

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
- Last Updated on: May 15, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), a German university that spearheads technology and social education, with copious students and faculty strength, it offers plethora of augmented undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It accentuate problem solving skills and practical learning of the subject, with strategic partnership with leading universities across the world, it offers enriching global perspective. The university emphasizes on insights of applied sciences, fosters groundbreaking innovations and prepares students to tackle professional obstacles, enabling to shape a better world
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why Choose this Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Practical Approach & Internationalization
- HAW Hamburg stress upon practical deliverance of academic programs, most of the courses integrate augmented projects, case studies and collaborative learning with industry representatives. This approach prepares and equip students with relevant skills and knowledge
- University is dedicated to enhance global collaborations, in the process of internationalization, it has partnership with acclaimed global universities, such as California State University, Long Beach. It is also home to overseas students from multiple countries, offering multi-cultural learning experience
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Academic Reputation & City of Hamburg
- HAW Hamburg is an acclaimed institution of applied sciences, imparting impactful courses in distinguished German education system, programs are taught combining practical learning, enabling students to grasp relevant skills for professional excellence
- The city of Hamburg offers rich vibrancy of urban dwelling, one of the most livable cities of the world, providing tranquil and secure environment to students from different countries. It serves as an ideal academic destination with urban and cultural traits
Career-Oriented & Diversified Courses
- As HAW Hamburg emphasizes on practical training, letting students with adequate skills and subject proficiency to excel professionally, university’s partnerships with prestigious industries, internships opportunities and employment prospects ensures students transit seamlessly into professional world
- University promotes interdisciplinary learning, offering a manifold of programs in the disciplines of engineering, business, media, design, life & social sciences that are curated with the recommendations of industry relevance
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Campus Facilities at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
HAW Hamburg operates through multiple campuses located at Hamburg, each campus has its own specialization and facilities, allowing students to pursue education in a conducive and peaceful atmosphere
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Finkenau Campus (Art & Media Campus) : It is home to faculty of Media, Design and Information, offering relevant academic and recreational facilities such as state of the art Production Laboratories and Sound Studios necessary for students pursuing concerned disciplines. It also boast various social spaces like cafeterias and specified spaces for discerning and collaborative academic activities. The campus is in close proximity to Alster, offering students the opportunity to explore the surroundings of the area
Armgartstraße Campus : This campus of HWA Hamburg offers world-class programs in textile, fashion and costume design under the tutelage of design, media and information faculty. It offers sufficient facilities with regard to the concerning academic programs such as exhibition spaces, studios and sewing halls, café’s and relaxing spaces facilitates recreational spaces. The campus is close to Alster, it also offers accommodation adjacent to the campus
Bergedorf Campus : This campus specializes in Life Sciences faculty, offering adequate facilities for concerned subjects, it is equipped with library, café’s, lounges and other relaxation spaces. The campus is about 20 minutes drive from Hamburg, and also provides hall of residence at Allermöhe, close to the campus
Berliner Tor Campus : The main administrative campus of HAW Hamburg, specialization in the faculty of business, social sciences, engineering and computer science. It offers a manifold of laboratories, computer labs and libraries, café’s and eateries facilitates social gatherings of students. It also houses international office and students center, fitness centers and sports facilities are available, Schwimmhalle, a large swimming pool is also available at the campus. Accommodation facility is located at walkable distance from academic blocks
Students Services Offered by Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
First Year Orientation & Counseling Office
- The orientation for newly enrolled students at the university helps in quick adaptation to campus environment, these orientation programs ensures awareness with regard to extracurricular activities, academic schedule and facilities of the campus
- HAW Hamburg prioritizes overall well-being of the students, it offers personalized and expert counselling to students related to academic issues, course selection and career guidance, comprehensive counseling is also provided for psychological and mental well-being, additionally extended support to disabled and chronic illness students ensures inclusivity
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International & Admission Office
- HAW Hamburg’s International office dedicatedly provides support to overseas students, visiting scholars and exchange program students, extensive support such as visa assistance, accommodation and integration into campus life is also offered to students
- Its Welcome Center program is designed to help non-local students settle hassle-free in the campus environment
- The Admission office facilitates enrollment and admission processes, offers guidance in various queries related to admission and registration process
Inclusivity Initiatives & Peer Support
- HAW Hamburg rigorously promotes the integration and adaptation of overseas students in academic and cultural atmosphere of Germany
- Its inclusivity initiative, Bunte Hände fosters the feeling on oneness among students from refugee background and other students from multiple ethnicities. The university inclusivity programs ensures uniform participation of students in different campus activities
- Team of experienced peers at the university offers unconditional support to incoming students related to campus navigation, facilities and general academic queries
Study Abroad & Advisory Services
- HAW Hamburg offers complete support to students who are aspiring overseas studies, guidance in financial aspect and documentation is provided, including ERASMUS+ programs
- Students at the university, facing untoward challenges like discrimination, physical disabilities or any conflicts are provided with tailored support through advisory services, it also promotes advocacy, allowing equal participation in academic activities
Students Life at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Health, Well-Being & Sports, Culture
- HAW Hamburg is fully committed to provide comprehensive support for health and wellbeing, it offers counseling to students who are facing any psychological or emotional distress
- In addition, it extended support to disabled and chronic illness students ensures inclusivity
- University offers participation in choir group to all students, who are interested, it fosters collaboration and friendship among students, it also encourage various student led events and initiatives all round the year
- Fitness centers and sports infrastructure ensures physical fitness of the students, Alster and Eilbek canal located near to the campuses, offers fitness activities like cycling, jogging etc.
