International Student Guide: Exchange or Free Mover Semes
Coming to Hamburg
Step 1: Pre-Application Phase
12–8 months prior to starting at HSBA
Unique HSBA
Well-known for academic study and in-company training
Founded in 2004, HSBA builds on the roots of Hamburg’s Wirtschaftsakademie (Business Academy), established in 1975, and has a long-standing relationship with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.
HSBA follows Germany’s dual study model, which is similar to co-op education: degree students alternate between studying at university and working at a partner company, putting what they learn into practice. We work with around 300 companies, particularly in and around Hamburg, to bring academic learning and business experience together.
As an exchange student or free mover, you’ll join the academic side of this model, with teaching that draws on real business practice. Your stay does not include a company placement.
Small private university
HSBA is a small, state-recognised private university with around 1,000 students. Our compact campus is right in the heart of Hamburg, making it easy to get to know people and feel part of a close-knit community. You’ll often hear people say “HSBA is family”. As a privately funded university, HSBA charges tuition fees, which students pay themselves or through their employers. Exchange students from our partner universities do not pay tuition fees at HSBA.
Structure of Incoming Students
Each year, HSBA welcomes international exchange students and free movers who come to Hamburg for a period of three to twelve months. During their stay, they attend classes alongside regular HSBA students and experience the unique combination of academic learning and practical relevance that characterises HSBA. Unlike dual and part-time students, incoming students are at HSBA exclusively for their academic experience and are not integrated into the dual study model. International exchange in the classroom, together with various accompanying activities, provides valuable insights into studying at HSBA and life in Hamburg.
Structure of undergraduate programmes
There are around 800 students at undergraduate level, studying in four different degree programmes following the dual system, alternating between full-time study and full-time work. The students are divided into the so-called A-Track and B-Track groups.
Structure of postgraduate programmes
The roughly 200 postgraduate students study part-time, enabling them to work part-time alongside their studies.
At postgraduate level, the timetables are structured differently to undergraduate level. Students usually come to class for two to three days twice a month with the occasional full-time week. Experience shows that such timetable works well for students and employers.
Hamburg and the German Language
Moin and welcome to Hamburg!
Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city and offers the perfect mix of big-city life, international flair and a high quality of life. Whether you are strolling along the River Elbe, exploring one of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, or relaxing in one of its many parks and cafés, there is always something new to discover. People from all over the world live, study and work in Hamburg, making it an open, diverse and welcoming place to spend your exchange semester.
The German Language - Start learning some German before arriving
While many people in Hamburg speak English, having some basic knowledge of German can make it much easier to settle in and navigate everyday life. Learning a few words and common phrases before your arrival will help you feel more confident, connect with others and make the most of your time in Hamburg. See below for tips on where to start learning German.
Money Matters
Living Expenses
Hamburg is a great city to live in but living expenses tend to be quite high compared to other cities in Germany. The cost of living depends very much on your needs and your life style, so the following should only be considered as a guideline;
- rent: EUR 700-1000 per month (including utilities)
- health insurance: EUR 110
- public transport: EUR 60
- telephone, internet, radio and television: EUR 50
- food and drink: EUR 200
- clothes: EUR 100
We highly recommend that you make realistic plans in terms of financing your stay in Hamburg. You will need to have sufficient money to travel to Hamburg, pay your accommodation and bills including internet, mobile phone, electricity and water, cover transport costs within Hamburg, pay for food and hygiene items, and, of course, have some change, too, for having fun. Luckily, all exchange students receive the tuition fee waiver.
Hidden Costs
Hidden costs that you may not think of immediately may be:
- health insurance (compulsory in Germany!),
- costs for a blocked account to get your visa/residence permit (for all non-EU/EEA citizens),
- the cost for the visa and resident permit itself,
- and getting to Hamburg and back (incl. when returning home during breaks or when travelling around Europe).
Student ID Card
Students who show their student ID card often receive discounts on public transport, tickets to movies, museums or theaters and occasionally may get a good lunch deal. Asking for a student discount is definitely worthwhile.
Step 2: Application Phase
8–4 months prior to starting at HSBA
VisaFlow: Supporting your Move to Germany
To help you prepare for your stay in Hamburg, HSBA gives you free access to VisaFlow. This digital platform guides you through practical steps such as applying for a visa or residence permit, arranging health insurance and preparing for your move to Germany.
With personalised checklists, guidance on the documents you’ll need and practical tips, VisaFlow helps you keep track of what to do and when.
You’ll receive details on how to access VisaFlow once you’ve been admitted to HSBA.
For further questions, please contact incoming@hsba.de.
Preparing Visa Application
Please be aware that you may have to apply for a visa to enter Germany. This depends on your nationality. The Visa Navigator will help you to find out if a visa is required and will give you information on the first steps.
