Fine Arts: Includes painting, sculpture, and new media.
Design: Covers fashion, graphic, and product design.
Music: Offers a broad spectrum from classical composition and opera to jazz and sound engineering.
Performing Arts: Encompasses acting, dance, and choreography.
Architecture: Although not traditionally associated with an arts university, UdK includes architecture in its curriculum, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of modern design.
UdK encourages interdisciplinary projects and collaborations across different artistic disciplines, reflecting the contemporary overlap of technologies and media in the arts.
The university is committed to combining artistic practice with academic study, ensuring students receive a comprehensive education that includes theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
It actively participates in international research projects and collaborations with other universities and art institutions worldwide, enhancing its educational offerings and providing students with global perspectives and opportunities.
The university is involved in cutting-edge research in areas such as digital media and sustainability in the arts.
Located in the heart of Berlin, the university has multiple campuses spread across the city, each dedicated to different faculties.
Facilities include state-of-the-art studios, workshops, and performance spaces that are integral to the students' artistic development.
Berlin’s status as a European cultural hub offers students unparalleled opportunities for exposure to leading artists, galleries, museums, and theaters.
UdK maintains strong ties with cultural institutions and industries, providing students with professional networking opportunities and real-world experience.
The university promotes a vibrant student life enriched by numerous clubs, organizations, and events.
Students are encouraged to participate in exhibitions, concerts, and performances, which are integral to the university’s community engagement.
UdK is highly regarded both in Germany and internationally, known for its rigorous standards, innovative teaching, and the success of its graduates who often become leading figures in the arts. The university’s approach to education emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills, preparing students to excel in their chosen artistic fields.
The alumni network of UdK is extensive, with graduates holding prominent positions in the arts globally. This network provides current students with mentorship opportunities and professional connections that can be crucial in their future careers.
1. Painting
2. Sculpture
3. Photography
4. New Media Art
Visual Communication
This includes graphic design, illustration, and multimedia design.
Fashion Design
Focuses on contemporary fashion creation, including the technical aspects of garment construction.
Product Design
Covers industrial design, from concept development to market-ready product design.
Architectural Design
Although not traditional architecture, this involves aspects of spatial design and environmental planning within an artistic context.
Instrumental Music
Offers training in a wide range of instruments within classical and contemporary styles.
Vocal/Opera Performance
Provides comprehensive vocal training and performance opportunities in opera productions.
Composition
For composing classical music, film scores, and electronic music.
Jazz
Includes performance, composition, and arrangement in various jazz styles.
Sound Engineering
Focuses on the technology of music production and sound design.
Acting
Classical and contemporary theater training, including television and film acting.
Dance
Modern and contemporary dance, choreography, and dance theory.
Theater Direction
Covers all aspects of directing for theater and performance art.
Art and Media
Focuses on the intersection of traditional art forms with new digital media.
Stage Design
Involves designing sets and environments for theater, opera, and film.
Master’s Programs
Offered in all the above areas, allowing for further specialization and research.
Doctoral Programs
Focused on artistic and performance practice, these are highly research-oriented.
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Fine Arts |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Visual Communication |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Fashion Design |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Product Design |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Architecture |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Music (various instruments) |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Vocal/Opera Performance |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Acting |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Dance |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Theater Direction |
4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Fine Arts |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Visual Communication |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Fashion Design |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Product Design |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Architecture |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Music (various specialties) |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Sound Studies and Sonic Arts |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Performing Arts |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Art in Context |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Master of Stage Design |
2 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Art and Design |
3-4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Doctorate in Musical Arts |
3-4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
|
Doctorate in Performing Arts |
3-4 years |
Approx. $770 (€700) |
Diverse Programs: UdK offers programs in fine arts, architecture, music, design, and performing arts, catering to a wide range of artistic interests. These programs often integrate practical training with theoretical knowledge, tailored to prepare students for professional careers in the arts.
Language of Instruction: While many programs are offered primarily in German, UdK has been increasingly providing courses and resources in English to accommodate international students. However, learning German is highly encouraged to fully integrate into the student life and culture, and UdK provides language courses to support this.
