Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) welcomed its new international master’s students with a festive opening ceremony at Audimax I. During the event, TUHH alumnus Nematullah Bayat was also honoured with this year’s prize from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Around 500 students have enrolled in a master’s degree programme at TU Hamburg this semester, excluding those who previously completed their bachelor’s degree at TUHH. The university continues to attract strong international interest: While around 200 students are beginning a German-taught master’s programme, more than 300 are starting an English-taught or international programme.
The event was hosted by Prof. Kerstin Kuchta, Head of the Institute of Circular Resource Engineering and Management, and Varun Arun from the Sustainability Department of the Students’ Union (AStA). Musical entertainment was provided by the “Schlager-Ska” band Skampi, whose performance included Nena’s “99 Luftballons”. In his welcoming address, Prof. Thorsten Kern highlighted TUHH’s strong international outlook: “You have made many good decisions. The first was choosing to study engineering. The second was coming to Hamburg. There are 110 nationalities represented on campus – just to give you an idea – and this international diversity shapes our university every day. A very warm welcome to TUHH.”
Recognising Outstanding Commitment: The DAAD Prize 2026
Following the welcome address, Prof. Kuchta presented this year’s DAAD Prize to TUHH alumnus Nematullah Bayat. Originally from Afghanistan, Bayat is the co-founder and project manager of the non-profit initiative “Path of Hope”. The organisation works to provide educational opportunities for young people in Afghanistan, particularly girls and women.
“Path of Hope has reached more than 4,000 students so far. This is not my achievement alone,” said Bayat. “It is the achievement of everyone who has given their time, answered questions and shared their knowledge. That is why I am accepting this award on their behalf as well.”
Bayat also thanked TUHH’s International Office for its many years of support and the DAAD for the award. He expressed particular gratitude to Dr. Joachim Behrendt from TUHH’s Institute of Global Water Security, who had nominated him for the prize.
Building Bridges on Campus
Nematullah Bayat also plays an important role in the TU Hamburg community. As a Compass tutor, he supports international students as they take their first steps in Hamburg, helping them navigate both the cultural and academic aspects of university life.
Alongside his social commitment, Bayat has also distinguished himself academically. He recently completed his master’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering at TU Hamburg. His master’s thesis focused on greenhouse gas accounting for a water treatment plant.
Bayat encouraged the university’s new students to pass on the support they receive to others: “At some point, you will need help. Ask for it. And once you have found your feet, look around you. There will be someone who arrived after you, and a few minutes of your time could make a big difference to that person.”
Making Connections in the Foyer
In keeping with this message, Miroa Gerull, Chair of the Students’ Union (AStA), introduced the welcome@tuhh integration programme. Through tutorials and events, the programme supports students as they begin their studies and helps them settle into campus life.
Before and after the official welcome ceremony, students had the opportunity to learn more about the campus in the foyer. Numerous information stands run by university initiatives and partners, including WorkINGLab, University Sports, Startup Port, the Alumni Association and Techniker Krankenkasse, also offered opportunities to make initial connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
