International Programmes 2024/2025

BSc Mechanical Engineering BSc Mechanical Engineering

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences • Hamburg

Degree
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Classes are conducted in English, with one module titled "German language" included in the programme.

No knowledge of German is required to start the programme. However, we recommend that you learn some basic German before starting the programme in order to facilitate your integration into life in Germany.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
7 semesters
Beginning
Summer semester
Application deadline

The degree programme has an intake of students for the summer semester only. The application period is 1 October to 30 November.

First, please have your school certificates (and where necessary) your university transcripts checked by uni-assist (www.uni-assist.de) to get a VPD ("Vorprüfungsdokumentation") BEFORE applying to HAW Hamburg (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences).

Then, with your VPD, please apply using the HAW Hamburg online application portal.

The HAW Hamburg online application portal is only open during the application period.

You do not need to send your documents with the postal mail to complete your application.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

A sustainable world needs well-trained, motivated engineers. Our Bachelor's degree programme offers "mechanical engineering made in Germany“ entirely in English. As a BSc graduate, you will be able to deal with manifold technical challenges in a digitalised environment with regards to design, manufacturing, mobility, and a renewable energy supply. This Bachelor's degree is your entry ticket to industry, and it qualifies you to further specialise in a subsequent Master’s programme.

Mechanical engineering plays a key role in all industrial countries and contributes significantly to economic prosperity. It is challenging to succeed in a competitive global market. Product design and manufacturing must be sustainable and cost-effective in an increasingly digitalised world. Therefore, innovative companies need well-trained engineers, equipped with soft skills and up-to-date management qualities. There is a high demand for our graduates to start their career, especially in the following fields:

  • Mechanical engineering industry
  • Aviation industry
  • Automotive manufacturing
  • Energy technology
  • Healthcare technology
  • Marine industry
  • Software companies
  • Technical facility management
  • Transport technology
  • Consulting companies and engineering service providers
  • Technical editorial offices and certification
  • Educational institutions

The foundational studies (first to third semesters) provide you with the necessary mathematical, scientific and technical foundations.

The core studies (fourth to seventh semesters) allow you to deepen, expand, and apply your knowledge in a practice-oriented manner.

You can choose from a wide range of elective courses to specialise in the following fields:

  • Product Development and Product Lifecycle
  • Design (e.g. Modelling and Simulation, Vehicle Dynamics)
  • Manufacturing (e.g. Additive Manufacturing, Robotics)
  • Digitalisation (e.g. Cyber Physical Production Systems)
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Software Applications
  • Ethics in Engineering

The internship (three months) provides you with valuable industry contacts for your upcoming entry into working life.

The Bachelor's thesis strengthens your academic background.

This course is taught in person only. There is no option to study online.

Course organisation

First semester:
- Mathematics 1
- Engineering Mechanics 1
- Industrial Management
- Experimental Physics
- Technical Drawing and CAD + Lab
- Materials Science
- Introductory Lab / Learning Project

Second semester:
- Mathematics 2 + Exercise
- Engineering Mechanics 2 + Exercise
- Cost Accounting
- Experimental Physics Lab
- Machine Elements and Systems A + Project
- Material Science + Lab
- Introductory Lab / Learning Project
- Manufacturing Technology

Third semester:
- Machine Elements and Systems B + Project
- Manufacturing Technology Lab
- Applied Computer Science + Lab
- Technical Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics 1 + Lab
- Electrical Engineering Fundamentals

Fourth Semester:
- Electrical Drives + Lab
- German Language

Fifth and Sixth Semesters:
- Measurement and Control Systems + Lab
- Project Management Fundamentals + Bachelor's Project

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Semesters (Specialisation):
- Steady Research Paper OR Machine Elements and Systems C Design Project
- 12 Elective Modules + Lab

Seventh Semester:
- Industrial Internship (three months)
- Bachelor’s Thesis + Colloquium

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Integrated internships

An internship of three months must be completed during the seventh semester.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Each semester, students have to pay a semester contribution (345 EUR as of September 2024). This fee includes a semester ticket for unlimited use of Hamburg's public transport system. For more information about studying and living in Hamburg, see: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/.

Costs of living

Hamburg is a relatively expensive city. Depending on your lifestyle, you should expect living costs of 700 to 900 EUR for rent, food, and other expenses.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Students can apply for scholarships for academic excellence. They can also apply for an examination scholarship when they are in their final semester. This will serve as a financial support while students are completing their Bachelor's theses. More information can be found here: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/.

