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How much does University of Fine Arts of Hamburg (HFBK) cost for international students?
HFBK Hamburg charges no tuition, for EU and non-EU students alike, because tuition fees were abolished at Hamburg's state universities.
| Item | Cost for international students |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | No tuition fees |
| Master of Fine Arts | No tuition fees |
| Semester contribution (everyone, winter 2026/27) | 389 EUR (226.80 EUR Deutschlandticket, 101 EUR Studierendenwerk, 50 EUR administration fee, 10.20 EUR student body, 1 EUR semester ticket hardship fund) |
The amount is set each semester, so it changes.
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.
What are the application deadlines?
HFBK publishes one set of dates for all applicants and admits only for the winter semester. You submit a digital portfolio of work from the past two years through the HISinOne portal; late or emailed applications are not considered. An entrance examination committee decides on the portfolio and may invite you to a short interview in mid to late April. Decisions are made by the end of April, and admission is valid only for the following winter semester.
| Degree | Intake | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | Winter only (application from early February) | 5 March, 4 p.m. |
| Master of Fine Arts | Winter only | Usually 31 March |
The Master's date comes from a third-party listing, so confirm it on HFBK's Master application page. Applicants from China, India and Vietnam must have their certificate translations certified by the APS. Admitted students pay the semester contribution and submit proof of health insurance by 15 August.
How many programmes are taught in English?
No HFBK degree programme is taught in English; teaching is in German, partly in English.
International applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Arts need German: either DSH-2, TestDaF 4 in all parts or an equivalent certificate, or proof of an A2 course of about 360 teaching hours. With A2, you must continue German courses during the first two semesters and submit the certificates. Two degree programmes are taught: the Bachelor of Fine Arts (with specialisations in Stage Design, Sculpture, Design, Film, Graphic Art/Photography, Time-Based Media and Painting/Drawing) and the Master of Fine Arts.
About University of Fine Arts of Hamburg (HFBK)
The University of Fine Arts of Hamburg (Hochschule für bildende Künste Hamburg, HFBK) is a public art school in Hamburg, founded in 1767. It offers a Bachelor's and a Master's in Fine Arts with specialisations including design, film, graphic art and photography, painting and drawing, sculpture, stage design and time-based media, as well as art teacher education with the University of Hamburg. It belongs to the Art School Alliance, an exchange network with art schools in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia.
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