPV) NRW.
You can find all information on vocational training at the University of Cologne here.
Where can I find current vacancies at the University of Cologne?
We publish our current job advertisements on our job portal. You can find more jobs around the campus at stellenwerk.de. You can also find current vacancies for professorships on our academic job portal.
Can I submit an unsolicited application?
You can find all vacancies at the University of Cologne here: stellenwerk.de We recommend that you check this page regularly and apply for any vacancies that are suitable for you. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us via e-mail: personalgewinnung@verw.uni-koeln.de
What can I expect at a job interview?
Interviews at the University of Cologne are organized individually by each department. They comprise questions and tasks relating to the areas of activity specified in the job advertisement.
In addition to the line manager, representatives of the staff council, the Representative of Persons with Special Needs and the Gender Equality Officer can also take part in the interviews.
Will I receive a confirmation of receipt for my application?
Yes, if you apply through our job portal, you will receive an automated confirmation once we have received your application.
How long does the application process take?
The test criteria are derived from the requirements stated in the job advertisement. These criteria are used to pre-select the applicants who will be invited to a selection interview. This decision-making process can take approximately 4 to 8 weeks. A decision on filling the position is usually made within 8 to 10 weeks after the application deadline. This does not apply to appointments to professorships, which take longer due to a more complex appointment procedure.
How is onboarding organized at the University of Cologne?
Onboarding events are held to welcome each new colleague and inform them about important topics at the University of Cologne. You can find out more about our welcome units here. In addition, the respective department is responsible for helping new colleagues settle in.
What is the occupational pension scheme under the Collective Agreement?
As an employee covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Public Service, you are entitled to a comprehensive occupational pension scheme after a fixed waiting period, which is largely financed by your employer. You can find more detailed information on this at the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL).
Do you still have a question?
Please feel free to send us your question via e-mail at personalgewinnung@verw.uni-koeln.de.
Who can see my application data?
The personal data and files you submit will be processed and used exclusively for the purpose of processing your application. If both parties decide to proceed with the employment process, your personal details and files may be processed and used by the university for employment purposes.
If your application is not successful, the University of Cologne will store your application for 6 months after the end of the application process in order to be able to answer questions about the application and the selection process. After this period, the data and files will be deleted. It is possible to withdraw the application at any time. If you withdraw your application, your data and files will be deleted from the application database immediately, subject to the following restrictions. However, the UoC reserves the right to store a limited amount of your data until the end of the application process in order to comply with legal requirements, in particular the obligation to provide evidence under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).
The data and files you submit with your application will be used internally by the University of Cologne for the selection process. Usually, the following departments will be involved: the department responsible for the position, the HR department, the Representative of Persons with Special Needs, the Gender Equality Officer and the staff council. The data will not be passed on to third parties unless there is a legal obligation to do so. In individual cases, the University of Cologne cooperates with personnel service providers who may only use the data for and until the selection process has been completed in accordance with internal data protection guidelines.
All information on the subject of data protection can be found here.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the status of my application?
If you have any questions or problems, please get in touch with the contact person listed in the job vacancy.
