University of Hamburg: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Most programs at the University of Hamburg are tuition-free, reinforcing Germany’s commitment to accessible higher education. Students only pay a semester fee of €343 (INR 33K), which covers administrative costs, student services, and public transport. Only select professional programs like the MBA charge tuition.

Review the table to understand which programs include tuition fees and which do not.

While tuition may be minimal or waived, there are other living and academic expenses to consider during your time in Hamburg.

The University of Hamburg supports students through a range of funding options based on merit, financial need, and personal background. In 2025, 329 students received the Deutschlandstipendium, making it the university’s largest on-campus scholarship program. 

Start by exploring the internal scholarships directly offered by the university.

Internal Scholarships

The University of Hamburg provides a range of fully-funded scholarships to support students in different academic and personal situations. For example, the Merit Scholarship offers up to €930 (INR 89K)per month for high-performing students who also contribute to the community.

Below are the main internal scholarships you can apply for as an enrolled student.

In addition to internal support, you can also explore nationally and internationally funded scholarships available to students at the University of Hamburg.

External Scholarships

Several national and European scholarship providers support international students at the University of Hamburg. For instance, DAAD scholarships offer up to €1,200 (INR 1.15L) per month for PhD students, along with travel, insurance, and language course benefits. These programs are highly competitive and often require both academic merit and social engagement.

Explore the top external scholarships available to help fund your studies.

Scholarships support your academic journey, but understanding the university's placement record can help you plan for your career.

The University of Hamburg has shown steady growth in international rankings. It currently holds the 31st position in the QS Europe University Rankings – Western Europe, reflecting its competitive edge among regional peers. Globally, it continues to rise across major ranking platforms, especially in research-intensive categories.

Check how the University of Hamburg stands against top universities in Germany and in the world. 

Rankings become more insightful when you break them down by subject. Some disciplines at the University of Hamburg consistently outperform others on the global stage.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

The University of Hamburg earns strong subject-specific recognition in international rankings. Its arts and humanities program ranks 97th in the latest THE World Rankings, showing consistent global academic strength. Law, economics, and medical sciences also receive notable placements.

Take a look at how selected programs at the University of Hamburg perform across ranking bodies.

Strong academic departments are supported by well-equipped campuses that bring research and learning together in one place.

University of Hamburg Campuses 

The University of Hamburg operates across four distinct campuses, each dedicated to specialized research, teaching, and public engagement. These campuses reflect the university’s strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and scientific advancement, from humanities and law to climate science and molecular research.

Explore what each campus has to offer and how it contributes to your academic experience when you study in Germany at the University of Hamburg.

• Von-Melle-Park Campus
  • Hosts the Audimax, one of Germany’s largest university auditoriums, often used for public science lectures and cultural events.
  • Home to the State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky, holding over 4 million volumes and rare manuscripts.
  • Features the University Museum, which exhibits Hamburg’s academic history through scientific instruments and archival displays.
• Bundesstraße Campus
  • Headquarters of the Cluster of Excellence for Climate, Climatic Change and Society (CLICCS), funded by the German Research Foundation.
  • Includes a supercomputer facility supporting climate modeling and data-intensive geophysical research.
  • Integrates student-led climate action labs, promoting applied research and public policy outreach.
• Klein Flottbek Campus
  • Site of the Botanical Garden (Loki-Schmidt-Garten), which includes themed gardens like the Japan Garden and tropical greenhouses.
  • Regularly hosts “Botanik trifft Kunst,” a seasonal event merging plant science with contemporary art installations.
  • Houses the Molecular Plant Genetics lab, known for genome research on stress-resilient crops.
• Science City Hamburg-Bahrenfeld
  • Co-hosts the European XFEL, a high-speed X-ray laser facility used in atomic-scale research.
  • Supports the PIER Helmholtz Graduate School, combining industry, research, and entrepreneurship.
  • Hosts annual “Long Night of Knowledge,” where labs open to the public with science demos and interactive tours.

Understanding campus features gives you insight into the environment you'll be studying in. Now see what you need to apply and get started.