FAQ
Amendment of admission requirements
Please note that the admission and selection criteria for the master's program Politics, Economics and Philosophy are subject to the approval of the underlying statutes by the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences and the Executive University Board of the University of Hamburg.
Questions regarding admission requirements
My primary degree was neither in economics, political science nor philosophy. Can I apply for the MSc Politics, Economics and Philosophy?
No.
I have a first university degree in PPE (Politics, Philosophy & Economics). Do I meet the admission requirements?
This depends on the composition of your particular PPE degree. Each application will be judged on its own merits. In your application, please specify any specialization in one of the PPE fields.
I took some courses in Politics, Economics and Philosophy. Can I apply for the MSc Politics, Economics and Philosophy?
You must be able to demonstrate at least a strong focus in one of the participating fields of study. Further information can be found on our website:
May I apply if I have not yet taken the GRE test?
Yes. However, you must submit the test results by 31 March via the online application portal. Applications that lack sufficient test results or test results submitted after 31 March will be rejected.
I failed to achieve the required score in the GRE 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. The test results have to be submitted by the end of the application period (31 March) online via the STiNE application form.
Applications that lack sufficient test results or test results submitted after 31 March will be rejected.
Can I substitute the required GRE General Test with other tests or anything else?
No. The GRE General Test ensures the comparability of applicants with very different backgrounds and thus helps the admissions committee to evaluate all applications as objectively as possible. Other tests like the GMAT or the GTEBS are not accepted.
Do I need an English language test for the application?
No. The GRE test results defined as per the admission requirements also demonstrate the English language skills required for the program.
Questions regarding the online application
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.
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 upload your documents and submit the completed form electronically via STiNE.
Can I start the application process in STiNE now?
The application period begins on 15th February. It is not possible to fill in the application form earlier.
May I submit a paper application without going through STiNE?
No. For legal reasons you must use STiNE for your application.
Can I send my application by mail?
No. It is necessary to complete the application 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 University of 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 international 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 regarding the admission requirements or the documents to submit on the application form, please contact the Team for Applications.
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 documents to be submitted
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 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?
If you are still studying when you apply and cannot yet provide a final certificate listing your grades, please submit your current Transcript of Records confirming your provisional grade point average. You will then need to submit your degree certificate by the end of the first semester of your master’s program.
For applicants with a degree from a university from outside Germany: Please make sure, that the grading scale of your first degree is available on your degree certificate or the current Transcript of Records. If it is not clear from these documents, please submit another proof. The grading system must show the minimum passing grade and the highest possible grade.
Do I need to add official documents from my university to the application?
No. Uncertified copies are sufficient.
Questions regarding admission and enrollment
What happens after my application is successful?
Once your application has been reviewed, an acceptance or rejection letter will be made available in your STiNE account at the section “Dokumente” (Documents) An enrollment deadline will be indicated in your acceptance letter - please submit the documents required for enrollment by this date. Detailed information about the enrollment process can be found at the website of the Campus Center.
If you have been admitted, please submit the paper documents required for enrollment to the Application and Admissions Team (Team Bewerbung und Zulassung) by the deadline indicated in your acceptance letter.
What documents do I have to submit for admission?
Please have a look at the checklist for enrollment into International Master’s Degree Programs provided by the Campus Center.
Where can I certify my documents?
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 can find information about health insurance on the website of the Campus Center.
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.
Questions regarding the course of studies
Does the master's 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 the University of 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. Please check the general information on financing your studies.
Comprehensive information on scholarships available from German funding bodies can be found at the website of DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).