Hamburg is one of Germany's largest higher education cities, with over 120,000 students and 36 private universities. The offering ranges from medicine and psychology at MSH to business at ISM and FOM, design at Brand University, and law at Bucerius Law School. Germany's second-largest city combines a powerful economy with high quality of life and one of the country's most diverse private university landscapes.
Hamburg is one of Germany's largest higher education cities, home to over 120,000 students across more than 40 institutions. Around 36 private universities offer over 240 programmes – more than almost any other German city. Subjects range from medicine and psychology at MSH Medical School Hamburg to business and management at ISM and FOM, design at Brand University, and law at Bucerius Law School. Most programmes have no NC restriction, with tuition starting from €99 per month.
Why study at a private university in Hamburg?
Hamburg combines one of Europe's strongest economies with a higher education landscape that is unmatched in breadth and specialisation. With 1.85 million residents, an international port, a thriving media and creative industry, and high quality of life, the Hanseatic city is one of Germany's most attractive study destinations.
Unrivalled density of private institutions
Hamburg has the highest concentration of private universities in northern Germany. MSH is one of few private universities in Germany offering a full medical degree programme. ISM and HSBA focus on international business programmes. Fresenius University covers psychology, business, and health. For creatives, Brand University and AMD offer specialised design and fashion programmes.
IU International University is the largest single provider at the location with over 35 programmes – in formats from dual studies to part-time and distance learning.
Economy, media, and port
Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and an international economic hub. The port, Airbus, the media landscape (Axel Springer, Gruner + Jahr, dpa), the advertising and creative industry, and a growing tech scene offer students direct access to internships and career entry. Kühne Logistics University leverages the port proximity for specialised logistics programmes.
Over 120,000 students make Hamburg one of Germany''s largest university cities
International flair and quality of life
Hamburg is one of Germany's most international cities. The share of international students is high, and many universities offer English-taught programmes. Quality of life is very high (index: 196.42, Numbeo) – the Alster lake, the Stadtpark, the Elbe river, and the nightlife on the Reeperbahn and in the Schanzenviertel define city life. Culturally, Hamburg offers theatres, musicals, museums, and a vibrant club scene.
What does it cost to live in Hamburg as a student?
Hamburg is among Germany's more expensive cities – the cost of living index is around 71 (Numbeo). Monthly living costs (excluding tuition) range between €1,000 and €1,400 for students.
Rent and housing
A room in a shared flat (WG) costs between €500 and €620 per month on average – making Hamburg the third most expensive university city in Germany (after Munich and Frankfurt). Popular neighbourhoods like Eimsbüttel, Ottensen, and the Schanzenviertel are in high demand. More affordable options can be found in Harburg, Bergedorf, or Wilhelmsburg.
Tip: The Studierendenwerk Hamburg offers dormitory rooms from around €280 per month. Waiting times can be several months – apply as early as possible.
Semester ticket and transport
The semester ticket costs around €190 per semester (approximately €32/month) and covers the entire HVV network – underground, S-Bahn, buses, and ferries. Hamburg's public transport network is one of the best in Germany: most districts are reachable within 30 minutes. Many students also cycle – Hamburg is continuously expanding its cycling infrastructure.
Daily expenses
Budget around €250–320 for groceries and household items per month. Canteen meals cost between €3 and €5. Leisure and culture add another €100–200 – Hamburg offers plenty, from musicals to harbour tours and the famous Fischmarkt. Health insurance is mandatory and costs approximately €110 per month.
Sample monthly budget:
- Rent (shared flat): €550
- Health insurance: €110
- Semester ticket: €32
- Groceries & household: €280
- Leisure & culture: €150
- Total: approx. €1,122 per month (excluding tuition fees)
What are the admission requirements at private universities in Hamburg?
Private universities in Hamburg admit students without an NC (numerus clausus). Each institution uses its own selection process, which varies by university and subject.
Application and admission
Most private universities require a letter of motivation, a CV, and a personal interview or online assessment. MSH and Bucerius Law School also conduct aptitude tests. At HSBA, a practice partner (company) is a prerequisite for admission to the dual programme. Application deadlines are more flexible than at public institutions – many offer multiple start dates per year.
International applicants
If you hold a non-German school-leaving certificate, verify that it is recognised in Germany (check anabin.kmk.org). For English-taught programmes, TOEFL or IELTS scores are typically required (B2/C1 level). Several universities in Hamburg offer fully English-taught degrees: ISM, Kühne Logistics University, UE, Bucerius Law School, and IU all have English-language programmes.
Studying without Abitur
All private universities in Hamburg accept students without Abitur – for example, with completed vocational training and professional experience. IU and FOM have particularly well-established pathways for experienced professionals.
How can you finance your studies at a private university in Hamburg?
Tuition fees at private universities in Hamburg vary widely: from €99/month (HSD Hochschule Döpfer) to €1,500/month (MSH, Human Medicine). Most programmes range between €300 and €750 per month. Total costs over the full duration range from €7,000 to €94,500 depending on the institution.
BAföG (state financial aid)
You can apply for BAföG at any state-recognised private university in Hamburg. The maximum rate is €934 per month (as of 2026). BAföG is generally not available for part-time programmes (FOM, HfaM). Half of BAföG is a grant, the other half an interest-free loan.
Scholarships and corporate partnerships
Many Hamburg universities award their own scholarships. Bucerius Law School is known for generous scholarship programmes. HSBA funds studies through practice partners who typically cover tuition. The Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month), foundations, and the DAAD also support students at private universities.
Tax deductions and part-time work
Tuition fees are tax-deductible as income-related expenses or special expenses. Hamburg offers one of Germany's largest job markets for working students – from port and logistics to media, advertising, IT, and e-commerce. As a working student (Werkstudent), you may work up to 20 hours per week.
Note: HSBA (Hamburg School of Business Administration) offers a dual study model where partner companies cover tuition and pay a salary. NORDAKADEMIE also finances studies through practice partners.
Frequently asked questions about studying privately in Hamburg
Yes. MSH Medical School Hamburg offers a full medical degree programme (Staatsexamen) as well as programmes in health sciences and psychology. Tuition for human medicine is €1,500 per month. For health-related programmes, Carl Remigius Medical School and Fresenius University also offer courses in Hamburg.
HSBA offers exclusively dual programmes in business and IT – partner companies cover tuition. IU has over 15 dual programmes at its Hamburg campus. NORDAKADEMIE also offers dual Bachelor''s programmes with a strong practical focus. Hamburg''s large job market makes finding practice partners comparatively easy.
Yes. Brand University of Applied Sciences specialises in brand design and innovation. AMD Akademie Mode & Design offers fashion, media, and design programmes. Macromedia University covers media, communication, and design. The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) adds film, photography, and illustration.
Yes, particularly due to the large job market. FOM offers evening and weekend programmes in business and management. The University of Applied Management has flexible attendance models. Euro-FH and Hamburger Fern-Hochschule offer distance learning with optional in-person sessions in Hamburg. The city''s economy provides ideal conditions for combining work and study.
The housing market in Hamburg is tight. Recommended: Studierendenwerk Hamburg (dormitory rooms from €280), WG-Gesucht.de, and university portals. More affordable districts include Harburg, Bergedorf, and Wilhelmsburg – all within 20–30 minutes of the city centre by S-Bahn. Hamburg''s southern districts have also become increasingly popular with students.
Very international. ISM, Kühne Logistics University, and UE offer fully English-taught programmes. Bucerius Law School integrates an international trimester abroad. IU offers English-taught Bachelor''s and Master''s programmes. As a port city and media hub, Hamburg attracts students from around the world.
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