FAQ
Questions regarding the online application and the application procedure in general
What is STiNE?
STiNE is the student information network that provides valuable support to students from their initial application through to completion of studies (and even beyond that as alumni). To apply to a program at the University of Hamburg you must use the online application form on STiNE (at the link https://www.stine.uni-hamburg.de).
How do I apply via STiNE?
Once you have set up an applicant’s account in STiNE you may log in repeatedly during the application period to complete the application form. You must submit the completed form electronically via STiNE and upload your documents.
Can I start the application process now?
The application period begins on February the 15th. Please do not submit any documents before as your application may not be processed properly in that case. The application process is to apply online.
May I submit a paper application without going through STiNE?
No. For legal reasons you must use the STiNE for your application. This is only possible during the fixed application period (15 February to 31 March).
Can I send my application by mail?
No. It is necessary to complete the form in STiNE and upload all required documents with it until 31 March.
Is it possible to apply for more than one master’s program at the Universität Hamburg? May I apply for both MSc Economics and MSc Politics, Economics and Philosophy program?
No. It is not possible to apply for more than one program at the same time.
I don’t understand a particular question in STiNE. Whom can I contact for assistance?
If you do not understand a particular question on the online application form, please contact:
Will the receipt of my application be confirmed?
After submission of the application form you receive a notice confirming that your application was received.
Can I make changes to my application after I have submitted them?
Yes, please contact STiNE-Support.
STiNE is not working. Whom can I contact for assistance?
If you experience technical difficulties using the STiNE portal, please contact STiNE-Support.
Questions regarding admission requirements
My primary degree was neither in “Economics” nor in “Volkswirtschaftslehre”. Can I apply for your program?
Yes, you can. But the requirements are different. Please visit our website for more detailed information.
What precisely is meant by "advanced training in Economics"?
Beyond basic training in microeconomics, macroeconomics and quantitative methods, you must have passed at least three lectures on advanced topics in economics. These should cover both theoretical and applied issues. Examples:
- International Economics
- Economic Growth
- Industrial Organizations
- Applied Micro- and/or Macroeconomics
- Game Theory
- Philosophy of Law and Economics
- Industrial Economics
- Political Economics
- Behavioral Economics
- Institutional Economics
- International Banking and Finance
- Economics of Health
- History of Economics
A lecture must consist of at least 2 hours per week over the course of one semester and must be comparable in content to the standards of teaching at Univerität Hamburg. For special courses, it is recommended to send course outlines, syllabus and the bibliography for the course along with your application documents
May I apply if I have not yet taken a test to prove my English language proficiency?
Yes. In this case, you must submit your registration for one of the accepted tests (e.g. a copy of your online registration). The test results have then to be submitted as soon as possible, latest by 31 May.
Please note that your admission (if offered) will remain conditional on the subsequent submission of the required proof of your English language proficiency. Delayed submission or insufficient test results may forfeit your admission.
I failed to achieve the required score in the English language test I took. May I repeat the test and submit the new test result at a later date?
If the deadline for applications has not yet expired, you are welcome to try for another test. If there is not enough time for that, you must submit your registration for one of the accepted tests (e.g. a copy of your online registration). The test results have then to be submitted as soon as possible, latest by 31 May.
Please note that your admission (if offered) will remain conditional on the subsequent submission of the required proof of your English language proficiency. Insufficient test results may forfeit your admission.
I took an English language test that is not on your list. Is it accepted?
We only accept the English language tests that are listed on our website.
I have a Bachelor degree from a program that is entirely taught in English (e.g. a program in the UK or US). Do I need an English language test?
You are exempt from providing an official language test, if you can proof that your bachelor program was completely taught in English and if the university is located in the UK, USA, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or the English speaking part of Canada.
In all other cases, you must provide additional proof of your English language skills.
Can I substitute the required GRE revised General Test or GRE Subject Test Mathematics with anything else?
No. The GRE revised General Test or the GRE Subject Test Mathematics ensures the comparability of applicants with very different backgrounds and thus helps the admissions committee to evaluate all applications as objectively as possible.
Questions regarding documents to be uploaded
Must the application documents be uploaded as a PDF? Can I instead submit the documents as a WORD document e.g.?
It is absolutely essential to upload your application documents as PDF. If you submit documents in other formats, we may have problems to access them. PDF documents can be created directly in from WORD documents or most image editing software by using the Adobe PDF function, if installed, or by using free software and the print function.
Please note that the PDF must not exceed the maximum file size of 5 MB. Therefore, please be sure to compress images or image files before converting them into a PDF.
My primary degree certificate will not be available in time for the application deadline. What can I submit in its place?