The visa application process might take several months, so please start early! You will have to apply for a student visa when studying at HSBA as your status will be that of a student.
Please check the website of the Federal Foreign Office for visa regulations.
Visa applications must be submitted, together with all necessary documents, in person at the German mission in your home country. In order to avoid time consuming requests for additional information or documentation, please consult the website of the respective mission in good time to find out about the visa procedures and the documents which must be submitted. Check the website of the German Embassy or Consulate General in your country of residence for specific requirements, and book an appointment.
HSBA will issue an official invitation letter together with your acceptance letter.
Apart from the application forms and supporting documents, be prepared to submit a valid passport, proof of health insurance coverage and proof of sufficient funding. The requirements may vary depending on your country of residence. A blocked account is the most common method to prove financial resources.
Please find further information on the visa process on My German University and in Step 3: Pre-Arrival Phase "Applying for Visa".
Learn German with Speexx
HSBA offers a limited number of free of charge German langauge learning licenses for international students, provided by the company Speexx.
Speexx is an online language learning platform that helps students improve their German skills flexibly and independently before and during their studies. After completing an online placement test, participants receive a personalised learning path based on their current language level.
The programme includes:
- Individual self-paced learning modules
- Interactive exercises covering vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading, writing, and pronunciation
- Access via browser and mobile app
- Optional online classes in a virtual classroom setting
- Learning content aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
HSBA provides 30 licenses, each valid for six months. Licenses are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Interested students apply at incoming@hsba.de
Additional Options to Learn German
If you wish to be successful in Germany, you will need to speak at least some German. This is Germany, not Denmark or the Netherlands and you cannot only rely on English. This is the country where even “Friends” is dubbed into German. Hence, please prepare a little:
- Study German at a language school.
Find almost all language schools based in Hamburg here. - Find yourself a Tandem Partner
The best way to learn a language, apart from living in the country, is to speak to a native. Reach out to the HSBA International Office and ask to be put in touch with HSBA Outgoing students who want to learn your native language and who will teach some German in return. Also the Hamburg expat community may be happy to team up for “tandem learning”. You will be surprised how many people are willing to do so. - Get a Private Teacher
Check with the HSBA International Office whether they know of current HSBA students who are willing to teach privately. This may involve a fee, though. - (Free) Mobile Applications for Learning German
There are many useful mobile applications that you can use during your daily commute and in your spare time like Duolingo, Busuu or Memrise.
Step 3: Pre-Arrival Phase
6–0 months prior to starting at HSBA
Applying for Visa
If you need a visa to enter Germany, start preparing your visa application and arranging an appointment with the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence as soon as you begin your application to HSBA.
Getting an appointment and receiving your visa can take several months, so it’s best to start early.
The process varies depending on where you apply, but the general steps are:
- Check the website of the Federal Foreign Office for general visa regulations.
- Make an appointment at the German mission in your country of residence for your student visa application.
- Inform yourself early. Check with the German mission in your country of residence to ensure you know which supporting documents you need as part of the application process.
- Prepare a complete student visa application. Besides the application forms and supporting documents, be prepared to submit a valid passport, proof of health insurance coverage and proof of sufficient funding:
1. Health insurance: a travel insurance may be sufficient to enter Germany, but it is not valid for enrolling at HSBA and not valid for applying for a residence permit in Germany. Do take out statutory German health insurance.
2. There are several ways you can prove that you have the required financial resources to fund your costs of living and studying in Germany. A blocked account is the most common method for this. - Submit the complete visa application, together with all necessary documents, to the German mission in your home country.
- In case you have not received a confirmation from the authorities within eight weeks from the time of application, we suggest that you contact the International Office at HSBA for support.
Statutory Health Insurance in Germany
Health insurance
You must have valid health insurance for your entire stay in Germany. This is mandatory. You’ll need to provide proof when applying for your visa and again after you arrive. Health insurance is a requirement to enroll and study at HSBA. You must show proof of valid health insurance to obtain your residence permit. You also need valid health insurance in order to work in Germany. It is a core requirement for almost everything.
For information on health insurance for students please visit the website of the Hamburg Welcome Portal.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Public health insurance plans from the following countries are valid in Germany because a social security agreement has been signed with these states: Member states of the European Union, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Tunisia and Turkey. With your EHIC, emergency medical treatment in Germany is covered. If you want to use your EHIC, you will need to contact a German statutory health insurance provider, present your card and get an exemption from the German health insurance form. This exemption form and the EHIC are valid in order to enroll at HSBA.
