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How much does Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design (HfG) cost for international students?
Since winter 2017/18, universities in Baden-Württemberg charge international degree students from outside the EU/EEA a tuition fee of 1,500 EUR per semester. EU/EEA citizens and exchange students don't pay it. The state has discussed abolishing the fee, but it still applies.
Every student also pays the semester contribution when enrolling. It does not include a public transport ticket.
| Item | Cost for international students |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee (non-EU/EEA) | 1,500 EUR per semester |
| Semester contribution | About 202.50 EUR per semester |
| Public transport | Not included; D-Ticket JugendBW 45 EUR per month (up to age 27) |
HfG gives the current semester contribution as 202.50 EUR on its enrolment page, but some of its other pages still show 185 EUR. Confirm the amount with the HfG Student Office. The KVV student pass ended on 1 August 2026.
For your visa you also need proof of funds of 11,904 EUR for the year (2026, Federal Foreign Office), usually in a blocked account.
What are the application deadlines?
| Degree | Intake | Deadline (non-EU) |
|---|---|---|
| All programmes (application and portfolio) | Winter | 1 March to 30 April |
| Enrolment after admission | Winter | By 15 August |
| All programmes | Summer | No summer intake |
One set of dates applies to all applicants, and 30 April is a strict cut-off. You apply online through HfG's application portal with a portfolio and a motivation letter. For Art Research and Media Philosophy the portfolio is optional. HfG sometimes extends the deadline for single programmes, so check the application page.
How many programmes are taught in English?
HfG Karlsruhe offers no English-taught programmes. All 5 programmes are taught in German, and you need German at DSH-1 or TestDaF TDN 3 level.
- Media Art (Diplom)
- Communication Design (Diplom)
- Product Design (Diplom)
- Exhibition Design and Scenography (Diplom)
- Art Research and Media Philosophy (Magister Artium)
HfG offers no separate Bachelor's or Master's degrees. The Diplom and the Magister Artium are equivalent to a Master's degree.
About Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design (HfG)
HfG Karlsruhe is a small public university of arts and design in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg. It was founded on 15 April 1992 together with the ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, and has about 338 students (winter 2024/25).
It teaches media art, communication design, product design, exhibition design and scenography, and art research and media philosophy.
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