Academic admission requirements
  • Higher education entrance qualification ("Hochschulreife") equivalent to German "Fachhochschulreife", "Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur)" or "Fachgebundene Hochschulreife" or equivalent
  • If you completed your schooling outside Germany and want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, you will need to hold an academic school-leaving qualification that entitles you to admission to higher education, i.e. it needs to be comparable to a German "Abitur" or "Fachhochschulreife". The support unit will check your school reports and any academic qualifications to ensure comparability.
  • Proof of English ability if English is not the applicant's first language (see language requirements)
  • Strong interest in technology and technical systems, good understanding of mathematics, ability to think in abstract ways

You can find more information about HAW Hamburg’s application criteria under International applicants.

Language requirements
  • English language proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following: TOEFL (at least 550 PBT or 220 CBT, 87 IBT), IELTS (min. Band 6), BULATS (65), TELC B2–C1, Pearson (PTE General level 3, PTE Academic 59)
  • Alternatively, a higher education entrance qualification equivalent to an "Allgemeine Hochschulreife" or a "Fachhochschulreife" from a country where English is primarily spoken will be accepted as proof of English language proficiency. For applicants holding a German higher education entrance qualification, a grade of at least "befriedigend" in English shall be deemed proof of English language proficiency.

This information is correct at the time of publication. Changes are possible. Please see the university website for the official scores and levels that are necessary for the application.

Application deadline

The degree programme has an intake of students for the summer semester only. The application period is 1 October to 30 November.

First, please have your school certificates (and where necessary) your university transcripts checked by uni-assist (www.uni-assist.de) to get a VPD ("Vorprüfungsdokumentation") BEFORE applying to HAW Hamburg (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences).

Then, with your VPD, please apply using the HAW Hamburg online application portal.

The HAW Hamburg online application portal is only open during the application period.

You do not need to send your documents with the postal mail to complete your application.

Submit application to

Please apply using the myHAW online application system on the HAW Hamburg website.

You do not need to send your documents with the postal mail to complete your application.

If you have questions about the application process, please e-mail the admissions office: studierendensekretariat@haw-hamburg.de.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

If you are coming to Germany on a visa, you will have to provide proof of your finances for the first year: 853 EUR/month – 10,236 EUR/year.

EU students can work 20 hours/week.
Students from non-EU countries are only permitted to work 120 full days (240 half days) in one calendar year, and part-time job opportunities are limited, especially for students who do not speak German. It is unlikely that we will be able to offer you a job on campus.

More information can be found here, under "Visa & Paperwork":
https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/

Accommodation

"Studierendenwerk Hamburg" offers affordable accommodation for students under the age of 30. Generally, students have their own room in a shared apartment with a communal bathroom and kitchen. The monthly rent for a room in a student hall of residence is usually between 350 and 450 EUR (including amenities). New students can apply three months before the start of their degree programme.

Please be advised that it is unfortunately not easy to find accommodation in Hamburg; finding somewhere to live can take a while. The student halls of residences offered by the "Studierendenwerk Hamburg" often have waiting lists.

Further information on accommodation can be found here: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/study/campus-life/accommodation/.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Content Bild
HAW Hamburg Berliner Tor Campus © HAW Hamburg

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) is one of the largest of its kind in Germany and within our four faculties we offer a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in engineering, IT, life sciences, design and media as well as business and social sciences. We focus on applied sciences in our teaching, giving our students a practical insight into their fields of study through projects, lab work, internships and theses in industry. Our expertise is drawn from faculty members who have worked in industry before joining the university. In research, we are an important partner for the city of Hamburg’s companies and innovation clusters, developing new ideas from the synergies of this dynamic location.

Our fields of expertise reflect the technologies, industries and services that make Germany a leading economy, and our close collaboration with Hamburg's innovation clusters allows us to develop this knowledge in our teaching and research.

We are a very international university, with students from over 100 countries making up 16% of our students. Combined with the international nature of the city of Hamburg, you will feel very comfortable studying here.

Read more about the city and what our students say: https://bit.ly/3bq2rI3

14% International students
20th Hamburg’s ranking in The Economist’s "World’s Most Liveable Cities"

University location

In the north of Germany and in the heart of Europe, Germany’s second largest city (1.8 million) offers excellent quality of life and international flair. If you like to spend your leisure time outdoors, then you will love Europe’s “greenest” city with its lake, canals and beautiful parks. For those of you who love culture, Hamburg’s museums, theatres and its world-famous concert hall, the Elbphilharmonie, will inspire you. Hamburg is also one of the most dynamic commercial centres in Europe, placing its strategic focus on six innovative segments: aviation (Airbus), IT and media, the international port and logistics, life sciences (biotechnology, medical technology and health care), nanotechnology, and renewable energies. We are sure you will feel at home.

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