What is free
- No tuition fees for international students on degree programmes.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None for international degree students |
| Semester contribution (€402 for winter 2026/27, including a public-transport pass for greater Hamburg) | You, every semester |
| Health insurance: about €145 a month with a public insurer; students from outside the EU who are over 30 on arrival generally need private cover | You |
| Living costs: about €1,000–€1,600 a month; a student-hall room is usually €350–€450 | You. For the visa you must first prove €11,904 for your first year |
| German national (student) visa | You, €75 |
Who can apply
- Open to all nationalities with qualifications recognised for the level you apply to.
- Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German. Master's programmes vary: several are in English, each with its own language requirements.
- Master's applicants must meet the programme's subject requirements, which are checked against your transcript.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- Your online application in STiNE, with only the documents your programme asks for; paper documents sent by post are not considered
- Proof of the language of instruction your programme requires (German for most bachelor's degrees)
- After admission: online enrolment within 7 days of your admission letter; this deadline is final
- Your first degree certificate for a master's; if it is not issued yet, submit it by the end of your first semester (31 March or 30 September)
- Your health-insurance status (insured or exempt), reported to the university by a public health insurer; you cannot be enrolled without it
How to apply
- Pick a programme and read its entry requirements and language rules.
- Apply online through the university's application platform (STiNE). Upload documents only when asked; posted paper documents are discarded.
- Winter-semester windows for 2026/27 were: master's 1 May – 15 June; bachelor's 1 June – 15 July. Some bachelor's programmes also admit for the summer semester; check the dates on the Campus Center application page.
- Check your programme page: some master's programmes set earlier deadlines for non-EU applicants (31 December in some cases).
Before you apply: things to know
- In 2026, master's applications closed on 15 June, a month before bachelor's (15 July); don't assume one date fits all.
- Individual programmes can override the general dates. The programme page always wins.
- Hamburg housing is expensive and competitive; start looking as soon as you apply.
Common questions
How quickly must I enrol after I am admitted?
Within 7 days of receiving your admission letter. Hamburg says this deadline is final and cannot be extended, so have your documents ready before the letter arrives.
Do I need German health insurance?
Yes. To enrol you must be insured with a public health insurer, or exempted through one, and the insurer reports your status to the university electronically.
Is studying in Hamburg really free?
Tuition is free, but you pay the semester contribution (€402 for winter 2026/27, which includes a transport pass), health insurance and living costs of roughly €1,000–€1,600 a month.