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Meta title: University of Hamburg: Admission and Deadlines 2027 | StudyU
Meta description: University of Hamburg: no tuition, $455 semester fee, direct applications, bonus points, Studienkolleg without exam, merit scholarship up to $1,130 (€992).
Last modified: 2026-09-24

# University of Hamburg (Universität Hamburg)

The University of Hamburg is northern Germany's largest university, with about 43,000 students, eight faculties and University of Excellence status confirmed on 11 March 2026. It has charged no tuition since 2012, including to international students: in winter 2026/27 you pay only a $455 (€402) semester contribution, which includes a Germany-wide transport pass. International applicants apply directly on the university's portal, the recognition of foreign certificates is free, and non-EU bachelor's applicants are selected through a bonus-point system. English-taught "international" master's programmes have an early, short window: 15 February to 31 March.

Main building of the University of Hamburg on Edmund-Siemers-Allee in Rotherbaum, Hamburg, Germany. Photo: Pauli-Pirat / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Uni_Hamburg_Edmund-Siemers-Allee_1_Hauptgebäude.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Location | Hamburg |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Students | 43,134 |
| Faculties | 8, with 187 degree programmes |
| Status | University of Excellence, funding renewed from 2027 |
| Rankings | THE 2026: =125; ARWU 2026: 201–300 |
| Tuition | none |
| Semester contribution | $455 (€402) in winter 2026/27 |
| How to apply | university portal; free recognition of documents |
| Deadlines | bachelor's 1 Jun to 15 Jul; master's 1 May to 15 Jun; international master's 15 Feb to 31 Mar |
| Housing | Studierendenwerk Hamburg: 26 residences, about 4,770 places |

## Who the University of Hamburg suits, and who should look elsewhere {#section-1}

The University of Hamburg is one of Germany's largest universities and one of its eleven Universities of Excellence; it passed its scheduled evaluation on 11 March 2026, and funding was extended for seven years from 2027. It has four Clusters of Excellence, and climate research is among its best-known fields, alongside physics, economics, law and Asian and African studies. Hamburg itself is Germany's second-largest city, a major port and a hub for media, logistics and trade.

| Good fit | Consider alternatives |
| --- | --- |
| Students who want tuition-free study in a big city with internships | Anyone needing an English-taught bachelor's in business or IT |
| Master's applicants in climate science, oceanography, physics, economics, business or law | Applicants unprepared for competition: popular bachelor's programmes select non-EU applicants by points |
| School leavers who want a Studienkolleg without an entrance exam | Anyone looking for the cheapest housing: Hamburg rents are high |
| Students who plan to apply for a university scholarship for international students from their second year | Anyone hoping to apply for an English-taught master's in summer: the window closes on 31 March |

[Bonn](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-bonn) and [Göttingen](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-goettingen) are also tuition-free and cheaper to live in; for the capital, see [Humboldt University of Berlin](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-humboldt-berlin).

## Which programmes are available, including in English {#section-2}

The eight faculties are Law; Business, Economics and Social Sciences; Medicine; Education; Humanities; Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences; Psychology and Human Movement Science; and Business Administration (Hamburg Business School), with 187 programmes in total.

### Bachelor's programmes

Bachelor's programmes are mostly taught in German. Earth System Physics (B.Sc.) is taught in English, with applications from 1 June to 15 July.

### English-taught master's programmes

| Field | Programmes |
| --- | --- |
| Climate, ocean and earth | Integrated Climate System Sciences, Ocean and Climate Physics, Atmospheric Science, Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Sciences |
| Physics and computing | Mathematical Physics, Intelligent Adaptive Systems |
| Economics and business | Economics, Business Administration, Politics, Economics and Philosophy, Innovation, Business and Sustainability (MIBAS) |
| Life sciences | Molecular Plant Science |
| Humanities and social sciences | British and American Cultures, Manuscript Cultures, African Languages and Cultures, Communication and Journalism Research for a Sustainable Society |
| Law (fee-paying) | Law of the Sea and International Environmental Law, European and International Law, Law and Economics of the Arab Region, International Taxation, European Master in Law and Economics; fees are listed on the programme pages |

Most of these belong to the "International Master's Programs" list with a 15 February to 31 March window. The list also includes Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Physics, Chemistry, Geophysics, Peace and Security Studies, Political Science, Buddhist Studies and others; check each programme page for the teaching language. Business Administration, British and American Cultures and Mathematical Physics are not on the list and use the general master's window (1 May to 15 June); the fee-paying LL.M. programmes set their own deadlines.

