HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU), officially known as HafenCity Universität Hamburg – University of the Built Environment and Metropolitan Development, is a public university located in Hamburg, Germany. Established in 2006 through the merger of four departments from three Hamburg universities, HCU is focusing on architecture, civil engineering, and urban planning. The university has a student population of around 3,000 students.

HafenCity University Hamburg is situated in the HafenCity district of Hamburg, a vibrant urban area known for its modern architecture and waterfront location along the Elbe River. The campus environment is urban, with a mix of contemporary academic buildings and historic warehouses that have been repurposed for educational use. Notable landmarks nearby include the Elbphilharmonie concert hall and the Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

HCU offers a range of academic programs in the fields of Architecture, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Metropolitan Culture, and Metropolitan Development. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, which allows students to explore the complex relationships between architecture, urban planning, and social, economic, and environmental factors. HafenCity University is particularly renowned for its Master's programmes in Resource Efficiency in Architecture and Planning (REAP) and Urban Design, which attract students from around the world. These programmes focus on sustainable urban development and address the complex challenges facing cities in the 21st century. The University is also renowned for its research in urban sustainability, climate change adaptation and smart city technologies. It has partnerships with leading institutions around the world, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and actively engages in collaborative projects with industry and government organisations. 

One of HCU's most distinctive features is its commitment to hands-on learning and community engagement. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects in Hamburg and beyond, applying their knowledge and skills to solve urban challenges. The university also plays host to a number of public events, exhibitions and lectures, fostering a vibrant intellectual community and encouraging dialogue between academia and society in one of Europe's dynamic urban environments.