This page lists the most frequently asked questions about studying art at the Hochschule für bildende Künste (HFBK) Hamburg - and, of course, the answers.

If you are looking for a state art university in Europe, and specifically in Germany, where you can study art in an interdisciplinary and truly free way, then you have come to the right place. At the HFBK Hamburg, Fine Art is intentionally not divided up into study subjects or into the classic disciplines – all students study the single subject »Fine Arts«, on equal terms. Within this single subject, there are 8 study areas (see departments), with corresponding professorships.

When you apply for a study place (on the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme), you will be asked to give your preferred study area. However, after your first year – which is the orientation phase – you are free to study any combination of study areas, depending on which aspects of art interest you personally.

The same is true if you opt to study for the Lehramt (art teacher education programme) at the HFBK Hamburg.

The »Fine Arts« Bachelor-/Master study programme allows you to study for the Bachelor of Fine Arts qualification and, subsequently, for the Master of Fine Arts qualification at the HFBK Hamburg.

The teacher education programme is always combined with the Universität Hamburg and with the awarding of the Bachelor of Arts or the Master of Education qualification.

It is also possible to study for a doctorate at the HFBK Hamburg, which confers the title Dr. phil. in art. (philosophiae in artibus).

The HFBK Hamburg’s interdisciplinary study structure allows students to study in a particularly free way. The taught content is not arranged in rigid course structures, and this allows students to pose new questions and to develop new, innovative solutions. Studies centre on self-determined explorations of art and project-based and experimental ways of working.

Another special feature of the HFBK Hamburg is its excellent workshops, where almost any kind of art-related technical craftwork can be carried out. Students receive guidance and comprehensive support from the workshop supervisors.

The HFBK Hamburg is also very committed to student international exchanges. The university’s large number of partner universities and its generous support provision programme allows it to maintain excellent international connections.

The Bachelor study programme begins with a one-year orientation phase. During this, students are intensively supervised in basic classes.

Afterwards, the students increasingly pursue their own artistic interests and individual projects, solo or together with others. They will generally seek out a professor who will be able to help them move forward in their chosen pursuits. The final allocation to the classes takes place after the 1st presentation. Participation in the 1st presentation after the 2nd semester is compulsory.

The focus of all studies is on students' own artistic work. You will be awarded ECTS credits (required to pass the final examination) for taking part in classes, workshop courses, projects etc.

In principle a workspace is available at the university for anyone who wishes to work here.

In theory, yes, but professors also have the right to choose which students they teach. The professors of art (many of whom are well-known artists) each have a closed group of students whom they supervise. Understandably, they will prefer to include students whose work they find particularly interesting.

However, as a rule, anyone can be admitted to their group tutorials. And anyone who (persistently) gets in touch should receive a reply.

Admission to the classes conducted by professors of Theory and History and other tutors is not restricted in this way. Their lectures are, of course, open to all students!

Lectures and classes at the HFBK Hamburg are usually conducted in German. Prominent international figures we have been fortunate enough to attract to the HFBK Hamburg will sometimes teach in English. At present, Prof. Martin Boyce (Sculpture), Prof. Simon Denny (Time-based Media), Prof. Angela Bulloch (Time-based Media), Prof. Dr. Astrid Mania (Theory and History of Art) and Prof. Adina Pintilie (Film) conduct classes in English.

Proof of knowledge of the German language is not required. However, we strongly recommend that you have knowledge of the German language in order to be able to take full advantage of the courses offered (seminar, lectures, group and individual discussions, workshop offerings and more).

In Hamburg, tuition fees were abolished for students studying at state universities as of 2012.

There are, however, certain required payments that must be paid promptly every semester: an administrative costs payment, a contribution to AStA (the student committee) and to the Studierendenwerk (the student union) and an additional payment to cover the cost of the semester ticket for public transport. The precise amounts involved vary slightly.

You can apply for a bursary to fund your studies in Germany from DAAD at any German embassy in your home country.

