Founded in 1388, Universität zu Köln (University of Cologne) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the metropolis of Köln (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), North Rhine-Westphalia. Officially recognized by the Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia), Universität zu Köln (UzK) is a very large coeducational German higher education institution. Universität zu Köln (UzK) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 634 years old German higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UzK also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.