There are four steps to studying at HfG Karlsruhe:

1. Course and Portfolio Advice

To apply for a place in one of the diploma programs (Media Art, Exhibition Design and Scenography, Communication Design, Product Design), applicants are required to submit, among other materials, a portfolio featuring selected works as well as a letter of motivation. At the beginning of each year, prospective students have the opportunity to receive detailed advice within the individual departments regarding the study programs and their portfolios.

To apply for the Magister program in Art Research and Media Philosophy, applicants must submit a letter of motivation. Submitting a portfolio is optional. If you have any questions, you may arrange an individual study advisory appointment through the secretary’s office. Please contact Ellen Mai: emai(at)hfg-karlsruhe.de

Dates portfolio consultation

2. Fast Open Application

Update April 29, 2026:

The application deadline for the Product Design and Exhibition Design & Scenography programs has been extended to May 10, 2026

The application deadline for the Art Research and Media Philosophy program has been extended to June 15, 2026

This is the link to the application portal: https://h1.hfg-karlsruhe.de

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Applications for admission to the course must be submitted for the following winter semester between March 1 and April 30 of the respective year (deadline).

Info on application procedure

Additional information for international applicants

3. Examination for Aptitude and Admission

If all admission requirements are met, the professional or artistic/technical aptitude is determined in a multi-stage procedure.

Admission and entrance examination

4. Enrollment

Online enrollment for the winter semester must be completed no later than August 15.

Enrollment

5. Qualifications

As the HfG Karlsruhe upholds the academic freedom of non-modular degree programs, it does not offer Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs.

Studies are completed either with a Diplom degree or a Magister Artium (M.A.), both of which are equivalent to a Master’s degree and confer the same rights and qualifications as Master’s degrees awarded by universities and equivalent institutions.

The HfG Karlsruhe does not offer an intermediate degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree. Applicants who already hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree may, depending on their individual qualifications, be admitted to a higher semester.

Requirements for Course Admission
  • general or subject-specific higher education qualification or a comparable qualification (a technical college qualification does not qualify)
  • proof of artistic or scientific aptitude
Beginning of Studies

Each winter semester

Student Office

Studienbüro T +49 (0) 721 / 8203 2369
F +49 (0) 721 / 8203 2373

Office hours:
Monday until Thursday, 9am until noon and by appointment (Friday closed)

Guest Auditors and Auditors from KIT Karlsruhe

Simone Siewerdt
T +49 (0) 721 / 8203 2367