Master's Programme in European and International Law (MEIL) University of Hamburg

The Faculty of Law at Universität Hamburg is in charge of the academic implementation of the programme. It is supported by ten European partner universities (Central European University, Vienna; Eötvös-Loránd-University, Budapest; Jagiellonian-University Krakow; KU Leuven; Lund University; Maastricht University; Manchester University; Universidad Autonoma de Madrid; University of Bologna; Université de Strasbourg).

Courses are held in English only.
Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in German or in English.

In the one-year international Master's Programme in European and International Law (MEIL), which has been offered at Universität Hamburg since the academic year of 2022/23, students will acquire in-depth knowledge in the fascinating legal fields of international and European law. The English-language Master's programme prepares legal talents for international careers in a world where an understanding of European and international concepts as well as intercultural competences and very good English skills are essential.

Applicants are admitted annually only for the winter semester (September). The “early bird” application deadline is 31 January 2026. In case places are still available, applications are welcome until 31 May 2026.

Currently the tuition fee is 7,000 EUR, plus the semester fee of Universität Hamburg.

Students study together in the winter semester in Hamburg and in the summer semester either in Hamburg or at one of the European partner universities. In the first semester, the introductory module and three compulsory modules from the areas of public international law and human rights, EU law and European business law are taught. In the second semester, specialisation modules are offered at Universität Hamburg and at several European partner universities in the areas of international human rights law, EU law, European and international business law and IP & IT law. Courses are taught by a “Flying Faculty” from the partner universities.

The language of instruction is English.

7,000 EUR

Currently the tuition fee is 7,000 EUR, plus the semester fee of Universität Hamburg.

There is a semester fee of approx. 340 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Without additional costs for further insurances, private vehicles, etc., you ought to expect the following expenses:

• housing: approx. 400 to 700 EUR per month
• living expenses: approx. 500 to 700 EUR per month

• A first qualifying degree from a higher education institution in the field of law amounting to 240 credit points (LP)
• English language skills required for the programme and the examinations

Proof of sufficient knowledge of English
A sufficient level of spoken and written English must be demonstrated by a TOEFL score of 90 or IELTS 6.5. Equivalent evidence may be accepted on a case-by-case basis with special justification. Applicants who speak English as their native language or have successfully completed a university degree offered in English are exempt from this requirement.

Applicants are admitted annually only for the winter semester (September). The “early bird” application deadline is 31 January 2026. In case places are still available, applications are welcome until 31 May 2026.

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Are you looking for a part-time job? Stellenwerk, Hamburg's cross-university job platform posts attractive job and internship advertisements every day.

Part-time work, an internship, or self-employment—the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs (BeSI) advises you on all aspects of social security.

Students from countries outside the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland are subject to special regulations for part-time work when studying. Contact the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs for more information.

There are several job opportunities in diverse areas of Universität Hamburg. Many of these jobs are offered exclusively to students enrolled at the university. For job ads of this kind, check out departmental bulletin boards, departmental websites, www.stellenwerk.de (wanted ads for Hamburg’s universities), or ask directly in your department.

• tutors
• student assistants (in the academic area) and student employees (in the administrative area)
• library assistants
• test subjects for studies conducted in the fields of psychology or in the social sciences

Are you searching for an apartment or a room? Although affordable housing in Hamburg is rare, please do not despair. Patience and luck will help you find suitable accommodation.

Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can. For more information on how to find accommodation, please visit: Finding accommodation in Hamburg.

For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please see: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf.