Kühne Logistics University
Kleiner Grasbrook, Germany
Kühne Logistics University (KLU)
Hamburg, Germany
Founded
2010
Institution Type
Private
Total Students
400+
Nationalities
60+
Discover Kühne Logistics University: A Global Leader in Logistics Education
Discover Kühne Logistics University: A Global Leader in Logistics Education
Kühne Logistics University (KLU) is a private, state-recognized business school headquartered in Hamburg's HafenCity district, right on the waterfront of one of Europe's largest seaports. Founded in 2010 by the Kühne Foundation of Klaus-Michael Kühne, KLU has rapidly established itself as a specialized institution focused on logistics, supply chain management, and business administration, with all programs taught entirely in English.
KLU holds AACSB accreditation, placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide. The university offers BSc, MSc, MBA, and PhD programs in business and management, data science and analytics, and logistics and supply chain management. With approximately 400 students from over 60 nations and an international faculty of around 30 professors, KLU provides an intimate and highly personalized learning environment.
In 2023, KLU was reaccredited by the German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat) for another ten years, and in September 2025, it expanded internationally by opening a second campus in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The university's research focus on sustainability, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship ensures graduates are equipped to drive responsible change in global supply chains.
Key Milestones
- 2003: Hamburg School of Logistics (HSL) founded as a public-private partnership with the Technical University of Hamburg and the Kühne Foundation.
- 2010: Kühne Logistics University established as an independent private university with state recognition from the Hamburg Senate.
- 2024: KLU achieved international AACSB accreditation, joining the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
- 2025: Second campus opened in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, marking KLU's global expansion.
Academic Programs and Structure at KLU
Academic Programs and Structure at KLU
KLU's academic offerings are structured around its core Operations Mindset philosophy, combining leadership and management studies with data science and a strong emphasis on logistics and supply chain management. Programs span from undergraduate to doctoral levels, all taught in English by a highly research-active international faculty.
BSc in Business Administration
A three-year undergraduate program offering four specialization profiles that combine foundational business knowledge with practical internships and an international perspective.
- International Management Profile
- Supply Chain Management Profile
- Digital Management & Innovation Profile
MSc in Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management
KLU's flagship two-year master's program trains students to manage complex international supply chain networks with a hands-on, data-driven approach and an integrated internship.
- Supply Chain Strategy & Operations
- Transport & Maritime Logistics
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
MSc in International Management
A two-year master's program that equips students with advanced management and leadership skills for international business careers, emphasizing an operations mindset.
- Strategic Leadership & Organization
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Digital Transformation in Business
MSc in Business Analytics and Data Science
This master's program blends analytical methods with business acumen, preparing graduates to leverage data-driven insights for decision-making in modern enterprises.
- Machine Learning & AI Applications
- Quantitative Business Analytics
- Data-Driven Decision Making
MBA in Leadership and Supply Chain Management
A part-time MBA designed for experienced professionals and executives seeking to advance their leadership capabilities with a strong supply chain and operations focus.
- Executive Leadership Development
- Global Supply Chain Strategy
- Operations & Change Management
Doctoral Program (PhD)
KLU's structured doctoral program enables candidates to conduct cutting-edge research in business, management, logistics, and data science under the supervision of internationally recognized faculty.
- Supply Chain & Operations Research
- Business & Management Research
- Analytics & Data Science Research
Admission Requirements for KLU
Admission Requirements for KLU
Undergraduate (BSc)
- EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent school-leaving certificate
- English ProficiencyTOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS equivalent; waivers for native English-speaking countries and IB students
- Application MaterialsOnline application, transcripts, CV, and motivation letter
- InterviewAdmission interview required as part of the selection process
- Application FeeEUR 50 (non-refundable)
Graduate (MSc / MBA / PhD)
- EducationBachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related analytical field
- English ProficiencyTOEFL iBT 90+ or equivalent IELTS/PTE score
- Application MaterialsOnline application, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and references
- GMAT/GRENot required for most programs
- Application FeeEUR 50 (non-refundable)
Complete applications by this date qualify for a 10% early-bird tuition discount.
Standard deadline for fall semester intake for most BSc and MSc programs.
Extended deadline available for EU/EEA citizens and residents of Germany for select programs.
Final date to submit English language test scores; applicants may apply before receiving results.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at KLU
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at KLU
As a private university, KLU charges tuition fees for all programs. The Kühne Foundation subsidizes a significant portion of the actual education costs, and a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships are available to help students finance their studies.
| Fee Category | BSc Program (per semester) | MSc Program (per semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Standard) | EUR 6,800 | EUR 7,800 |
| Tuition Fee (Intensive Track) | EUR 7,290 | N/A |
| Semester Contribution | Contact university | Contact university |
| Application Fee (one-time) | EUR 50 | EUR 50 |
| Total | Approx. EUR 40,800 (6 semesters, standard BSc) | Approx. EUR 31,200 (4 semesters, MSc) |
KLU Merit-Based Scholarship
Awarded to exceptional applicants for BSc and MSc programs based on outstanding academic excellence, social engagement, leadership skills, or entrepreneurial drive. Covers 50% to 100% of tuition fees.
