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FAQ studies

Whether you're just starting out or well into your studies, you're likely to have questions along the way. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying at the WiSo Faculty. Alternatively, you can try asking PACO, the Faculty’s AI assistant.

Prospective studies

Study programmes offered by the WiSo Faculty
Joint programmes with other faculties

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities (Philosophische Fakultät) offers the following joint degree programmes at Bachelor’s and Master’s level, which include a compulsory elective to be completed at the WiSo Faculty. These programmes are taught in German.

  • Medienwissenschaften
  • Regionalstudien China
  • Regionalstudien Ost- und Mitteleuropa
  • Regionalstudien Lateinamerika 

Information on these degree programmes can be found here. If you have any questions regarding these degree programmes, please contact the Student Advisory Service of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

If you have any questions regarding the content of the compulsory elective, please contact the WiSo Student Service Point.

Find out more about the WiSo degree programmes

The WiSo Faculty offers numerous opportunities to get to know the degree programmes and student life in general. You can find an overview of all the options here.

You can chat with current WiSo students to gain a personal insight into student life, book an appointment with a student advisor, or discover what the faculty has to offer at fairs and events.

PACO, the WiSo Faculty’s AI, answers all fact-based questions. PACO-Fitting helps you identify which WiSo programmes best match your interests and expectations.

For the Bachelor’s programmes in Economics, Health Economics and Management, Economics and Social Science, there is an online self-assessment test (OSA). Participation in the OSA is a prerequisite for enrolment in the B.Sc. in Economics.

Comprehensive information on programme structure, career prospects and study abroad options is also available on the WiSo Faculty’s website.
 

Costs of studying at the University of Cologne

There are no tuition fees at the University of Cologne. Instead, all enrolled students have to pay a semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag") each semester.  The semester fee includes, among other things, the Deutschlandticket, which allows you to use local public transport. 

It does not cover living expenses, meals in the canteen or study materials. More information can be found here.

Applications and deadlines for the first semester (Bachelor’s)

Depending on where you obtained your university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur), different application rules apply.

Applications for Bachelor’s programmes have to be submitted online via Hochschulstart and KLIPS 2.0 by the following deadlines: 15 January (summer semester) and 15 July (winter semester). All Bachelor's programmes start in the winter semester. Only Business Administration and Economics also accept first-semester applications in the summer semester.

All Bachelor’s programmes at the WiSo Faculty are subject to restricted admission. You can find all information regarding the Bachelor’s application process here (German only) and here (International Office).

All information regarding entry requirements and the necessary language certificates can be found on the websites of the individual Bachelor’s programmes.

Applications and deadlines for entry into an advanced semester (Bachelor’s)

As the chances of being admitted to an advanced semester (‘höheres Fachsemester’) are very limited, we strongly recommend that you apply for the first semester (see above). 

Applications for an advanced semester have to submitted via KLIPS 2.0 with the following deadlines: 15 March (summer semester) and 15 September (winter semester). To apply, you will need documents from the WiSo Faculty, which must be requested in good time. 

Information on the deadlines and how to apply can be found here.

If you are studying or have studied an identical degree programme at a university in Germany, you will be classified as a transfer student (‘Ortswechsel’, e.g. B.Sc. Economics at the University of Bonn to B.Sc. Economics at the University of Cologne). You will need to submit this form together with a current certificate of enrolment, via our contact form.

If you are studying or have studied a different degree programme (e.g. switching from a B.Sc. in Business Administration to a B.Sc. in Economics), you will be classified as a lateral entry student (‘Quereinstieg‘). In this case, you will need to submit this form as well as a subject semester classification. Please submit these forms and any further documents via the WiSo credit transfer tool; further information can be found here.

To be placed into an advanced semester, you must provide evidence of credits you have passed that are equivalent to those in our Bachelor’s programme (e.g. 15 ECTS for the 2nd academic semester and 45 ECTS for the 3rd academic semester).

Applications and deadlines for the first semester (Master’s)

All WiSo Master's programmes courses start in the winter semester. Applications must be submitted online via KLIPS 2.0. Application deadlines vary depending on the programme. 

For detailed information on the application procedure, deadlines and the documents required, please visit our website on the Master’s application process.

