Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg
If you're dreaming of university education in Germany, Hamburg stands out as a city rich in culture and high-quality education. Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg (BHH) particularly catches the eye with its innovative educational model. Founded in 2020, this young and dynamic public university goes beyond traditional university concepts, offering you the unique opportunity to earn both vocational training (Berufsausbildung) and a Bachelor's degree within four years. Thanks to this distinctive "studienintegrierende Ausbildung" (vocationally integrated study) model, you'll graduate as a well-prepared individual, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical work experience, ready to step into the German job market. With a small student body of 524, BHH provides a more personalized learning environment, making it an attractive option if you're looking to study and live in Hamburg. Discussions under the "Students Living in Hamburg" topic in our forums, viewed thousands of times, clearly show the city's popularity among international students.
Quick Facts
- University Name
- Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg
- City
- Hamburg
- State
- Hamburg
- University Type
- Hochschulen eigenen Typs (University of its own type)
- Founding Year
- 2020
- Student Count
- 524
- Number of Bachelor's Programs
- 9
- Official Website
- https://bhh.hamburg.de/
Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg: The Fusion of Vocational Training and a Bachelor's Degree
Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg (BHH) brings a fresh perspective to Germany's higher education system as a state-supported university of applied sciences. Opening its doors in 2020, this institution stands out with its unique educational model called "studienintegrierende Ausbildung" (vocationally integrated study). This model allows you to complete both full vocational training (Berufsausbildung) and earn a Bachelor's degree in just four years. Through this integrated approach, you combine theoretical knowledge directly with practical experience, ensuring you're exceptionally well-equipped for your career after graduation. As a public institution (öffentlich-rechtlich), BHH's educational quality and reliability are state-guaranteed. Offering a total of 9 different Bachelor's programs, BHH's small student capacity (524 students) provides a more personal and close-knit learning environment. This can ease the adaptation process and support academic success, especially for international students new to Germany. The university's non-membership in HRK (German Rectors' Conference) and uni-assist (a service institution for international student applications) means that application processes are handled directly through the university. This requires prospective students to pay close attention to the up-to-date information on the university's own website.
Hamburg: Germany's Port City and Student Haven
Hamburg, home to Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg, is Germany's second-largest city and a significant port. As our forum topic "Students Living in Hamburg" shows, the city is quite popular among international students. Situated on the Elbe River, Hamburg captivates with its canals, bridges (even more than Venice!), green parks, and vibrant cultural life. Hamburg offers extensive job and internship opportunities for students and hosts numerous international companies. The city is also known for iconic structures like the Elbphilharmonie, which blends modern architecture with historical fabric. Student life in Hamburg is incredibly lively, with countless cafes, bars, restaurants, and cultural events. While some students express concerns about the potentially high cost of living in our Telegram groups, asking "Are prices really that crazy in Hamburg?", the city's opportunities and quality of life can balance these costs. The public transportation network is highly developed, offering discounted "Semesterticket" (semester public transport pass) options specifically for students. Additionally, many language schools in the city provide various courses for students who want to study in Germany, especially those preparing for language proficiency exams like the Telc C1 Hochschule certificate.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living - Hamburg
Places to Visit and Student Hangouts - Hamburg
Hamburg's modern architectural marvel and concert hall. There might be special events for students.
Details ↗Historic warehouse district and modern port city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lots of places to explore and photograph.
A large botanical garden and park located in the heart of the city. Water and light shows are held in the summer.
Hamburg's famous entertainment and nightlife district. You'll find bars, clubs, and theaters here.
The world's largest miniature railway exhibition. A fascinating experience for all ages.
Details ↗A large lake located in the middle of the city. Ideal for rowing, walking, or simply relaxing.
Student Life and Culture - Hamburg
As one of Germany's most cosmopolitan cities, Hamburg offers students a rich and diverse living experience. Thanks to its many universities and colleges, the city boasts a vibrant student population. While Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg's relatively small student community fosters a more intimate and supportive academic environment, you can also benefit from Hamburg's broader student culture. The city hosts countless student clubs, cultural events, concerts, and festivals. Especially in the summer, parks and lakefronts are bustling with students. Biking is a popular mode of transport in Hamburg, with well-maintained bike paths throughout the city. Student discounts (including the Semesterticket) make urban and even state-wide transportation quite affordable. Hamburg's multicultural fabric also ensures an easy adaptation process for international students, offering opportunities to experience diverse cuisines and cultures.
- Vibrant and multicultural student environment
- Extensive public transport network and Semesterticket benefits
- Bicycle-friendly city infrastructure
- Numerous cultural events and festivals
- Recreational and sports opportunities around the Elbe River and Alster Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get conditional admission to Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg with no German language skills? ▼
Since Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg's educational model combines vocational training and a Bachelor's degree, the vast majority of programs require German language proficiency (typically C1 level) from the outset. Obtaining conditional admission with zero German is quite difficult for this university. Generally, to study in Germany, you'll need at least a B2 or C1 level of German, and for conditional admission, you're expected to be close to this level. Universities with their own language schools might be more flexible in this regard, but BHH does not offer such a facility.
