University of Hamburg is one of the largest universities of higher learning and education in northern Germany with a total student population of 43,957 in the winter semester of 2022-23. This includes 10,221 new enrollments. Approximately 15% of the total student population belonged to international students.

University of Hamburg has emerged as a popular university in Germany among international students. It received a total of 42,856 applications for the academic year of 2022. Some of the distinguished scholars and Nobel Prize winners such as Otto Stern, Wolfgang Pauli, Agathe Lasch have been associated with this university.

University of Hamburg offers over 170 academic programs in various disciplines ranging from art history and law to physics and mathematics. Bachelors programs are taught in German only whereas some masters programs are available in English language too. These degrees are offered by 8 faculties and 27 departments of the university.

Highlights

Type of University Public
Campus Location Hamburg, Germany
Campus Setting Urban
Official Website www.uni-hamburg.de
Establishment Year 1919
Total Enrollment 43,947 (2023-24)
% of International Students 14%
No. of Programs Offered Over 170
Funding Received for 2023 State: 541 million EUR;
External: 261 million EUR

University of Hamburg Ranking

Considered as a prestigious university of Germany, University of Hamburg’s rankings can be summarized as follows:

Rating Agency World Ranking
Webometrics 111
QS ranking 228
Shanghai University Rankings  201-300

University of Hamburg Programs

More than 70 bachelors and 100 masters programs are available at University of Hamburg. These are offered by the eight faculties: law; business, economics & social science; education; medicine; humanities; mathematics, informatics & natural sciences; psychology & human movement; and business administration.

  • All the bachelors degree programs are taught in German except BSc in Economics.
  • The language of instruction for some of the MS, MA and LLM programs is English.
  • Some of the MS degrees offered in English are economics, mathematics, physics and molecular biology.
  • University of Hamburg offers MBA only in one specialization ie. Health Management.

University of Hamburg Campus

University of Hamburg Campus

University of Hamburg has over 180 properties across the city with main campus in Moorweide opposite Hamburg Dammtor station. Other important buildings are grouped around Martin Luther King Square. Geography department marks the western end of the campus and is situated close to Schlump Metro Station. Some other departments and their locations are:

  • Physics: Jungiusstraße, Bergedorf and Bahrenfeld
  • Biology: Flottbek
  • Computer Science: Stellingen
  • Medical School: Eppendorf (at University Hospital Hamburg)

University of Hamburg Accommodation

On-campus accommodation is not available at University of Hamburg. However, students have many other living options for studying in Germany. Some of them are as follows:

  • Student Residences: These are the cheapest living options available for international students enrolled in any educational institution of Germany. They are managed by the Student Association of Hamburg and have a partnership with the University of Hamburg.
    • 24 residence halls accommodating 4,200 students
    • About 10% of them are international students
    • Rent starts from 230 EUR per month
    • Furnished bedroom, communal kitchen, living room and bathroom shared by 10 to 15 people on one floor
    • Must apply at least 3 months prior to the moving-in date
  • Flatshares: Other option is to share a flat with other occupants. Cost starts from 400 EUR per month and can increase depending upon the demand.

Other platforms where international students can look for accommodation in Germany are Immowelt, Studenten WG, Studierendenwerk Hamburg, WG Gesucht, WG Suche, Wohngemeinschaft, HousingAnywhere and WG Zimmer Hamburg.

University of Hamburg Admission Process

International students can follow the guidelines provided as follows while applying at University of Hamburg:

Where to Apply: Application for both bachelors and masters programs are accepted directly via the University of Hamburg’s website.

Application Deadline:

  • Application for international masters and bachelors programs are accepted from February 15 to March 31.
  • For the rest of the programs, winter and summer semester applications are accepted from June 1 to July 15 and December 1 to January 15 respectively.

Admission Requirements: Following documents must be mailed to the address provided by the university before deadline:

  • Printed online application with sign of student
  • Proof of previous academic records
  • Proof of English or German or both language proficiency depending upon the program
  • Additional documents such as resume, letter of motivation, evaluation letter, etc as per program requirement

University of Hamburg Tuition Fees

Similar to other public universities of Germany, University of Hamburg also doesn’t charge any tuition fees. International students just have to pay a semester contribution fees of 328 EUR even for a semester on leave. If a student applies for several semesters of leave in a row, he/she can pay a reduced amount of 278 EUR.

