17 Best Universities In Hamburg For International Students 2025

Hamburg is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Germany. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 17 universities and colleges in Hamburg, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 17 universities in Hamburg, University of Hamburg and Hamburg University of Technology are the top-performing schools in Hamburg. This list covers both public and private institutions in Hamburg.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Hamburg. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Hamburg.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Hamburg?

Applying to the universities in Hamburg involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Hamburg to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Hamburg?

Tuition fees at Hamburg’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 0 Euros to 13,300 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 Euros to 22,000 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Hamburg!

As we cover the best universities in Hamburg for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Hamburg for International Students

The University of Hamburg (UHH) is a public research university in Hamburg and is among the largest universities in Germany. UHH is deeply woven into the development and structure of Hamburg and has over 180 properties scattered across the city. However, the main campus of the university is at Von-Melle-Park. In terms of teaching and research, UHH has distinguished itself. The university has made great strides in sustainability research and applies sustainable teaching and research practices.

The Hamburg University of Technology or Technische Universität Hamburg in German is known as TUHH or TU Hamburg. It is a relatively young institution in one of Germany’s largest cities. Interestingly, it has a private institution within it, formed through partnerships with companies. TUHH is top-ranked, with its chemical engineering discipline being part of the QS Top 300. Besides chemical engineering, many programs are offered, some of them English-taught.

The Hamburg University of Applied Sciences is a public center of learning in Germany. It is located in one of the country’s most famous tourist cities. Furthermore, it had its humble beginnings way back in the year 1970, and today, it is now known by many as a prominent institution.

Helmut Schmidt University is German military academic institution for officers and officer candidates founded in 1973. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in three semesters per academic year, allowing students to complete their education in a shorter time. At present, the university has around 2,500 students across its 4 academic departments.

The Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg (HFMT) is a specialized public school for music and theater established in 1950 in Budge-Palais, Hamburg, Germany. This prominent institution is ranked 51st in performing arts by the QS World Rankings. HFMT is one of the biggest German music schools and takes pride in its extensive list of renowned alumni and faculty.

Bucerius Law School is a relatively small and private institution in Hamburg City, Germany. It is Germany’s first private law school, founded by ZEIT-Stiftung Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius, one of the largest private foundations, to modernize and globalize law studies. Only a select number of programs are available at Bucerius Law School: undergraduate German law studies and master of law and business. They also have summer, exchange, and visiting student programs.

Established in 2006, the HafenCity University Hamburg is a relatively young university offering degree programs in engineering, architecture, and social sciences. It is known for its innovative research on different topics such as urban development, digitalization, and sustainability. The university also conducts several projects and initiatives focusing on urban design and development. 

HFH Hamburger Fern-Hochschule is a private institution in Hamburg City, Germany. This applied sciences university, established in 1997, is ranked 290th in Germany by EduRank. It offers courses at all levels, including dual and special studies.

Kühne Logistics University is a private academic institution in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 2010. It offers preparatory up to doctorate programs in Business, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management. The university currently has 400 students and around 24 faculty members with international backgrounds.

Hamburg School of Business Administration is a private specialized institution in Hamburg, Germany. It was established by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in 20014. The school offers limited business-related programs for bachelor’s and master’s students. It also cooperates with international universities through exchange program opportunities.

The University of Fine Arts of Hamburg is a public higher educational institution in Hamburg, Germany, notably recognized for its outstanding performance in arts and sciences disciplines. It was originally established in 1767 as Hamburger Gewerbeschule, also known as Hamburg Vocational School. The 255-year-old institution only has a small student body but offers very competitive degree programs, specifically in fine arts.

Standing for Akademie Mode & Design, AMD is a private institution that owns 5 different campuses across Germany. For nearly 30 years, the AMD Academy of Fashion and Design focused on preparing its students to enter a world full of artistic impressions and innovative creativity. Developing many helpful programs and collaborating with countless businesses, this university has helped thousands of graduates reach their dream goals in the design industry.

EBC University of Applied Sciences, also known as EBC Hochschule Hamburg, is a relatively young university, having been founded in 2008. It specializes in Business and Management courses, particularly at the Bachelor’s level. The university has two campuses and hosts more than 1,300 students.

Medical School Hamburg is a premier private higher education institution specializing in medicine, health sciences, art, and health and social sciences. It’s a young and modern university established in 2009 and offers a range of high-quality, innovative, and interdisciplinary courses in the field of medicine, health sciences, art, and social sciences. On top of that, the university was recognized by the Authority for Science, Research, and Equality of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg for training medical doctors and offering state examinations in human medicine. Moreover, it provides a welcoming and student-friendly environment and holds a broad international network of companies and universities abroad.

Euro-FH University of Applied Sciences is a private institution in Hamburg City, Germany. Its German name is Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg; thus, the acronym is Euro-FH. The institution is ranked 273rd in Germany and 12th in Hamburg.

Brand University of Applied Sciences is a young institution founded in 2010. It was formerly known as Brand Academy, and in 2019, the institution officially decided to rename the school to what its currently called. This unique institution offers distinct bachelor’s and master’s programs focusing solely on branding. Additionally, the university’s primary goal is to cultivate competent students who choose to pursue careers in the creative industry. And as such, the personal development of each student is highly prioritized. The institution ensures that the learning environment will consist of numerous training and countless projects to develop the students’ talents.

For students who want to become social educators or deacons, the Protestant University of Applied Sciences for Social Work and Deaconry is the ideal place to train and gain adequate experience. The university promotes inclusivity, the reason why it is well-regarded by students worldwide. It also provides intensive supervision and enables participatory teaching, which is vital in achieving quality education.