What to do if you do not have an EHIC
If your health insurance policy from your home country is not recognised in Germany, you will have to get health insurance for your stay in Germany. There are two options:
- Statutory insurance
If you are under 30 years of age, you should opt for statutory health insurance. You will find a list of health insurance providers on the above-mentioned website of the Hamburg Welcome Portal. - Private insurance
If you are 30 years or older when you start your studies, you cannot opt for statutory health insurance. You must take out private German health insurance. However, it is very important to pay attention to the health insurance package that you will opt for. Please ask the HSBA International Office to help you to navigate the health insurance requirements. It is important to know that when applying for a residence permit, apart from the proof of sufficient health insurance coverage, a form called Annex 1 (permanent protection) or Annex 2 (temporary protection up to 12 months) must be signed by the private insurance company. You will have to make sure that your provider meets the requirements mentioned on that form and is willing to sign it.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance in Germany
We recommend taking out private liability insurance. Find more information about private liability insurance here: Liability Insurance in Germany.
Finding Accommodation and Settling in Hamburg
Look for accommodation
Start looking for accommodation as soon as you know that you are going! Hamburg is hugely popular, and the cost for accommodation often comes at a surprise. Start searching around three months prior to your arrival and keep an open mind about your lodging. Many students (and young professionals) live in shared apartments/flats (so-called “WG” which is short for Wohngemeinschaft) in order to avoid ridiculous prices: You get your own room, but you share the kitchen and bathroom with others. This is actually a great opportunity to make friends. Please ask the HSBA International Office for further advice on how to find accommodation. Here are some suggestions to start with:
* Note: The following link is provided to assist you in finding accommodation for your stay. Please note that HSBA is not responsible for the content, availability, or offers of the linked external website. Any arrangements, bookings, or agreements are made directly between users and the providers.
HSBA Buddy Programme
All exchange students are automatically matched with a buddy. Your buddy will get in touch with you shortly before the start of your exchange. Get to know other students through the HSBA Buddy Programme,, run by the HSBA International Committee. Your Buddy is a current HSBA student who’ll help you find your way around, answer everyday questions and settle into life at HSBA and in Hamburg. You’ll be matched with a Buddy automatically, so there’s no need to sign up.
Step 4: Upon Arrival in Hamburg
first weeks in Hamburg
Completing HSBA Enrolment Requirements
HSBA will stay in touch with you to ensure that all required documents have been submitted and all necessary steps have been completed. It is important that all documents are submitted in a timely manner. This includes proof of health insurance (“Versicherungsbescheinigung”). See section “Statutory Health Insurance in Germany“ in Step 3. Once you are enrolled you will be added to the IT system and you will be sent your enrolment certificate via email. This certificate (“Immatrikulationsbescheinigung”) you may need on various occasions. It is generally only valid together with your student ID card. You will receive access to your digital student ID card on your first day of induction.
Registering at Local Authority
Register your address
Once you have found an accommodation, you will have to register your new address within two weeks. For the registration process, you will have to make an appointment online at one of the Hamburg customer service centers or at the Hamburg Welcome Center (or at your local authority in Schleswig-Holstein or Niedersachsen).
Please find more information as well as the forms to register your residence on the website of Hamburg Service: Information > Downloads and Links > Forms and Downloads.
To register your address, you’ll need a completed registration form, the required supporting documents and a confirmation signed by your landlord or accommodation provider (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). Keep it safe, as you may need it to open a bank account or arrange health insurance.
If you move to a new address in Germany, you must register your new address within two weeks of moving in.
When you leave Germany at the end of your stay, remember to deregister your address with the local registration office. This helps avoid administrative problems later.
Name on letterbox
Ensure that your name is clearly displayed on your letterbox! The authorities will send you your social security number and other documentation by post after you have registered your address. Most official offices in Germany communicate by postal service. Official letters may contain important information or deadlines, so check your post regularly.
Opening Bank Account
Before you travel, check with your bank whether you can use your account in Germany and what fees may apply. You may find it useful to open a German current account to receive payments and pay for rent, health insurance and your phone.
If you have a blocked account, check with your provider how to receive your monthly payments and whether you need a separate current account.
Find out more about German bank accounts on the Hamburg website and on Study in Germany and My German University.
Applying for Residence Permit
After your arrival and registration of your address in Hamburg, you must convert your visa into a residence permit for study purposes as early as possible. Make sure to prepare the required application documents well before your visa expires.
Non-EU citizens who are permitted to enter Germany without a visa must also apply for a residence permit for study purposes within 90 days of arrival and after registering their address in Hamburg.
Apply for your residence permit at the Welcome Center online. For information, contact details and required documents, please visit their website. You will be invited to an appointment by the responsible authority during the processing of your application.
Please note that the processing of your residence permit may take several months.
HSBA students may work more than 20 hours per week if you reside in the federal state of Hamburg. Please contac the HSBA International Office for more information.
Your residence permit must be renewed regularly during your stay at HSBA if it expires before the end of your studies. Renewal applications must be submitted to the immigration office responsible for your district of residence: Standorte Ausländerangelegenheiten - hamburg.de
Your residence permit is directly linked to the programme in which you are enrolled. Changing or discontinuing your programme may result in the loss of your right of residence. Anyone who changes their study programme with the permission of the university must inform the immigration authorities immediately.
