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How much does Dresden Academy of Fine Arts cost for international students?
HfBK Dresden charges no tuition for a first degree or for graduate and Meisterschüler studies, for EU and non-EU students alike, because Saxony does not charge general tuition fees. Three fees can still apply, each per semester from winter 2026/27: 350 EUR for a second degree, 350 EUR for the postgraduate Art Therapy programme, and 500 EUR for students more than four semesters over the standard period of study. A bill to charge non-EU students 1,500 EUR per semester was heard in the Saxon state parliament on 27 April 2026 and had not been put to a vote as of October 2026.
Every student pays the semester contribution of 354.91 EUR for winter 2026/27. Of that, 226.80 EUR is the Deutschland-Semesterticket, which covers public transport across Germany.
| Item | Cost for international students |
|---|---|
| First degree | No tuition fees |
| Meisterschüler (postgraduate) | No tuition fees |
| Art Therapy (postgraduate) | 350 EUR per semester |
| Second degree | 350 EUR per semester |
| Long-term study (more than 4 semesters over) | 500 EUR per semester |
| Semester contribution (everyone) | 354.91 EUR per semester |
Figures for winter 2026/27. The Studentenwerk share is due to fall by 10 EUR from summer 2027.
No tuition does not mean no proof of funds. For the student visa you still need to show 11,904 EUR for the year, usually in a blocked account, and that money has to be transferred months before the semester starts.
What are the application deadlines?
| Programme | Intake | Deadline (non-EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Arts | Winter (October) | 15 January (from 2027; previously 15 March) |
| Theatre Design (except Scenic Painting) | Winter (October) | 15 January |
| Art Technology, Preservation and Restoration | Winter (October) | 31 January |
| Stage Setting and Costume Design | Winter (October) | 1 March |
| Theatre Design, Scenic Painting | Winter (October) | 15 March |
| Meisterschüler (postgraduate) | Winter (October) | 1 July |
| Art Therapy (postgraduate) | Winter (October) | 30 October of the previous year |
HfBK Dresden publishes one set of dates for all applicants; there is no separate earlier date for non-EU applicants. Application documents must arrive by these dates. For Art Therapy starting in winter 2027/28, the deadline is 30 October 2026. HfBK advises international applicants to allow at least a year from first application to the start of study.
How many programmes are taught in English?
None. HfBK Dresden offers no programme taught in English. Undergraduate study requires German at level B2, Master-level study accepts German or English at level B2, and the postgraduate Art Therapy programme requires German at level C1.
About Dresden Academy of Fine Arts
The Dresden Academy of Fine Arts (Hochschule für Bildende Künste Dresden) is a public art school in Dresden, Saxony. It was founded in 1764, has 588 students, and offers Diplom programmes in fine arts, restoration, stage and costume design, theatre design and art therapy, plus a postgraduate Meisterschüler programme.
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