The University Universität Hamburg is the largest institution for research and education in northern Germany. As one of the country’s largest universities, we offer a diverse range of degree programs and excellent research opportunities. The University boasts numerous interdisciplinary projects in a broad range of fields and an extensive partner network of leading regional, national, and international higher education and research institutions. Sustainable Science and Scholarship Universität Hamburg is committed to sustainability.
All our faculties have taken great strides towards sustainability in both research and teaching.
As part of the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State Governments, Universität Hamburg has been granted clusters of excellence for 4 core research areas: Advanced Imaging of Matter (photon and nanosciences), Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS) (climate research), Understanding Written Artefacts (manuscript research) and Quantum Universe (mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology).
An equally important core research area is Infection Research, in which researchers investigate the structure, dynamics, and mechanisms of infection processes to promote the development of new treatment methods and therapies.
Furthermore, alongside 10 universities and 1 university alliance, Universität Hamburg was named a University of Excellence and was deemed a "flagship university."
Universität Hamburg offers more than 180-degree programs within its eight faculties:
Universität Hamburg is also home to several museums and collections, such as the Herbarium Hamburgense, the Geological-Paleontological Museum, the Loki Schmidt Garden, and the Hamburg Observatory.
Universität Hamburg was founded in 1919 by local citizens. Important founding figures include Senator Werner von Melle and the merchant Edmund Siemers. Nobel Prize winners such as the physicists Otto Stern, Wolfgang Pauli, and Isidor Rabi taught and researched at the University. Many other distinguished scholars, such as Ernst Cassirer, Erwin Panofsky, Aby Warburg, William Stern, Agathe Lasch, Magdalene Schoch, Emil Artin, Ralf Dahrendorf, and Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker, also worked here.
Universität Hamburg consists of many departments spread out all over the city. The campus, located between Grindel and Rotherbaum quarters, is of special significance. Due to the great number of buildings, it can be difficult to find your way, especially if you are a newcomer; to ensure you do not get lost on your way to class, check out our compilation of information and tips about the campus, including the Campus Navigator.
University life does not only revolve around studying; student life is also about meeting people and having fun. Our campus is the perfect place to mature and develop.
Campus life marches to the beat of its drum. You will always find time between classes to drop by your favorite dining hall or café. You can indulge your musical interests in the University’s choir and orchestra. Student theater groups and over 100 different sporting groups are always keen to welcome new members.
Political activism and social engagement also form an important part of student life. There are plenty of student groups to join if you want to get involved in student politics or support a good cause.
Universität Hamburg’s Campus harbors a lively community with very diverse opinions, cultural backgrounds, and interests—it pays to mingle!
Enjoy campus life at Universität Hamburg!
When applying for a bachelor or state examination program, no paper documents need to be submitted to Universität Hamburg. Paper documents that are sent to the campus center will be disposed of. If your application requires a review of documents, you will be prompted to upload them in the online application form. If you can submit your application without uploading, your application requires no documents!
To enter the Federal Republic of Germany, you normally need an entry visa. Make sure you apply for this visa in good time at the German diplomatic mission in your home country.
EU nationals and nationals of certain countries do not need a visa to enter Germany (e.g., Australia, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Canada, Liechtenstein, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States).
Universität Hamburg recommends that you apply for a university applicant visa directly after you receive confirmation of your applicant status. This way you can enter Germany in time for the beginning of your studies.
What visa can university applicants use to enter Germany?
As an applicant, you can apply either for the university applicant visa or a student visa to enter Germany. To apply for a student visa, you will need to provide proof that you have been offered a university place (i.e., your acceptance letter). You can apply for a university applicant visa if you have applied to Universität Hamburg and have received confirmation of your application.
As a rule, you should apply for a visa to enter Germany as soon as you receive written confirmation of your studies from Universität Hamburg (invitation, letter of confirmation).
Important: If possible, apply for a visa for the entire intended duration of your stay in Germany. This is possible if you wish to stay in Germany for a maximum of 12 months. Your visa will then be valid for your entire stay, and you can avoid having to pay for a residency permit in Hamburg.
Universität Hamburg awards scholarships to foster education and professional development, especially for students, doctoral researchers, and postdoctoral researchers. The Central Scholarship Office advises scholarship providers on awarding procedures according to the University’s directive and lends administrative support.
