Ref: EMLE 26/27 U-7-1-02-710-26-003

[Nina Kassahun]

Inquiry regarding Merit Scholarships / Financial Assistance for Admitted International Student – Nina Kassahun

Dear University of Hamburg Team
 
I am writing to you as an incoming international Master's student from Ethiopia. I have been officially admitted to the European Master in Law and Economics (EMLE) programme for the Wintersemester 2026/2027, with my first and second terms allocated to the Universität Hamburg.

During the Erasmus+ selection process, I was evaluated highly by the consortium and was ranked 21st out of 43 scholarship nominees & 37 out of 1173 admission application. While this validated my academic profile, it placed me just outside the final threshold for the full Erasmus+ scholarship, meaning I am now admitted as a self-funded student.

I am fully committed to bringing my professional expertise in Ethiopian legal-economic frameworks to the Hamburg cohort. However, independently financing the EMLE tuition fee alongside the student visa requirement by the German embassy currently presents a critical barrier to my enrollment.

Understanding the administrative frameworks at Universität Hamburg, I am writing to formally inquire if the university offers any targeted support for high performing incoming international students facing this specific hurdle. I would be very grateful for your guidance regarding: 

Am I eligible to apply for the Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarship for International Students as an incoming Master's candidate with a verified high admission ranking?

Does the International Office have access to matching funds that can assist with bridging the initial Sperrkonto requirement for visa approval? 

Are there any specific state backed loan schemes or private foundations in Hamburg that the university recommends for non-EU students?

I have attached my official EMLE admission letter for your reference.

I deeply appreciate your time, guidance, and any advice you can provide to help me finalize my enrollment at Universität Hamburg.

Sincerely,
Nina Kassahun
+251933016301 
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

[Campus Center - L. Hildebrandt]

Hello Nina Kassahun,

I recommend to contact the Counselling Centre for Social & International Affairs offered by the Studierendenwerk: https://www.stwhh.de/en/counselling/cou ... fairs-besi

Since I do not recommend to share personal documents in a public forum, I deleted your admission letter attached to your post.

Kind regards,