International Student Guide
Coming to Hamburg
You have been accepted as Exchange Student, International Degree-Seeking Student or Free Mover at HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration? Congrats - we are very much looking forward to welcoming you to beautiful Hamburg soon.
The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has around 1,8 Mio citizens and is proud, to host over 100,000 students at more than 20 higher education institutions. Hamburg is a dynamic and international city with an open-mind and we know that you will feel right at home here.
HSBA is located right in the center of Hamburg and you are able to walk to many famous landmarks from here. Most of our students live in the centre and cycle to campus or take the subway, S-train or the bus.
Below you will find important information to help you plan your stay in Germany, in Hamburg and at HSBA.
Step 1: Pre-Application Phase
12–8 months prior to start of programme
Unique HSBA
Well-known for academic study and training in companies
HSBA, founded in 2004, is the successor of the Wirtschaftsakademie (Business Academy) Hamburg from 1975 and is, for many years, partnered with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce. HSBA has made itself a name for providing high quality academic education combined with practical experience through cooperation with partners in trade and industry. Especially in and around Hamburg HSBA is well known and the academic partner for around 300 companies.
Small private University
The Hamburg School of Business Administration is a relatively small private higher education institution which is state-accredited. Its ca. 1000 students fit nicely into the small campus building in the heart of Hamburg’s city centre. The institution has a very familiar feel and the saying “HSBA is family” is very true. As it’s a private university, HSBA does not receive any funding from the government and therefore charges tuition fees which are to be paid by the student (via their own funds or via their employer). Exchange students from our partner universities get a tuition waiver.
Structure of undergraduate programmes
There are around 700 students at undergraduate level, studying in dual and part-time programmes while working at the same time. Undergradudate students are divided into the so-called A-Track and B-Track groups.
Structure of postgraduate programmes
The roughly 300 postgraduate students are registered in part-time degree programmes, enabling them to work part-time alongside their studies.
At postgraduate level, the timetables are structured differently to undergraduate level. On average, students 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
Hamburg
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany after Berlin. Hamburg considers itself “the gateway to the world”, based on its rich history of international trade. It is a very attractive city to live in, and therefore, there are indeed people living here from all over the world.
German Language - Start learning some German before arriving
German is the spoken language in Hamburg like everywhere else in Germany. You will be at a great advantage if you already know some basics upon arrival. It will make your life way easier in your daily life, it may even open some doors, and it will also accelerate your learning curve once you are here.
Money Matters
Living Expenses
Hamburg is a great city to live in but living expenses are quite high compared to other cities in Germany and especially compared to costs in many other countries. The cost of living depends very much on your needs, so the following should only be considered as a guideline;
- rent: EUR 400-900 per month (including utilities)
- health insurance: EUR 110
- public transport: EUR 40-75
- telephone, internet, radio and television: EUR 50
- food and drink: EUR 200
- clothes: EUR 60
We highly recommend that you are aware of this and that you make realistic plans in terms of financing your stay in Hamburg. You will need to have sufficient money to travel to Hamburg, cover your tuition fees (does not apply to exchange students), 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.
Hidden Costs
Hidden costs that you may not think of immediately are:
- 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 visiting family).
Student ID Card
Students who show their student ID card often receive discounts on public transport, tickets to movies, museums or theaters and occasionally even on lunch deals. Asking for student discounts is definitely worthwhile.
Step 2: Application Phase
8–4 months prior to start of programme
Applying to HSBA
@Degree Seeking Students
Applying to HSBA is straightforward. All you need to do is to visit our website in order to check the admission process and requirements for the degree programme of your choice before filling in the online application form. Together with the application form you will need to submit a number of supporting documents. The best is to submit an entirely complete application. This will reduce the back and forth between the Admissions Team and yourself and you will receive an answer on the outcome of your application much faster. In case one or two of your supporting documents are missing (e.g. a reference letter) it is suggested that you submit the application without and send the missing documentation as soon as you have received it.