Academic Support: International students have access to various academic advising and support services. This includes orientation sessions, mentoring programs, and specific workshops designed to help them navigate the academic expectations and administrative processes.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: UdK’s campuses are equipped with modern studios, workshops, labs, and libraries. These resources support a wide range of artistic activities and provide students with the necessary tools to develop their skills.
Cultural Engagement: Located in Berlin, UdK students are positioned in the heart of Europe's art and culture scene. The city offers endless museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural events that students can access and participate in.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students typically need to submit a portfolio or audition tapes, depending on their field of study, along with their academic records. For non-native speakers, proficiency in German is often required, evidenced by standardized tests such as TestDaF or DSH.
Visa and Residency: Non-EU students will need to obtain a student visa before arriving in Germany. UdK provides guidance on the necessary steps and documentation to ensure a smooth process.
Tuition Fees: UdK charges minimal tuition fees, even for international students, largely limited to a semester contribution that covers administrative costs and a public transportation ticket.
Living Costs: Berlin, while more affordable than many other Western European cities, still requires careful budgeting. Costs for housing, food, health insurance, and personal expenses should be planned in advance.
International Office: UdK’s International Office is a critical resource, offering guidance from pre-arrival information to integration into university life.
Cultural Integration: Programs and initiatives are designed to help international students integrate into the German culture and meet other international and local students.
Networking Opportunities: Students can engage with a network of artists, professionals, and alumni through various events and collaborations that UdK facilitates.
Choose Your Program: Review the specific programs offered at UdK to find one that aligns with your artistic interests and career goals.
Check Admission Requirements:
Academic Requirements: You typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. For master's programs, a relevant bachelor's degree is required.
Portfolio or Audition: Most programs, especially in fine arts and design, require a portfolio that showcases your work. Music and performing arts programs usually require an audition, either in-person or submitted as a recording.
Language Proficiency: For programs taught in German, proficiency in the language is generally required. You may need to submit results from a German language proficiency test like TestDaF or DSH.
Prepare Application Materials:
Gather all necessary documents such as your academic transcripts, a detailed CV, letters of recommendation, your artistic portfolio or audition tapes, and a personal statement or letter of motivation.
Check if there are specific guidelines or formats required for portfolios and auditions.
Submit Your Application: Applications are typically submitted online via the UdK application portal. Ensure you meet the application deadline, which can vary by program and usually falls several months before the start of the semester.
Entrance Examination: Some programs may require you to pass an entrance examination. This could be a practical exam, written test, or an additional assessment of your portfolio or audition.
Interview: Depending on the program, you may be invited for a personal interview. This is a chance for the admissions committee to get to know you better and for you to discuss your portfolio or audition.
Receive Your Admission Decision: Admission decisions are sent out by email or accessible via the UdK application portal.
Annual Intakes: UdK generally has one main intake period each year for most of its programs, typically starting in the winter semester (around October).
Application Deadlines: Deadlines vary depending on the program but are generally set months in advance to allow time for portfolio reviews, auditions, and other application processes. For many programs, deadlines fall between December and February for the next academic year.
Eligibility varies by program, but there are common criteria across most programs:
Bachelor's Programs: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. International students may need to provide equivalent qualifications recognized in Germany.
Master's Programs: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. In some cases, equivalent professional experience might be considered.
Portfolio Submission: For programs in fine arts and design, a portfolio demonstrating your artistic skills and creativity is required. This portfolio should reflect a range of work and creativity.
Auditions: Programs in music, performing arts, and other performance-based disciplines usually require an audition. This could be in-person or via a recorded submission.
Entrance Examination: Some programs may require an additional entrance examination or interview to assess artistic skills and fit with the program.
German Proficiency: As most programs are taught in German, you need to demonstrate proficiency in German. This usually involves a standardized test such as TestDaF or DSH. However, certain programs might have components taught in English, but overall German language skills are necessary.
