About Helmut-Schmidt-Universität/Universität der Bundeswehr Hambur
Helmut-Schmidt-Universität / Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg (HSU) is one of two universities operated by the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). Founded in 1972 and admitting its first students in October 1973, the university was renamed in 2003 after former German Chancellor and Defence Minister Helmut Schmidt, a native Hamburger. Enrolment is conditional on officer-candidate status in the Bundeswehr, requiring a minimum 13-year service commitment — HSU does not admit general civilian applicants for standard degree programmes.
The university operates on a trimester system (three 12-week terms per year), allowing bachelor's degrees to be completed in seven trimesters (approximately 2.25 years) and master's degrees in five additional trimesters (approximately 1.75 years). All degree programmes are accredited by civilian quality assurance agencies and follow the Bologna framework. Teaching takes place in groups of no more than 25 students, and all programmes include mandatory interdisciplinary study units (ISA) alongside work-experience placements.
HSU has approximately 2,500 students across four faculties covering economics and social sciences, electrical engineering, humanities and social sciences, and mechanical and civil engineering. The university maintains over 50 partner universities for academic exchange (Erasmus+ and bilateral agreements) and participates in major Hamburg research clusters including Hamburg Aviation and renewable energy networks.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1973
- Students
- 2,496
- International
- 5.1% international students (winter semester 2024/25)
- Faculties
- 4
One of only two Bundeswehr universities in Germany; officer-candidate students complete a fully accredited degree alongside military training
Accelerated trimester system: bachelor's in ~2.25 years, master's in ~1.75 years, with all degrees Bologna-compliant and civilly accredited
Small class sizes (maximum 25 students) with mandatory interdisciplinary study units across all programmes
Four faculties spanning engineering, economics, social sciences, and humanities — broad profile for a specialised institution
Over 50 international partner universities; active Erasmus+ programme for outgoing and incoming exchange students
Strong regional research partnerships including Hamburg Aviation Cluster (€80 million) and renewable energy networks
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees for enrolled Bundeswehr officer candidates — the German state funds the programme as part of officer training. Semester administrative contribution is not publicly specified on the official site for civilian or exchange students. Exchange students from partner institutions should confirm any applicable fees with their home institution and HSU's International Office.
Admission requirements
Admission to HSU is restricted to officer candidates and officers of the German Bundeswehr who have been selected for officer-level academic training. Civilian international applicants are not admitted to standard degree programmes. For exchange/guest students: HSU accepts incoming mobility only from students enrolled at official Erasmus+ partner institutions or universities with a bilateral agreement — independent 'freemover' applications are not accepted. APS certificate requirements (applicable to applicants from India, China, Vietnam) are therefore relevant only in the context of Erasmus+ exchange, which is coordinated through the International Office.
Languages of instruction
Predominantly German-taught. A limited number of programmes and modules are available in English. All students receive mandatory language training.
Campuses & locations
Single campus at Holstenhofweg 85, 22043 Hamburg; includes on-campus student accommodation within walking distance of all facilities.
Living in Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and a major port and media hub on the Elbe river. Known for its waterfront Speicherstadt warehouse district (UNESCO World Heritage), the Reeperbahn entertainment quarter, and a thriving cultural scene, Hamburg combines cosmopolitan city life with strong maritime heritage. The city hosts several universities and a large international student community. HSU's campus is located in the Wandsbek district, approximately 10 km east of the city centre, with good public transport connections.
Student life & support
Campus life at HSU is shaped by its dual military-academic character. Students live in on-campus accommodation close to lecture buildings, sports facilities, and the university library (approximately 711,000 titles, 66,000 electronic journals). A Student Body Regiment (Studierendenbereich) provides structured support bridging academic and military obligations. Students maintain physical fitness requirements alongside their studies and participate in leadership development programmes. The university has a continuing education academy (ZWW) and active student representation through the Studentischer Konvent.
46
Accredited Programmes
29
Master
17
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
More universities in Hamburg
View all in Hamburg →Akademie der Polizei Hamburg
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 41 programmes
Berufliche Hochschule Hamburg (BHH)
Berufsakademie · 5 programmes
Berufsakademie Hamburg gGmbH
Berufsakademie · 1 programme
Berufsakademie Nord
Berufsakademie · 4 programmes
Brand University of Applied Sciences
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 10 programmes
Bucerius Law School, Hochschule für Rechtswissenschaft
Universitäten · 4 programmes
Interested in Studying at
Helmut-Schmidt-Universität/Universität d...?
Our team can help you with the application process, documentation, and everything you need to get started.