Breakdown of semester fees charged by University of Hamburg are as follows:

Type of Fees Amount (in EUR)
Statutory Purposes of Student Body 12
Semester Ticket 178
Semester Ticket Hardship Fund 3.40
Studierendenwerk 85
Administrative Fees 50

University of Hamburg Funding

International students enrolled in one of the degree programs of University of Hamburg are eligible to apply for two types of scholarships: Merit Scholarship and Degree Completion Grant. Both are discussed in detail as follows:

Merit Scholarship for International Students

It is awarded to international students and doctoral researchers from all fields of study actively involved in social and intercultural context. The scholarship is awarded for 2 semesters or 1 year. You can apply again next year after expiry of the funding period. A single student can avail this scholarship for a maximum of 3 years.

Funding Amount (per month): Doctoral Researchers - 1000 EUR; Others: 850 EUR

Eligibility: Completion of 2 semesters (for undergraduates) and 1 semester (masters and doctorates) at University of Hamburg.

Application Deadline:

  • For funding period October 1 - September 30: April 15
  • For funding period April 1 - March 31: October 15

Selection Decision: International students are notified about the selection committee's decision after 6 to 8 weeks of application deadline. Decision is based on the academic performance, participation in social/intercultural activities and financial situation of applicants.

Degree Completion Grant for International Students

Degree Completion Grants are awarded to international students only who are about to complete their education from University of Hamburgonly. The period of funding is 6 months for undergraduate students which can be extended to 12 months if the final exam is not completed within the expected time period. Masters and diploma students have the flexibility of applying for a 12 months grant.

Funding Amount (per month): 200 EUR to 720 EUR (depends upon the income of student)

Eligibility:

  • Must be in the final year of studies at University of Hamburg
  • Have no other financial support at the time of applying

Application Deadline:

  • For period of funding from July 1 - December 31: June 1
  • For period of funding from 1 January – 30 June: December 1

Selection Decision: International students are selected on the basis of financial need and notified approximately after 4 weeks of application deadline.

Other funding options available for international students in Germany are part-time jobs, fellowships, loans, funding from the government, etc.

University of Hamburg Notable Alumni

Many notable people and Nobel Prize winners have graduated from University of Hamburg. Some of them are listed below:

  • Ezriel Carlebach: Israeli journalist and editorial writer
  • Shiing-Shen Chern: Winner of Wolf Prize in Mathematics
  • Juergen Fitschen: Co-CEO of Deutsche Bank from 2009-16
  • Rainer Froese: Developer of FishBase
  • Harald zur Hausen: Winner of Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine
  • Not only does the University of Hamburg charge zero tuition fees, it also provides scholarships to international students with financial needs. Low cost of study and lucrative research programs attract study abroad aspirants towards this institute.

University of Hamburg, Germany Placements

  • The university has a Career Center to provide help and advice to the students regarding their careers. The center caters to all the students who graduate from the university even two years after their graduation date. 
  • The center provides learning opportunities to draft an effective resume, prepare for interviews, learn to network and increase organizational and other required skills.
  • How to search for a suitable career and what current career challenges are .. also are topics that are discussed with the students.
  • Job hunting techniques and social media help are also provided to give different opportunities to the students. 
Areas Salaries in USD
Legal Department 222,000
Executive Management & Change 219,000
Finance Control & Strategy 151,000
Financial Services 142,000
Consulting, Accounting & Professional Services 107,000

FAQs

Ques. Is studying at the university free?

Ans. The university does not charge any tuition fee. There is only a marginal semester fee that a student has to pay and the boarding lodging expenses will be there.

Ques. How do I apply to the University?

Ans. International students need to complete the online application and submit the required documents within the stipulated time to seek admission.

Ques. Is part-time study possible at the university?

Ans. The master’s degree can be studied part-time. Please refer to the deadline and application procedure for the same on the website.

Ques. Do I need to demonstrate German language proficiency for admission?

Ans. The courses that are taught in English medium do not require demonstration of German language proficiency. Though it is a good idea to learn German while studying in Germany for comfort living.

Ques. Does the university require a GMAT/GRE for Business Management?

Ans. No, these standardized tests are not mandatory for admission.

Ques. Do I get confirmation that I have submitted complete documents for admission?

Ans. The university is not in a position to confirm receipt of documents as due to the admission rush it is not possible to check the application a number of times.

Ques. If I apply through Uni-assist, what will be the charges?

Ans. The uni-assist handling charges are 75 euros.

Ques. Is it easy to find accommodation in Hamburg?

Ans. If you apply early and start making your accommodation arrangements in time, you will not face any problem.

Ques. What is the minimum rent in Hamburg?

Ans. The monthly rent is above 400 euros for an independent accommodation with internet and utilities.

Ques. Do I require a letter of motivation for admission?

Ans. A letter of motivation is generally required to represent your caliber and future plans along with the reasons for choosing the university.