Top Universities in Hamburg for International Students in 2025

Thinking about studying in Germany? Hamburg might just be your perfect match! As Germany’s second-largest city and a major economic hub, Hamburg is not only famous for its vibrant culture and scenic canals—but also for its world-class universities. In 2024 alone, more than 12,000 international students chose Hamburg as their study destination—and that number is expected to grow in 2025!

What’s more? Hamburg’s universities are globally ranked, offer a mix of English and German-taught programs, and provide plenty of scholarships, internships, and affordable living options. Let’s explore the top universities in Hamburg that are ideal for international students in 2025—along with their courses, rankings, scholarships, and everything else you need to know to get started!

Top Universities in Hamburg

University of Hamburg (Universität Hamburg)

Founded in 1919, the University of Hamburg is one of Germany’s largest and most research-intensive universities. It is located Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany—home to major corporations, world-class research institutions, and a growing international community. As of 2024, the university is ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide (QS World Ranking #191) and ranks #132 globally according to the Times Higher Education Rankings.

With more than 43,000 students, including nearly 6,000 international students from over 130 countries, the university offers a diverse, inclusive, and globally minded academic environment. It is also a member of the prestigious German U15 group of top research universities and collaborates with institutions like Max Planck Society and DESY (German Electron Synchrotron). Below are the key details of University of Hamburg:

Hamburg University of Technology (Technische Universität Hamburg – TUHH)

Founded in 1978, the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) has quickly become one of Germany’s most dynamic and internationally oriented technical universities. With a student body of over 8,000, TUHH offers highly specialized programs in engineering, computer science, energy systems, logistics, and biotechnology. What sets it apart is its project-based learning style and strong ties to global companies such as Airbus, Siemens, and Lufthansa Technik—all based in the Hamburg metropolitan region.  

TUHH is also home to the renowned Northern Institute of Technology Management (NIT), which offers unique dual-degree options (e.g., M.Sc. + MBA) in collaboration with TUHH’s engineering departments. According to recent DAAD data, over 22% of the student population is international, and applications from South Asia (especially Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh) have surged by 18% year-on-year. Below are the key details of Hamburg University of Technology: 

HAW Hamburg

With more than 16,000 students, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) stands as one of the largest and most diverse universities of applied sciences in Germany. Founded in 1970, The university collaborates closely with companies like Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, IBM, and NXP Semiconductors, ensuring that its programs remain aligned with the latest industry trends. According to HAW Hamburg’s 2024 international report, the university currently hosts over 2,500 international students from 100+ countries, and the number is increasing each year.

HAW is especially known for its English-taught master’s programs in fields like Renewable Energy Systems, Biomedical Engineering, and International Business, attracting students from across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The university is also a proud member of the UAS7 Alliance, a prestigious group of seven German universities of applied sciences with global research partnerships. Below are the key details of HAW Hamburg:

Kühne Logistics University

Located in Hamburg’s modern HafenCity district, Kühne Logistics University (KLU) is one of Germany’s leading private business schools, specializing in logistics, supply chain management, and leadership. Established in 2010, KLU may be young, but it’s already making a big impact—ranked among the top global institutions for logistics research and business innovation. As of 2024, KLU hosts around 400 students from over 60 nationalities, maintaining a strong global footprint.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of just 4:1, it offers a highly personalized and interactive learning environment. Its master’s programs—particularly Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management—are among the most sought after in Europe, with 95% of graduates finding employment within 6 months, often in multinational firms like DHL, Lufthansa, Kühne + Nagel, and DB Schenker. Below are the key details of Kühne Logistics University:

HafenCity University Hamburg

Founded in 2006, HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU) is Germany’s only university entirely dedicated to the built environment. Nicknamed the “University of the Built Environment and Metropolitan Development,” HCU is a standout institution where architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, and geomatics come together to shape smarter cities and sustainable infrastructure. 

Located in Hamburg’s innovative HafenCity district, Europe’s largest inner-city development project, HCU has a student population of over 2,500. This university attracts a diverse international crowd, especially in its English-taught Master’s programs such as REAP (Resource Efficiency in Architecture and Planning). Below are the key details of HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU) 2025:

Brand University of Applied Sciences

Located in Hamburg, Brand University of Applied Sciences is Germany’s first and only university dedicated entirely to brand thinking, marketing, and design innovation. Established in 2010, BUAS blends creative disciplines with business strategy to prepare students for leadership roles in global branding, advertising, and communication sectors. As of 2024, the university hosts over 500+ students, with more than 25% international students from countries like China, India, South Korea, Turkey, and Brazil.

The university is officially recognized by the German Council of Science and Humanities and is state-accredited, offering bachelor’s and master’s programs in both English and German. In a 2023 alumni survey, 91% of BUAS graduates found employment or started their own brand/startup within 6 months of graduation. BUAS maintains active industry ties with top companies like Jung von Matt, Unilever, Red Bull, and BMW Designworks, providing valuable internship and project-based learning opportunities. Below are the key details of Brand University of Applied Sciences:

Conclusion

There you have it—Hamburg is more than just a beautiful port city. It’s a thriving academic destination with top-ranked institutions, global industry links, and a welcoming atmosphere for students from around the world. And don’t forget—once you receive your admission letter, platforms like University Living can help you find secure and affordable student accommodation across Hamburg’s best neighborhoods. So go ahead, short-list your favorites, prep your application—and get one step closer to calling Hamburg your academic home! 

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