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How much does Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design cost for international students?
Muthesius is a public university, and Schleswig-Holstein charges no tuition fees, for EU and non-EU students alike. Each semester you pay a semester contribution to the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein.
| Item | Cost for international students |
|---|---|
| Tuition, Bachelor and Master | None |
| Studentenwerk fee (from winter 2026/27) | 89 EUR |
| Semester contribution in total (incl. Studentenwerk, student union, Deutschlandsemesterticket and Kulturticket) | About 330 EUR per semester |
The semester contribution includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket, valid on local and regional public transport across Germany, and the Kulturticket for discounted culture in Schleswig-Holstein. Muthesius does not publish the exact total online, so please confirm the amount with the admissions office before you pay. Late re-registration costs 20 EUR extra.
Whatever the tuition position, the proof of funds still applies. For the student visa you 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?
| Step | Winter intake | Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| uni-assist registration (international certificates) | 25 February – 25 April | 25 August – 25 October |
| Application at Muthesius | 1–15 May | 1–15 November |
All Bachelor's and Master's programmes start in winter. In summer, only the B.A. Industrial Design, the B.A. Communication Design and the Master's programmes (except the new Doppelfach M.Ed. art teaching programme) admit new students. Muthesius has one application period for all applicants, with no separate date for non-EU students. Because the artistic aptitude test follows the application, plan your visa early and contact the Muthesius admissions office (studieninfo@muthesius.de) if you have questions.
How do you apply to Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design?
Register with uni-assist
If your school or university certificates are from outside Germany, register them with uni-assist first: 25 February to 25 April for winter, 25 August to 25 October for summer.
Prepare your portfolio
Bachelor applicants submit a portfolio of their own artistic work. Muthesius offers portfolio consultations; check the dates on its website.
Apply online
Submit your application through the Muthesius online portal during the application period (1–15 May or 1–15 November). Upload your current German certificate even if it is below B2.
Take the aptitude test
All applicants go through an artistic aptitude test. If you pass, you receive an offer of admission.
Enrol
Pay the semester contribution and hand in your German certificate (B2, or C1 for art teaching) to complete your enrolment.
How many programmes are taught in English?
No degree programme at Muthesius is taught in English; all courses are in German. International applicants need German at B2 level (DSH-1, TestDaF 4×3, Goethe B2 or telc B2), and C1 for the art teacher training programmes (DSH-2, TestDaF 4×4, Goethe C1 or telc C1 Hochschule). If you don't have the certificate yet when you apply, you can hand it in by enrolment.
Muthesius offers 11 German-taught degree programmes: Bachelor's in Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Communication Design, Industrial Design, Scenography/Interior Design and Art for teaching at Gymnasien; and Master's in Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Communication Design, Industrial Design (Interface Design or Medical Design), Spatial Strategies and two Master of Education programmes in art teaching.
When does the semester start?
| Semester | Semester period | Lecture period |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 1 October – 31 March | Mid-October to mid-February (winter 2026/27: 19 October 2026 – 19 February 2027) |
| Summer | 1 April – 30 September | Early April to late July (summer 2026: 7 April – 24 July) |
About Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design
The Muthesius Kunsthochschule traces its roots to 1 April 1907, when an arts and crafts school opened in Kiel. It was named after Hermann Muthesius, co-founder of the Deutscher Werkbund, in 1947, became a university of applied sciences in 1972 and gained university status as an art university in 2005. It is the northernmost art university in Germany and the only one in Schleswig-Holstein.
Muthesius offers Bachelor's and Master's programmes in fine arts, communication design, industrial design and scenography/spatial strategies, plus art teacher training together with Kiel University. Teaching is project-based in small groups, with workshops for wood, metal, ceramics, printing, photography and media that are open to students of all programmes. In summer 2026, 636 students were enrolled.
Frequently asked questions
Does Muthesius charge tuition fees?
No. Schleswig-Holstein charges no tuition fees. You pay a semester contribution of about 330 EUR, which includes the Studentenwerk fee and the Deutschlandsemesterticket. You still need to show 11,904 EUR per year for your visa, usually in a blocked account.
Can I study at Muthesius in English?
No. All courses are taught in German. You need a B2 German certificate (C1 for art teacher training), which you can hand in by enrolment.
Do I need a portfolio to apply?
Yes, every applicant must pass an artistic aptitude test. Bachelor applicants submit a portfolio. Applicants without a general university entrance qualification can be admitted if they pass the test with a grade better than 2.0.
Sources and Maintenance
Application periods: muthesius-kunsthochschule.de and programme overview