The Helmut Schmidt University (HSU) is a public military university founded in 1973 on the initiative of the then Federal Minister of Defence, Helmut Schmidt. The university was later named after him. With approximately 2,500 students, the HSU is one of two universities established by the Bundeswehr to educate and train its future and current officers. Situated in Hamburg, Germany, the university offers a distinctive campus experience that integrates military training with academic education. The campus offers a blend of contemporary facilities and green spaces, fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal development.

HSU offers a comprehensive range of academic programmes across various disciplines, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, humanities and social sciences, and business and social sciences. The university is particularly renowned for its focus on engineering and technology, with specialised programmes in automotive engineering and telecommunications engineering. Furthermore, HSU places great emphasis on interdisciplinary studies (ISA), which are designed to develop students' critical thinking, analysis and decision-making skills. The university has consistently performed well in national rankings. In 2022, HSU was ranked 119th in Germany and 3191st in the world. The university has also been recognised for its research excellence, particularly in mechanical engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, and civil and structural engineering. 

One of the distinctive features of HSU is its trimester system, which enables students to complete their studies in a shorter timeframe. Students can complete a Bachelor's degree in seven trimesters (2 ¼ years) and a Master's degree in a further five trimesters (1 ¾ years), with the total duration of study not exceeding four years.  The programme’s intensive study format, combined with small class sizes and a focus on practical experience, ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for their future roles as officers and leaders.