University of Hamburg is one of the largest universities in Northern Germany. Founded in 1919, this flagship university is ranked #205 in QS World University ranking, 2024. The main campus is located in the central district of Rotherbaum, with another 180 affiliated institutes and research centers scattered around the city. University of Hamburg is also regarded as one of the top public universities in Germany. Hamburg, Germany's "city on water," offers a unique blend of maritime charm and cultural richness. Explore the Alster Lake, Elbe River, and harbor, then delve into the city's vibrant theater, opera, musical, film, festival, museum, and gallery scene.

alt tags

You can apply for University of Hamburg admissions in winter and summer intakes. The University of Hamburg deadlines for winter intake is in July and for summer intake the deadline is in January. To get into this university, you need to have a German secondary school leaving certificate or Abitur. If you have a first academic degree at a German university, or have higher education entry qualification in Germany, you do not need to show evidence of your German proficiency. If not, then you need to show the same in DSH, TestDaf, Goethe Certificate and others. Besides German, you also need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores for some bachelor programs. The minimum University of Hamburg IELTS requirement is 4.0. As a public university, University of Hamburg does not have tuition fees. You need to pay a contribution semester fee only. The semester fee for the summer semester 2024 is EUR 332 (INR 29,786). There is no application fee for University of Hamburg admissions.

University of Hamburg encourages exceptional international students and doctoral researchers across various disciplines and academic levels through its merit scholarship program. This initiative targets individuals who have demonstrated notable social engagement and active participation within an international context. If you are eligible, you can get up to maximum monthly funding of EUR 850 (INR 76,256). The average salary in Hamburg is EUR 55,000 (INR 49,34,187). Airbus, Eurofins, Accenture, Free NOW, Lufthansa are some of the top recruiters for University of Hamburg graduates.

Why to Choose University of Hamburg

Hamburg is one of the best cities in Germany for international students for being the home to reputed universities like University of Hamburg and others. Here below we have mentioned some of the reasons that you can consider while choosing this university

  • Wide range of internationally renowned research facilities attracting staff and faculty from across the globe
  • Wide range of program offerings
  • Top-level, internationally competitive research, also in cooperation with numerous partner institutions in Hamburg and around the world
  • 4 Clusters of Excellence in the fields of astrophysics, photon sciences, climate research, and written artifacts research.

University of Hamburg Ranking

University of Hamburg is one of Germany’s outstanding universities for measures and goals in research, teaching, knowledge exchange, internationalization, and research infrastructure. It has been consistently ranked by top ranking agencies like THE, QS, US News & World reports and others. University of Hamburg QS ranking is #205 in 2024. Some other University of Hamburg ranking are given below

  • #201-250 in QS World University ranking by Subject, 2024
  • #91 in QS Sustainability ranking, 2024
  • #35 in Europe in QS Ranking 2024
  • #136 in THE (Times Higher Education) World university ranking 2024
  • #149 in Best global universities in US News and World report ranking

University of Hamburg Acceptance Rate

Reports say, the University of Hamburg acceptance rate is around 24% and portrays a selective admission process. Some key details of the students of this university are listed below

  • 42,819 enrolled students
  • 24,365 or 57% are female
  • 5,998 or 14% are international students
  • 352 students are on academic leave
  • 5,898 enrolled doctoral candidates
  • 9,955 first year students

University of Hamburg Courses and Fees

Similar to other public universities, there are no University of Hamburg fees for Indian students. You only have to pay some semester fees only. Note, do not transfer the semester fee before the amount for the respective semester has been published on the website, as the semester fee may change. University of Hamburg courses are listed below

  • 75 bachelor's programs
  • 89 master's programs
  • 6 degree programs with state or further examinations
  • 12 continuing education and graduate programs

8 University of Hamburg departments are

  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Humanities
  • Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences
  • Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science
  • Faculty of Business Administration (Hamburg Business School)

Semester-wise University of Hamburg fees for international students are given below

alt tags

NOTE: EUR 1= INR 89.74 as of February 23, 2024

University of Hamburg Application Process

At the University of Hamburg, the application process is entirely digital . Ensure that all your supporting documents, including your high school diploma, university acceptance examination results, academic assessments, academic achievements, and completed degrees, are accurately scanned. If any of your documents are not available in German or English, a certified translation of the original document is necessary. You can access a list of certified translators through the database maintained by state justice administrators at www.justiz-dolmetscher.de. There is no University of Hamburg application fee for international students.