## How to apply to Hamburg: bonus points, Studienkolleg and German {#section-3}

### Which applicant group you are in

Hamburg distinguishes two groups. EU citizens, their family members and holders of a German school certificate compete with German applicants on grade averages. Everyone else, including applicants from Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, is selected in a separate procedure based on bonus points: your converted school grade becomes a point score, and you can earn extra points for strong German or academic preparation for studying in Hamburg. The university publishes the scores that led to admission over the past six years, so compare your profile before applying.

### After 11 years of school

Under anabin, 11-year certificates from Russia or Kazakhstan do not give direct access to a bachelor's degree. You need a year of related university study at home or a Studienkolleg. The Studienkolleg Hamburg:

- takes applications directly: 1 January to 1 March for winter (classes from August) and 1 July to 1 September for summer (from January); after registering online you print, sign and post the form with your documents;
- holds no entrance exam: places are allocated by German level and school grades;
- requires a German certificate at B2 or higher, no older than three years: Goethe, telc or ÖSD at B2 to C2, DSD II, DSH-1 (at least 57% in each module), DSH-2/3 or TestDaF 3 in every section; job-related (Beruf) certificates are not accepted;
- offers G, M, T and W courses; you can apply for only one of them.

See our guide to the [Studienkolleg in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studienkolleg-germany).

### Language

You must prove German by the enrolment deadline; later submissions are not accepted. Accepted certificates include:

- DSH-2 or DSH-3;
- TestDaF with 15 points in total: three sections at level 4 and one at least at 3;
- Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2;
- telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, telc Deutsch C1, C1 Beruf, C1 Medizin or C2;
- ÖSD C1, UNIcert III or IV, DSD II;
- the FSP from a Studienkolleg, or Studienkolleg Hamburg's pre-semester course with at least "good" in German.

This list is broader than at many universities; Goethe C1, for example, is accepted without a DSH. You can take the DSH at the university's language centre ($170, €150 for external candidates). The university offers no preparatory German courses. Our guide to [TestDaF, DSH and Goethe exams](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-german-language-tests-testdaf-dsh-goethe) compares the options.

### Plan for 2027

1. Autumn 2026: choose a programme and check anabin, past bonus-point scores and, for master's programmes, module requirements.
2. February to March 2027: apply for international master's programmes (15 February to 31 March).
3. May to June 2027: apply for other master's programmes (1 May to 15 June).
4. June to July 2027: apply for a bachelor's (1 June to 15 July). Upload documents to the online application; the university does not accept paper copies.
5. After admission, act fast: enrolment is usually open for about seven days, with documents, language proof and health insurance.
6. Visa: apply for a national D visa at the German mission responsible for your place of residence.

## When to apply for 2027 {#section-4}

| Applicant group | Winter semester 2027/28 | Summer semester 2027 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bachelor's and Staatsexamen | 1 Jun to 15 Jul 2027 | 1 Dec 2026 to 15 Jan 2027 |
| Master's programmes | 1 May to 15 Jun 2027 | 1 Dec 2026 to 15 Jan 2027 |
| International master's programmes | 15 Feb to 31 Mar 2027 | — |
| Studienkolleg Hamburg | 1 Jan to 1 Mar 2027 (starts August) | 1 Jul to 1 Sep 2026 (starts January 2027) |
| Merit scholarship (from second year) | by 15 April | — |

## Which documents you need {#section-5}

- school-leaving certificate or degree with transcript, uploaded to the online application (paper copies are not accepted);
- proof of a completed university year (if not going through the Studienkolleg);
- for master's programmes, whatever the programme requires: transcript, module descriptions, motivation letter, English certificate;
- at enrolment, German proof, originals of the data in your application and health insurance.

## What studying and living in Hamburg costs {#section-6}

### Semester contribution

| Item | Winter 2026/27 |
| --- | --- |
| Student body | $20 (€19.60) |
| Germany-wide transport pass | $260 (€226.80) |
| Transport hardship fund | $5.20 (€4.60) |
| Studierendenwerk | $115 (€101) |
| Administration fee | $55 (€50) |
| Total | $455 (€402) |

There has been no tuition since winter 2012/13, including for international students; only some law master's programmes charge fees.

