For a quality education, many people choose the University of Hamburg (Universität Hamburg). It is the third largest university in Germany and an advanced research center, where students harmoniously combine the study of theory with practical training.
History of University
Hamburg is a large port city in northern Germany, famous for its parks, countless canals, entertainment centers and architectural monuments.
Before the appearance of the university, there was an Academic Gymnasium, in which students listened to lectures for two semesters. In 1919, a higher educational institution was created on its basis. Shortly before this, German businessman Edmund Seimers donated one of his buildings for lectures and research. Now it is the main building of the university.
In the first years after opening, a little over 1,700 students studied at the university.
Gradually, their number increased to 6,000, and then to 19,000. Currently, about 39,000 young people, including foreigners, are studying here.
The pride of the University of Hamburg are its graduates: Hans Krebs, Harald zur Hausen and Johannes Hans Daniel Jensen, who later became Nobel Prize winners. In addition, this university graduated from the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Helmut Schmidt, the first burgomaster of Hamburg Paul Nevermann, the historian Leo Strauss.
Over the years, the university taught the linguist Karl Meinhof, physicist, Nobel Prize laureate Otto Stern, astronomer Walter Fricke.
University faculties
The University of Hamburg currently offers a wide range of specialties. It includes the following faculties:
- jurisprudence;
- medicine;
- pedagogy and psychology;
- natural science, computer science and mathematics;
- humanitarian direction.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences has opened departments of astrophysics, earth sciences, chemistry, biology and bioinformatics, which train specialists in demand all over the world.
The Faculty of Humanities includes the departments of History, Philosophy, Evangelical Theology, European Languages and Literature. The Institute for the Study of Asian and African Countries operates under him.
The Faculty of Medicine is one of the most prestigious. Studying here, students successfully combine theoretical studies with laboratory research and practice at a medical center operating at the university.
Students are offered undergraduate and graduate programs. For undergraduate studies, teaching is conducted in German. Master's studies are possible in English.
Programs implemented in cooperation with Russian universities
Hamburg University closely cooperates with St. Petersburg State University. A cooperation agreement was signed between these educational institutions, on the basis of which the exchange of students is carried out.
Together with the Russian university, the program of the training course "International Economic Law" and the Master of International Business Administration program MiBA are being implemented.
In addition, students are given the opportunity to participate in a double degree program. In particular, a diploma from a partner university and valuable international experience can be gained on the condition of studying on the course “Polar and Marine Research”.
What is needed for admission to the university for an applicant from abroad
To enter a higher educational institution in Germany, you need an Abitur - a certificate of secondary education of the German sample. To meet the requirements for applicants, a foreigner needs to study for 1-2 years at one of the universities in his home country or graduate from a preparatory college in Germany.
The package of papers required for receipt includes:
- education document;
- statement;
- motivation letter;
- autobiography;
- certificate confirming knowledge of the German language.
Copies of these documents, translated into German and certified by a notary, are sent to the university.
Requirements for admission to the University of Hamburg
The main prerequisite for admission to the university is knowledge of the German language. Foreign applicants must have a C1 level. For those who want to study German philology or literature, more stringent requirements are imposed - they must have the highest level of C2.
Knowledge of the language is confirmed by certificates that can be obtained by successfully passing an exam in German. The university accepts TestDAF or DSH certificates.
The TestDAF test can be taken at the certification center in the country of residence. DSH is taken in Germany at the university to which the admission is planned. The DSH test is equivalent to the DAF test, but many applicants prefer DSH, because in the DAF test task each part is assessed separately, and the average score for the entire test is displayed in the DSH, which increases the chances of success.
To prove proficiency in the language sufficient for university studies, you need to obtain a DSH2 level corresponding to C1, or DSH3, which is equivalent to C2.
Applicants who have reached the age of 17 are allowed to take the exam. In case of failure after 3 months, you can try to retake the exam, but only once. If the second attempt is unsuccessful, it will be possible to check the knowledge again in a year. The DSH exam is paid. The cost for foreigners is around 180 euros.
To be tested successfully, you need to be well prepared. It is advisable to study at preparatory language courses in Germany, which are available at every higher educational institution, including the University of Hamburg.
You can apply for admission in person or online. The deadline for submission of documents: for training in the winter semester - January 15, for the summer semester - July 15. All information necessary for applicants can be obtained on the website of the University of Hamburg.
Registration of a student visa to Germany should be dealt with in advance in order to submit documents to the consulate as soon as a positive response is received from the university. Otherwise, you may not have time to arrive at the beginning of the school year.
You can learn about what is needed to obtain permits from the material "Study visa to Germany".
Scholarships and Tuition Fees
The University of Hamburg is a public educational institution, and therefore tuition is free. Once a semester, students pay a fee of 350 euros, which goes to the needs of the university. Studying a master's degree in English is more expensive - on average, you will have to pay 5,000 euros for the entire period of study.
The payment of scholarships to foreign students at the university is not provided, but there is a chance to receive financial support from the German Academic Exchange Service or from private foundations. Detailed information about grants and scholarships can be obtained by going to the official DAAD website.
Before admission, an applicant who does not live in the European Union should take care of his solvency. A guarantee of a German citizen, receipt of a scholarship or an account with a German bank in the amount of at least 8,640 euros is considered its confirmation. This money is blocked on the card. The student has the right to withdraw 720 euros per month and spend them on personal needs. To register a blocked account, you need to contact Coracle.
Unfortunately, the University of Hamburg does not have its own dormitory, so students are forced to rent housing. The approximate student expenses per month can be found in the table:
| Expenses | Amount, EUR |
|---|---|
| Rental of property | 250-350 |
| Traveling in public transport | 25-40 |
| Medical insurance | 90 |
| Nutrition | 125-160 |
| Educational materials | 50 |
| Phone, internet | 25-75 |
| Personal hygiene products, clothing | 50 |
| Museums, entertainment | 50-100 |
If you control your spending, you can meet the established minimum. And yet, many young people try to earn extra money while studying.
To prepare for possible difficulties, before leaving, you should find out all the nuances of student life in Germany.
Other universities in Hamburg
Hamburg is a city with many young people who come to pursue higher education. It is home to renowned universities that host about 90,000 students annually.
- University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg). It is a progressive educational institution with a huge research center. Future programmers, mathematicians, economists, designers and journalists are trained here.
- Technical University of Hamburg (Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg). This university was founded in 1972. Now 7620 students study in it. About 18% of them are foreigners. The list of bachelor's programs includes computer science, engineering, mechanical engineering, logistics, shipbuilding, mathematics, construction, environmental protection and much more. Master's studies are possible in English.
Hamburg universities provide fundamental education, teach students to think outside the box and make innovative decisions, focusing on the application of the knowledge gained in practice.
Finally
A diploma from the University of Hamburg is a reliable guarantee of employment. It opens the doors to prestigious companies in Germany and other European countries and gives an opportunity to realize the most daring aspirations.
