Bucerius Law School, Hochschule für Rechtswissenschaft

About Bucerius Law School, Hochschule für Rechtswissenschaft

Bucerius Law School – Hochschule für Rechtswissenschaft is Germany's first private law school, founded in 2000 in Hamburg by the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS. It is a state-recognised, non-profit institution funded approximately 40% by the foundation and organised as a gGmbH. Enrolment is deliberately kept small (116 new students per year in the German law programme) to maintain a high student-to-faculty ratio.

The school offers three main programmes: a German-law degree (Jurastudium, leading to the LL.B. plus First State Examination) taught predominantly in German over 14 trimesters; a one-year Master of Law and Business (MLB/LL.M.) taught entirely in English in partnership with WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management; and short Bucerius Summer Programmes in English. Research is organised across five legal subject areas and nine institutes and centres, covering fields such as legal technology, IP law, dispute resolution, and family business law.

Admission to the German law programme is not based on Abitur grades alone but on a two-stage aptitude process (written exam + oral exam). The school reports that approximately 80% of graduates achieve Prädikatsexamen (distinction level) on the German State Examination.

Key facts

Founded: 2000
International: Over 700 international alumni from more than 100 countries; MLB cohort typically includes students from 20+ nationalities

Germany's first private, state-recognised law school, founded 2000 by ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS

No grade-based Numerus Clausus — admission via aptitude-based written and oral examination

Reverse generation contract: Jurastudium students pay no tuition during studies

Approximately 80% of graduates achieve distinction level (Prädikatsexamen) on German State Examinations

English-taught Master of Law and Business (MLB) co-offered with WHU, open to international professionals

Mandatory semester abroad for all Jurastudium students at 100+ partner universities worldwide

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

Jurastudium: €5,600 per trimester (total approx. €70,000 over 12.5 trimesters); however, the school operates an 'Umgekehrter Generationenvertrag' (reverse generation contract) — students pay no tuition during studies and begin repayments only after entering the workforce. Approx. 30% of graduates make repayments. Various scholarships available including Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month) and full Jura-Stipendium grants. Master of Law and Business: €25,000 total (includes study materials and a semester transport ticket). Early Bird and Early Acceptance discounts of €2,000 each available. Bucerius Global Scholarship (full tuition + partial living costs) and Business Excellence Scholarship (50% tuition) offered for outstanding candidates.

Admission requirements

Jurastudium (German law degree): Requires German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (Abitur or equivalent); strong German language skills (most teaching in German); English proficiency also required. Selection via two-stage process — written exam (June) and oral exam (July); no Numerus Clausus. APS certificate required for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants as a prerequisite for the German student visa. Master of Law and Business (MLB): Open to international applicants. Requires a 3–4 year undergraduate degree (240 ECTS or equivalent; 210 ECTS acceptable with minimum 2 years work experience); at least 1–3 years post-graduate work experience; excellent English language skills. Application deadlines: October 31 (Early Decision), January 15 (Early Bird + €2,000 discount), March 31 (visa deadline for non-EU applicants), May 15 (final).

Application deadlines

Jurastudium 2026 cycle: Early-Bird deadline March 1, 2026 (€40 application fee); Final deadline May 15, 2026 (€80 fee); Written exam June 5–6, 2026; Oral exam July 10–11, 2026; Programme start September 7, 2026. MLB: October 31 (Early Decision); January 15 (Early Bird scholarship deadline); March 31 (visa deadline); May 15 (final deadline).

Languages of instruction

German (Jurastudium); English (Master of Law and Business, Summer Programmes, Visiting Students Programme)

Campuses & locations

Hamburg – Jungiusstraße

Single campus at Jungiusstraße 6, 20355 Hamburg; 24/7 Hengeler Mueller Library; no on-campus housing

Living in Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and its most important port and trading hub. The city is home to major law firms, global corporations, and a thriving media and logistics sector, making it a strong environment for law and business graduates. The historic Speicherstadt warehouse district and the HafenCity development reflect Hamburg's blend of heritage and innovation.

Student life & support

The single-campus setting in central Hamburg fosters a close-knit community. Students have access to a 24/7 library (Hengeler Mueller Library), campus jobs, a law clinic, and an active alumni network. All Jurastudium students complete a mandatory trimester abroad at one of over 100 partner universities in 37 countries. No on-campus housing is provided; students rent privately in Hamburg.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Other