Founded in 1919, Universität Hamburg is now one of Germany's largest universities, with around 40,000 students. It holds University of Excellence status and is strongest in climate research, physics, economics and the humanities. The main campus sits in Rotherbaum, a short walk from Dammtor station and the Alster lake. There are no tuition fees, only a semester contribution.
Hamburg, Germany
Official website: uni-hamburg.de
1919
German University of Excellence since 2019
Public research university
Around 40,000 students
€0 – €800
No tuition; semester contribution only
€12,000 – €14,500
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uni-hamburg.de before you apply.
MSc Integrated Climate System Sciences
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
MSc Physics
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Oct, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
MSc Economics
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Oct
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
MSc Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Oct, Apr
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
Climate research through the CLICCS excellence cluster.
Physics work with DESY and the European XFEL nearby.
No tuition fees for any student.
The port, logistics firms and Airbus at Finkenwerder all recruit in Hamburg.
Media houses such as Der Spiegel and Die Zeit are based in the city.
Graduates can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find work.
Undergrad
Most programmes
Postgrad
Most programmes
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Rotherbaum is leafy and central, with the Alster for running and sailing. The semester ticket covers buses, the U-Bahn, the S-Bahn and harbour ferries.
Hamburg is a port city: the Speicherstadt warehouses, the Elbphilharmonie and the fish market on Sunday mornings. Rent is high by German standards, so apply early for student housing.
Admission letter from University of Hamburg
Blocked account for living costs
German-recognised health insurance
APS certificate for applicants from India
English test at required level
Valid passport and national visa form
Deadlines depend on the programme. Many master's courses close in spring for October entry, and non-EU applicants sometimes face earlier dates. Check each course page early.
Most programmes start in the winter semester in October. Some master's courses also admit in April.
A German national student visa. Book the embassy appointment early (waits can be long), and bring your admission letter, a blocked account covering a year of living costs, health insurance and, if you studied in India, the APS certificate.
Climate system sciences, physics, economics and computer science are popular with international students. You need a relevant bachelor's degree and English at around IELTS 6.5; many bachelor's programmes are taught in German.
There is no tuition to cover, but the university and the DAAD offer stipends and completion grants. Deutschlandstipendium awards are open to international students too.
