Universität Hamburg is the largest institution for research and education in the north of Germany. As one of the country's largest universities, we offer a diverse course spectrum and excellent research opportunities.
History
Universität Hamburg is one of Germany's younger universities. Its founding was not documented in some provincial foundation charter but in a sober official announcement issued by the Free and Hanseatic City on 1 April 1919.
Nonetheless, the University's roots reach back to the early 17th century. In 1613, the Academic Gymnasium, was founded.
Education
Since the beginning of 2012, the Universitätskolleg, a university-wide project, has been receiving funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the Teaching Quality Pact.Under the title "Bridges to the University - Pathways to Academia," the Universitätskolleg provides a conceptual, institutional and administrative framework for a multitude of projects devoted to the transition from school or a job to university study and the cultivation of skills required for academic pursuit.
Research
Climate, earth and environment
Matter and the universe
This key research area incorporates the phenomena of light-matter interactions in photon and biostructural research, astrophysics and particle physics, and the interdisciplinary nanosciences.
Neurosciences
Neuroscientists in medicine, psychology and informatics work on a broad range of projects addressing questions relating to the basic science of and therapeutic measures for the brain.
Multilingualism
This key research area investigates migration-induced multilingualism in modern urban centers, exploring both the risks it poses and the opportunities it provides.
Career
The Career Center offers support to students, graduates and junior academics from all faculties in finding their way to a job. We are a service organization that aims to prepare and successfully accompany applicants entering a career.We offer students, graduates und junior academics inspiring und informative seminars, lectures und consultations on topics such as achievement potential, career planning, job application, leadership and how to acquire third-party funds.To companies we offer interesting cooperation opportunities in which they can introduce themselves in lectures, podium discussions, workshops and career days.
University of HamburgKey Statistics & Highlights
#146Ranking
518Academic Staff
30,953Students
4,024Students (int'l)
17,643Students (female)
University of HamburgOverview
University of HamburgRankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 1.8%Germany
Top 2.3%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
146
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 5 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
146
141
146
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
201
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
2024
2025
2026
201
201
201
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
209
By TopUniversities
Dropped 16 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
191
193
209
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By Times Higher Education
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
132
125
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Overview of orientation activities, information sessions and brochures for first semester students at Universität Hamburg.
Advising
The Campus Center offers comprehensive advising services to students at Universität Hamburg.
Institutions
Numerous internal and external institutions provide students at Universität Hamburg with manifold services and offers.
Housing services
Studierendenwerk (student services) accommodation
Studierendenwerk Hamburg currently provides 23 housing facilities for 4,000 inhabitants. All rooms are furnished and rent including utilities starts at EUR 230. This rather inexpensive type of accommodation is much desired, however.
Looking for a room
Shared student accommodation
Shared apartments
Library services
The State and University Library (Stabi) and the departmental libraries are central University institutions. There are computer workstations and conference rooms as well as books and magazines. You will need books and other media to study, prepare for classes and exams, and write papers.
ICT services
The IT system at the Regional Computing Center makes studying much easier.
Service Line of the Regional Computing Center
STiNE
Surfmail
CommSY / OLAT
Medical services
Psychological counseling (in German only)
Addiction Counseling and Prevention for Members of the University (in German only)
Return-to-Work Program (Betriebliches Integrationsmanagement, BEM) (in German only)
Campus life
University life does not only revolve around studying; students also thrive on meeting people and having fun. The campus is the perfect place for personal growth.
Starters might find our Main Building's cupola structure - home to the humanities - a bit awe-inspiring.
Other buildings on campus also provide highlights. For instance, the Philosophers' Tower commonly called Phil-Turm, a 15 storey-building that offers a great panoramic view of the city.
On mid-campus you will find our Duck Pond near a plot of green. In summer it invites to relax, sunbathe and observing the water fowl between classes.
Sports facilities
Fencing, soccer (German football), Argentine tango or yoga - University Sports offers a broad spectrum of sports classes, seven days a week, as often as you wish! This not only helps you stay fit, but is also a great opportunity to get in touch with other students.
You can make music or do sports, support ethnic minorities, act in a play, fight for environmental protection, or devote some of your spare time to shaping life at the Uni or in the city.
African Students Organisation at University of Hamburg (AStO-Uni Hamburg)
AEGEE Association des Etats Genereaux des Etudiants de l'Europe - Hamburg e.V.
AG Kritische Weiterbildung
AIESEC Hamburg
AK junge kritische Wissenschaft
Anti-Rassismus-Seminare
BDAS (=Bund der Alevitischen Studierenden in Deutschland)
Accreditation
Universität Hamburg has established a quality assurance system for its bachelor's and master's degree programs. The system will be accredited between 2019 and 2022
Solid University Experience, worthwhile university, good choice
It's a really great university! The admissions and Master's teams are incredibly helpful and always do their best to support you. On top of that, the program itself is excellent. It's definitely a strong choice if you're looking to improve both your academic and professional skills. 👍 Helpful admissions and master's teams, excellent program.
Posted byLucía
Studied fromSep 2026 - Sep 2028
Posted onSep 2026
5/5
My Expectations for Studying at the University
I am interested in studying at the University of Hamburg because of its strong academic reputation and international environment. I hope to experience a diverse campus, gain valuable knowledge, develop new skills, and meet students from different backgrounds. I am excited about the opportunity to become part of this university community.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromAug 2026 - Oct 2028
Posted onAug 2026
4/5
Excellent and highly valuable experience
I really enjoyed this course. The content was clear, well-structured, and useful. It helped me develop practical knowledge and strengthen my understanding of the subject. I would definitely recommend it to other students and professionals.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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