Facts & Figures
Our University at a Glance
How many students are there at the German Sport University? What percentage of participants pass the aptitude test? And how much external funding do the researchers secure? Find out the latest facts and figures about Germany’s only university dedicated to sport – from teaching and research to financial data and some curious facts. You can find more detailed information in the statistics section of our annual report.
Did you know...
At our university, the campus and nature blend seamlessly together. Our university is situated in the west of Cologne, in the Müngersdorf district – nestled within the Müngersdorf Sports Park and the city’s outer green belt. This is one of Cologne’s largest contiguous green spaces and combines nature, leisure and sport in a unique way. There are over 1,600 trees right on our campus, providing plenty of greenery.
The total campus area covers around 187,000 square metres. Around a third of this is dedicated to sports facilities (approximately 61,000 square metres). Lecture theatres, laboratories and training areas are just a few steps apart – the compact layout of the campus ensures short distances, lively interaction and a special sense of closeness between students, lecturers and researchers.
With the Central Library of Sports Sciences, our university is home to the world’s largest specialist library in this field. The library offers an exceptional depth and breadth of specialist literature, with a total collection of 830,876 items.
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STAFF
33 University professors (including junior professors)
11 Other university lecturers
277 Research assistants
324 Technical and administrative staff
207 Research and student assistants
145 Lecturers
997 in total
Overview of staff numbers (as at June 2025)
STUDENTS
1,015 Bachelor’s teacher training
2,830 Bachelor’s
608 Master’s teacher training
784 Master’s
322 PhD
32 Programme students
346 Master’s advanced studies
27 Auditors
5,964 in total
Number of students (as at April 2026)
All about the physical aptitude test
In the aptitude test held in May 2026, 583 people passed and 377 failed (39.27 per cent).
During the aptitude test, our campus is all about the candidates. Wherever you look, there are sports bags and excited young people, all keen to pass the aptitude test. In May 2026, 1,255 people had registered, and 960 took part.
A total of 19 tests – in the disciplines of athletics, gymnastics, swimming, team sports, racket sports and endurance – must be completed.
The sports aptitude test is passed if participants have met the performance requirements in 17 of the 19 individual tasks. Furthermore, there may be only one shortfall per sport, and the endurance run MUST be completed within the specified time.
On our physical aptitude test page, you will find detailed information on the entry requirements and suitability for a Bachelor’s degree in sports science or a teacher training programme at the German Sport University Cologne.
