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Exchange Students and Free Mover at HSBA
Welcome!
Study in the heart of Hamburg! At HSBA, you will study right in the centre of Hamburg, a vibrant international city with a distinctive maritime character. Between classes, cafés, cultural events and life by the waterfront, there is always something new to discover.
Practice-oriented courses, small class sizes and a multicultural student community create a learning environment that makes studying at HSBA a unique experience.
Start your adventure in Hamburg and become part of the international HSBA community.
Your Academic Experience
HSBA's challenging courses combine theoretical concepts with practical application.
What to Expect:
Practice-focussed teaching with strong links to business
Small class sizes and personalised support
Opportunities to work alongside German and international students
Courses taught in English
A close-knit learning atmosphere
At HSBA, studying is closely linked to business practice: Degree-seeking students work for a company alongside their studies. As a result, many courses are practice-oriented and based on real business cases.
What does this mean for exchange students?
- You study exclusively at HSBA and do not work for a company during your exchange semester.
- You attend the regular HSBA courses together with degree-seeking students.
- Many courses are based on real business cases and practical examples from industry.
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Semester Dates and Academic Calendar
The academic year at HSBA is divided into four terms/ quarters, each lasting approx. three months.
HSBA offers four intakes a year: in July, October, January and April.
You may study at HSBA for one to four terms. For a traditional exchange semester, we recommend two terms (approx. 30 ECTS).
Mandatory orientation days take place at the beginning of each term. Examinations take place at the end of each term.
Nomination Deadline (for your Home University)
Four months before the start of your stay
Application Deadline
Three months before the start of your stay
Academic Calendar 2026/2027
| Summer '26 | Autumn '26 | Winter '27 | Spring '27 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Induction days / week | 23 – 24 Jul 2026 | 5 – 6 Oct 2026 | 4 – 5 Jan 2027 | 8 - 9 Apr 2027 |
| Course start | 27 Jul 2026 | 5 Oct 2026 | 4 Jan 2027 | 12 Apr 2027 |
| Exam preparation and exam weeks | 25 Sep – 2 Oct 2026 | 11 – 18 Dec 2026 | 12 – 19 Mar 2027 | 11 – 18 Jun 2027 |
Academic Calendar 2027/2028
| Summer '27 | Autumn '27 | Winter '28 | Spring '28 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Induction days / week | 22 – 23 July 2027 | 4 – 5 October 2027 | 3 – 4 January 2028 | 30 - 31 April 2028 |
| Course start | 26 July 2027 | 4 Oct 2027 | 3 Jan 2028 | 3 Apr 2028 |
| Exam preparation and exam weeks | 24 Sep – 1 Oct 2027 | 10 – 17 Dec 2027 | 10 – 17 Mar 2028 | 2 – 9 Jun 2028 |
| End of the term | 1 October 2027 | 17 December 2027 | 17 March 2028 | 9 June 2028 |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply as Exchange or Free Mover Student
1. Partner University or Free Mover
Students from our partner institutions, including Erasmus+ partners, are nominated by their home university. Ask your International Office for advice if in doubt.
You can also study at HSBA or take selected courses without being enrolled at a partner university (depending on availability). This makes you a Free Mover.
As a Free Mover, this step does not apply. You can apply directly online.
Tuition Fees:
- Students from a partner university: No tuition fees
- Free Mover Students taking Bachelor courses: EUR 100 per credit or EUR 3,000 for 30 ECTS per semester (two terms)
- Free Mover Students takingMaster: Information on courses and fees available upon request
2. Course Choice - UNDERGRADUATE Studies
HSBA offers the following Bachelor’s programmes:
- BSc Business Administration (75% German/25% English)
- BSc Business Informatics (75% German/25% English)
- BSc International Management (100% English)
- BSc Logistics Management (100% English)
You can combine modules from across degree programmes and academic years, depending on prerequisites.
Please note:
- You may select two to three courses per term (12-18 ECTS). Students usually take 30 ECTS in two terms.
- Depending on module combination, there may be timetable clashes. Ensure you have some alternative modules as back up choices.
- Schedules are published approx. 2 weeks prior to term start.
- Check out the module descriptions for details and prerequisites.
Course lists:
2. Course Choice - POSTGRADUATE Studies
Postgraduate Studies
For Master's Students:
- HSBA only offers part-time Master's programmes and does not have a traditional exchange semester structure for Master's students.
- However, it is possible to attend individual courses.
- For details and current course offerings, please contact Incoming(at)hsba.de.
One-Week Modules
Intensive One-Week-Modules:
Intrapreneur & Entrepreneur:
Innovation Bootcamp
Social Skills:
Negotiations & Storytelling
Date: 19 to 23 July 2027
Students from our partner institutions are welcome to attend. Please view the module outlines of the offered programme here and contact the HSBA International Office for further information.
3. Learning Agreement
Selecting courses in the EWP Dashboard does not replace your HSBA Module Selection Form/ HSBA Learning Agreement.
