International Taxation

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: German English
Deadline: Jul 15, 2026
135 place StudyQA ranking:6934 Duration:3 semestrs

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The International Taxation Master’s program at the University of Hamburg offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with taxation in an increasingly globalized world. This interdisciplinary program combines fundamental principles of tax law, international regulations, and economic analysis to prepare graduates for careers in global tax consultancy, policy making, and international business. Throughout the course, students explore the legal frameworks governing taxation across different jurisdictions, including European Union directives, OECD guidelines, and bilateral tax treaties, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of cross-border taxation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging students to evaluate taxation policies' impacts on multinational corporations, governments, and individual taxpayers.

The program benefits from the University of Hamburg's strong academic faculty, renowned for their expertise in international tax law, economics, and public finance. Students engage with real-world case studies, participate in seminars led by industry professionals, and undertake research projects that address current issues such as transfer pricing, tax avoidance, and digital economy taxation. The diverse learning environment fosters a global perspective, preparing students for international careers in consultancies, governmental agencies, or multinational corporations. The Master’s degree also includes opportunities for internships, providing practical experience alongside academic learning. Graduates of the program will have a thorough understanding of the legal, economic, and policy dimensions of international taxation, enabling them to develop innovative solutions for complex tax issues faced by global entities. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, the program equips students to contribute effectively to the development of fair and efficient international tax systems.

Educational organisation

Lectures take place over a period of one year on Fridays and Saturdays. This enables those working as international taxation professionals to take part in the course. With a maximum of 25 course participants, the lively seminars, lectures, discussions and case studies are intimate and practically relevant. Lecturers cover the principles of international taxation and analyse the tax systems in selected countries in both English and German. They deal with the advantages of international taxation and examine international tax planning in detail.

Internships

Not applicable (part-time programme)

Forms of assessment

Approx. 10 oral and written tests plus the Master's thesis

Course objectives

This Master's degree course guarantees participants comprehensive training in the various fields of international taxation. Our graduates are qualified to work in company tax planning as well as in the analysis of international corporate taxation.

Language requirements

No language tests are required, but an excellent level of spoken German is necessary.

Academic requirements

Applicants must be university or polytechnic graduates in economics, law, or a similar subject. In addition, they should also possess a sound basic knowledge of German tax law. At least one year of professional experience is required.

Enrolment fees

There is a semester fee of 310 EUR per semester. This fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

Costs of living

We recommend that single students budget at least 800 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance, books).

Job opportunities

Students who enrol in a full-time programme will generally have only limited time for part-time jobs.
As a rule, students who hold an international student visa may work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Further information on work regulations for international students at Universität Hamburg can be found here: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung_e.html

Funding opportunities within the university

International full-time students may apply for merit scholarships or exam grants of Universität Hamburg. For more information, please use the provided link. We also recommend contacting our colleagues in the Department of International Affairs for further guidance.
http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/studieren-an-der-uhh/finanzierung-des-studiums_e.html

Arrival support

Students and researchers can find information on how to get started in Hamburg on the website of the PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs (http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta_e.html) and on the website of the Hamburg Welcome Center (http://english.welcome.hamburg.de).
During the International Welcome Week organised by PIASTA, you will be able to get in touch with all the important institutions and contacts which are particularly useful for international students: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/veranstaltungen/international-welcome-week_e.html

Services and support for international students

The Universität Hamburg CampusCenter is the first port of call for all current and prospective students and offers information, services, and counselling. The PIASTA programme at the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs offers support and advice for German and international students, as well as cultural events and workshops.
For more information, refer to: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta and https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter.html
The welcome service of the Universität Hamburg Department of International Affairs is the first contact address for international visiting researchers and others: http://www.uni-hamburg.de/internationales/wissenschaft/service-international_e.html

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the "Studierendenwerk" (students' services) or on the private market. The "Studierendenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and showers/WCs. We strongly advise students and researchers to arrange accommodation prior to arriving in Hamburg, as demand for affordable accommodation is sometimes larger than supply.
For more information on how to find accommodation and how to plan your first steps in Hamburg, please refer to: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/piasta/beratung/doc/willkommen.pdf
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Study mode:On campus Languages: German English
Foreign:$ 1.76 k / Semester(s)
Deadline: Mar 31, 2026 StudyQA ranking: 14172