Applications and deadlines for entry into an advanced semester (Master’s)

As the chances of being admitted to a higher semester are very limited, we strongly recommend that you apply for the first semester (see above).
Should you nevertheless decide to apply for an advanced semester, this is usually done via KLIPS 2.0. The deadlines and the application procedure are described here.

Credit transfer following a change of degree programme or university

Unfortunately, we cannot give any information about transferring credits before you apply and enrol. Once you are enrolled, you can use our WiSo credit transfer tool to submit a request for credit transfer.

Studying at the WiSo Faculty after permanently losing examination eligibility

Whether you can apply to study a comparable degree programme or module at the WiSo Faculty after permanently losing examination eligibility must be assessed on an individual case basis by our Examinations Office. In principle, the examination regulations exclude you from studying if you have lost your eligibility to sit examinations in a comparable degree programme or module in another institution.   

Please contact us by email via our contact form, attaching the following PDF documents:

  • A written document (must be hand-signed) in which you describe your request and specify the examination that was definitively failed;
  • A complete copy of the relevant study and examination regulations for your previous degree programme;
  • A complete transcript of results – sealed or stamped by the relevant examination authority;
  • If the reason for the loss of examination entitlement is not clear from your transcript of results, a separate certificate must be submitted.
International Students: Application and deadlines (Bachelor’s)

Please note that currently only one of our Bachelor's programmes (Management, Economics and Social Sciences) is taught completely in English.

How you apply for the first semester depends on your applicant group*:

  • EU/EEA citizens (and those treated as such) and German nationals with an international school-leaving certificate apply via KLIPS 2.0 and Hochschulstart
  • Non-EU citizens apply first via uni-assist (prior to KLIPS 2.0)

*A full list of applicant groups can be found here. Once you have identified your group, you will find details on the application process and required documents on the relevant page.

Please note that in the summer semester you can only apply for the Bachelor's programmes Business Administration and Economics; in the winter semester, all our Bachelor’s degree programmes are available to you. The Bachelor's application deadlines for the first semester are 15 January (summer semester) and 15 July (winter semester).

Non-EU applicants with access to the Studienkolleg (indirect university entrance qualification) must complete the one-semester “Studienstart International plus” programme before starting their studies at the University of Cologne.

Non-EU applicants with direct university entrance qualifications undertake this programme concurrently during their first academic semester (Studienstart International integral).
All information regarding entry requirements and the necessary language certificates can be found on the websites of the individual Bachelor’s degree programmes.
 

International students: Applications and deadlines (Master’s)

If you completed your Bachelor’s degree outside Germany, you must first apply via uni-assist to request a preliminary review documentation (VPD). Once you have received this document, you can apply for master’s programmes online via KLIPS 2.0.

We recommend you apply for a VPD as early as possible, so that any missing or incorrect documents can still be submitted in time. Processing will only begin once all documents and payment have been received. Experience shows that the processing time can take up to eight weeks.

Application deadlines in KLIPS 2.0 vary depending on the Master’s programme. These, along with the entry requirements and the application documents to be submitted by the deadline, are listed here.  

Our Master's programmes always start in the winter semester.
 


Starting your studies

Events for first semester students

All dates for introductory events can be found here.

Semester ticket and student ID card

The semester ticket and student ID card are available digitally. You can find all the relevant information on the Student Application and Registration Office website.

The University of Cologne’s semester ticket is combined with the Deutschlandticket. It is valid on buses, trams, and regional trains nationwide as well as KVB bikes in Cologne and throughout the VRS area. The ticket is available digitally and is valid when presented together with your student ID card.

Student Account and Online Services
  • Student Account (S-Mail)
    Once you have enrolled, you will receive an email containing instructions on how to activate your S-Mail account. You can find further information on this on the ITCC’s page. You can use your student account to log in to all the university's online services.
  • KLIPS 2.0 (Campus Management System)
    KLIPS 2.0 is the central campus management system: here you can register for modules and exams, view your grades, download certificates of enrolment and update your personal details. 
    Please make sure your address and phone number are up to date. This ensures you can be contacted by the Examinations Office regarding study-related information. To access KLIPS 2.0, multi-factor authentication (Cisco Duo) is required. You can find instructions on how to set this up on this page of the ITCC. Students who are not currently in Cologne can contact the ITCC via the contact form to request manual Cisco Duo registration.
  • ILIAS (e-learning platform)
    Lecturers provide lecture slides, exercises, tests and other materials here. It is primarily designed to support your learning and help you organise your courses.
  • SOGo (email system)
    SOGo is your university email account. This is where you can correspond with lecturers, the Examinations Office, and the university. Please check your email regularly so you do not miss any study-related information.
  • Wi-Fi
    The University of Cologne uses eduroam for its Wi-Fi. You can find setup instructions here.
Module Catalogue and Examination Regulations

