The college rectorate administers the university. The rectorate consists of the full-time position of rector, who manages the rectorate and the chancellor, who manages staff and economics. In addition, two part-time vice-rectors also belong to the rectorate.

The second deselection of the Rector of the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design (HfG) is likely to be legally effective following a ruling by the Administrative Court on May 5, 2023. According to §4 para. 1 clause 1 of the Rectorate's Rules of Procedure, the Vice Rector for Studies and Teaching, Prof. Constanze Fischbeck, will take over for the Rector during this vacancy. In legal and administrative matters, the Rector is represented by the Chancellor.

The provisional Rectorate thus consists of Prof. Constanze Fischbeck as provisional Rector, Prof. Dr. Simone Sheikh as provisional Vice-Rector and Mr. Thomas Fröhlich as Chancellor.