Applying to the Academy of Fine Arts - A Brief Introduction to the Structure

Author: Antje Lehn (Red)

Here you will find a brief introduction to the structure of the application process at the Academy of Fine Arts. The procedures vary depending on the field of study.

Structure of Admission

Online-Registration
artistic Portfolio
Examination task
Application documents
Interview

Online-Registration

Applicants can enter their basic data within a specified time frame. After registering, they will be assigned an application number. No application is possible without an application number, which serves to identify the portfolio and other documents. If you have missed the time slot for registration, you can only register for this subject again in the next academic year.

Artistic Portfolio

This portfolio should contain a selection of your artistic work; it helps the teachers to get to know your working methods better. Each subject area has different requirements for the portfolio; you can find more detailed information in the information on the entrance examinations.

Examination Task

In some subjects, there is an assignment that has to be completed and submitted within a specified period of time.

Application Documents

Documents such as certificates, letters of motivation or language certificates are also required for the various fields of study. Transcripts and language certificates are usually only submitted at the beginning of your studies when you have already passed the admission exam.

Interview

A short personal conversation with teachers of the institute. Applicants will be asked about their artistic work from the portfolio or the examination tasks. You can find out whether this interview takes place in person or via video conference in the information on the entrance examination on the academy website.

Links with dates and general information about the admission

FAQ-List on the website of the Academy

Dates and requirements of the individual fields of study

Terms and definitions

There are many very specific terms on the university's website. Here we explain some of the terms that are frequently used in connection with admission examinations.

Examination senate/examination board

The examination senate or commission consists of a group of lecturers in the departments. After reviewing and discussing the documents, the committee jointly decides on who will be admitted.

Artistic Suitability

The admissions assessment is a process in which the committee attempts to gain as good a picture as possible of the artistic suitability of the applicants. The focus here is on the skills required for the relevant subject and the applicant's potential in relation to the expectations of the particular department at the academy.

Pedagogical Suitability

This is only tested in the artistic teaching subjects. It involves communication and reflection skills, but also didactic, social and discrimination-critical skills.

Admission and Enrolment

The successful artistic entrance examination is the essential requirement for registration in the degree program, the so-called enrolment. Enrolment takes place shortly before the start of the course. This is also where all certificates and other study requirements must be submitted to the Studies and Examinations Department.