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Diverse Campus Life & Dining Options
- HAW Hamburg’s all campuses are thoroughly equipped with academic and recreational facilities, offering café’s, lounges, cafeterias and libraries, ensuring students get an enriching campus experience, moreover, the staff and faculty create a vibrant atmosphere with collaboration and interactions, necessary for thriving academically
- All four campuses of HAW Hamburg has adequate café’s and eateries, offering affordable food and a conducive environment for socializing and munching a bite during academic lectures, the food is delicious and caters to the need of diversified students
Students Led Initiatives & Accommodation
- HAW Hamburg promotes students led initiatives, that fosters interdisciplinary innovations and collaborations, there are several projects that brings students from all disciplines to solve a critical problem
- Bunte Hände, an initiative that fosters feeling on oneness among students from refugee background and other students from multiple ethnicities
- Students have the privilege to choose accommodation of their choice, HAW Hamburg offers accommodation near to the campuses of Berliner Tor and Armgartstraße, ensuring students stay close to the campuses for convenience aspect
- Students can also opt for private residences in the city, university will provide all relevant information and guidance
City of Hamburg & Students Council
- The city of Hamburg offers rich vibrancy of urban dwelling, one of the most livable cities of the world, providing tranquil and secure environment to students from different countries
- Hamburg has several places likes canals, museums and music venues, adding charm to the city, students can explore these places during study break
- HAW Hamburg boast its students union, a body which actively voice the concerns of students, the students parliament ensures that each and every student get equal access to academic facilities
Scholarships at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Scholarships from External Funders : These scholarships are exclusively funded or sponsored by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Program), private individuals and public foundations. Students from all disciplines and programs are eligible for these scholarships, depending on the financial requirements. Eligibility criteria mostly depends on academic brilliance, financial need and expressive motivation letter, however, few other conditions such as origin of country and course pursuance are also mandatory
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DAAD Prize for International Students : This prize is awarded to those international students who excels academically and show keen interest in fostering intercultural activities and internationalization of the university. Students who satisfy these conditions are nominated by the faculty or staff of HAW Hamburg, in order to be a recipient of the scholarship
Final Year Scholarship for International Students (Studierendenwerk Hamburg) : It is available to international students enrolled at the university, and are on the verge of completion of studies. It is applicable for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, uniformity in academic performance and genuine need for finances are compulsory conditions to claim this scholarship
Excellence Scholarships for International Students (HAW Hamburg) : Scholarships are awarded to those overseas students who achieves excellence in their respective programs, active participation in academic and extracurricular activities boost the prospects for receiving this scholarship. This scholarship is only offered to undergraduate students from third subject semester onwards and postgraduate students from second subject semester onwards
Deutschland stipendium (German Scholarship) : This German scholarship is open to all students, including overseas students enrolled at the university, to be eligible, students must have outstanding academic achievements and commitment towards social activities. Although financial need is not a mandatory criteria, but students who actively participate in community projects are preferred. It offers €350 per month to the recipients, jointly funded by federal government and private donors
Application Process for Scholarship : Applicants who are interested to get scholarships must submit relevant documents such as academic transcripts, enrollment details, motivation letter detailing the need for financial assistance, additionally few scholarships also requires evidence of financial need and social engagement. Students must regularly check the starting and ending dates of scholarships from international office
Internships & Placements at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Mandatory Internship Semester
- HAW Hamburg prioritizes practical knowledge during the course of study, it integrates internship semester in most of the programs, ensuring students get the insights of industry practices during studies, internship semester is mandatory for all students
- University offers complete support for students in securing an internship facilitated by coordinators and faculty, moreover, HAW Hamburg has partnership with leading industries, that helps students to secure internships with any extra effort
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ERASMUS+ Internship Program
- Through ERASMUS+ internship program, students can opt for European internship opportunities at partnered universities or organizations, ERASMUS scholarship are facilitated for students to cover the financial expenses
- All students enrolled at the university are eligible, provided they must show interest for research in Europe, also demonstrate intercultural and industry skills
UAS7 Research Internships