- Erasmus+ students: HSBA accepts digital Learning Agreements submitted via the EWP Dashboard. Please also submit the HSBA Module Selection Form together with your online application.
- Non-Erasmus+ students: Please upload the HSBA Module Selection Form directly as part of your online application.
Tip: Make sure that the HSBA Module Selection Form is fully completed and signed before the start of the semester to ensure the successful recognition of your credits at your home university.
4. Aplication Documents
- Learning Agreement/ HSBA Module Selection Form (you may use either the HSBA form or your university's form)
- Current Transcript of Records in English
- Passport sized photograph (JPG for student ID)
Proof of English and/or German proficiency at B2 level (required from ALL students except native speakers).
Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL (90 pts.), IELTS (6.0), Cambridge Certificates: FCE with Grade A, CAE with Grade A, B or C, CPE with Grade A, B, or C or academic tutor’s statement of competence in English.
Only required if you wish to take courses in German:
Proof of of German proficiency: DSH-Test (DSH2 level), TestDaF (TDN 4 or higher), Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) or academic tutor’s statement of competence in German. Other certificates may be accepted upon request.
5. Online Application
After being nominated, you need to submit an online application to HSBA.
Free Movers go straight to the application form:
6. Letter of Acceptance
Once you have completed all required information and uploaded your documents, we will review your application. Provided your application is successful, you will receive your Letter of Acceptance by email. You may also receive a Visa Invitation Letter together, depending on your nationality,
The official documents confirm your place at HSBA and enable you to make the necessary preparations for your semester abroad.
7. International Student Guide
You have been accepted as Exchange Student or Free Mover at HSBA? Congrats - we are very much looking forward to welcoming you to beautiful Hamburg soon.
Our International Student Guide takes you through the study abroad process, from preparing for your trip to settling into life in Hamburg and studying at HSBA.
It’s full of practical information to help you plan your stay and make the most of your time with us.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Internationales Komitee](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/a/csm_IMG_0930_2c264fa601.jpeg)
Meet Your HSBA Buddy
A friendly face to help you settle in
Moving to a new country and starting at a new university is exciting, but there’s plenty to get used to. To help you feel at home at HSBA and in Hamburg, we’ll match you with an HSBA Buddy. Whether you have questions about studying here, want tips on exploring Hamburg or need a hand with everyday life, your Buddy will be there to help you settle in and share their own experiences.
All exchange students are automatically matched with a Buddy, who will get in touch shortly before your exchange begins..
Meet the International Committee
Many of our Buddies are also members of the International Committee. The Committee regularly organises pizza nights, museum visits, day trips and outings to the Christmas markets. This gives you plenty of opportunities to meet other students and explore Hamburg together..
What Our Exchange Students Say:
ChoiMy experience at HSBA has been an incredible journey that broadened my perspective and changed the way I think about the world.
Meeting and communicating with students from many different countries, while enjoying life in Hamburg, helped me become a more international and open-minded person. The classes at HSBA were both practical and engaging, inspiring me to explore new topics independently and continuously expand my knowledge. Coming to HSBA was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I believe it will remain an unforgettable memory for the rest of my life.
Kangnam University, Exchange Student at HSBA 2026
Li-HanThank you for the kind support and assistance throughout this unforgettable experience.
From the very beginning of the application process to the end of my stay in Hamburg, the guidance and care at HSBA made a significant difference. Iris' timely communication and warm encouragement helped me navigate life in a new environment and made me feel truly welcomed at HSBA. I deeply appreciate all the efforts in supporting international students like myself.
My time in Hamburg was not only academically enriching but also personally transformative. I learned a great deal, met wonderful people, and gained lasting memories that I will always cherish.
National Taipei University, Exchange Student at HSBA 2024
JuanThis experience has been great and I am sure it will help me with my professional career in the future.
I am from Spain and I had the opportunity to spent the last year of my degree at the HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration. During this year I have learned a lot about International Commerce, Corporate Finance, Sustainability and Marketing. We did sit exams, but also had a great deal of group work and had to deliver many presentations in English in front of the class. I also want to thank all the HSBA Staff for their kindness and professionalism, it couldn't have been done better!
Cámarabilbao University Business School, Exchange Student at HSBA 2023
RebeccaI recommend HSBA to people who would like to experience something different to their usual university life. I felt well taken care of, from both the International Student Committee and the International Office, and the lecturers are willing to work out a solution if an assignment is challenging without work experience.
What I liked about the classes was that they were not too big in size. The students were actively engaged during the lectures and had a good relationship with the lecturers, there did not seem to be any “power distance” and the lecturers were interested in the student’s opinions and thoughts. If I had any questions, I could just ask.
I really loved the city of Hamburg. Even though it seems so big at first, everything in the city center can actually be explored by foot. One of my favorite places was the Plaza at the Elbphilharmonie, you have such a great view over the city and the buzzing harbor. I also liked the Aussenalster and the many cute cafés in districts like Winterude and Eimsbüttel. And the Sternschanze has a nice vibe, even though it can be crowded.
BFH Berner Fachhochschule, Exchange Student at HSBA 2023
