Application Process & Admission Requirements
Everything you need to know about applying for a Bachelor's degree at Hamburg University of Applied SciencesThe application process at HSBA consists of several steps: Find out more about our partner companies at the beginning of the application process at our available study options section and then apply directly there. After a selection process in the company, the admission requirements are checked at HSBA. Afterwards, you will be matriculated and can start your studies.
Dual study programme
What is a "dual" study programme and what are its advantages?
The dual study programme combines a demanding degree programme with practical work experience, i.e. theory and practice overlap. After a dual study programme, you have an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree and professional experience. This means you are optimally prepared for your professional life and have excellent career opportunities.
At HSBA, the dual (co-operative) Bachelor's programme comprises six semesters. Each semester consists of a theoretical phase at our university and a practical phase in a company. You can find detailed information about the German "dual system" and the course of study here.
Bachelor's Study Programmes at HSBA
Which co-operative Bachelor's degree programmes can I study at HSBA?
At HSBA you can choose between four co-operative Bachelor's degree programmes. Find out which programme suits you best:
Feel free to attend one of HSBA’s Information events.
Admission Requirements
What are the admission requirements to study at HSBA?
In order to be able to study at HSBA, you need a higher education entrance qualification - for example the Abitur. In addition, you need good grades in Mathematics and English (the equivalent to a 10 point average from two senior-grade school reports or a 9 point average in advanced courses from a school using the German education system). The German-language degree programmes Business Administration and Business Informatics require an additional grade of 10 or 9 points in the German language.
There are entrance exams available should you not be able to satisfy these admission requirements. We recommend our "Bewerberzertifikat" to applicants who have successfully passed our entrance exams or have a foreign educational qualification. You will receive the certificate upon presentation of all necessary documents for a contribution towards expenses of 10 Euro and add it to your application.
Do you have the German Advanced Technical College Certificate (Fachhochschulreife) or are you a graduate of a German school in foreign countries or do you have an International Baccalaureat (IB) or European Baccalaureat (EB)? Then get in touch with us - by phone (+49 40 822160-910) or by email (info(at)hsba.de).
Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification can find more information here: Acceptance criteria for international applicants.
Find a university place offer / company
You spend the practical phases of your dual study programme at a company where you also apply directly. The easiest way to find a company that offers a place at our university is our Job & Study Offers section.
Please keep in mind that almost all companies can offer a co-operative study place. So check if you know a company that is not yet cooperating with HSBA, but is suitable for you. The company headquarters does NOT have to be in Hamburg!
Apply to a company & selection process
You should also get information about the companies listed on the website, the opportunities they are offering, and the application requirements. Are you unsure about your application documents or do you have questions about the application process? Our Online Applicant Coaching offers you tips and tricks for a successful application to companies. You can also significantly increase your chances of a successful application by taking part in the next Hamburg Business Speed Dating. There, in 10-minute conversations (speed dates), you will get to know HR managers from companies where you can complete a cooperative degree programme at HSBA.
After you have applied to the company, the selection process takes place there, which depends on the respective company. It ranges from job interviews to an assessment centre.
Assessment of Admission Requirements
Once you have successfully completed the process, the company will sign a study agreement with you, which will be sent, along with your application documents to HSBA. We will then contact you to request and check the following documents:
- Proof of university entrance qualification (usually, the Abitur or Advanced Technical College Certificate)
- Proof of good grades in mathematics, English and, if applicable, German (10 or 9 points)
As soon as you have submitted all the documents and fulfilled all the admission requirements, you will receive the matriculation documents from us, which you must complete and return to us together with proof of health insurance. You will then receive your notification of enrolment and will be enrolled in a cooperative degree programme. Your studies start on 1 October.
Welcome at HSBA!
Information Events
Upcoming events & info sessions
Bachelor Online Applicant Coaching – December 2024
29th Hamburger Wirtschafts-Speed-Dating
Bachelor Info Event – January 2025
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Bachelor's programme at HSBA
Can I apply for a study place directly with HSBA?
No, you apply directly to the company. If you have successfully completed a selection procedure and are offered a place, the partner company will contact HSBA and register you. You can find all current study place offers from our partner companies on our Study Place Exchange.
Our Hamburg Business Speed Dating offers an additional opportunity. It takes place twice a year.
If you have any questions about an admission test, you are welcome to contact us.
What are the options of studying abroad?
Yes. Most HSBA Bachelor students spend time abroad during their studies, sometimes several times. For example, in one-semester exchange programmes at our partner universities, in the one-week study excursions in the third year of study, or by participating in a summer school. Some partner companies also enable students to spend time abroad during the practical phase. Internationality also plays a major role in everyday study life in Hamburg, as HSBA attaches great importance to the internationality of the course content and offers a wide range of English-language seminars.
Can I apply to a company even if I do not yet fulfil the admission requirements?
It is best if you fulfil the admission requirements for our Bachelor's degree programmes beforehand. Or if your previous grades at degree level are in the right direction. Otherwise your application will not usually be successful. IF you have to take an admission test and would still like to apply beforehand, be sure to mention this in your letter of application. Then it will be clear to the company representatives that you know what you are doing!