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Rheinische Hochschule Köln

Logo: Rheinische Hochschule Köln, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons4

School in Cologne, Germany

Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln (RFH) is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It was officially established in 1971 and continues the tradition of the Rheinische Ingenieurschule für Bau- und Maschinenbauwesen, which was founded in 1958. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas such as engineering, business administration, law, social sciences, and health.2 It employed 224 people in 2024.1 Its revenue was €30.8 million in 2024.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

Aug 1, 1971Founded1
  • HeadquartersCologne, Germany1
  • Websiterh-koeln.de
  • Legal formgemeinnützige GmbH1
  • Kind of organizationNonprofit organization1
  • LEI391200BPITJIQUILIS273
  • StatusActive3
  • LEI statusLapsed (not renewed)3
  • Registered addressVogelsanger Str. 295, 50825 Köln, Germany3
  • Registered withLocal Court Köln, HRB 588833

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Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln, Schaevenstr. 1b-8807
Photo: Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons6

Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln (RFH) is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It was officially established in 1971 and continues the tradition of the Rheinische Ingenieurschule für Bau- und Maschinenbauwesen, which was founded in 1958. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas such as engineering, business administration, law, social sciences, and health. RFH is organized under private sponsorship and is subject to state supervision according to the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia. The university maintains several campuses in Cologne and has a student population of approximately 5,700.2

The story

The Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln was established in 1958 as the Rheinische Ingenieurschule für Bau- und Maschinenbauwesen in Cologne. The institution was officially recognized by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in 1966. Following the implementation of the 1969 law regulating universities of applied sciences in the state (Gesetz über die Fachhochschulen im Lande Nordrhein-Westfalen), it was reorganized in 1971 as a university of applied sciences under the name Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln.

Originally operated as a registered non-profit association, it later became a non-profit limited liability company (gemeinnützige GmbH) under the umbrella of the Rheinische Stiftung für Bildung.

In March 2024, the institution adopted the new name Rheinische Hochschule Köln, in line with a broader update to its organizational structure and naming conventions.

From Wikipedia’s article on Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.5

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Locations

Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln (RFH) operates several sites within the city of Cologne. The main administrative and teaching buildings are located in the Cologne districts of Neustadt-Süd and Ehrenfeld. Instructional facilities are distributed across multiple addresses, including Weyerstraße, Vogelsanger Straße, and Schaevenstraße. All sites are situated within the urban area and are accessible by public transportation. The university does not currently maintain branch campuses outside Cologne.

Research

Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln (RFH) conducts applied research in areas related to its academic offerings. Research is organized within individual faculties and dedicated institutes. Activities focus on application-oriented topics in engineering, business, law, and the social sciences.

Research Institutes and Areas

Institute for Tool and Production Engineering (iWFT): Conducts research in production technology and manufacturing processes, with a focus on tool development and engineering applications.

Institute for Compliance and Corporate Governance (ICC): Focuses on compliance, risk management, sustainability, and corporate governance in business and legal contexts.

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Europe-Institute for Experience and Management (METIS): A joint research initiative with FHWien der WKW, engaged in studies on experiential knowledge, organizational development, and knowledge transfer between academia and practice.

Collaborative Initiatives

Fit for Invest (EXIST-Potentiale): Participation in a regional project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, supporting investment-readiness among university-affiliated start-ups in Cologne.

All research activities are coordinated in accordance with the legal framework set by the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia. Funding is obtained through a combination of institutional support, public research grants, and industry cooperation.

From Wikipedia’s article on Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.5

Employees over time

  • 20242241
  • 20191071

Revenue over time

As stated on Wikidata, in the currency reported.

Revenue

  • 202430.8M EUR1

Timeline

  1. Aug 1, 1971Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

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