If you do not have enough money to cover your living costs and pay for essential study materials, you may also be eligible for BAföG (for instance, if you are an accepted asylum seeker or foreigner with permanent residency in Germany).

There are a number of bursaries and funds specifically for HFBK students, which you will be able to apply for when you have begun your studies. There are even special funds specifically for HFBK students from abroad.

Yes, Hamburg is a rather expensive place to live – particularly when you have to find rooms there. As a penniless student, one must be prepared to compromise and, if necessary, be prepared to settle for a modest place to live or one that is some distance away from the university. You can enquire about vacancies in the student halls of residence at the student union. If you go online, you will find a number of housing exchanges offering housing or flat share arrangements (so-called Wohngemeinschaft, short: WG).

Pub and restaurant prices in Hamburg are also more than averagely expensive. However, there is no need for anyone to starve: the HFBK Hamburg has an excellent Mensa (cafeteria) which offers a healthy lunch with special low subsidised prices for students.

One good thing about the economic conditions in Hamburg is that it is relatively easy to find a part-time job with a wide variety of employers.

Applicants have to begin their studies at the HFBK Hamburg at the start of the winter semester. This means that the annual application period is very brief (!), and that you must apply before the application period ends.

You will then submit a digital portfolio containing about 20 examples of your own artwork plus your CV and certified document copies. In the case of overseas applicants, documents may have to be translated into English or German if necessary.

You first enter your application online in our application portal.

Because German is the main language at the HFBK, foreign applicants are also requested to provide evidence of proficiency in the German language.

Absolutely! This is why we provide a prospective students information day as well as guided tours as part of the annual exhibition (in February) and the graduate show (in July).

This may be possible. Applicants without basic university entrance qualifications can be admitted to the HFBK Hamburg as arts students if the selection commission is convinced that they possess outstanding artistic ability. If this is your situation, please apply in the normal way.

It should contain around 20 artworks completed by you. The main issue is not their technical or graphical perfection. It is more important for them to reveal your personal attitude to art – the themes that interest you and the way in which you address them. You can fill your digital artistic application portfolio with works such as PDF files, videos - including videos of your paintings or sculptures - films, documentation of performances) from the last two years.

The HFBK Hamburg has decided not to provide advice on portfolios, as we want your portfolios to be as authentic as possible and not tailored to a set of expectations. However, the individual departments do offer advice sessions for applicants and those who are interested, during which professors may be willing to discuss individual artworks.

Unfortunately, you will have to wait a year to apply again. Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline. This rule applies to all applicants.

The application period is precisely defined (please click on the links below): February for Bachelor/Master of Fine Arts and teacher education programme, September for doctorates.

After the application deadline, an admissions committee will review the application portfolios. The committee is made up of three professors, one member of the academic staff with voting rights and two students without voting rights.

The committee evaluates the application portfolios in categories A (admission) and C (rejection). Applicants who receive an A can begin their studies in the following winter semester.

The individual selection commissions for each department are free to invite applicants to a face-to-face meeting, or to complete a practical task. This generally takes place in April.

The Bachelor admissions commissions meet in March. If the admissions committee decides to invite you to an additional meeting or to create a piece of coursework, it will take place in April.

You will receive a written reply with the result in April. You will find the decision in your applicant account.

The Master admissions commissions meet in April. Applicants are informed of their decisions in May.

You must enrol by the 15th of August, or your place at the university will become invalid.

Around the end of August, you will receive a written communication containing important event dates for the beginning of your studies (you must turn up for these!).

An up-to-date lecture timetable can be downloaded from late September.

In theory, you may be able to take part as a guest under exceptional circumstances. You may attend as a free mover (based on our agreements with other universities). You may also individually take part in specific classes as an auditing student. Official permission is required! Important: Only persons with no intention to apply for a regular study place at the HFBK can be admitted as auditing student!

After your application has been accepted, you will receive information from the HFBK’s examination authority about the academic work you have already completed and whether it counts towards the qualification you are studying for.