Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Bachelor's programme
Is the academic quality of studying at HSBA on the same level as at state universities? How do I apply for a course of study? Find answers to your questions here.What is a dual study programme?
A dual study programme combines studies with systematic in-company training. It integrates phases of theory at the university (on average 20 weeks a year) and practical phases of training in the training company (on average 32 weeks a year). Total duration of studies is three years.
What is the difference between a dual and a part-time degree programme?
A dual course of study combines career training with academic study, enabling the student to combine practical work experience with gaining an academic degree (at HSBA this is the Bachelor of Science (BSc)). Theoretical phases (at the university) and practical phases (at the company) alternate roughly every three months.
In the part-time programmes students acquire an academic qualification alongside their job – at HSBA this is the Master of Science (MSc). Teaching at the university takes place on extended weekends and in some full-time weeks allowing the student to follow through with their day job.
What study programmes are offered by HSBA?
On the Bachelor's level HSBA offers the dual programmes Business Administration (BSc), Business Informatics (BSc), International Management (BSc) and Logistics Management (BSc). On the Master's level the programmes Business Development (MSc) and Digital Transformation & Sustainability (MSc) are available.
When do the Bachelor programmes start?
The Bachelor programmes start on 1 October each year; the dual study programme Business Administration provide the alternatives of starting with a theory phase (Track A) or a practical phase (Track B). For the other programmes please compare the information in the "profile".
What are the conditions for learning like at HSBA?
HSBA believes in small study groups, with a maximum of 30 participants. That enables productive discussion and direct work in the seminars, in a personal atmosphere. HSBA is located next to the Rödingsmarkt, close to the Inner Alster and to Hamburg’s landmark church St. Michael’s. The light, friendly atmosphere of our Campus provides ideal conditions for learning. The HSBA library has all the literature required for the programme, together with databases, magazines and literature for further in-depth study.
Is the academic quality of studying at HSBA on the same level as at state universities?
Yes. HSBA is a state-recognised private university which offers high-quality application-oriented study programmes which open up excellent career opportunities. The degrees awarded by HSBA are internationally approved and give access to Master's degree programmes. We meet the highest quality standards, as demonstrated by outstanding ranking results, with programme accreditation by FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) and institutional accreditation by the Wissenschaftsrat (German Council of Science and Humanities).
What are the options of studying abroad?
About 30% of HSBA's Bachelor students spend time abroad during their studies (mostly short-stay at Summer Schools or as an exchange student with one of our partner universities). In the third year of studies of the dual programmes, students can go on an international study trip. Furthermore, HSBA attaches great importance to the international character of its content, offering a wide range of seminars held in English. Fore more information, please see here.
What are the admission requirements for the Bachelor programmes?
The following admission requirements apply for the Bachelor programmes at HSBA:
- Proof of qualification for university entrance (normally Abitur or Fachhochschulreife, equivalent to GCSE A-level);
- Contract of study with a company where the in-company part of the course is to be done;
- Good knowledge of Mathematics, German and English, i.e. German average grade of 10.0 in two certificates at the German high-school levels (“Studienstufen”), or equivalent. Where the subject is run as a specialised course with increased performance requirements, a bonus of 1.0 points is given on the calculated average score.
If the required grades are not achieved, candidates may take HSBA admission examinations in mathematics, German and English. Alternatively to the HSBA admission examination for English, candidates may demonstrate their English language skills by their results in comparable tests (TOEFL, IELTS or CPE, minimum level: B2 in European reference framework).
Which companies offer dual Bachelor study places at HSBA?
HSBA cooperates with more than 300 partner companies. Current offers of study places are shown at our study place exchange. Companies can advertise vacant HSBA places there, and applicants can get information and contact data on the training companies.
When should I start with my application?
Anyone interested in taking a dual Bachelor programme should normally start looking for a training company at least one year before they intend to start their studies. The application to the company should include all the usual documents, such as school and examination qualifications and CV. The company then sends the study contract together with the necessary documents to HSBA, which checks whether the criteria for admission are fulfilled, and if so accepts the applicant.
What do I normally receive as in-training payment from the training company?
The amount of the in-training payment depends on the sector and the individual company. Additionally, the companies normally pay most of the tuition fees, at least if the student stays with the company after graduation. It is not unusual for companies to include a binding clause in this context. Students may also apply for student loans or grants under the regular German scheme (BAFöG).
Whom can I contact for further questions?
If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact HSBA's Service Office (info(at)hsba.de). Consultancy by students of HSBA is offered by HSBA's International Comitee Team (int.committee(at)myhsba.de)