University of Hamburg Admission Requirements for International Students

Your higher education entrance eligibility grade (HZB-Note) undergoes conversion to align with the German grading system and is assigned a corresponding point value. A grade of 1.0 on the HZB scale corresponds to 30 points, with a decrease in points as the grade descends. If accepted, apply for a German student visa as early as possible. Other University of Hamburg admission requirements for international students are given below

  • Previous academic transcripts
  • DSH 2 or 3 in Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH: German language exam)
  • TestDaf
  • Level 2 Sprachdiplom Stufe II der Kultusministerkonferenz
  • Studienkolleg academic aptitude certificate for foreign applicants to German universities
  • Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or Goethe-Zertifikat C2
  • telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
  • Austrian German-Language Diploma
  • IELTS for Germany 4.0 to 5.5
  • TOEFL 42 to 70

alt tags

University of Hamburg Application Deadlines

University of Hamburg admissions are offered in two intakes in Germany. Summer semester is from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 and winter semester is 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. University of Hamburg application deadline

Intakes Application Deadlines
Winter intake 1 June to 15 July
15 February to 31 March for international master's programs
Summer intake 1 December to 15 January

University of Hamburg Cost of Living

It is important to know about the cost of living in Germany before applying to any university. This will help you to plan your budget more efficiently. The estimated living expenses at University of Hamburg are given below

Expense type Cost
Semester cost EUR 332
Health insurance EUR 100
Housing EUR 300–500 per month
Living expenses EUR 400–700 per month

NOTE: EUR 1= INR 89.74 as of February 23, 2024

University of Hamburg Extracurricular Activities

Engaging in studies involves attending lectures, studying intensively, making presentations, and taking exams. While these are integral aspects, there's undoubtedly more to the university experience. At University of Hamburg, you have the opportunity to explore a variety of extracurricular activities beyond the traditional classroom setting. These include

  • University Music
  • University Sports
  • Kalliope University Theater
  • University Players
  • PIASTA
  • Student parliament
  • AStA (Student council)
  • Departmental student body
  • Green Office
  • University religious communities
  • Student magazine KOPFZEILE
  • Refugee law clinic

alt tags

University of Hamburg Scholarships for International Students

Scholarships are a great way to be financially burden free. Merit scholarships offered by this university supports outstanding international students and doctoral researchers in all subjects and at all degree levels who have been socially committed and actively involved in an international context. Apart from this, University of Hamburg offers degree completion grants. Check out the scholarships in Germany offered by this university are

Scholarship Eligibility Award value
Merit scholarships

Have been enrolled in your subject at Universität Hamburg for at least 2 semesters and are pursuing a degree (students in 2-year master’s degree programs and doctoral researchers can apply after 1 completed semester)

Do not hold German citizenship;

Not eligible for the federal student loan scheme.

EUR 850 EUR 1000 for doctoral students
Degree completion grant

Enrolled at University of Hamburg;

Are not a German citizen;
are not eligible for the federal student loan scheme;

Are preparing for or are in the final examination phase of your studies;

Have no financial support during this phase (proof required).

EUR 200 to 720

NOTE: EUR 1= INR 89.74 as of February 23, 2024

alt tags

University of Hamburg Notable Alumni

Alumni Universität Hamburg e.V. is the University's main alumni association. Members stay informed and can take part in cultural activities or get involved in the association. Some of the University of Hamburg alumni include

  • Annalena Baerbock: German politician of the Alliance
  • Olaf Scholz: Chancellor of Germany
  • Helmut Schmidt: German politician and member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany
  • Mateusz Morawiecki: Polish economist
  • Wolfgang Schäuble: German lawyer
  • Robert Habeck: German politician
  • Richard Sorge: German journalist and Soviet military intelligence officer
  • Hans-Dietrich Genscher: German statesman and a member of the liberal Free Democratic Party
  • Leo Strauss: German-American scholar of political philosophy

University of Hamburg Job Outcomes

University of Hamburg graduates are well placed in global companies globally. The average salary of jobs in Germany of Hamburg graduates are given below

alt tags

NOTE: EUR 1= INR 89.74 as of February 23, 2024

University of Hamburg Vs Hamburg University of Technology Vs University of Vienna Vs HAW Hamburg

A quick comparison of University of Hamburg with Hamburg University of Technology and others is given below. This will help you to choose the best university for your study abroad journey.

Parameters University of Hamburg Hamburg University of Technology University of Vienna HAW Hamburg
Acceptance rate 24% 28% 13% 24%
ELP Scores IELTS, TOEFL accepted IELTS, TOEFL accepted IELTS, TOEFL, PTE IELTS, TOEFL accepted
Average Annual salary EUR 55,000 EUR 55,147 EUR 53,000 EUR 55,000
Student to faculty ratio 16:1 7:1 14:1 17:1
Top recruiters Airbus, Eurofins, Accenture, Free NOW, Lufthansa Yelp, Hapag Lloyd, Kuehne & Nagel Raiffeisen Bank, Wienerberger, and OMV Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, Goodgame Studios, Vestas Wind Systems

NOTE: EUR 1= INR 89.74 as of February 23, 2024

University of Hamburg Germany ranking is under top 10. You can consider the above-mentioned details while looking for University of Hamburg. The acceptance rate of University of Hamburg is 24%, so be fast. Check the University of Hamburg international students requirements, and apply as early as possible.

