Hamburg, situated in northern Germany, is a bustling city known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. As Germany鈥檚 second largest city, it boasts a population of around 1.8 million residents. Located on the banks of the Elbe River, Hamburg has long played a pivotal role in global trade and commerce, with a history rooted in its status as a major port city.
Today, Hamburg continues to thrive as a hub for business, innovation and technology. The city is home to leading companies across various industries, including shipping, aerospace, and media. Its diverse population is welcoming, and the large international community make Hamburg an inclusive destination.
Hamburg鈥檚 appeal extends to education, with a host of world class universities and research institutes. International students flock to the city for high quality academic programmes and a chance to experience the German culture in an exciting urban environment. With a lively arts scene, diverse food options and many recreational activities, Hamburg offers international students a fulfilling and enriching experience.
Established in 1919, the University of Hamburg is dedicated to providing a research focused educational environment to international students. With around 43,000 students, including a significant international community, the university offers a wide range of programmes across a variety of disciplines. It boasts a diverse and vibrant academic community, attracting students from all over the world.
The University of Hamburg鈥檚 commitment to research excellence is evident through its affiliation with prestigious institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law. Located in the heart of Hamburg, the university has played an important role in shaping both education and research in Germany, and continues to be a hub for intellectual exploration and innovation.
Founded in 1978 with a strong focus on engineering and technology, Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) is dedicated to providing a research oriented and internationally welcoming academic experience. With around 8,000 students, including a diverse international community, TUHH offers a variety of engineering and science programmes.
Situated in the vibrant city of Hamburg, the university is known for its cutting edge research in areas like aerospace engineering and renewable energy. TUHH鈥檚 commitment to research and innovation continues to make it a preferred destination for students seeking expertise in engineering and technology fields.
Below are the top-ranked Hamburg universities for international students, with their ranks in two of the world鈥檚 most well-respected international university rankings, the QS 2025 University World rankings and the Times Higher Education 2025 Rankings.
For more information about rankings systems and methodologies see our University rankings explained guide.
| University | QS World Ranking 2025 | Times Higher Education Ranking 2025 |
| Universit盲t Hamburg | 191 | =132 |
| Technische Universit盲t Hamburg | – | 501-600 |
International students considering Hamburg will be pleased to know that public universities in Germany do not normally charge tuition fees to domestic or international students. You will be expected to pay a semester fee as an international student, which is normally around 150-400 Euros.
In terms of living costs, Hamburg is in line with other German cities. On average, international students would budget between 800-900 US Dollars per month. This covers your accommodation, food, public transportation, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses. With minimal tuition fees and reasonable living costs, Hamburg offers a budget friendly option for international students seeking quality education.
Hamburg offers an exciting and enriching experience for international students. The city鈥檚 vibrant cultural scene includes many popular attractions such as the Elbphilharmonie, which is a renowned concert hall with stunning architectural features, and the Speicherstadt, which is the world鈥檚 largest warehouse complex that鈥檚 now a UNESCO World Heritage site due to it鈥檚 historical importance. For those interested in the maritime history of Hamburg, the International Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of nautical knowledge.
In terms of nightlife, Hamburg doesn’t disappoint. The Reeperbahn, Hamburg鈥檚 famous entertainment district, comes alive at night with countless bars, clubs and theatres. There鈥檚 no shortage of live music venues and trendy bars for you to explore.
As well as this, Hamburg also boasts an incredibly diverse culinary scene, from seafood at the Fish Market to international cuisines in Sternschanze. Plus, with an excellent public transport system, you can easily explore the city鈥檚 various neighbourhoods, parks and waterfronts.
Hamburg鈥檚 central European location makes it a convenient gateway to nearby destinations, and the Hamburg Airport ensures that you can access many different countries. Whether you鈥檙e seeking cultural experiences, a vibrant nightlife, or easy access to wider Europe, Hamburg offers a well-rounded and dynamic lifestyle for international students.
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