Language Support: UdK provides German language courses to help international students improve their language skills.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount |
Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deutschlandstipendium |
Outstanding academic and artistic achievements |
Typically €300 per month |
Funded half by the Federal Government and half by private donors. It supports students for at least two semesters. |
|
DAAD Scholarships |
International students from all disciplines |
widely |
Aimed at promoting international academic exchange. Includes scholarships for living costs, travel, and health insurance. |
|
Promos Scholarships |
Students planning a period of study abroad |
Funding for travel and living expenses |
Supports shorter academic and artistic stays abroad, including competitions, language courses, or summer schools. |
|
Einstein Scholarship |
Exceptionally talented young artists |
Provides a stipend and personal mentoring |
Specifically for projects that are innovative and cross-disciplinary. |
|
UdK Scholarship Fund |
Students in financial need due to unforeseen circumstances |
Varies |
Intended to help students facing temporary financial hardships. |
Accommodation Type |
Description |
Cost Range per Month (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Student Dormitories |
Managed by Studentenwerk Berlin, offering a variety of rooms |
€230 - €400 |
|
Private Apartments |
Single or shared apartments in the city |
€400 - €800 |
|
Shared Flats (WGs) |
Rooms in shared apartments, common in Berlin among students |
€300 - €600 |
|
Temporary Housing |
Hostels or temporary rentals for short-term accommodation needs |
€20 - €50 per night |
Interdisciplinary Opportunities: UdK encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across its various schools, including fine arts, design, music, and performing arts. This allows students to engage in projects that intersect across traditional boundaries, fostering innovative thinking and creativity.
Innovative Teaching: Classes and workshops are often led by prominent artists, designers, and scholars, providing students with high-quality mentorship and insights into contemporary artistic practices.
Studio Spaces and Workshops: UdK boasts well-equipped studios and workshops that cater to a wide range of artistic pursuits, from traditional media like painting and sculpture to digital fabrication and sound studios.
Exhibition and Performance Venues: The university regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, and concerts in its numerous galleries and performance spaces, providing students with opportunities to showcase their work publicly.
Support Services: UdK offers a range of support services including counseling, career services, and academic advising to help students navigate their educational and personal journeys.
International Office: The International Office provides additional support for international students, helping them with everything from visas to integration into German society.
Cultural Activities: Berlin’s rich history and contemporary vibrancy offer an endless array of cultural activities. Students can visit world-renowned museums, attend music and film festivals, and participate in Berlin's famed artistic and cultural events.
Language and Integration: While many programs at UdK are taught in German, the university offers language courses to help non-German speaking students improve their language skills and better integrate into local culture.
Student Organizations: UdK encourages students to engage in university life through various clubs and organizations that span interests in environmental issues, politics, cultural groups, and more.
Events and Networking: Regular social events, both formal and informal, provide students with ample opportunities to network with peers, faculty, and professionals in their fields.
Accommodation: While UdK does not provide on-campus housing, it assists students in finding accommodation in Berlin. Options range from student dormitories to private rentals.
Transportation: Students benefit from Berlin’s extensive public transportation network. A semester ticket, which is highly subsidized, allows unlimited travel across the city, making it easy to explore.
Sports and Recreation: Students have access to a range of recreational activities and sports. Berlin offers numerous parks, sports facilities, and clubs for activities ranging from cycling and swimming to yoga and team sports.
Healthcare: Germany’s healthcare system is accessible to students, who are required to have health insurance. UdK also provides resources to help students navigate health services.
Career Counseling and Support: UdK offers dedicated career services that provide counseling, workshops, and seminars designed to prepare students for the job market. These services help students in crafting CVs, preparing for interviews, and developing professional portfolios.
Networking Opportunities: The university organizes career fairs, alumni meetings, and industry panels that allow students to connect with professionals, gain insights into different career paths, and network with potential employers.
Partnerships with Industry: UdK maintains strong relationships with key players in the arts sectors, including galleries, design firms, music production companies, theaters, and more. These partnerships often lead to internships, freelance opportunities, and employment for students.
Mandatory Internships: Some programs at UdK require students to complete internships, providing practical experience that is vital for building a successful career in the arts. These internships are often tailored to the student’s field of study and can sometimes lead to job offers post-graduation.
Internship Support: The university assists students in finding internships by posting opportunities, offering guidance on applications, and sometimes facilitating placements directly through its network.
