The focus was on the application of knowledge, with degree programmes that included placements in industry, laboratory work and practice-related projects.

In 1998, as part of the increased internationalisation within higher education in Germany, the Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs allowed the Fachhochschulen to add 'university of applied sciences' to their names.

A 'joint college' collaboration between HAW Hamburg and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology offers Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering degree courses to Chinese students.

[citation needed] HAW Hamburg partners with California State University – Long Beach (CSULB) every fall and summer for a short-term study abroad programme.

HAW Hamburg also partners with the Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering at Virginia Tech.