Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) offers a dual Bachelor of Science in Nursing that combines university study with practical training at cooperating healthcare providers. It is taught in German and requires C1 German and a training contract. Here is what Indian students need to know for 2027-28.

Key facts for 2027-28

Location	Hamburg, Germany
Founded	1970
Type	Public university of applied sciences
Programme	Nursing (dual) — Bachelor of Science
Duration	7 semesters
Language	German (C1 proof required)
Special requirement	Training contract or binding commitment from a clinical training provider
Intake	Winter semester 2027-28

Always check fees, dates and rules for your intake on the official university website before you apply or pay.

About HAW Hamburg

HAW Hamburg was founded in 1970 and is one of Germany's largest universities of applied sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften). It focuses on practical, career-oriented education in engineering, design, media, social work and health sciences. Its Faculty of Life Sciences includes health and nursing programmes.

The dual Nursing BSc

The Nursing BSc takes seven semesters. It is called "dual" because it combines:

• Theoretical nursing modules at HAW Hamburg: nursing science, health and illness, communication, ethics, research methods and evidence-based practice.
• Practical training through cooperating providers: hospitals, care homes and community care services in Hamburg, where you work under supervision.

Graduates earn a bachelor's degree and can obtain the state licence as a nurse in Germany (Pflegefachfrau or Pflegefachmann), which allows them to work as registered nurses.

Entry requirements for international applicants

According to HAW Hamburg, international applicants need:

• A recognised university entrance qualification. Indian Class 12 alone often does not give direct entry; you may need a foundation course (Studienkolleg) or completed university study in India. Check with uni-assist or the DAAD database.
• German at C1 level, because you study and work with patients in German.
• A training contract or binding commitment from a clinical training provider that cooperates with the programme.

Finding a training provider is a key step. Start contacting cooperating hospitals and care providers early, once your German is strong.

Why students consider HAW Hamburg

• A degree plus the German nursing licence.
• Practical training with a provider from the start, which often leads to a job.
• Low or no tuition at a public university (a semester contribution applies).
• Life in Hamburg, one of Germany's most attractive cities.

Things to think about carefully

• C1 German takes a long time to reach; plan one to two years of study.
• You must secure a training contract.
• Your school qualification may need a foundation year.

Fees and costs

Public universities in Hamburg charge a semester contribution rather than tuition for most programmes. Your training provider may pay a training allowance; confirm the terms in your contract. You must still show funds for the visa (usually through a blocked account) and cover rent, food, insurance and transport.

Life in Hamburg

Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and a major port, with lakes, canals and a lively cultural scene. Rents are high, so start looking for a room early. Public transport is excellent. Winters are cool, grey and wet, and summers are mild. Hamburg's airport connects to major European hubs with onward flights to India.

From student to nurse in Germany

When you finish, you take the state examination that forms part of the programme and apply for permission to use the professional title of nurse. With the licence and strong German, you can work in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, care homes and community care across Germany. Many employers also support further study in specialist areas.

Before you apply to Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Check the language level you need for both the course and nursing registration, and confirm the entry rules for Indian school certificates. If you want to work as a nurse in India later, you will need equivalency from the Indian Nursing Council, so keep your syllabus, transcripts and clinical-hour records from the first year. Our Nursing abroad guide covers eligibility, registration and careers in detail.

2027-28 intake timeline

• Now – mid-2027: reach C1 German (or the level the university requires) and check whether your school certificate gives direct entry.
• Early to mid 2027: find a practical training partner if the programme requires one, and apply in the official window.
• Summer 2027: APS certificate, blocked account and student visa.
• Autumn 2027: the winter semester starts.

Related guides

For the bigger picture beyond Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, read these guides:

• Nursing in Germany: living costs, visa, climate, student life and the full admission process in Germany.
• Nursing abroad guide: eligibility, recognition in India, costs and choosing a country.
• Compare other universities by country, course and city.

How PSP Education can help

PSP Education has guided Indian students since 1992 and can help you decide whether Hamburg University of Applied Sciences suits you and apply before the 2027-28 deadlines. Book a free counselling session using the form on this page.

Summary and official sources

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences combines theoretical nursing modules with practical training through cooperating providers. Its Nursing BSc takes seven semesters. International applicants need a recognised university entrance qualification, C1 German proof and a training contract or binding commitment from a clinical training provider.

Courses and official information

• Nursing (dual) — Bachelor of Science — 7 semesters; language: German. Official programme information. Explore this course.

Visit the official university website for current admission rules, fees and application dates.

For nursing practice in India, check the Indian Nursing Council’s foreign qualification equivalency process and the relevant registration requirements.