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 450 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 300–500 per month
- living expenses: ca. EUR 400–700 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.
BAföG Federal Education and Training Assistance Act
BAföG assistance, i.e. funding in accordance with the German Federal Education and Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz), is the most popular and attractive funding option. Students can apply for BAföG funding at the BAföG-Amt (Office for Education and Training Assistance) in the Studierendenwerk Hamburg (student services). The designated assistance amount depends on the applicant's personal situation. Recipients must repay half of the total BAföG amount they received.
Fellowships, scholarships and grants
Fellowships, scholarships and grants present a convenient way to finance your studies. Multiple national and international options exist - for an overview check out:
For detailed information and advising on funding options for students, please see:
Universität Hamburg also provides fellowships:
Student loans/education funds
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