Attending Induction
After all required documents have been submitted and all necessary steps have been completed, you will receive information about the Welcome and Introduction Days for exchange students. These days are a great opportunity to settle in at HSBA, make your first connections and prepare for your semester in Hamburg. During the Welcome and Introduction Days, you will meet fellow exchange students from around the world who are just as new to HSBA as you are. Many friendships begin in these first few days, as everyone is starting this exciting adventure together.
What you can expect during the Welcome and Introduction Days:
- meet fellow exchange students and the HSBA International Committee
- important information about your exchange semester at HSBA
- social activities and networking opportunities
- meet your HSBA Buddy
- receive your student ID card
- get a campus tour
- receive a library introduction
The Welcome Days are designed to help you settle in, connect with other exchange students and make the most of your time at HSBA from the very beginning.
Mastering Cultural Adaptation
Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation brought on by experiencing an unfamiliar culture, lifestyle, or set of attitudes.
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Many international students experience culture shock as they adjust to unfamiliar customs, routines and ways of life. It can take time to feel at home, and everyone settles in at their own pace.
The following tips can help you adjust and make the most of your time abroad. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to meet new people, discover different perspectives and create lasting memories. If you’re finding things difficult, reach out to your Buddy or the International Office for support.
- Understand that it is totally fine and normal to get shocked when you move to another country.
- Don’t rush things. Adapting to a new community, culture, weather, language takes time.
- Try to understand why people behave the way they behave. Focus on listening to people and observing their body language.
- Take risks and do things that you are unfamiliar with. Try new food, go to new places, discover the city that you live in, walk in the streets and listen to local music.
- Don’t be afraid of sharing your ideas and thoughts with others and don’t be judgmental when people express their own ideas and thoughts as well. This is how it works!
- Don’t expect that everyone will like you and want to spend time with you. Instead engage in activities that you like. This will automatically make you meet new friends who have common interests.
- Respect people’s privacy, traditions and habits.
- In Germany, you will be recognised based on your personal achievements not your family or your background.
- Your relationship with some Germans might not be as warm and close as you used to with your friends in your home country. Try to find local and international friends.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself! Feel the change and enjoy it. Living abroad is going to enrich your personality and will overall be a fantastic achievement. But accepting it may take a while. That’s fine.
Step 5: At HSBA
after start of studies
Enjoying your Classes
At HSBA, you can expect practice-oriented courses, small class sizes, close interaction with lecturers, and the opportunity to study alongside both German and international students. To make the most of your exchange semester, we encourage you to attend classes regularly, engage with your fellow students and prepare for assessments and examinations throughout the semester. If you have any questions or need support, you can always reach out to your fellow students, lecturers or the International Office.
Microsoft Teams
An essential part of the HSBA communication is Microsoft 365 and the app “Teams”. Teams is the main communication platform, enhancing the learning experience, creating the chance for good communication between all students, teaching and administration staff.
Academic/Scientific Work
A study abroad experience at HSBA offers you the opportunity to explore different academic approaches and gain new perspectives on academic writing and research. During your time at HSBA, you may be asked to complete reports, essays, presentations or project work, providing you with insights into academic methods and standards.
As academic expectations and working practices can vary from country to country, it is helpful to remain open to new approaches and to reach out to your lecturers whenever you have questions. This will give you valuable insights into different academic perspectives while helping you further develop your analytical, research and communication skills.
New Skills
During your time at HSBA, you will encounter a variety of assessment formats, including written and oral examinations, presentations, as well as individual and group projects. These assessments are not only designed to demonstrate the knowledge you have acquired. Many also foster skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. This allows you to apply your knowledge in different contexts while gaining a new academic perspective.
Networking
Networking at HSBA
HSBA is well known for its great opportunities on networking. Small classes, a familiar feel on campus, evening events and lounges, student clubs, events organised by partner companies and more. If you want to get involved you can get involved!
Stay connected throughout your exchange semester by keeping up to date on MS Teams, connecting with the International Committee and your Buddy. Joining WhatsApp groups and following student communities on Instagram are also great ways to stay informed and make sure you do not miss out on events and activities.
Networking in Hamburg
Make the most of your time in Hamburg and take advantage of everything the city has to offer. Whether you are interested in culture, events, cafés, sports or life by the waterfront, there is also plenty to explore beyond the classroom.
Counselling Support
At HSBA, there are some counselors ready to assist you with challenging or difficult situations. Homesickness, exam anxiety, depression, general anxiety.... if you suffer from any of these, do speak out, it will help you!
Please visit our website for information on which counsellors are available. You are, of course, also welcome to contact the International Office first. We're happy to assist.
