Studying abroad Studying abroad

Bachelor students at HAW Hamburg must be at least in their fourth semester at the time of the exchange.
Master students at HAW Hamburg must have successfully completed at least one semester before they can apply.

You must have a good academic record at the time of application (and thereafter):
- for non-engineering degree programmes: grade point average of at least 2.3
- for engineering degree programmes: at least 2.7

If you do not have this grade point average, it is unfortunately not possible to apply.

If possible, you should study within the standard period of study. If you are missing one or two examinations, this is not necessarily a problem. Please explain the reasons in your application.

Language skills: You must have good language skills (at least B2) in the language of instruction.

Volunteering at the university is also desirable; e.g. buddy programme, OE tutor.

You can complete a worldwide study semester in the winter or summer semester. The summer semester overseas usually begins between early January or early February and overlaps with the winter semester in Germany. Please check the academic calendar at the host university to make sure you are able to start the semester when it begins.

Some study programmes/courses are also only offered in the winter or summer semester. Please check the course offerings at the partner university you are interested in attending.

The application process for HAW Worldwide study places takes place once a year only. It covers the entire following academic year.

The application deadlines are as follows:

• 26 February for study places in the next winter semester and the subsequent summer semester
• 15 June for the awarding of extra places for the summer semester

You can read about which application documents you need to submit in the following documents:
Application documents – information sheet
Language proficiency certificate – information sheet
Language proficiency certificate – standard form

The coordination of applications for study places at the partner universities is carried out by the student exchange coordinator in your faculty . They can let you know which partner universities you can study at.

Applications are submitted online via the Mobility Online application portal. You can upload all of the documents required (after you have sent the application form and registered via the portal). The portal is activated at the beginning of December, as well as in May for the awarding of extra study places. You can begin preparing your application documents regardless of whether the application portal is open.

1. Internal application at HAW Hamburg: You first need to apply at HAW Hamburg for an exchange place and be selected. The evaluation of applications and the awarding of study places is the responsibility of the faculties.

2. Study place allocation and acceptance: Once you have been awarded a place, you need to accept or reject the offer.

3. Nomination at the host university: Once you have accepted the study place, your student exchange coordinator will nominate you at the partner university (i.e. your information will be sent to them).

4. Application/registration at host university: You will receive further information about the subsequent process from your student exchange coordinator or the partner university: You need to apply and register independently and by the respective deadline at the university you have been assigned to by submitting the necessary documentation. The final decision regarding acceptance for a study abroad semester is made by the partner university. In general, those students selected and nominated by the faculties are accepted.

The selection of applicants and allocation of places at the partner universities is carried out by the student exchange coordinators in the faculties based on the application documents you submit:

• Cover letter
• Skills in the language of instruction (and the language spoken in the country where relevant)
• Study achievements (ECTS credit points achieved and average grade relative to semester of study)
• Volunteer work in internationally oriented programmes at HAW Hamburg  (e.g. buddy programme, language tandems, etc.)

The weighting of the various criteria may differ between faculties.

You have to successfully complete at least four courses related to your studies. Ideally, they should transfer for credit to your HAW Hamburg programme.

For most university cooperation programmes with overseas partners, you can only complete a semester abroad as a Bachelor's student. The following options are available for Master's students:

Australia (HAW Down Under)
Global E3 (selected partners)
Seoul Tech*
Taiwan Tech*

* the exchange programme is currently not open for any exchange (Bachelor or Master).

Unfortunately, no. There are not very many places each year and they are in great demand, so we want as many students as possible to have the chance to participate in this programme. 

There are funding opportunities from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as well as AuslandsBAföG. You can find more information on the Scholarships and funding page.