The University of Hamburg (Universität Hamburg / UHH) is a massive, state-run research university founded in 1919 in Hamburg, Germany. After more than a century, it has grown to become among the best of Germany's research and higher education institutions—strong on academic breadth and on excellence.

Student Body & Programmes

UHH provides more than 170 degree programs, from Bachelor's to Master's, teacher training, and state examination ("Staatsexamen") programs.

During the Winter Semester 2023/24, approximately 42,397 students were enrolled (doctoral candidates, leave of absence students). Roughly 14% are international students; around 57% of students are female.

Doctoral education is strong: about 5,700+ doctoral researchers are enrolled.

University of Hamburg

Language of Instruction & Entry Requirements

For Bachelor’s programmes, most are taught in German. If a programme leads to Staatsexamen, Diplom/Magister, or Bakkalaureat, applicants must prove adequate German proficiency.

English-language Master’s programmes or programmes with mixed German-English instruction are available. For accurate language needs, you will have to read the program description very carefully.

As for the program, non-native speakers of German may need to provide accredited credentials like TestDaF, DSH, etc.

Facilities, Support & Research

UHH is well-resourced in terms of research infrastructure. For example, the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) has supercomputers, wind tunnels (including the largest boundary layer wind tunnel in Europe), data centres, control stations for German research vessels, and extensive libraries.

The “Clusters of Excellence” initiative is active: UHH hosts Clusters in Advanced Imaging of Matter (photon and nanosciences), Climate, Climatic Change, and Society; Understanding Written Artefacts; Quantum Universe (mathematics, particle/astroparticle physics, etc.). These give students & researchers access to very high-standard facilities and strong research networks.

Libraries and core facilities are widespread: there's a network of faculty libraries, specialized labs, a comprehensive research information system (FIS) for tracking projects and cooperation.

Student Life, Location & Lifestyle

The university is not one single compact campus. Many faculties and buildings are found in and around the main Von-Melle-Park in Rotherbaum, the Grindelviertel, near Alster lakes; others are dispersed across Hamburg. This gives a city-within-university feel.

Between lectures, students can relax in lakeside parks (Alster), in cafés, be part of many student organisations. Over 100 sports groups are active. There are cultural events, music, theater, etc.

For international students, there is support: the International Office helps with admissions, visa, integration; “Welcome Service” supports for non-academic issues (housing, health insurance etc.).

Accommodation: it is competitive, but there are dorms provided by Studierendenwerk Hamburg. Early registration is recommended for students.

Accreditations & Quality Assurance

Degree programmes in Business Administration (both bachelor and master) are formally accredited.

In the natural sciences, for example the BSc Meteorology and MSc Atmospheric Science programs are accredited without conditions.

UHH is officially recognised as one of Germany’s “Universities of Excellence,” meaning strong governmental support, funding, and high expectations for research performance. This enhances its prestige and resources.

Why Choose UHH

Research strength: If you want programs with strong research components (especially in climate, physics, imaging, manuscripts, quantum physics), UHH excels.

Large selection: With 170+ programmes, many fields are covered. Even if many Bachelor’s are German-taught, there are English and bilingual options at Master’s level.

Intensive guidance for international students: visa, housing, integration, English courses, etc.

Lifestyle & location: Hamburg is a big, cosmopolitan world city with culture, nature (lakes, parks), excellent transport, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Cost effectiveness: Being a German public university, it's inexpensive or even free; students only pay semester contributions/administrative fees.