@Exchange Students
You will receive information about the application process directly from the International Office after nomination from your home university.
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. Even if you work part-time, it is important to get a student visa as the focus of your degree programme at HSBA is the academic part.
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 provide you with an official invitation letter upon request to support your application as soon as you have signed your contract with us and paid your enrolment fees (if applicable).
Besides the application forms and additional 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 in Step 3: Pre-Arrival Phase "Applying for your Visa".
Employment Regulations for Degree-Seeking Students only
General regulations for undergraduate students
As an international undergraduate student with a valid VISA or a residence permit in Hamburg, you are allowed to work up to 140 days or 280 half-days per calendar year. Additionally, you can take on on-campus jobs at universities. Alternatively, you can work as a student assistant (Werkstudent), which means a maximum of 20 hours per week during the lecture period, with no restrictions during the semester break. It is advisable to adhere to the 20-hour limit during the lecture period, even if you use the number of working days per calendar year as a guide (hours of all activities are combined), to avoid losing your residence permit under § 16b of the Residence Act.
Special regulations for HSBA postgraduate students
As HSBA postgraduate student you may receive the permission to work up to 30 hours per week. HSBA recognises the need for students to occasionally work more than the common 20 hours and therefore, HSBA has negotiated a special agreement with the state of Hamburg. The Hamburg immigration offices may officially allow HSBA non-EU/EFTA students to work up to 30 hours a week. This agreement is currently only in place with the state of Hamburg so you need to be registered officially in Hamburg. In the neighbouring states of Schleswig-Holstein and Niedersachsen, this agreement is not (yet) in place, unfortunately.
If you wish to take advantage of this policy, please inform your Programme Manager PRIOR to arranging your appointment to apply for your residence permit with Welcome Center. Your Programme Manager will check whether you are eligible to receive a supporting document from HSBA, as you will need to be registered within Hamburg. You will subsequently receive a letter which you can take to your appointment.
For additional information on job-related topics such as different types of contracts and the importance of semester dates please contact your Programme Manager.
Looking and Applying for a Job
How to look for a job
- Previous work experience will make you stand out. If you have experience in a field that is sought after (like engineering or IT) you will have a great advantage.
- The language: Even though Hamburg is a large city with a partly internationally operating economy many companies still use German as their main office language. Applicants with none or little German language skills may find it hard to find a job. You can increase your chances by applying at international (trading) companies that, ideally, cooperate with your home country.
- Be honest to yourself. Ask yourself questions like: What are my strengths? In which area/industry am I most qualified? In which industry/company could I apply my competences and improve my skills? What type of job would I enjoy?
- Prepare a professional online profile, e.g. on professional social platforms like LinkedIn (generally English speaking platform) and Xing (German platform, partly used more extensively than LinkedIn and traditionally less “international”) and ensure your settings show “I am currently looking for a job” or #opentowork.
Where to look for a job
Applying for a job and working during your studies
- Make it in Germany: Applying for a job
- Studierendenwerk Hamburg: Jobbing during your studies
- DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst): Side Jobs
Learning 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:
- 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 your local university or expat community and find someone who is happy to help you out. You will be surprised how many people are willing to do so. - (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 start of programme
Applying for Visa
Getting an appointment at the German mission and receiving your student visa can take several months. Therefore, we highly recommend starting the visa application process and applying for a visa appointment to the German mission in your country of residence once you start HSBA’s application process, if you need a visa to enter Germany. The visa application procedure differs slightly from country to country. These are the general steps:
- 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.
- It is essential to visit the website of the German mission in your country of residence to find out about all required documents and information about 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. Regarding health insurance, please be informed that a travel insurance might be sufficient to enter Germany, but it is not valid for enrolling at HSBA and 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 show proof of sufficient health insurance for your visa application and again upon arrival in Germany. Getting health insurance is mandatory as you will not be able to proceed in your studies, getting your residence permit or being allowed to work without it. 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 EHIC you then provide to HSBA for your enrollment.