The Module Catalogue and Examination Regulations are important documents for your studies that you should be familiar with.

  • Module Catalogue
    You will find sample study plans, module content, timetables and all the important details for each module here. The module handbooks are valid for one academic year. Older versions can be found in the archive on the website.
     
  • Examination Regulations (PO)
    Here you will find the legal rules for your degree programme.
Modules and courses

Most modules include a lecture covering the core content, and many also feature exercises (exam-style questions) and tutorials (independent tasks with group discussion). Some modules are offered in other formats, such as seminars. Full details are available in the module descriptions in the module catalogue, including whether a module is offered in the summer and/or winter semester.

The ECTS credits allocated per field of study are fixed and cannot be adjusted (exception: Bachelor Studium Integrale). Each module may only be taken once. When the examination has been passed, the module is complete and cannot be repeated, whether to improve a grade or by attending a different course.

Please find more information about the different modules and courses here.

Timetable and study materials

Use KLIPS 2.0 to register for courses and to create your personal timetable.

We recommend reading the “Getting started with KLIPS” guide first. There you will find all the important information you need about course registration. Please ensure you take note of the relevant enrolment periods.

Exam registration must be done separately, within the relevant deadlines.

You can only register for one of two (alternative) exam dates. Please make use of the information on exam organisation. If you do not wish to write an exam, you must deregister within the deregistration deadline. After this deadline, your examination registration is binding.

Learning materials such as presentations, lecture slides, other files for download and up-to-date information on courses can be found on the ILIAS platform. The courses you have enrolled in are automatically transferred from KLIPS 2.0 to ILIAS; for other courses, you must register yourself.

Credit transfer

You can apply for credit transfer for previous academic achievements immediately after enrolment using our WiSo credit transfer tool. Instructions and further information can be found here. The application for credit transfer should be submitted right at the start of your degree programme. 

If you have previously studied a WiSo degree programme and are now transferring internally to another WiSo degree programme, these regulations apply.

International Students: Inter-connect for Master’s students

Starting your Master's degree with a Bachelor's from outside Germany? With Inter-connect – a voluntary programme for international Master’s students – you’ll find practical workshops, friendly networking opportunities and an insight into campus life: University of Cologne: Inter-connect.

International: Networking and Well-being

Organising your studies

Semester fees and re-registration

As an enrolled student, you must confirm each semester that you wish to continue your studies at the University of Cologne. This confirmation is known as re-registration (Rückmeldung). 

Re-registration is completed by paying the semester fee by the deadline. The key factor is that the university receives the payment on time.

Summer semester: until 15 February
Winter semester: until 15 July

If the fee is received by the deadline, you will automatically be re-registered for the next semester. You can find detailed information here (German only). If you have further questions, please contact the Student Application and Registration Office directly.

Lecture periods and semester dates

Here you will find an overview of the most important dates for the semester. 

These include the start of the semester, lecture periods and the official end of the semester. 

Applying for a leave of absence

Students who need or wish to interrupt their studies for a valid reason may apply for a leave of absence (Urlaubssemester) at the Student Application and Registration Office. Detailed information, including the application form, can be found on their website.

A leave of absence must be applied for by the following deadlines:

For the summer semester: by March 31st.
For the winter semester: by September 30 st. 

If you wish to apply for a leave of absence due to an internship, you will need a certificate of eligibility (“Praktikumsförderlichkeitsbescheinigung”) from the WiSo Faculty. Further information can be found here.

During a leave of absence, academic semesters are not counted towards your degree, and you are not permitted to sit any exams.