- HAW Hamburg is a member of UAS7 group, thereby facilitates up to six months of research internship for United States students only, students can go for research internship in the disciplines of simulation, energy technology or multi-agent modelling
- The applications for this internship can be submitted on or before 15th February for winter semester, October 1st for summer semester, applications must be submitted via UAS7 New York office only
Research Semester for Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students
- Students enrolled at the university at undergraduate or postgraduate levels can opt for thesis or participate in research projects, these research semester schedule is up to five months, and starts in April or October
- Students can choose different disciplines for research such as engineering, business, computer science, life sciences and media, students must get in touch with concerned professors for availability if the projects. The applications deadlines are, on or before 30th April for October schedule and October 30th for April schedule
International Internships & Partnership
- HAW Hamburg has partnership with leading universities and organizations across the world, facilitating global internships opportunities to students
- These international opportunities are available for students from different disciplines, who have keen interest for acquiring global experience
Entry Requirements at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
For Undergraduate Entry
- Applicants can seek direct entry into undergraduate programs through sufficing one of these academic criteria
- Abitur – German school leaving certificate
- Fachhochschulreife – entrance qualification for technical universities
- Fachgebundene Hochschulreife – a subject specialty for entrance into higher education
- Overseas students must authenticate their academic certificate with German education system to seek entry into the university programs
- Few programs in the disciplines of Design, Media and Information may require a portfolio or an entrance exam qualification for entry
Language Proficiency Requirements
- Majority of programs are taught in German language, hence applicants must have language proficiency of minimum C1 (CEFR) or pass in other tests such as TestDaf, Goethe Zertifikat or DSH
- For Programs taught in English medium, applicants must possess at least 5.5 – 7.0 in IELTS or overall score in the range of 72 – 110 in TOEFL iBT
- International students must submit relevant documents such as academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency scores on Uni-Assist portal, which facilitates international applications
For Postgraduate Entry
- For most of the programs, a bachelor’s degree in concerned subject with strong grades or GPA is required
- Few programs at HAW Hamburg may ask for relevant experience, research proposal and motivation letter, additionally, some other programs in the disciplines of science and technical may demand higher grades in core subjects
Language Proficiency Requirements : C1 (CEFR) in German language is mandatory for programs taught in German language, while minimum 6.5 – 7.0 in IELTS or 90 – 110 in TOEFL iBT for English taught programs
Deadlines
- Winter semester – on or before 30th April
- Summer semester – on or before 30th October
Application Guidelines for Overseas Students
- International applicants who failed to satisfy the basic entry requirements for entry into HAW Hamburg may opt for StudienKolleg Preparatory course
- Note : the preparatory course at the university will be discontinued after 2024
- Most of the programs at the university di not requires any entrance exam, but some programs in the disciplines of Design, Media and Information may require additional requisites
- In order to pursue education at HAW Hamburg, International students must secure a student visa by submitting relevant documents such as accommodation, health insurance and proof of funds
English Taught Programs : HAW Hamburg offers programs in English medium in the disciplines of business, engineering and life sciences at postgraduate level, international students who doesn’t have German language proficiency can opt for these programs with strong English language proficiency
Rankings & Awards of Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Global & National Rankings
HAW Hamburg holds a global rank of 1262nd, and was ranked 67th in Germany in 2021
Research Impact & Notable Recognition
- HAW Hamburg is a proud member of UAS7 group, a German universities network group, being a member of the group, reflects the commitment and dedication for conducting groundbreaking research and innovative ideas for solving pertinent issues
- University has consistently performed well and received respectable rankings in the disciplines of engineering, life sciences and design, signifying its commitment towards practice oriented approach
- The rankings was duly acknowledged by leading agencies like Times Higher Education and College Dunia, making it a reputed international university
Acceptance Rate of Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg)
- HAW Hamburg has acceptance rate of 24% only, highlighting the strict competition for admissions, only 1 candidate gets a seat out of 4, reflecting the need of academic excellence and entry requirements of the university
- Strong academic achievements and talented applicants gets the opportunity to study at the university, both undergraduate and postgraduate aspiring applicants must ensure high levels of competition to gain entry
- Moreover, Portfolio, relevant experience and entrance exam for certain programs adds another layer of evaluation for gaining entry into the university
- €75 is applicable as application fee at HAW Hamburg, application sent only via Uni-Assist with all relevant documents are entertained
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