### Living in Hamburg

The university estimates rent at about $455–795 (€400–700) a month and other living costs at $570–795 (€500–700). Statutory student health insurance is about $165 (€145) a month; non-EU students over 30 on arrival generally need private cover. For the visa you must show $1,130 (€992) a month, or $13,520 (€11,904) for the first year. Adding up the university's estimates gives $1,020–1,590 (€900–1,400) a month, from slightly below the visa figure to well above it.

## How to fund your studies: scholarships and part-time work {#section-7}

- Merit scholarships for international students: up to $1,130 (€992) a month for 12 months, renewable to a maximum of two years. You can apply after two completed semesters (one in a two-year master's); the deadline is 15 April and funding starts on 1 October. Scholarship holders may earn up to $685 (€603) a month on top. Competition is stiff: in the last three rounds 28% (April 2024), 18% (October 2024) and 11% (April 2025) of applicants received funding.
- Deutschlandstipendium: $340 (€300) a month, awarded on merit.
- DAAD scholarships for master's and doctoral students; Russia added the DAAD to its list of "undesirable organisations" in February 2026, so participation carries legal risk for Russian citizens and we do not recommend it to them.
- Part-time work: 140 full or 280 half days a year; student assistant jobs at the university do not count.

## Where to live: Studierendenwerk Hamburg residences and WGs {#section-8}

Studierendenwerk Hamburg runs 26 residences with about 4,770 places, from rooms in shared flats to single and double apartments, with all-inclusive rents. You apply online, no earlier than three months before your move-in date or the start of your studies, choosing up to three specific residences or all of them; choosing all improves your chances. With 43,000 students at this university alone, places are scarce, so look for a WG room in parallel and make sure your landlord allows address registration. Our [student housing guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-germany) covers search channels and scams.

## Strengths and drawbacks of Hamburg for international applicants {#section-9}

| Pros | Cons |
| --- | --- |
| No tuition; a University of Excellence | Above-average semester contribution: $455 |
| Direct applications with free recognition of documents | Non-EU applicants selected by bonus points; competitive for popular programmes |
| Broad list of accepted German certificates, including Goethe C1 | Early window for English-taught master's: 15 February to 31 March |
| Studienkolleg without an entrance exam | High rents and limited hall places |
| Own merit scholarship for international students, up to $1,130 (€992) a month from year two | About one week to enrol after admission |

Applicants resident in Russia face the usual German constraints: visas only through the German Embassy in Moscow (the St Petersburg consulate general closed on 18 September 2026), Russian bank statements not accepted as proof of funds and no Russian bank offering a suitable blocked account. See our [student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-germany).

## Mistakes to avoid {#section-10}

- Waiting until summer to apply for an English-taught master's: the window closes on 31 March.
- Posting documents: the university only accepts online uploads and destroys paper copies.
- Missing enrolment: you usually have about seven days after admission, and German proof is not accepted after the enrolment deadline.
- Applying for housing too early: applications open three months before move-in.
- Expecting a scholarship in your first semester: merit scholarships require two completed semesters.

## Checklist before you apply {#section-11}

- Past bonus-point cut-offs for your programme.
- Whether you need a Studienkolleg and can meet the 1 January to 1 March window.
- A German certificate from the university's list by the enrolment deadline.
- Whether your master's is an "international" programme with a 31 March deadline.
- A budget of $13,520 for the visa plus a rent buffer of $455–795 a month.

## Where classes take place: Rotherbaum, UKE and other sites {#section-12}

The main campus is in Rotherbaum, close to the city centre, with the main building, most humanities, social science and economics departments and libraries. Natural sciences and computer science are spread across several sites, and the medical faculty is based at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). The transport pass included in your semester contribution makes moving between sites easy.

Hamburg offers a large job market for students and graduates in the port and logistics, media, trade, consulting and aviation, but rents are high and housing should be arranged early.

## Where Hamburg stands in rankings {#section-13}

| Ranking | Position |
| --- | --- |
| THE World University Rankings 2026 | =125 |
| ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2026 | 201–300 |

Hamburg ranks below Heidelberg or Munich in global tables, but as a University of Excellence it belongs to Germany's top tier. For master's programmes, research clusters such as climate research are a better guide than overall rankings.

## Which jobs to look for after graduation {#section-14}

After graduation you can obtain a residence permit to look for work for up to 18 months. Hamburg's economy spans the port and logistics, media, trade, aviation and consulting; many roles require German. Graduates of climate and marine programmes work in the city's research centres and international projects.