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 sign up for coverage in Germany. There are two options to get health insurance in Germany:
- Statutory insurance
If you are under 30 years of age, you should opt for statutory health insurance. A list of health insurance providers you will find 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, and have to take out private German health insurance. However, it is very important to pay attention to the health insurance package that you will choose. HSBA is not allowed to officially recommend any health insurance company to you, however, you can ask the 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.
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, the cost for accommodation often comes at a surprise. Start your search 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, 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 accommodation. Here are some suggestions to start with:
HSBA Buddy programme
Sign up for a buddy and start making new friends. The HSBA Buddy Programme, run by the International Committee, is intended to help at the start. A buddy is a current HSBA student who assists you finding your way around and settling in.
Step 4: Upon Arrival in Hamburg
first weeks in Hamburg
Completing HSBA Enrolment Requirements
Enrolment at HSBA
The Admissions Department/Service Office will continue to be in touch with you to ensure that you complete your enrolment. 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 your student ID card on your first day of Induction.
Registering at Local Authority
Register your address
Once you have moved into your new home, 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.
In addition to the registration form and further documentation you will need to submit a confirmation signed by your landlord (“Wohnungsgeberbestätigung”). After successful registration, you will get a proof of residence which you will need for opening a bank account, taking out health insurance etc. Every time you move and change your address you will have to repeat the process (within two weeks). Before leaving Hamburg and Germany, make sure to deregister your residence at the city authorities. If not, you might get in trouble whenever you decide to return to Hamburg or Germany.
Name on letterbox
Make sure that your name is on your letterbox because 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 only by post.
Opening Bank Account
You should check with your local bank its conditions while you are abroad. In most cases it will be necessary to open a current bank account in Germany, because salary payments and transactions such as rent, health insurance and phone bills are handled via a local account. A local account normally gives you access to the money in your blocked account (if applicable). Find out more about German bank accounts on the Hamburg website and on Study in Germany.
Applying for Residence Permit
Upon arrival and after you have registered your address in Hamburg, you must convert your visa into a residence permit for the purpose of study. Even non-EU nationals who were able to enter Germany without a visa must apply for a residence permit for the purpose of study.
Make sure to prepare the documents for the application in good time before the visa expires and no later than six weeks before the expiry date. If you do not have a Visa please apply within 90 days of entry and after you have registered your address in Hamburg.
Ensure to make an appointment at the Hamburg Welcome Center for the submission of the residence permit application. For information, contact details and required documents, visit their website.
A document with your “Aufenthaltstitel” (permit) will be handed to you including the hours you are allowed to work during your studies.
One of the benefits that HSBA provides is that you, as student, are allowed to work up to 30 hours per week. Please ask your Programme Manager for a document confirming the 30 hours rule and submit it together with the complete residence permit application to the Foreigner' Authority. The fact that you can work up to 30 hours only applies if you live within the state of Hamburg. If you decide to move to another city during your studies, you will be allowed to work 20 hours per week. Please refer to section “Employment Regulations for Degree-Seeking Students only” to read up on additional information on this rule.
Your residence permit must be regularly extended during the study period.
Your permit is directly linked to the academic programme you are enrolled in. Changing it or dropping out may lead to the loss of the right of residence. Anybody who changes the degree programme with the permission of the university must immediately inform the Foreigner' Authority. Do not wait for the expiry date of the previous residence permit. Please note that a tourist visa can NOT be converted into a residence permit for the purpose of study.
Attending Induction
After you have been enrolled onto your degree programme you will receive information on the Induction Day(s). These days are very important to ensure a smooth start into university life. You will get to meet your fellow course mates. Everyone is new and unlikely to know one another. Everyone is in the same boat and it will be easy to start making new friends.
