Study in the USA
The USA is a strategic focus for HAW Hamburg. Through the programme 'HAW goes USA', we make it possible for qualified students to spend a semester at one of our US partner universities without having to pay tuition fees. In addition, engineering students can study in the USA through the Global E3 network.
You can find additional information about the individual universities and the answers to the most frequently asked questions below. Please also speak with your Student Exchange Coordinator.
Each year at the beginning of November, we announce here how many places are available for the next winter semester and which US partner universities they'll be located at. Please check back then. It is not possible to submit an application before 1 November.
Partner university | Faculties |
California State University, Long Beach | All faculties |
Drexel University, Philadelphia | Faculties TI, LS |
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) | Design |
Radford University | Nursing, Social Work, Computer Science |
San Diego State University | All faculties |
State University of New York (SUNY-Albany) | Faculty TI |
University of Florida | Faculty TI |
University of Pittsburgh | Faculties TI, LS |
University of Rhode Island | Double degree International Business (Bachelor) |
University of South Alabama | Faculty TI |
Virginia Tech | Aerospace |
Wichita State University | Faculties TI, LS & W&S |
Global E3 network | Faculties TI, LS |
FAQs
Who can apply? What criteria do I need to fulfil?
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Application requirements:
At the time of exchange Bachelor students must be in at least the fourth semester. Master students must be at least in the second semester at the time of exchange.
You must have good grades at the time of application (and afterwards):
- Average grade of at least 2.3 (non-engineering students)
- Average grade of at least 2.7 for engineering students
- Average grade for ISAP programmes: min. 2.5 Virginia Tech (Aeronautical Engineering); min. 2.0 MICA (Design)
- Average grade of at least 2.0 for double degree programme at the University of Rhode Island Additional criteria (in German only)
You should have completed your classes according to the standard study period (Regelstudienzeit). If you still need to complete one or two exams, this is not necessarily a problem. Explain the reasons in your application.
You must to have very strong English skills.
-> If you do not fulfil the above criteria, you unfortunately cannot apply for the programme.
A high degree of personal engagement at the university is also desirable – for example, in the weBuddy programme, or as a tutor during an orientation unit.
You can download the information page (in German only) for more details.
You can download the language certificate here.
Requirements during your stay:
You will need to successfully complete at least four courses (12 US credits). This does not include 'leisure courses' such as surfing, yoga, etc. The latter can be completed in addition to the for-credit courses.
When can I go and how can I apply?
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A study semester in the USA always takes place in the winter semester. In the USA the semester runs from September to mid-December.
The exchanges with the partner universities are reciprocal, which means that student exchanges take place on a one-to-one basis. Exchanges as part of the Global E3 programme depend on the capacities of the 37 member universities. The decision about how many places will be offered and which departments will be included in the next round is made in early November.
The call for applications is announced at the beginning of November each year. The places are announced here, through posters around the university campus, and via email. The application deadline is 6 January. Selection interviews take place between mid-January and early February.
The information form (in German only) about the application process lists the documents you need to submit and what we look for in applicants. We definitely recommend that you organise an advising session with the student exchange coordinator (SEC) in your faculty.
The paper-free application submission process takes place via the Mobility Online application portal.
Can I apply for more than one university?
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The demand is high, so you need to pick one US university and tailor your application to this university. However, you are welcome to list a second choice so that we know if you would consider another university if you aren't selected for your first choice.
IMPORTANT: You must also decide whether you want to go to a US university with which we have a bilateral agreement or whether you want to go to a US university under Global E3. It is not possible to apply for both programmes at the same time.
Does my faculty have to be listed for me to be able to apply?
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Yes. You can only apply for those US universities for which your faculty or your degree course is listed.
Can I study in the USA if I am a Master's student?
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The following opportunities are open to Master's students:
1. Master's students in Social Work can complete a semester at CSULB. However, they cannot attend Master's courses. Instead, they can participate in senior level-4 Bachelor's courses. Please check whether the selected courses will be recognised by HAW Hamburg. You can also apply for the spring semester (January–May) in Long Beach (application deadline: 15 June).
2. Global E3 network: Master students can complete a study abroad semester at one of the following Global E3 partner universities in the US: Clemson, Embry-Riddle, Mississippi State, Missouri UST, New Jersey IT, Texas Tech, University of Florida, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, University of Minnesota, University of Tulsa, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Please be advised that these places are awarded in competition with other Global E3 students. You are not guaranteed a place. Information about the US partners.
3. Master's students in Aeronautical Engineering can complete their Master's thesis at Virginia Tech as part of a J1 research scholar visa. More information in German here.
4. Master's students in International Business can complete their Master's thesis as part of the J1 Research Scholar Visa at the University of Rhode Island. The prerequisite is the successful participation in the interdisciplinary workshop on quantitative data analysis by Prof. Katenka, which is offered as a component of the course "Multinational Enterprises and the Global Economy" by Prof. Dr Natalia Ribberink.
How good do my English skills need to be?
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Applicants for the USA must have very good English skills. Please use the DAAD language certificate as proof of your language skills for the internal application process. You should have a rating of at least **** in each area. English native speakers do not have to submit a language certificate (just a letter explaining the situation). It is possible that the partner university will request a language certificate as part of the registration process. Note: Students with US nationality cannot participate in the 'HAW goes USA' programme.
Who can complete the DAAD language certificate:
You can complete a language test at the Hamburg School of English in Eppendorf. The test costs approximately €40 and can be completed at short notice (tel.: 040 480 2116). The language school then completes the DAAD certificate.
If your internal application is successful, a number of partners will accept the DAAD certificate. The following US partner universities require a TOEFL test in place of the DAAD certificate. You don't need to complete the TOEFL test until you have been accepted:
- Drexel University (79 points)
- University of Pittsburgh (80 points)
- SUNY - State University of New York (79 points)
Can I study in the USA for more than one semester?
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Unfortunately not. The places are in high demand, and we want to give as many students as possible the chance to participate in the programme.
The only possibility to study for two semesters is through the double degree programme with the University of Rhode Island (International Business).
How many courses do I need to complete in the US?
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In order to complete the requirements for the exchange programme and the J1 visa you need to complete a minimum of 4 academic courses (12 US credits). You can complete a maximum of 15 US credits.
If you are receiving an ISAP scholarship you need to complete as many US courses as necessary to get credit transfer for 30 ECTS at HAW Hamburg.
What does a semester in the USA cost? Are scholarships available?
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Unfortunately, a semester abroad in the USA is not cheap. The cost of accommodation in particular is very high relative to Hamburg. Living expenses are also higher. It is not unusual that students need to plan to have €10,000–€15,000 for one semester. Please read the reports from other students who have spent a semester abroad to get a better picture of what's involved, and apply well ahead of time for scholarships and BAföG for study abroad:
- DAAD HAW.International scholarship
- Fulbright travel scholarship
- PROMOS scholarship (HAW Hamburg)
- AuslandsBAföG (for study abroad)
ISAP scholarships*:
- Virginia Tech/Aeronautical engineering: Four scholarships of 8,525 Euros Euros (extension application in process).
- MICA/Design: Three scholarships of 8,525 Euros (extension application in process).
- CSULB/Social work: Three scholarships of 8,550 Euros (firs application in process).
* The application decisions will be made in March 2026.
Legend: Faculty TI: Engineering & Computer Science; Faculty LS: Life Sciences; Faculty W&S: Business & Social Sciences.