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SICSS
SCHOOL OF INTEGRATED
CLIMATE AND EARTH
SYSTEM SCIENCES

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Finances

Living Expenses

Living expenses in Hamburg depend considerably on your personal lifestyle. We recommend students to budget at least 900 Euros / month. Please note that the semester contribution to Universität Hamburg (currently 330 €) has to be paid twice per year.

Health Insurance

Once you have been accepted to a MSc program, you will need to submit, in addition to your application for enrollment, proof of health insurance coverage. In case you have to become a member of a German state insurance provider, this will be an additional cost of currently 105  / month.

Visa and travel costs

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Visa and travel costs

Student visa applicants must have proof of sufficient funds to cover their living costs for their first year of study at the time of visa application. Usually, this requires you to transfer the full amount of money for one year (appr. 8000 €) to a so-called blocked bank account. You can find more information on how to apply for a visa and how to proof your financial resources on the website of the German Embassy in your country.

Start up

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Start up costs

New students will face additional start up costs after their arrival in Hamburg. Rooms in Student Residences are usually furnished. You will be required to purchase other items such as bedding, crockery, and cutlery. Students who rent a room in a shared flat (private housing) usually have to furnish their rooms on their own. If you rent a room or flat (either in a student residence or from a private landlord), you will have to pay a deposit (1 – 3 monthly rents).

Financing your studies

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Financing your studies

Your income may come from different sources such as scholarships, savings, student loans, or income from a part-time job. Universität Hamburg offers an overview of funding options for students in Germany.

International students in Germany with a valid residence permit can work part-time. You can often find jobs as a student assistant at university or at companies in Hamburg. Please have a look at the visa regulations and work permit for international students.

Scholarships at Universität Hamburg

  • International students and first-degree graduates with good to excellent academic achievements can apply for the Merit scholarships for international students at Universität Hamburg.
  • Students with a low monthly income can also apply for Degree Completion Grants for International Students and receive funding for up to four months.
  • Students enrolled at Universität Hamburg can also apply for the Hamburglobal scholarship program, which is available for students wishing to go abroad (for internships, summer schools and conferences, language courses, study abroad or thesis preparation).
  • Companies, associations, foundations, and private patrons can now support talented students at Universität Hamburg with the Germany Scholarship.

Important Documents