Can I find Telc C1 Hochschule exam preparation courses in Hamburg? ▼
Yes, in a large city like Hamburg, many private language schools offer preparation courses for the Telc C1 Hochschule exam. Goethe-Institut, VHS (Volkshochschule - adult education center), or other private language schools are popular options. It's beneficial to research the schools' accreditations and student reviews before enrolling in a course.
Is the cost of living in Hamburg really that high ('crazy expensive')? ▼
Compared to other major German cities like Munich, the cost of living in Hamburg can be slightly above average. Rent, in particular, might be higher than in some other cities. However, you can reduce these costs by opting for student dormitories or shared apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft). Additionally, student discounts and part-time job opportunities can help support your budget. It's generally possible to live as a student in Hamburg with an average monthly budget of 870-1440 EUR.
Do I need to pay 75 Euros in cash for my Germany visa appointment? ▼
Yes, the Germany visa application fee of 75 Euros is typically requested in cash, in Euros, during your visa appointment. Before applying, it's important to check the current payment methods on the official website of the relevant consulate or embassy.
How does the diploma recognition process work in Germany? ▼
The recognition of diplomas obtained from outside Germany (diploma recognition) can vary depending on the program and university you're applying to. Generally, you can check the equivalence of your diploma and the university you graduated from via the Anabin database (a central database for evaluating foreign qualifications). In some cases, you might need to obtain an official equivalence certificate through ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen - Central Office for Foreign Education). This process can differ based on the admission requirements of the university you're applying to, so it's best to contact the international student office of that specific university.
Which Bachelor's programs are available at Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg? ▼
Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg offers 9 different Bachelor's programs. These programs are generally designed with an integrated vocational training structure in the fields of business, engineering, and social sciences. For an up-to-date and detailed list of programs, we recommend visiting the university's official website (bhh.hamburg.de).
To learn more about Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg and start your educational journey in Germany, check the application requirements now!
Programs
Useful Links
Location
Sources
Programs & Departments
9 active programs · 2 English · 0 NC-frei
Bachelor (9)
BWL – Finanzwirtschaft
DEBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The BWL - Finanzwirtschaft (Business Administration - Financial Management) program is integrated with vocational training as a bank clerk (Bankkauffrau/Bankkaufmann), insurance and financial investme...
View details →BWL – Industrielles Management
DEBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The BWL - Industrielles Management (Business Administration - Industrial Management) program is integrated with vocational training as an industrial clerk (Industriekauffrau/Industriekaufmann). Studen...
View details →BWL – Management von kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen
DEBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The BWL - Management of Small and Medium Enterprises (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.) program can be combined with vocational training in crafts, technical-commercial fields, or training as an office manageme...
View details →BWL – Marketing und Kommunikationswirtschaft
DEBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The BWL - Marketing und Kommunikationswirtschaft (Business Administration - Marketing and Communication Management) program is integrated with vocational training as a marketing communications special...
View details →Informatik
DEBachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
The Computer Science (Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.) program is integrated with vocational training as an IT specialist. Students qualify for a broad range of tasks in application development and system...
View details →Study of Applied Nursing Science
DEBachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
The study program Study of Applied Nursing Science (B.Sc.) is combined with vocational training as a nurse. Graduates are qualified as experts in nursing science. They will care for patients of all ag...
View details →Study of Business Administration - Industrial Management
ENBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The study program Study of Business Administration - Industrial Management (B.A.) is combined with vocational training as an industrial clerk. Graduates are qualified for a wide range of tasks in vari...
View details →Study of Business Administration - Management of SME
DEBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The study program Study of Business Administration - Management of SME (B.A.) is combined with vocational training in the skilled trades or a commercial-technical profession. This study course focuses...
View details →Study of Business Administration - Marketing and Communication Management
DE+ENBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
The study program Study of Business Administration - Marketing and Communication Management (B.A.) is combined with vocational training as a marketing communications specialist. Graduates are qualifie...
View details →
Hamburg
State: Hamburg
University Education in Hamburg: Opportunities and Possibilities
Hamburg is a significant hub for higher education in Germany, boasting 23 universities and over 541 different program options. The vast majority of un...
more →Student Life and Culture
Hamburg stands out with its dynamic and multicultural student life. Having 23 universities in the city creates a young and vibrant atmosphere. Green a...
more →More about Hamburg
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How do I apply to Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg as an international student?
Non-EU applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS certificate for some countries). EU applicants apply directly. You need a recognised degree, language certificate, motivation letter and CV. After admission, open a Sperrkonto and book a visa appointment at your local German embassy.
- Pick a programme — Browse the programme list above — filter by language, degree, field.
- Verify your eligibility — Check Anabin/APS for your country and degree-equivalence rules.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF/DSH for German, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes.
- Apply via uni-assist or directly — Submit by 15 July (winter) / 15 January (summer) deadlines.
- After admission: Sperrkonto + visa — Open the blocked account, get health insurance, attend embassy interview.