The University Executive Board
HAW Hamburg's internationalisation strategy brings together the university's international activities, gives them a strategic focus and deepens them in selected areas. The current internationalisation strategy was published in July 2024, replacing the 2018–2020 internationalisation strategy. Its further development was supported by the Internationalisation Advisory Board.
The strategy is divided into the fields of action ‘Internationalisation of Studies and Teaching’, ‘International Mobility’ and ‘Internationalisation of Research’. It focuses its activities and measures on the three priority regions of Europe, the USA/North America and China/Vietnam/East Asia.
At HAW Hamburg, the Executive Board, the International Office, the faculties, the Research and Transfer Service Area with the Centre for Graduate Studies and the Migration Office, as well as the Internationalisation Advisory Board in a coordinating role, are responsible for implementing the internationalisation strategy.
Internationalisation Advisory Board
The Internationalisation Advisory Board was established at HAW Hamburg as a forum for exchange and consultation on internationalisation issues. Chaired by the Vice President for Research, Transfer and International Affairs, it meets regularly during the semester. It supports the coordination of internationalisation activities and advises the Executive Board on internationalisation issues at HAW Hamburg. It meets regularly during the semester under the chairmanship of the Vice President for Research and Transfer. The Advisory Board is composed of the international representatives of the faculties, the management of the International Office and the Migration Office, as well as the International Coordination Office in the Research and Transfer Service Area. The Vice President for Studies and Teaching participates on an ad hoc basis. Additional participants are also invited depending on the topic. HAW Hamburg strives for comprehensive internationalisation in teaching and research in order to strengthen the quality of studies, teaching and research.
Internationalisation strategy: Goals and action areas
Internationalisation of degrees and teaching – Internationalisation at home
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HAW Hamburg's 'internationalisation at home' concept encompasses various building blocks for creating a more intercultural and international campus in Hamburg. It is directed at HAW Hamburg's German and international Bachelor's and Master's students, instructors and researchers, and administrative staff. 'Internationalisation at home' means
- improving the integration of foreign students and researchers in degree courses and teaching,
- making courses more international on a lasting basis,
- offering more courses in English, and
- providing as many students as possible with international experiences and insights.
Internationalisation of students – Increasing overseas stays and studies
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HAW Hamburg aims to provide students with key career-oriented qualifications in order to properly prepare them for the global challenges of the future and their transition to the work world. In addition to supporting them in developing their language and intercultural skills through the 'internationalisation at home' offers, we aim to motivate and support HAW Hamburg students to study abroad, both within Europe and overseas.
Internationalisation of research
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In the area of research and knowledge transfer, HAW Hamburg's internationalisation efforts focus on supporting exchange and cooperation as well as international networks for cross-country collaborative research. The goal is to increase HAW Hamburg's attractiveness to international researchers and promote an understanding of other research cultures.
Expansion and development of key regions
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In its international relations in the areas of degree courses, teaching and research, HAW Hamburg focuses on Europe. It has partner universities in 27 countries and is particularly engaged in the CARPE network's activities and the Baltic region. Further afield, HAW Hamburg has identified the Shanghai-Hamburg College, the United States and Australia as especially strategic regions.
The global networks that are of particular strategic importance for HAW Hamburg are the Global E3 network (Global Engineering Education Exchange), which primarily supports student exchanges in the area of engineering, and the Cumulus Association, which brings together renowned art and design universities. HAW Hamburg is expanding its activities within these networks.