You will also meet key HSBA staff: The Academic Head of your programme and staff from the administration including the Admission Team, the International Office and your Programme Manager.
This is what happens on the day(s):
- you will be given your Student ID card
- there will be introductory rounds
- general information sessions
- a campus tour
- library introduction
- some social activities
- and much more
Missing the first few days of university is not a good idea as that’s where you receive most information. If you are unable to attend because you are still waiting for your visa, for example, then please ensure you keep the International Office or the Admissions Team and your Programme Manager updated on your situation. Once you arrive in Hamburg you will then be informed on what you have missed.
Mastering Cultural Adaptation
Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation brought on by experiencing an unfamiliar culture, lifestyle, or set of attitudes.
Culture shock is one of the challenges that almost all international students experience when coming to a new country. In pretty much all cases the first shock will be overcome and met with unforgettable, nice memories so don’t worry!
Here come some tips that can help you overcome the first shock and help you cope with the change better. You have the chance to turn the change of country into a lifetime experience and opportunity to grow your ideas, appreciate the diversity and ultimately embrace the change the way you see the world.
- 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 programme
Enjoying your Classes
HSBA is well-known for its unique learning experience (combining study and work experiences) and its energetic student life. You are likely not to have as much free time as you thought because you are studying and maybe working at the same time. Therefore, time management is key! Ensure you go to your classes. Stay in touch with your course mates even if there is a break in your schedule. Revise for exams in good time. Stay on top of your workload. If you have feedback speak directly to the lecturer, or, if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, reach out to your class representative or your Programme Manager.
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
As a student at HSBA, academic work is a core part of your studies and learning journey. Your learning and, of course, also your examinations are based on academia. Attend any lecturers or extracurricular sessions about this topic to improve your own research abilities and writing style. Ask, ask, ask if something is unclear. The way of writing reports or essays (and, later on, your thesis!) may differ from how you know it from home so be prepared, and practice. Another tip to enhance your academic work is to read academic work! For example, published papers and articles published in well-known journals.
New Skills
During the course of your studies at HSBA, you will be exposed to a variety of knowledge examination tools such as written exams, oral exams, project work and presentations, and more. Those tools are designed not just to test your knowledge of a specific topic but they also enhance your skills in different management areas such as the ability to communicate complex ideas, ability to work within teams and the ability to manage conflict.
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, the mentoring programme, events organised by partner companies and more: If you want to get involved you can get involved!
Keep an eye on MS Teams, join the student app, speak to others, be part of WhatsApp and Instagram groups so you don’t miss out.
Join student committees, and in case you don’t like any of the clubs or activities that are on offer, feel free to create your own. That’s how it works here at HSBA; students are the main driving force for their own success. Ask your Programme Manager on how this is done.
Networking in Hamburg
Also, don't forget that you are in Hamburg- the best city in Germany, of course! See what Hamburg has to offer, get off the sofa and take part in social and cultural life.
Attending German Language Classes
To really immerse into the German culture, we recommend learning the German language. Language skills are important for making friends, building your career and feeling at home in your new city. These are some options for Language Schools in Hamburg:
- HSBA offers a free of cost German language course from October- March each year at level A1.2 (according to the Common European Framework for Languages). Some very basic German skills are required to attend. The course is divided into two parts, the first part starts mid-October, runs for ten weeks and includes two teaching units (á 45 min.) per week. The second part begins in mid-January and runs accordingly. The course is open for both international exchange and degree-seeking students. If you wish to attend the course, please send an e-mail to Iris Heine (International Office). Please visit your MS Teams account to access the course schedule.
- In addition, both exchange and international degree-seeking students may benefit from a 20% discount at HSBA’s cooperating partner language school Colón. Please visit their website to learn more about available courses. When registering with Colón, please provide your HSBA student card, and you will receive the 20% discount (excluding the online booking discount) on German language courses and a 10% discount on other foreign languages.
- Find almost all language schools based in Hamburg here.
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.