Please note: It is not permitted to apply for a leave of absence during your first academic semester. According to the University of Cologne’s enrolment regulations, the only exceptions to this rule are study abroad or an internship abroad during the first master’s semester.

Rooms, study spaces and libraries
  • Find rooms
    The University of Cologne campus map shows you exactly where the room or the building you are looking for is located.
  • WiSo Library and Campus Service (LiCa Service)
    LiCa Service offers everything you need for your studies: bookable study spaces, seminar room equipment, and courses on literature research and academic writing.
  • Study spaces
    With the Anny app, you can reserve study spaces at the WiSo Faculty, arrange advisory appointments and book courses at the Teaching Library. You can find more information here.
  • Libraries
    The WiSo Library, with a wide selection of up-to-date specialist literature, is located on the 4th floor of the SSC.
    Information on the University and City Library of Cologne can be found here.
Hardware and software
  • Hardware
    If you need to choose between a tablet and a laptop, we recommend a laptop for your studies. You can find further information here.
  • Software
    During your studies, you will need both standard and specialised software. The ITCC offers a wide range of software titles, e.g. Microsoft Office as well as several scientific applications. You can find these in the University of Cologne’s software shop here. Access is via your S-Mail account. In addition, the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences has licensed STATA and Qualtrics for its students. Further information can be found here.
Changing specialisations (withdrawing from a chosen specialisation)

The subjects you choose to focus on during your degree programme constitute your specialisation. For further details, such as whether there are any restrictions on the choice of focus areas, please refer to your respective examination regulations.

If you have committed to a particular area and are considering changing it, you can find the regulations regarding the procedures for changing specialisations here.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to book an appointment with the student advisors.

Studium Integrale and extracurricular activities

Through the Studium Integrale area and extracurricular activities, you have the opportunity to take courses that develop both academic and professional skills.

In total, you can earn a maximum of 12 ECTS credits as part of your Studium Integrale. If you take additional modules in the Studium Integrale, these will be listed on your Transcript of Records without ECTS credits.

Master's students have the opportunity to take extracurricular courses alongside their regular studies.

Please note that credits from extracurricular courses are not counted towards the degree, but participation is noted on the Transcript of Records.

Exam registration and deregistration

At the WiSo Faculty, exams are offered within specific periods during the semester. These are often scheduled at the end of the lecture period, though some exams are also held during the semester (e.g. mid-term exams). An alternative exam date may also be offered in the final weeks before the end of the semester.

Please be aware of the relevant deadlines for registering for and withdrawing from exams in KLIPS 2.0. Further information can be found here.

In order to take an exam, candidates are required to present an ID card in the examination room. For further details, please refer to the examination procedure page.

Alternative exam dates

If a second exam date is offered, this is an alternative exam date intended to spread out the exam period. It is therefore essential to decide on one of the two dates early on. In this instance, it is not a resit. 

If you failed the first sitting, you can only register for the second date if your grade (5.0) has already been recorded in KLIPS 2.0 before the registration deadline for the second date. In practice, this is usually not the case, so we strongly recommend planning your exams carefully.

Examinations that have been passed cannot be retaken. 

Withdrawing from an exam (e.g. due to illness)

If you are unable to sit an exam on the scheduled date, for example due to illness, you must submit an request via the WiSo Inbox within three working days (including Saturdays) after the exam, together with a medical certificate. 

A simple certificate of incapacity for work (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung) is not sufficient. You can find more detailed information and the necessary forms here.

Exam attempts and inspection of written exams

In the event of failing an exam or being required to sit it but not attending, this counts as a failed attempt. As per the regulations, candidates have a total of three exam attempts for each module (“Dreiversuchsregelung”). 

Under certain conditions, additional exam attempts are available to you during your studies ('joker'/'ace'). For full details, please refer to the examination regulations

We also recommend that you book an appointment with our students advisors if you have failed a module three times.

You always have the option to inspect your examination. You can find out how this is organised here. You can find all the inspection dates for exams taken at the faculty in the respective departments on these pages.

If your inspection date is not listed there, please contact the relevant department.

