Authority for Science, Research and Equality

Notification of a branch of a university based in Germany or the EU

Do you want to establish a branch of your university, headquartered in Germany or the EU, in Hamburg? Here you can find out how and where you need to register this.

Detailed description

If a branch of a university based in another German state or another member state of the European Union is to be established in Hamburg, you must notify the relevant authority.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You wish to establish a branch in Hamburg of a university headquartered in another German state or another member state of the European Union.

Documents required

Please refer to the linked guide on the state recognition of private educational institutions as universities for the required documents.

Please note

Teaching, examinations and the awarding of degrees follow the rules of the federal state or member state of the European Union in which your university is located.

Deadlines

You must notify the relevant authority of the commencement, cessation, or significant changes to the study program at least 3 months in advance.

Procedure

Please refer to the linked guide on the state recognition of private educational institutions as universities for the procedure.

Processing time

The processing varies depending on the individual case.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

Not applicable

Legal basis

Section 117a of the Hamburg Higher Education Act (HmHG)


https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-HSchulGHAV28P117a

Forms and downloads

Links on hamburg.de

Address and contact information

Authority for Science, Research and Equality

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Keywords: recognition colleges Branch of a university

Last updated: 14.03.2026