Fees and funding
How much does it cost to study in Hamburg?
University fees, insurance fees and living expenses - students face many costs. See our overview of significant cost items:
Tuition fees
The good news is: in October 2012 Universität Hamburg abolished tuition fees. Thus, students only have to cover a semester contribution.
Apropos semester contribution: it also covers the semester public transport pass that allows you to use public transportation in greater Hamburg all semester long.
Here comes the breakdown of the semester contribution plus information.
Health insurance
You have to submit proof of health insurance with your application for enrollment. Some of you may continue to be part of their parents' family insurance plan, thus being spared from health insurance costs.
Students older than 25 or with a monthly income of their own that exceeds EUR 505 cannot be insured in the framework of family insurance. You have to buy your own health insurance, if this applies to you. The fees for student health insurance with state insurance agencies are roughly €100 per month (including nursing care insurance).
The Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI), operated by Studierendenwerk Hamburg, gladly helps students and prospective students with all questions and problems related to health insurance and long-term care insurance.
Further costs
In addition to mere study expenses, there are the costs of living in Hamburg. If you do not live with your parents anymore, you have to include rent plus utilities, food, clothing, leisure activities as well as all other living expenses.
Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc. you ought to expect the following expenses:
- housing: ca. EUR 400–700 per month
- living expenses: ca. EUR 500–700 Euro per month
The Zusammenfassung der 21. Sozialerhebung zur wirtschaftlichen und sozialen Lage der Studierenden in Hamburg (2016) (PDF) (Summary of the 21st social survey on the economic and social situation of students in Hamburg)—conducted by the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) for Studierendenwerk Hamburg—provides an overview of income, expenses, and other aspects.
Funding options for students
You should draw up a sound budget plan to ensure that you can study without financial worry. Which funding opportunities for students does Hamburg offer?
Student jobs
Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-University job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.
Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.
There are several job opportunities in diverse areas of Universität Hamburg. Many of these jobs are offered exclusively to students enrolled at the University. There are often openings for:
For job ads of this kind, check out departmental bulletin boards, departmental websites, stellenwerk.de (want ads for Hamburg’s universities), or ask directly in your department.
- tutors
- student assistants (in the academic area) and student employees (in the administrative area)
- library assistants
- test subjects for studies conducted in the fields of psychology or in the social sciences
For job ads of this kind, check out departmental bulletin boards, departmental websites, via stellenwerk.de (want ads for Hamburg’s universities), or ask directly in your department.
German Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG)
The most popular and easiest way to finance your studies is BAföG. You can apply for this federal student loan scheme at the BAföG office at Studierendenwerk Hamburg.
Funding is granted based on the applicant’s personal situation. For the regular period of study, half of the funding is granted in the form of a subsidy and the other half is granted as a no-interest loan. You have to start paying back, in income-based installments, when you end your training or studies.
For more information about the requirements and applying, contact the Studierendenwerk Hamburg BAföG office.
Fellowships, Scholarships, and Grants
Fellowships, scholarships, and grants are some of the best ways to finance your studies. There are ample offers nationally and internationally. For an overview, see:
Look at the Studierendenwerk Hamburg pages for more information about these and for advice on funding your studies.
Universität Hamburg also offers scholarships:
- the Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)Universität Hamburg awards the Deutschlandstipendium to students who are already enrolled. The application call takes place every fall. Funding is not granted for doctoral studies.
- Scholarships and grants for studying abroad
- Scholarships to study abroad
- Funding for study abroad (study; internships; language courses; research) Hamburglobal scholarships
- Scholarships for international students
- You do not need to be a German citizen; you must have been enrolled at Universität Hamburg for at least 2 semesters; you must have a good academic record. Merit scholarships for international students
- You do not need to be a German citizen; you must have been enrolled at Universität Hamburg for at least 2 semesters; you need the funding to complete your studies. Degree completion grants for international students
See the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen for more information about scholarships and other ways foundations can help you fund your studies.
Educational loans
Regardless of BaföG, you can also take out an individual educational loan to finance your studies. Find further information on the webpages of the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt, BVA).
Student loans help to bridge financial squeezes. However, they also bear the risk of getting you into debt. You can apply for loans from the state-owned KfW bank (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau). In addition several private financial institutions offer so-called education and student loans. We strongly recommend that you get advice at Studierendenwerk Hamburg (student services), before applying for a loan!
Loans / financing final phase of study
Studierendenwerk Hamburg maintains a loan scheme for students in need of financial aid.
Studierendenwerk Hamburg (loans / financing final phase of study, in German only)
Social benefits
Students are eligible for the following benefits:
- child benefit
- housing benefit
- housing and heating subsidies (within normal range)
- SGB II (unemployment benefits)
- social benefits for special extenuating circumstances