Reasonable adjustments (‘Nachteilsausgleich‘)

All candidates should sit their exams under the same rules and conditions. However, this can put people with a chronic illness or disability at a disadvantage, as it may prevent them from fully demonstrating their true ability. If you need advice, you can contact the Service Centre for Inclusion (SZI)

If you want to claim reasonable adjustments (‘Nachteilsausgleich‘), please send your request to the WiSo Examination Office as soon as possible in your studies. You must also send medical evidence and compensation recommendations. The request and supporting documents are submitted as PDF files via the contact form of the WiSo Student Service Point.

The SZI website provides further information and a template for the application form.

Whether reasonable adjustments are granted and what form it takes depends on the individual case. The chair of the WiSo Examination Board decides on this.

Supervision of the final thesis

Please note that thesis supervision arrangements vary by department. 

For further information, please refer to the website of the relevant department, there you will find information on the application process, available topics, and contact details. 

You can find an overview of all the departments here, general information can be found here.

Entry requirements for the final thesis

The Examination Office has summarised the requirements for registering a Bachelor's or Master's thesis here.

Registration of the final thesis

Registration of the final thesis is always carried out via the supervisor. 

Together with your supervisor, you will complete the registration form. The supervisor will submit the registration on your behalf to the Examinations Office and inform you of the start date.

At this point, the requirements for registering a final thesis (see above) must have been met. Provided these requirements are met, the Examinations Office will register you for your final thesis.

Please check in KLIPS 2.0 under ‘My Achievements’ → ‘Thesis’ to ensure that all details are correct. Here you will also see the latest submission date.

Submission of the final thesis

Please refer to the Examination Regulations for the maximum completion time of your thesis.

After registration of your thesis, the submission deadline and all important details regarding can be found in KLIPS under “My Achievements” → “Final Thesis”.

You submit your final thesis digitally via the WiSo Inbox. Further information can be found here.

More information about the final thesis

Information on the general procedure, possibilities to extend the submission deadline, and the inspection and reconsideration process is summarised here.


Upgrade your studies

Internships during your studies

No mandatory internships are required in our degree programs, except for the M.Sc. International Management (CEMS MIM).

The faculty recommends gaining practical work experience during your studies, for example over the summer break, as it can help with your personal development and future academic planning. If needed, we can issue you a certificate of internship eligibility for your applications.

Additionally, you can apply to have the internship recognized as a subject-specific achievement in the Studium Integrale using the credit recognition tool.
The WiSo Career Service offers advice and support in finding a suitable internship. 

In addition to CV reviews and career events, there is also an internship exchange with interesting internship opportunities both in Germany and abroad.

Semester abroad

For any questions regarding a semester abroad, the ZIB (Centre for International Relations) is the central point of contact. An overview of the available partner universities can be found in the WEX database, which lists all WiSo partner institutions. Further information on the various options for studying abroad can be found on the webpage International options for WiSo students.

Applications for a semester abroad in the following academic year are accepted between December and mid-January. Proof of English language proficiency is required. If no such proof is available, the Business English course is accepted as proof of language proficiency by most partner universities.

The recognition of course credits earned abroad is generally handled through the designated “Studies Abroad” credit transfer modules. In addition, students have the option of requesting a preliminary assessment from the WiSo Credit Transfer Center before the start of their semester abroad if they wish to have specific courses recognized. 

Language courses

For language courses, please check the Studium Integrale (Bachelor) or extracurricular offers (Master) in KLIPS. Courses from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities or the ProfessionalCentre are often available there as well.

International Master's students have the option to take a German language course offered by the Department of German as a Foreign Language.

Additionally, subject-specific Business English courses are available through the Center for International Relations. WiSo students can take one course per stage of their degree free of charge. Further information can be found here.

International students: German courses

The WiSo- faculty is offering free German language courses as part of a pilot project. The program is aimed at international WiSo master’s students, and enrollment is limited.

In addition to basic German language skills, the course also covers business English. This enables students to navigate everyday life and the professional environment more easily off- campus, whilst at the same time expanding their network of fellow students within the faculty.

  • Level A1 (CEFR): Since the 2026 summer semester, two German courses have been offered at this level. They are held on-campus at the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences and, due to their timings, fit in with the timetable.
  • Level A2-C1 (CEFR): starting winter semester 2026/27, in collaboration with the DAF.
    Information regarding registration and the conditions for reimbursement will be sent to students in good time via S-Mail.


