Universität Hamburg - der Forschung, der Lehre, der Bildung, zur Homepage
SICSS
SCHOOL OF INTEGRATED
CLIMATE AND EARTH
SYSTEM SCIENCES

Photo: pixabay.com/Steve Buissinne

Finances

Living Expenses

Living expenses in Hamburg depend considerably on your personal lifestyle. We recommend students to budget at least 940 Euros / month. Please note that the semester contribution to Universität Hamburg (currently 340 €) has to be paid twice per year.

Health Insurance

Once you have been accepted to a M.Sc. 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 ca. 120 € per month.

Visa and travel costs

Photo: Digital 5 on unsplash.com

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 (currently €11,208) to a so-called blocked bank account. You can find more information on how to apply for a visa and how to provide proof of your financial resources on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Start up

Photo: rawpixel.com from Pexels

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 (WG) 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

Photo: Unsplash/S.Mccutcheon

Financing your studies

Your income may stem from different sources such as scholarships, savings, student loans, or a part-time job. International students in Germany with a valid residence permit are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
For more information on funding options, please also view the overview provided by the Department of International Affairs at Universität Hamburg.

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.