BSc Mechanical Engineering Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

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. It is not possible to study online.

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

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

• 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.

Each semester, students have to pay a semester contribution (379 EUR as of September 2026). This fee includes a semester ticket for unlimited use of Hamburg's public transport system (and currently also for regional trains as part of the Deutschlandticket programme). For more information about studying in Hamburg, see: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/.

Hamburg is a relatively expensive city. Depending on your lifestyle and where you live, you should expect living costs of 1,000 to 1,300 EUR for rent, food, and other expenses.

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

EU students can work 20 hours per week.

Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 140 full days (280 half days) in one calendar year. Please be advised that 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. Therefore, please make sure you have sufficient finances for your studies.

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

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/.

Please be advised that it is unfortunately not easy to find accommodation in Hamburg; finding somewhere to live can take a while and best done once you have arrived in Hamburg. Try getting an AirBnB first and search after arrival to avoid online scams.

Student halls of residences are organised by the "Studierendenwerk Hamburg". They offer 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 they unfortunately have long waiting lists.

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

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) is one of the largest of its kind in Germany and within our nine 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 hands-on applied 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 11% 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: HAW-Hamburg: International students.

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.