## FAQ {#section-15}

### How much does it cost to study at the University of Hamburg?

There is no tuition, including for non-EU students. The semester contribution in winter 2026/27 is $455 (€402) including a Germany-wide transport pass. For the visa you must show $13,520 (€11,904) for the first year, and the university's estimates put living costs at $1,020–1,590 a month.

### Can I apply after 11 years of school?

Not directly. You need a Studienkolleg (in Hamburg without an entrance exam, with B2 German; apply 1 January to 1 March for winter) or a year of university study at home.

### Do I need uni-assist?

No. The University of Hamburg takes applications on its own portal and recognises foreign documents free of charge.

### Which German certificates are accepted?

DSH-2, TestDaF 4-4-4-3, Goethe C1 or C2, telc C1 (including Hochschule, Beruf and Medizin), ÖSD C1, UNIcert III, DSD II and the FSP. You must provide proof by the enrolment deadline.

### Which programmes are taught in English?

The Earth System Physics bachelor's and master's programmes such as Integrated Climate System Sciences, Ocean and Climate Physics, Atmospheric Science, Economics, Business Administration, Politics, Economics and Philosophy, Intelligent Adaptive Systems and Molecular Plant Science.

### Are there scholarships for international students?

Yes. Merit scholarships pay up to $1,130 (€992) a month for a year, with applications after two completed semesters by 15 April. There is also the Deutschlandstipendium ($340 a month).

### Can StudyU help me apply to Hamburg?

Under an agreement with StudyU, we shortlist programmes, assess your position against past bonus-point scores, prepare your online application and plan the Studienkolleg, language exams, housing and visa budget. The university decides on admission, the German mission, as the consular authority, decides on your visa, and Studierendenwerk Hamburg, as housing provider, confirms room availability in its residences.

## Sources {#section-16}

- [UHH: Facts and figures](https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/uhh/profil/fakten.html)
- [UHH: Bachelor's programs for international applicants (groups, bonus points, enrolment)](https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/bewerbung/international/studium-mit-abschluss.html)
- [UHH: Dates and deadlines](https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/bewerbung/fristen-termine.html)
- [UHH: German language proficiency](https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/bewerbung/international/studium-mit-abschluss/sprachkenntnisse/deutschkenntnisse.html)
- [UHH: Semester contribution 2026/27](https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/studienorganisation/studienverlauf/beitraege-gebuehren/semesterbeitrag.html)
- [UHH: Fees and funding (living costs)](https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/studium/campus-leben/finanzen.html)
- [UHH: Merit scholarships for international students](https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/internationales/studierende/incoming/studium-mit-abschluss/waehrend-des-studiums/finanzierung/leistungsstipendien.html)
- [Studienkolleg Hamburg: dates](https://studienkolleg-hamburg.de/bewerbung/uebersicht-termine/) and [application](https://studienkolleg-hamburg.de/bewerbung/fachkurs/)
- [Studierendenwerk Hamburg: accommodation](https://www.stwhh.de/en/accommodation-for-students-and-trainees)
- [DFG: Universities of Excellence evaluation, 11 March 2026 (German)](https://www.dfg.de/de/aktuelles/neuigkeiten-themen/pressemitteilungen/2026/pressemitteilung-nr-04)
- [THE World University Rankings 2026: University of Hamburg](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-hamburg)
- [ShanghaiRanking ARWU 2026](https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/arwu/2026)
- [German Embassy Moscow: national visas and proof of funds (RU)](https://germania.diplo.de/ru-ru/service/05-visaeinreise/langfristigeraufenthalt/1224364-1224364)

Dollar amounts are converted at the ECB reference rate of 29 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1355). For other universities and general admission rules, see [studying in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-germany). An assessment of your position in the bonus-point system is provided under an agreement with StudyU — to start, [submit an application](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [University of Bonn (Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-bonn)
- [University of Göttingen (Georg-August-Universität Göttingen)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-goettingen)
- [Humboldt University of Berlin (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-humboldt-berlin)
- [Studienkolleg in Germany: Who Needs It, How to Get In and What the FSP Exam Gives You](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studienkolleg-germany)
- [Scholarships abroad 2026: where international students study for free](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-abroad-2026)
- [Studying in Germany for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-germany)

Updated: September 2026