Additional German language courses:

Student involvement

WiSo BUDDY offers you the opportunity to get involved with prospective students at the WiSo Faculty. 

As a WiSo BUDDY, you can, amongst other things, chat with prospective students (‘Chat with a student’) and take part in fairs and events where you can present your degree programme and your personal study experiences. In addition, you have the opportunity to accompany international students as a buddy when they start their studies. Interested students can write an email to wisobuddy(at)wiso.uni-koeln(dot)de 

The WiSo Student Council (“Fachschaft”) is organised by students for students and offers you numerous opportunities to volunteer to support fellow students during your studies. Among other things, the Student Council organises the orientation phase during WiSo Welcome Week for first-year students, provides lecture notes and past exam papers to help with exam preparation, and participates in committees at the WiSo Faculty. The WiSo Student Council also offers initiatives for international networking: WiSo Student Council Team Internationales.

You can find an overview of all university groups where student involvement is possible here.

Student involvement offers a great opportunity to network with other students and play an active role.
 

Sport at the University of Cologne

All students at the University of Cologne can take part in UniSport, which offers a wide range of sports activities, from team and recreational sports to specialised training programmes. 

You can find all the information on this page.

Healthy student life

The Student Health Management service at the University of Cologne promotes the health and well-being of students. It brings together existing services, coordinates them and takes physical, mental and social aspects into account.

On this website, you can find service guides, (digital) events and important, up-to-date information on this topic.

Funding and scholarships

Applying for BAföG is one way to help fund your studies. Under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), students may be eligible for financial support if they cannot cover their study costs through their own income or family contributions. For further information and personal advice, contact WERK (Cologne Student Services), where you can also find guidance on student loans and grants: WERK: Student Financing

Scholarships are another form of financial support worth considering if you have good to very good academic results and are socially engaged. They can be used to fund your studies in Germany, a semester abroad, or an internship abroad, and — unlike BAföG or student loans — do not need to be repaid. For more information and personal advice, visit this website.


Finishing your studies

Certificates and graduation documents

The final certificate and graduation documents are presented at the graduation ceremony organised by the faculty twice a year. The ceremony usually takes place in June/July and January. 

Further information on the graduation documents can be found here.

Graduation ceremony

You can find all the information regarding the organisation and schedule of the WiSo Graduation Ceremony here.

Access to KLIPS/S-Mail

Your KLIPS account will still be valid for 365 days after you've left the university. 

Your S-Mail account will still be active for 100 days after you've left the university.
 

De-registration

The Enrolment Regulations of the University of Cologne (German only) set out the conditions under which de-registration takes place. 

The most common reasons are:

  • De-registration following successful completion of a degree and the issue of a degree certificate
  • De-registration upon request
  • De-registration following a final failure in accordance with the applicable examination regulations
  • De-registration due to failure to re-enrol (payment of the semester fee)

De-registration is carried out by the Student Application and Registration Office. You can find all the information on this page (German only).
A certificate of de-registration is available for download in KLIPS 2.0 for up to 12 months after de-registration has taken place.

Master’s programmes and PhDs at the WiSo faculty

The WiSo Faculty offers a wide range of Master’s degree programmes. In addition to the Master of International Management (CEMS MIM) – offered exclusively in Germany – and five dual master’s programmes, the range includes 15 consecutive Master’s programmes in Business Administration, Economics and Social Sciences, as well as an Executive MBA.

You can find an overview of the Master’s programmes here.

For those seeking further academic qualifications, the WiSo Faculty at the University of Cologne offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD. The structured framework for this is provided by the Cologne Graduate School in Management, Economics and Social Sciences (CGS), which creates optimal conditions for in-depth engagement with current research questions and specifically prepares students for an academic or research-oriented career. Further information on PhD programmes.

Alumni at WiSo

The WiSoAlumni network at the University of Cologne is aimed at students and graduates of the WiSo Faculty and enables you to stay in touch with fellow students, the faculty and professors after you have completed your studies.

Membership is free of charge and can be taken out whilst you are still studying. Among other things, it offers access to a career network, invitations to events and informal get-togethers, a lifelong University of Cologne alumni email address, and regular newsletters with the latest news.

You can register online via the WiSo Alumni Network.
 

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