Application and Admission

Application Period

The application period for admission is from 15 February until 31 March of each year.

Admission requirements 

 1. Primary degree

Applicants must have completed primary studies in one of the following fields of study:

• Politics (International Relations)
• Economics
• Philosophy

Ideally, though not required, students with an university degree in one of these disciplines already have some knowledge in one or both of the other disciplines. 

Please be aware that specialisation in one of the above stated fields of studies is a core criterion for admission. Applications which do not show substantial focus (at least 107 ECTS credits, ie. 60% of their studies) in one of these fields can, therefore, not be considered. 

Primary studies must be equivalent to 180 ECTS credits (at least six semesters).

2. English skills

• TOEFL paper- and pencil test: at least 580 points 
• TOEFL internet-based test: 92 points with at least 22 points per skill (Listening, Writing, Speaking, Reading)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academics: Band 6,5, Good Competent User, with at least 6,0 per skill
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Results A, B, C
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Results A, B, C
• Cambridge Higher Business English Certificate (BEC): Results A, B, C 

 Please note that other tests will not be accepted.

Selection criteria

Candidates who fulfill the formal requirements for admission will be ranked. The ranking is based on the following criteria:

- GPA/CGPA (50%)
- Letter of Motivation (20%)
- Letters of Recommendation (20%)
- Knowledge of neighboring disciplines  (as demonstrated through the transcript of records) (10%)

Documents to be submitted for application

During the application period (15 February until 31 March), please complete the STiNE online application form provided by the applications office of the University of Hamburg (https://www.stine.uni-hamburg.de) and submit the following documents:

1. STiNE application form, completed online, printed out and signed
2. Transcript of records (uncertified copy, in English or German translation, if applicable)
3. Your Bachelor degree certificate (uncertified copy, in English or German translation, if applicable)*
4. Letter of motivation (max. 500 words, in English) 
5. Proof of English language skills (uncertified copy)
6. Two letters of recommendation from university lecturers in your primary degree programme. Both lecturers must hold a PhD and must be full-time employed at an institute of higher education. 

Chinese applicants are welcome to provide an APS Certificate as part of their application documents.

The application documents may be submitted either in German or in English.

*If you haven't finished your primary degree, yet, you must provide official proof of your current CPA (CGPA) along with your application documents.

Important notes for applicants

• Please submit two sets of your application documents.  At least one set must bare your original signature on the STiNE form. At least one set must bare original signatures on the letters of recommendation. The second set may consist of copies only.
  
• All documents should be sent together as one postal item and in printed form. You may add closed letters of recommendation to your application documents. If your referee prefers to send the recommendation separately, s/he can do this via post or email. In both cases, please add a note to your application documents. 
  
• Apart from the letters of recommendation, do not enclose any original documents, certificates etc., only copies. In case of acceptance you will be asked to provide legally certified copies of your degree and your proof of English language skills. We therefore recommend you to have them ready at the time of your application.
  
• Do not enclose any additional expert references, certificates of practical experience, photos, etc.

All information concerning the application process can also be downloaded here.

For questions concerning the admission requirements and application process please have a look at our FAQ