University of Hamburg follows a semester-system with two intake seasons that is winter and summer. The University received 42,846 applications in the recent academic year, for admission to its 70 bachelor’s and 95 master’s programs. These programs vary across seven faculties and provide courses in the field of Law, Medicine, Education, Psychology, Business Administration, among others. 

Admissions at University of Hamburg are quite selective with an acceptance rate of 18%. International applicants are required to have a proof of higher education entry qualification, langugae skills, along with other exams required to study in Germany.

University enrolled over 43,957 students for winter 2022-23 semester including 10,221 new enrollments. Over 57% of this total population was female. Approximately 13% international students were enrolled to various courses at University of Hamburg.

Highlights

Application Portal Online application
Application Fee (non-refundable) N/A
Acceptance Rate 18%
Academic Calendar Semester-wise
Intake seasons Winter and Summer
Financial Aid Scholarships, loans and grants
English proficiency test CEFR, TOEFL, IELTS, CAE or CPE
German proficiency test Required for some courses
Enquiry +49 40 42838-7195
+49 40 42838-9951

University of Hamburg Admission Deadlines

University of Hamburg offers a range of courses for international students at undergraduate and graduate level. The application deadlines for the various intakes are as mentioned below.

Category Beginning of Application Application Deadline
Summer Semester December 1 January 15
Winter Semester June 1 July 15
International Master’s Program February 15 March 31

Note: Registrations for assessment test of BA in teaching subjects of sports and arts are open only for June and February/March every year respectively.

International Student Admissions at University of Hamburg

5,697 out of 43,636 students of international origin were admitted at University of Hamburg in winter 2018-19 sessions. International applicants have to be proficient in the language of instruction of their desired program. The application procedure for both domestic and international applicants is kind of the same, with some additional requirements falling on the side of international applicants.

Following are the two additional requirements for international students applying to University of Hamburg:

Preliminary Documentation (VPD) from uni-assist

International students are required to get their academic transcripts verfied by uni-assist before submitting them to the university. This is done to ensure that applicant is eligible for studying in Germany. International students whoose transcripts are approved by a German authority do not need VPD from uni-assist.

  • Fees charged is 75 EUR.
  • uni-assist takes approximately 4 weeks for processing of application.
  • All submitted documents or transcripts must be translated in English/Germany.

Alternatively, international students can also submit a written confirmation from their previous school or college indicating the German equivalent of their overall average grade.

Proof of Language Proficiency for International Students

Language Test  Minimum Requirement
Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs Level II
Certificate of German language examination Level DSH-2 or DSH-3
TestDaF Level 3
telc lnaguage certificate C1 or C2
Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2
UNIcert Level III or IV
IELTS 6.5
TOEFL iBT 90

Bonus Points for International Students

International students if completed one of the following tests or course get the bonus points in the admission process of University of Hamburg

  • One of the following:
    • FSP Assessement Test: Very Good = 6 points; Good = 4 points; Satisfcatory = 2 points OR
    • Trial Studies at University of Hamburg: Very Good = 6 points; Good = 4 points; Satisfcatory = 2 points OR
    • Preparatory Pre-Semester at University of Hamburg: Very Good = 3 points; Good = 2 points; Satisfcatory = 1 points
  • One of the following:
    • Erasmus/Free Mover at German State University with at least 30 ECTS: Very Good = 3 points; Good = 2 points; Satisfcatory = 1 points
    • Summer School at University of Hamburg: Good or Very Good in scientific module = 2 points
  • TestAS (core, subject-specific): Standard Score 106 – 111: 1 point; 112 – 117: 2 points; 118 – 130: 3 points

Visa Process for International Students

International students enrolled at University of Hamburg need a German student visa to continue education. You one can apply as soon as you get confirmation from university. German student visa application takes approximately 2 to 3 monts of processing time. Following are some of the documents required:

  • Confirmation letter from university
  • Valid passport
  • Minimum 670 EUR as financial proof to live in Germany

University of Hamburg Undergraduate Admissions

Courses such as Business Administration, Computing in Science, Computer Science, Food Chemistry, Mathematics and Medicine on an undergraduate level are offered across the lush campus of the University of Hamburg. The application for the programs can be drafted depending upon the semester in which the program begins. Additionally, some bachelor courses also fall under the category of admission restriction.

Where to Apply: Online application
Application Fee: Not applicable
Admission Requirements:

  • Higher education entrance eligibility- German Abitur.
  • Academic transcripts.
  • School leaving certificate.
  • English language proficiency proof
  • German language proficiency proof

University of Hamburg Graduate Admissions

Numerous courses for aspirants seeking to study in Germany by enrolling at the institute are available at graduate level. Some programs like European and European Legal Studies, Geophysics, Human Rights and Democratization, Industrial Mathematics, etc. are taught only in English. The other master’s programs require applicants to be proficient either in German or in English and German both.

Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs

Requirements Master of Business Administration Master of Science in Economics Master of Arts in Higher Education Master of Law Master of Science in Molecular Life Sciences
Transcripts Required Required Required Required Required
Admission Restrictions Applicable Applicable Applicable Applicable Applicable
Teaching language German English German English German
Course preference B.Sc. in Business Administration, or a degree in Economics, Business Math, Business Engineering, etc. Degree in Economics, Math, Mathematical Economics, Statistics or equivalent Degree in educational science, psychological, humanities, social science subject.· Bachelor degree in Law or Economics Bachelor degree in Molecular Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology. Another degree is considered in case of relevant work experience.

Admission Decision for Graduate Programs

University of Hamburg notifies international students about admission decision for masters program by following dates:

  • International Masters:
    • Politics, Economics and Philisophy: June 11
    • Others: November 6

The university does not just focus on academics but also on holistic development by ensuring plenty of recreational opportunities on the campus. For the purpose of maintaining career counseling and placement assistance departments., it has its association with various industry bodies and business houses.