Strong Alumni Relations: UdK’s extensive alumni network plays a critical role in the professional success of its graduates. Alumni often engage with the university through guest lectures, mentorship programs, and by providing job and internship opportunities.
Alumni Events: Regular events keep alumni connected to the university and each other, fostering a community that benefits both current students and graduates.
End-of-Year Shows: Students have the opportunity to present their work in annual showcases and exhibitions. These events attract attention from industry professionals and the general public, often leading to job opportunities and collaborations.
Public Performances: For students in the performing arts, UdK schedules regular public performances, which are crucial for gaining visibility and attracting interest from talent scouts, agents, and potential employers.
Business Skills Training: Understanding the importance of entrepreneurial skills in the arts, UdK offers seminars and courses in business management, self-marketing, and other relevant areas to help students learn how to effectively market their talents and manage freelance careers or artistic ventures.
Startup Support: The university provides resources and guidance for students interested in starting their own businesses, including access to business advisors and sometimes seed funding.
Diverse Career Paths: UdK graduates find success in a variety of roles, such as independent artists, designers, musicians, corporate creatives, academics, and more. The university's holistic approach prepares students for the challenges of both freelance and organizational employment.
Global Opportunities: As a well-regarded institution in the global arts community, a degree from UdK enhances job prospects not only in Germany but internationally.
1. Competitive Programs:
Art and Design Programs: These programs often have a lower acceptance rate due to the high volume of applications and the intensive nature of the portfolio review process.
Music and Performing Arts: These programs also tend to be highly competitive, requiring auditions that assess not only technical skill but also artistic expression and potential.
2. Portfolio and Audition Requirements: The quality and creativity demonstrated in an applicant's portfolio or through their audition are critical factors in the admission process. These elements weigh heavily and are often the deciding factors in whether a candidate is accepted.
3. Academic Credentials: While artistic talent is paramount, academic performance and qualifications also play a role, especially for programs that integrate more theoretical or scholarly study.
4. Limited Spaces: The limited number of spots available in each program further contributes to the competitive nature of admissions at UdK Berlin.
Hardenbergstraße Campus
Location: Charlottenburg, Hardenbergstraße 33, 10623 Berlin
Faculties: This is the main campus and houses the faculties of Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Media, and Music.
Features: The campus includes key administrative offices, several academic buildings, studios, and the university’s central library. It is also the site for the university's largest lecture hall.
Einsteinufer Campus
Location: Charlottenburg, Einsteinufer 43-53, 10587 Berlin
Faculties: Primarily the Faculty of Music and the Institute of Contemporary Music.
Features: This campus is equipped with state-of-the-art music studios, practice rooms, and performance spaces. It hosts a range of concerts and performances throughout the year.
Medienhaus
Location: Grunewaldstraße 2-5, 10823 Berlin
Faculties: Focuses on digital media and design.
Features: It offers advanced facilities for digital and media arts, including labs and workshops for audio-visual experimentation.
Jazz-Institut Berlin
Location: Fasanenstraße 1B, 10623 Berlin
Faculties: A collaboration between UdK Berlin and the Hanns Eisler School of Music, focusing on Jazz studies.
Features: Known for its innovative jazz programs and contributes significantly to Berlin’s vibrant jazz scene.
Public Transportation: Berlin boasts an excellent public transportation network, making all UdK campuses easily accessible. The main modes of transport include the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (suburban train), buses, and trams. The Hardenbergstraße Campus, for instance, is just a short walk from the Zoologischer Garten station, a major transportation hub.
Semester Ticket: Students at UdK receive a semester ticket that covers public transportation within the city, making commuting between different campuses and exploring Berlin convenient and cost-effective.
Cultural Integration: Located in Berlin, UdK students have unparalleled access to a myriad of cultural institutions, galleries, museums, theaters, and historical sites. The city's diverse cultural landscape provides a rich backdrop for artistic inspiration and recreation.
Vibrant Community: The campuses are buzzing with workshops, exhibitions, performances, and lectures, reflecting the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of the university. The surrounding areas are also teeming with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, catering to the student population.