FAQs

Ques: What programs does the University of Hamburg offer?

Ans: The University of Hamburg offers a diverse range of programs spanning various disciplines, including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and more. Students can pursue undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Ques: How can I apply to the University of Hamburg as an international student?

Ans: International students can apply to the University of Hamburg through the online application portal. Ensure you meet the admission requirements, submit the required documents, and follow the application deadlines.

Ques: Are there scholarships available for international students at the University of Hamburg?

Ans: Yes, the University of Hamburg provides merit scholarships for outstanding international students. These scholarships support individuals who have demonstrated academic excellence and social engagement.

Ques: What is the language of instruction at the University of Hamburg?

Ans: Most programs at the University of Hamburg are offered in German. However, there are also programs available in English, especially at the postgraduate level. It's important to check the language requirements for your chosen program.

Ques: How does the recognition process for foreign qualifications work at the University of Hamburg?

Ans: The recognition process at the University of Hamburg is digital. Ensure all your supporting documents are properly scanned, and if needed, provide certified translations. Check the university's official website for detailed information.

Ques: What extracurricular activities are available for students at Uni Hamburg?

Ans: Uni Hamburg offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs, sports, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities. Students can explore their interests and engage in a vibrant campus life.

Ques: Can I work part-time while studying at the University of Hamburg?

Ans: Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time during their studies. However, there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work. Check with the university's international office for specific guidelines.

Ques: How does the grading system work at the University of Hamburg?

Ans:The University of Hamburg follows the German grading system. Grades are usually given on a scale from 1.0 (excellent) to 5.0 (fail). Each grade corresponds to a specific point value, and the cumulative grade point average (GPA) is calculated accordingly.

Ques: What support services are available for international students at Uni Hamburg?

Ans: Uni Hamburg provides comprehensive support services for international students, including language courses, orientation programs, counseling services, and assistance with accommodation. The International Office is a valuable resource for information.

Ques: Are there opportunities for international students to study abroad during their time at the University of Hamburg?

Ans: Yes, the University of Hamburg encourages international mobility. Students can explore various exchange programs, study abroad opportunities, and collaborations with partner universities around the world.

Ques: How is student life in Hamburg?

Ans: Hamburg offers a vibrant and diverse student life. From cultural events and festivals to a rich nightlife and recreational activities, students can enjoy a dynamic and inclusive community in this cosmopolitan city.

Ques: What research opportunities are available for doctoral candidates at Uni Hamburg?

Ans: Doctoral candidates at the University of Hamburg have access to cutting-edge research facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and mentorship from experienced faculty members. The university actively promotes research excellence.

Ques: Is there on-campus housing available for students at Uni Hamburg?

Ans: The University of Hamburg provides limited on-campus housing options. However, students can also explore private accommodation in the city. It's advisable to start the housing search well in advance.

Ques: How does the University of Hamburg support students with disabilities?

Ans: Uni Hamburg is committed to providing an inclusive environment. The university offers support services for students with disabilities, including accessible facilities, academic accommodations, and counseling services.

Ques: What career services are available for students at Uni Hamburg?

Ans: The university's career services assist students in career planning, job searches, and networking opportunities. Workshops, seminars, and internship programs are also organized to enhance students' employability.

Ques: Can I apply for a student visa before receiving admission to the University of Hamburg?

Ans: While you can start the visa application process, it's recommended to wait until you receive the admission offer from the university. The admission letter is typically required for the visa application.

Ques: How is the University of Hamburg addressing sustainability and environmental concerns?

Ans: Uni Hamburg is actively involved in sustainability initiatives. The university implements eco-friendly practices, promotes research on environmental issues, and encourages students to participate in sustainability projects.

Ques: Are there opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research projects at the University of Hamburg?

Ans: Yes, the University of Hamburg provides research opportunities for undergraduate students through various programs and projects. Students can collaborate with faculty members on research initiatives.

Ques: What cultural amenities are available in Hamburg for students?

Ans: Hamburg is known for its rich cultural scene, including theaters, museums, music festivals, and art galleries. Students can explore cultural events throughout the year, contributing to a well-rounded university experience.

Ques: How does the University of Hamburg contribute to the local community?

Ans: Uni Hamburg is actively engaged in community outreach programs, social initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations. Students have the opportunity to participate in community service projects, fostering a sense of social responsibility.​