Study Destination

Top Universities in Hamburg | Best Universities in Hamburg for International Students

Author_Image
Fiona
3.1k views

Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city, is known as the ‘gateway to the world’ thanks to its ever-vibrant harbour. With its exceptional universities, a diverse assemblage of students, and a bustling city life, Hamburg is also one of Germany’s preferred destinations for higher education. More than two dozen of the most influential and reputable educational institutions are located in Hamburg. This makes the city a favorite for those considering studying in Germany. The current article enlists the top universities in Hamburg along with all the important details you need to know as an international student. 

 

Table of Contents: 

  1. Why Study in Hamburg?

  2. What Are the Different Types of Universities in Hamburg?

  3. 6 Top Universities in Hamburg

  4. Life in Hamburg as an International Student 

Why Study in Hamburg?

 

Hamburg is one of the best student cities in Germany. Some of the top benefits of pursuing  higher eductaion in the city are as follows -

 

  • English Language Courses: Although most universities have majority courses in German, the number of English language courses in the city are increasing. You can find English taught programs for Master’s and PhD courses in Hamburg.

  • Highly Affordable: Compared to universities in the US and UK, studying in Hamburg is affordable since all international students are exempt from paying tuition fees. 

  • Career Outlook: Given its proximity to the harbour, Hamburg’s biggest industry is shipping and logistics. Therefore, international students have a lot of career opportunities to avail, right after completing their education.

 

SUGGESTED: Find out complete information about Uni Assist here

 

Now that you have answers to why study in Hamburg, let us look at the different kinds of universities in the city -

 

What Are the Different Types of Universities in Hamburg?

 

Universities in Hamburg fall into 2 leading categories -

 

Public Universities in Hamburg

 

These are state-funded universities that are extremely affordable and offer an exemption from tuition fee even to International students! Therefore,  public universities in Hamburg for Masters as well as Bachelors' are an ideal hub for overseas students. A point to note here is that although these universities do not charge a tuition fee, they do charge semester fees that generally range around 200-300 EUR per semester

 

RECOMMENDED: Learn more about Public Universities in Germany

 

Private Universities in Hamburg

 

Private Universities in Hamburg are quite expensive, charge higher tuition fees and have a more rigid organisational structure, as compared to Public universities. However, that isn’t really a deterrent for pursuing higher education from them. Reason being, many of Germany’s niche courses and programmes missing from Public universities can be pursued at Private universities in Hamburg. 

 

RECOMMENDED: Learn more about Private Universities in Germany

 

After understanding the classification of universities in Hamburg Germany, let us take a look at the list of universities in Hamburg for international students -

 

6 Top Universities in Hamburg, Germany 

 

The list of universities in Hamburg that offer quality education are given below along with all the essential details: 

  1. University of Hamburg 

University of Hamburg is the largest and most popular public university in Hamburg. Known widely for its diverse range of programs, it is among the top universities in Hamburg that teach in English in several fields. As a result,the university receives thousands of applications from international students each year.

 

Type

Public university

Country Rank 

7

German Proficiency 

Required for Courses Taught in German

Tuition Fee

No Tuition Fee 

Popular Programs

Law, Medicine, Humanities, Natural Sciences 

Study Benefit

Having a high enrollment of around 40,000 and a teaching staff of around 5,000, it offers a really vibrant and diverse environment, essential for a holistic learning experience. 

 

Moving on to the Hamburg University of Technology -

  1. Hamburg University of Technology

Hamburg University of Technology is one of Germany’s most prestigious universities for engineering. It is recognised worldwide for its varied programmes related to the technical field of study. Apart from tech, the University is also known for its interdisciplinary courses. 

 

Type

Public university

Country Rank 

63

German Proficiency 

Required for most Bachelor’s Programs 

Tuition Fee

No Tuition Fee 

Popular Programs

Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Technology Management 

Benefits

Has a smaller class size and is known for its ability to direct full attention towards existing students for their individual development. 

 

Moving on to the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences-

  1.  Hamburg University of Applied Sciences 

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences is the second largest Public University in Hamburg. A pioneer in applied science and research, the University is known for its courses in engineering, medicine, life sciences, information technology, media, business and social sciences.

 

Type

Public University

Country Rank 

67

German Proficiency 

Required For Courses in German 

Tuition Fees

No Tuition Fee 

Programs

Computer Sciences, Life Sciences, Media and Information, Business and Social Sciences 

Benefits

Offers an array of Bachelors and Masters Programs, that are extremely reputable to get students luring jobs in the world of media and communications, engineering and business. 

 

Moving on to the Helmut Schmidt University-

  1. Helmut Schmidt University 

Helmut Schmidt University has a capacity of around 2000-3000 students with a teaching staff of around 1,000.  Although many of its study programs require  a certain level of proficiency in the German language, there are a few courses that are taught in English. 

 

Type

For-Profit Public University

Country Rank 

121

German Proficiency 

Required for Courses Taught in German

Tuition Fees

No Tuition Fee 

Programs

Civil Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering, Humanities, Law for Public Administration, International Relations, 

Benefits

It offers degree programs in a shorter time frame. For instance, Bachelors programs can be completed in seven trimesters (2 ¼ year). 

 

Moving on to the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre -

 

  1. Hamburg University of Music and Theatre

 

Founded in 1950, the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre is one of the most prestigious colleges in Hamburg for music. It is also one of the most selective colleges in Germany. It offers courses and programs relating to performing arts, classical singing, theatre production and music teaching. 

 

Type

Public University 

Country Rank 

184

German Proficiency 

Required for most courses  

Tuition Fees

No Tuition Fee 

Programs

Instrumental Music, Singing, Conducting, Music Theory, Dramaturgy 

Benefits

An impressive array of courses available to those interested in the artistic field accompanied by an individualised learning experience due to a smaller class size. 

  1. HafenCity University 

Founded in 2006, Hafencity University is among one-of-a-kind colleges in Hamburg. It is also known as the University Of The Built Environment And Metropolitan Development and is the only institution in Europe dedicated to focus solely on architecture and the development of metropolitan areas. 

 

Type

Public University 

Country Rank 

216

German Proficiency 

Required for Courses Taught in German 

Tuition Fees

No Tuition Fee 

Programs

Urban Planning, Architecture, Geomatics, Civil Engineering 

 

Benefits

A unique, practical learning experience aided by a small class size and a transdisciplinary approach. 

 

Life in Hamburg as an International Student 

 

Home to  stellar universities and a vibrant financial market, the cost of living in Hamburg for international students is higher than other German cities. 

 

The cost of living in Hamburg for students, including food, housing, and other expenses, comes to around 1000-1600 EUR per month.  The biggest challenge to student life in Hamburg is with respect to rental costs. However, since most colleges in Hamburg have campus accommodation that significantly reduces students’ expenses. 

 

With respect to the quality of student life in Hamburg, the city has many interesting things to offer including marketplaces for shopping, and tons of clubs and restaurants. 

 

Apart from this, an integrated public transport system connects Hamburg to other German cities and across Europe. For instance, the cities of Berlin and Munich are simply a train ride away.

 

SUGGESTED: What is the Cost of Studying in Germany?

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Universities in Hamburg

How many universities are there in Hamburg?

Are Universities in Hamburg free for international students? 

Is Hamburg a good place for International students?

Articles you might like