The HFBK actively supports international student exchanges. The large number of partner universities included in the EU’s exchange programme Lifelong Learning - Erasmus enables a high degree of international mobility.

The proportion of students at the HFBK who come from abroad, not only from Europe but from other areas, especially China, Korea and South America, is traditionally very high. This lively dialogue is supported by further University-owned initiatives such as ForumINTERNATIONAL as well as external initiatives such as the Achievement grants for international students, and the DAAD prize for exceptional achievement by non-German students. 

The Art School Alliance allows twelve international art students per year a semester to live and study in Hamburg without paying rent or study fees.