Students are entitled to study the Master's degree programme in Fine Arts (Master of Fine Arts) at HFBK Hamburg if they can demonstrate an independent artistic position in an entrance examination in accordance with Section 39 (3) of the Hamburg Higher Education Act and have a university degree (including degrees from a university of applied sciences) of 240 ECTS points in the regular case.

The decision on the existence of an independent artistic position is made by an entrance examination committee. The entrance examination committee decides on the basis of the work submitted whether an independent artistic position exists.

Applicants who do not yet have a university degree at the time of the application deadline, but will obtain one in the six months following the application deadline, may apply and must provide proof of their university degree by the start of the programme at the latest.

Applicants whose university degree comprises fewer than 240 ECTS credits (e.g. 180 ECTS credits in the case of a three-year Bachelor's degree) are still encouraged to apply and are asked to submit evidence of at least one year of artistic practice, activities in the field of cultural and artistic institutions, internships or previous studies. Outstanding artistic achievements can also be recognised by the admissions committee amounting to 60 ECTS.

Proof of German language skills is not required. However, we strongly recommend that you have knowledge of German in order to be able to take full advantage of the courses on offer (seminars, lectures, group and individual discussions, workshops and more).

Most of the courses offered in Theory and History are held in German.

Applications are only possible for the winter semester. The following application steps are required during the application period from February 4 to March 5, 2026, 4 p.m. (deadline):

Step 1: Online application

Please create an applicant account in HISinOne. As soon as you start your application, it will receive an application number to which you can refer if you have any questions.

Step 2: digital application folder

Applicants for "Theory and History" must submit a digital documentation of artistic works or projects for the entrance examination for the major in theory and history. If you have sent your online application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing an upload link. Upload your digital artistic application portfolio with works including PDF-files, videos, films, documentation of performances from the past two years along with the documents listed below. They should be summarised in ONE pdf document:

• A written presentation of three to five A4 pages should demonstrate the applicant's ability to formulate and express himself/herself and must include the following: Reasons for choosing the Master's program, an exposé of the scientific project, own objectives. The exposé must include the name and address of the applicant.
  
• Curriculum vitae in German or English language
  
• A proof of your university degree
  (Certificate or, if applicable, provisional certificate from the respective examination office)
  Applicants whose university degree(s) were not written in German or English must also attach a copy of their original certificates with a translation in German or English.
  Applicants whose university degree comprises fewer than 240 ECTS credits (e.g. 180 ECTS in the case of a three-year Bachelor's degree) are still expressly encouraged to apply and are asked to submit evidence of at least one year of artistic practice, activities in the field of cultural and artistic institutions, internships or previous studies. Outstanding artistic achievements amounting to 60 ECTS can also be recognized by the admissions committee.

The file size is limited to 8 GB. It is no longer possible to submit a physical application portfolio. Late, incomplete and/or by e-mail received applications or subsequently submitted documents cannot be considered.
You don't have to spend any extra money to have your application portfolio professionally digitized. Simply use your smartphone or photo camera to document your work.

All documents/work uploaded with the digital application portfolio will be considered for your application to the HFBK Hamburg. Links to external platforms will not be considered.

At the end of the application period, an entrance examination committee will examine the application folders. The commission is composed of three professors, one member of the intermediate academic staff with voting rights and two students without voting rights.

The commission evaluates the application folders in categories A (admission) and C (denial). Applicants who are rated A can begin their studies in the following winter semester.

The decision on admission to the program is made until the mid of June of the application year at the latest. If the admission committee is not already able to make a clear decision based on the digital portfolio, you may be invited to a short personal interview with your physical application file (application file with the original artistic works). The interviews usually take place from mid to end of May. Please refrain from making inquiries until then!
You will find all information and decisions in your applicant account in HISinOne.
Your application data will be stored for a maximum of 12 months.

And further:
Admission to the degree programme is governed by the enrolment, minor and guest student regulations of the Hamburg University of Fine Arts.

After passing the entrance examination, applicants receive admission to the University of Fine Arts Hamburg. Admission is only valid for the following winter semester.

If the place is not taken up, the admission expires and a complete application must be submitted by the next application deadline.

If you do not pass the entrance examination, you can submit a complete application by the next application deadline.