Discontinued shortly before it was set to begin: Nursing and Therapy Sciences

11 September 2026

It was supposed to start in two months, but then came the cancellation: the program is being discontinued this year.

This is what happened to the 32 incoming students in the postgraduate program “Nursing and Therapy Science.” For the applicants, it would have been an important step in their professional development. At the same time, the program would have provided them with the necessary qualifications to train nursing professionals themselves in the future. This is particularly important in a region that has been struggling with a significant shortage of skilled workers for years.

Now, of all things, the only comparable program in Hamburg—offered by the HAW and the University of Hamburg—is being canceled, at least for the time being. The funding for the program was cut by the science authority without any prior warning to the universities.

This case highlights the consequences of increasing pressure to cut costs on universities: degree programs are being canceled on short notice, students are losing planning security and opportunities for further education, and university autonomy is being further restricted.

We stand in solidarity with the incoming freshmen and continue to demand full funding for Hamburg’s universities!

That’s why:

Join the high school students on the streets on September 25 to protest against mandatory military service. Because while special funds are being spent on the military, we are forced to cut university spots and degree programs.

We’ll continue on September 26, taking to the streets with the unions and the “unkürzbar” alliance to protest all cuts—whether at universities, schools, in healthcare, or to pensions!

You can find more information here:

NDR article “HAW Criticizes the Hamburg Senate’s Austerity Measures”

DBfK article “Cuts to Nursing Programs: Hamburg’s Nursing Schools Face Collapse”