- Coverage: 50% to 100% of tuition fees
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance (min. 1.5 GPA German equivalent) with top quantitative grades
- Requirement: Participation in the Student Ambassador Program
KLU Need-Based Scholarship
Designed to support students who demonstrate financial need, including Brain Capital financing where the university may carry up to 100% of tuition with income-based repayment after graduation.
- Coverage: Partial to full tuition support based on financial need
- Additional Options: Brain Capital income-share financing available
- Special Support: Full tuition waivers for refugee students from Hamburg
Campus and Facilities at KLU Hamburg
Campus and Facilities at KLU Hamburg
KLU's campus is located in Hamburg's HafenCity, a modern waterfront district built on the former harbour area, right in the center of the city and along the Elbe River. The campus features contemporary architecture with bright, modern classrooms and panoramic views of the river and port.
State-of-the-art interactive teaching rooms equipped with advanced technology and views of the Elbe River.
A well-stocked library with specialist logistics and economics literature, 20,000+ e-journals, 45,000+ e-books, and research databases.
KLU's stunning waterfront location in HafenCity offers students a unique study environment steps from Hamburg's city center.
Housing & Campus Life
Accommodation
KLU does not have on-campus housing, but the Student Services office assists students in finding suitable accommodation in Hamburg, including a limited number of furnished dorm rooms for first-semester students.
- Student dorm rooms available for first semester
- Assistance finding apartments in Hamburg Nord, Harburg, and surrounding areas
- Estimated monthly rent: EUR 300-400 for a furnished room in a student residence
Campus Amenities
The campus features modern classrooms, a simulation center, a logistics lab, a research center, a coffee bar, and student lounge areas, all within a compact, well-designed facility.
- On-campus gym with 24-hour access for members
- Broadband wireless access throughout the campus
- Dragon boat for recreational activities on the Alster
Student Life at Kühne Logistics University
Student Life at Kühne Logistics University
Life at KLU extends well beyond the classroom. With a diverse international student body from over 60 countries, the university fosters a vibrant community through cultural events, student-led initiatives, and professional development opportunities in an intimate, close-knit setting.
Hamburg: Germany's Gateway to the World
Hamburg: Germany's Gateway to the World
Living and Studying in Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city with over 1.8 million inhabitants and a major global hub for trade, logistics, and media. Known as the Gateway to the World, Hamburg offers students a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a rich cultural scene, vibrant nightlife, and excellent public transport, all alongside one of Europe's busiest ports.
Logistics Capital of Northern Europe
Hamburg's port is one of Europe's largest, making it the ideal location to study logistics and supply chain management with direct access to industry leaders.
Cultural & Creative Hub
From the Elbphilharmonie concert hall to the Reeperbahn entertainment district, Hamburg offers a thriving arts, music, and cultural scene for students to enjoy.
Green & Livable City
With the Alster Lake, numerous parks, and waterfront promenades, Hamburg consistently ranks among Germany's most livable cities with excellent quality of life.
International Business Environment
Hamburg is home to major global companies including Airbus, Hapag-Lloyd, and Kühne+Nagel, providing abundant internship and career opportunities for students.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where KLU Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
KLU's International Student Office assists with visa applications, residence permits, and all documentation required for studying in Germany. Students may need a blocked account as proof of financial means.
Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. KLU supports international students in finding a suitable public or private health insurance provider.
While all programs are taught in English, KLU offers integrated German language courses along with Spanish and Chinese to help students integrate into daily life in Hamburg.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Kühne Logistics University Rankings
Kühne Logistics University Rankings
Despite being a young and specialized institution, KLU has earned strong recognition in national and international rankings, particularly for its logistics, supply chain management, and business administration programs. Its AACSB accreditation and FIBAA premium seal further underscore its academic quality.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Chain Management | SCM Journal List | Top 3 in Germany, Top 100 Globally |
| Business Administration (Master's) | CHE Ranking | 5 out of 5 Stars – Top Group in Germany |
| Business Administration Research | WirtschaftsWoche | #2 among private universities in DACH region |
| Executive MBA | QS Global Rankings | #201+ Globally |
Features
Private, state‑recognized, English‑taught business and logistics university with strong international orientation, small class sizes (professor‑to‑student ratio approx. 1:12), strong ties with industry, high employability.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Großer Grasbrook 17\n20457 Hamburg\nGermany
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