Kuhne Logistics University

Kühne Logistics University is a private, state-recognised university located at Hamburg harbour. Sponsored by the non-profit Kühne-Stiftung, KLU offers a broad spectrum of courses and research in logistics, supply chain and business management. Our BSc, MSc and PhD programmes are distinguished by an international student body, an outstanding faculty, an intimate learning environment and extensive corporate ties. Our Executive MBA programme, a seminar series and international summer and autumn schools provide excellent opportunities for professionals to expand their know-how. KLU is unique for its international faculty and research expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and related aspects of business. It ranked among the top universities in the 2014 Handelsblatt research ranking of business administration faculties in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Founded in 2012, Kuhne Logistics University (KL University) is a private academic institution located in Hamburg, Germany. Established through the efforts of the Kuehne Foundation, the university was created with the aim of providing specialized education and research opportunities in the fields of logistics, management, and supply chain management. From its inception, KL University has focused on bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry needs by offering programs designed in collaboration with leading logistics companies and stakeholders.

The university's curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining business administration, engineering, and information technology to prepare students for the dynamic challenges of global logistics markets. KL University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs, all of which are aligned with international standards to ensure graduates are competitive worldwide. The institution prides itself on small class sizes, personalized instruction, and close industry ties, providing students with internships, project work, and networking opportunities that enhance their academic experience.

Research at Kuhne Logistics University emphasizes advancements in logistics innovation, digital transformation, sustainability, and efficiency improvements within supply chains. The university collaborates with various industry partners and academic institutions to foster innovation and contribute to the development of logistics practices. Over the years, KL University has built a reputation as a leading center of excellence in logistics education and research in Germany and Europe.

Kuhne Logistics University also actively participates in international exchange programs and conferences, attracting students and faculty from around the world. The university's commitment to excellence, practical orientation, and emphasis on research make it a prominent choice for aspiring logistics professionals. As a relatively young institution, KL University continues to grow and evolve, maintaining its core mission to educate future leaders and advance the field of logistics through scholarly research and industry cooperation.

Applying to Kuehne Logistics University (KLU) involves a comprehensive admission process designed to select motivated and talented students who are interested in pursuing a degree in logistics, supply chain management, and related fields. Prospective students must meet specific academic and language requirements, submit an online application form, and provide supporting documents to demonstrate their qualifications. The university considers applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including high school graduates and students from other higher education institutions.

Candidates are typically required to hold a school-leaving certificate or its equivalent that qualifies them for university studies in their home country. For international applicants, proficiency in English is mandatory, and proof of English language skills such as TOEFL or IELTS scores must be provided if English is not their native language. Additionally, KLU values applicants’ motivation, leadership potential, and interest in logistics, which are often assessed through motivation letters or personal statements.

The application process usually opens several months before the start of the semester and involves submitting all relevant documents through the online application portal. These documents include academic transcripts, language certificates, a motivation letter, a current curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation if available. KLU also offers interviews as part of some programs, where applicants can discuss their motivation and explain their interest in the subject.

International students should also consider visa requirements and ensure they fulfill all eligibility criteria for residence and study in Germany. The university encourages early application to secure admission and facilitate the visa process. The selection process relies on academic performance, language proficiency, motivation, and potential contributions to the university community. Once accepted, students receive an official admission offer and may proceed with enrollment, registration, and orientation sessions designed to support their integration into university life.

Kühne Logistics University (KLU) is accredited by the Wissenschaftsrat (German Science Council), which is the official accreditation agency for universities and higher education institutions in Germany. The Wissenschaftsrat evaluates the quality of education, research, and institutional management to ensure that KLU meets the high standards required for German higher education institutions. Additionally, KLU is accredited by the Hamburg Ministry of Science, Research and Equality, which oversees higher education institutions within the Federal State of Hamburg. This regional accreditation confirms that KLU complies with the legal and academic standards set by the state. The university also participates in international accreditation processes to ensure global quality standards. For example, KLU has been granted accreditation by AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), a prestigious international accreditation body that recognizes excellence in business education. This accreditation signifies that KLU's business programs meet strict standards of curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes. Furthermore, KLU's degree programs are recognized and respected within the European Higher Education Area, enabling transfer and recognition across European universities. The university maintains continuous quality assurance procedures, including regular reviews and evaluations, to uphold its accreditation status and ensure program excellence. These accreditations demonstrate KLU’s commitment to providing high-quality education and maintaining rigorous academic standards, positioning it as a leading institution in logistics and management education in Germany and beyond.

Hamburg is a popular city among German students. Its cultural spectrum rivals that of Berlin. Students can experience the diverse nightlife offered at the Reeperbahn, enjoy great music at the Elbjazz and Dockville festivals, relax in the cafés and trendy bars in the St Georg and Schanze districts and watch the Hamburg sunset at the city's popular harbour beach clubs. With over four million inhabitants, the Hamburg metropolitan area is among the biggest winners to profit from the opening up of Eastern Europe and worldwide globalisation. This metropolis on the water is the most easterly of the northern seaports, making it the ideal port for Eastern Europe. As a global hub serving overseas countries, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Baltic area, Hamburg benefits from its central position at the confluence of the global trade handled by European logistics. Hamburg is also considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its extensive stretches of water and green parks and the historic residential areas are renowned. There are many attractive possibilities for leisure activities. These special qualities, together with the maritime atmosphere and its proximity to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, make Hamburg a jewel among international cities. The historic core of Hamburg's port is the "Speicherstadt," the former warehouse area, where the world's most beautiful warehouse complex was built at the end of the 19th century. Against this background, the new HafenCity is being constructed on the former harbour area, and it is right here - in the centre of Hamburg and right on the waterfront - where Kühne Logistics University is located. Students find everything they need in order to study and feel comfortable. This includes superbly equipped interactive teaching and study rooms, state-of-the-art facilities, broadband wireless access, a well-stocked library, and access to relevant online databases for research.

Enjoy the advantages of a private university: instruction in small groups, a favourable student-faculty ratio, easy access to important contacts, modern infrastructure and a comprehensive range of services. Our career services team offers a unique programme that targets your personal development as well as your contacts with future employers. Our International Office paves the way for your semester abroad and our Programme Management team ensures that your course of study meets our quality standards and runs as smoothly as possible. Upon acceptance we will help you organise your journey to Hamburg and continue to assist you throughout this process. You do the studying, we do everything else!

Kühne Logistics University (KLU) achieved a top rating in the five most important criteria CHE Center for Higher Education examined in its current master’s student rankings for business administration.

KLU students gave the overall learning environment, academic program, supervision, and international orientation the top rating of very good. They gave the same rating to the degree program’s relevance to academics and practice, the library, and the building and facilities.

Here is how KLU compares to other universities in Germany.

• No. 1 university for business administration in northern Germany
• No. 1 university for business administration in a major German city
• Best student-to-instructor ratio among all universities for business administration
• One of the Top 5 internationally oriented universities for business administration
• Excellent campus (Top 3)
• In the Top 10 for practical orientation
• In the Top 10 for overall conditions for studying

Here is how KLU compares to universities in northern Germany that participated in the CHE ranking.

“Our philosophy is simple: quality trumps quantity. We focus on providing an excellent environment for studying and conducting research. We make no compromises in these areas – and this policy obviously pays off. I’m very happy about these results,” said KLU president Dr. Thomas Strothotte, referring to the latest CHE Ranking.

Based on its attractive learning conditions, KLU has acquired a fixed place among the top universities in Germany only four years after its establishment. The same applies to research: KLU ranks third in the rated research output per professor of all business administration faculties in Germany (see Handelsblatt Ranking 2014).