Please submit the following documents:
- An up-to-date transcript of records of all exams taken, including your grade point average (GPA) up to this date.
In case of your acceptance, you have time until the end of the first semester (31 March) to present your final degree.
Do I need to add official documents from my university to the application?
No. Uncertified copies are sufficient. For your transcript if records you can also use internet print outs from your student account.
What should the letter of motivation contain?
The letter of motivation should contain up to 500 words and could refer to the following aspects:
- Why do you want to study MSc Economics?
- What makes you a good candidate for the program?
- How does the MSc Economics fit into your overall career objectives?
- Give a brief glance at your personal background.
What should the letter of recommendation of a university lecturer contain?
The letter should answer the following questions:
- How long have you known the applicant?
- How did you first get to know the applicant? Which of your lectures or seminars did the applicant attend?
- What is your opinion of the applicant’s academic and personal qualification?
- Is the applicant qualified for the program he or she applies for?
Do I have to use the form on the program's website for the letter of recommendation?
No. You referee could also decide to write a reference without making use of the form.
Which language must the letter of recommendation be written in?
The letter of recommendation may be written either in German or in English.
Who is entitled to write a letter of recommendation for me?
In general, the letter of recommendation should be drafted by someone who is able to comment on your academic abilities and competencies.
International letter of recommendations: The referee must be be a lecturer (at least PhD level) who teaches full-time at your (or another) university. Emeritus professors are also eligible to write a letter of recommendation. Please note that we do not accept references from postdocs/research fellows.
German letter of recommendations: The referee must be a (junior) professor. Emeritus professors are also eligible, but emeriti from other status groups are not. Recommendation letters from employees with a doctorate who are permanently employed at the WiSo faculty of Universität Hamburg for teaching and who are not active in research (e.g. postdocs) are eligible, too.
Can my employer also write the letter of recommendation?
No.
Does the letter of recommendation have to be written by lecturers in my major subject or can they also come from a lecturers in one of my minor subjects?
The letter of recommendation may be written by lecturers of your choice from your program of studies.
It has been a long time since I attended university and I have difficulty ob-taining a letter of recommendation by a university lecturer. What will happen if I do not submit a letter of recommendation?
The letter of recommendation are necessary for application. Please get in contact with your university lecturers.
Should the letter of recommendation be submitted together with the other application documents or should it be sent directly by the university lecturer?
There are two possible ways to submit the letter of recommendation. Either students upload the letter of recommendation as part of their application documents in STiNE or it can be submitted confidentially on the following link.
What can I do if my referee prefers to forward the recommendation letter directly to the university?
If your referee prefers to send the recommendation directly to the university, s/he can upload it using the following link. In this case, please upload a note in the required field in STiNE. Make sure that the references reach us in time.
Questions regarding admission, enrolment or rejection
What happens after my application is successful?
A letter of notification will be sent regarding admission. The letter of notification will be made available to you in your STiNE user account (please see “Dokumente (documents tab)”).
You cannot accept a place by email. Instead, you will need to use the template provided or return the enrolment application (attached to the acceptance letter) to confirm. You do not enroll in person.
Please have a look at this page for more information:
https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/bewerbung/master/master-einschreibung.html
What documents do I have to submit for admission?
Here is a checklist for enrollment into International Master’s Degree Programs:
https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/bewerbung/master/master-einschreibung.html
Where can I certify my documents?
Enrolment requires submission of certified copies. Here you can find some information about the certification:
I have no health insurance yet. Can I still be admitted to the program?
If you are not familiar with the German health insurance system,you may find the following sites helpful:
How do I know if I'm rejected?
You will find a letter of rejection in your STINE account.
I have been rejected. Can I apply for next year again?
Yes, you are welcome to apply next year again, if the reason of your rejection is a lack of places.
Questions regarding the course of studies
Does the master program also begin in the summer semester?
No. The program only starts in the winter semester.
Can I study part-time?
Yes, you can study this master’s degree part-time. Detailed information about prerequisites, deadlines, the application procedure, and any exceptions is available on the university's Campus Centers website.
It is not necessary to announce that you would like to become a part-time student within the application.
Questions regarding tuition
What are the tuition fees for the program?
Since winter term 2012/13 there are no more study fees at Universität Hamburg. Please have a look at the following link to inform yourself about the current semester contribution:
Is there a scholarship for the program?
No. Currently, neither the university nor the program are able to provide any sort of scholarships. Here you can find general information on financing your studies:
https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/studienorganisation/studienverlauf/finanzierung.html
Comprehensive information on scholarships available from German funding bodies can be found at the website of DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).