13 Free and Cheap Universities in Hamburg for International Students

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In Hamburg, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Germany without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Hamburg, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 17 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Hamburg, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Hamburg for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Hamburg ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Hamburg 0 Euros 100%
Hamburg University of Technology 0 Euros 100%
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Helmut Schmidt University 0 Euros 100%
University of Fine Arts of Hamburg 0 Euros 100%
HafenCity University Hamburg 0 Euros 100%
Medical School Hamburg 4,680 Euros - 8,340 Euros 11%
Hamburg School of Business Administration 7,980 Euros -52%
AMD Academy of Fashion and Design 8,220 Euros - 8,700 Euros -57%
EBC University of Applied Sciences 10,800 Euros -106%
Brand University of Applied Sciences 11,600 Euros -120%
Kühne Logistics University 11,900 Euros - 13,300 Euros -127%
Bucerius Law School 12,900 Euros -146%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 5,229 Euros for universities in Hamburg.

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1. University of Hamburg

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.

2. Hamburg University of Technology

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.

3. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

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.

4. Helmut Schmidt University

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.

5. University of Fine Arts of Hamburg

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.

6. HafenCity University Hamburg

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. 

7. Medical School Hamburg

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.

8. Hamburg School of Business Administration

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.

9. AMD Academy of Fashion and Design

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.

10. EBC University of Applied Sciences

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.

11. Brand University of Applied Sciences

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.

12. Kühne Logistics University

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.

13. Bucerius Law School

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Hamburg for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Hamburg ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Hamburg 0 Euros 100%
Hamburg University of Technology 0 Euros 100%
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences 0 Euros 100%
Helmut Schmidt University 0 Euros 100%
University of Fine Arts of Hamburg 0 Euros 100%
HafenCity University Hamburg 0 Euros 100%
Medical School Hamburg 5,940 Euros - 8,340 Euros 6%
AMD Academy of Fashion and Design 7,140 Euros - 9,300 Euros -13%
EBC University of Applied Sciences 12,000 Euros -90%
Kühne Logistics University 13,900 Euros - 15,900 Euros -121%
Brand University of Applied Sciences 14,500 Euros -129%
Bucerius Law School 22,000 Euros -250%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 6,282 Euros for universities in Hamburg.

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1. University of Hamburg

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Hamburg should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Hamburg University of Technology

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Hamburg University of Technology. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Hamburg University of Technology is 0 Euros.

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.

3. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

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.

The tuition fee at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences for incoming international master’s students is 0 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Helmut Schmidt University

Another affordable university to consider in Hamburg is Helmut Schmidt University.

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 tuition fee in Helmut Schmidt University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Euros.

5. University of Fine Arts of Hamburg

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Fine Arts of Hamburg has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 0 Euros yearly.

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.

6. HafenCity University Hamburg

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. 

7. Medical School Hamburg

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.

8. AMD Academy of Fashion and Design

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.

9. EBC University of Applied Sciences

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.

10. Kühne Logistics University

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.

11. Brand University of Applied Sciences

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.

12. Bucerius Law School

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Hamburg?

Applying to cheap universities in Hamburg requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Germany for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Hamburg?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Hamburg. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Hamburg is the AMD Academy of Fashion and Design, which offers Fashion & Design Managment, Fashion Journalism & Communication, and Interior Design to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the AMD Academy of Fashion and Design offers Sustainability in Fashion and Creative Industries, Fashion and Retail Management, and Fashion and Product Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Hamburg, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Hamburg as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Hamburg for international students was helpful!