partner collegeState
Studienkolleg of the KIT (Karlsruher Institute for Technology)
Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg
Nearest deadline15.01.2027
Tuitionfree
Open
Art and musicPublicAwards doctorates
Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design
Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart
The Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, with a history extending back over 250 years, is one of the largest art academies in Germany. With 20 academic study programmes in Architecture, Design, Fine Arts, Art Education and Art Related Studies-Conservation, it provides a broad spectrum of educational and research opportunities to approximately 900 students.
Data from the university's official pages
Facts about the university
| Ownership | Public, Baden-Württemberg |
|---|---|
| City | Stuttgart |
| Founded | 1761 |
| Students | ≈ 760 |
| Programmes | 3 programmes · 2 master's |
| German for enrolment | B2 |
| Tuition fee |
€1,500 per semester for international students what it consists ofTuition fee of the federal state (Baden-Württemberg), international students€1,500 Semester contribution€113.40
Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.
|
| Semester contribution | €113.40 per semester |
| Application | Directly to the university; master's until 10.06 |
| Campuses | Campus Weißenhof |
| Studienkolleg | Studienkolleg of the KIT (Karlsruher Institute for Technology), Studienkolleg Heidelberg |
About the university
TEACHING & INTERDISCIPLINARITY
ABK Stuttgart provides an outstanding teaching and learning environment. One of its trademarks is interdisciplinarity – meaning there are interdisciplinary courses and seminars as well as joint projects between staff and students of the individual study programmes. Students study in small course groups, which allows professors to provide intensive support. Teaching is focussed on developing students’ creative and artistic skills as well as on imparting technical, practical and professional knowledge. The other trademark of the Academy are its over thirty workshops. They allow students to implement their ideas and concepts, using analogue and digital techniques. The workshops are of fundamental importance for the students’ education and are places of interdisciplinary activity, a specific trait of ABK Stuttgart.
TEACHING & RESEARCH
ABK Stuttgart provides experimental ground to the unity of teaching and research and promotes innovation in art and design. It also puts an emphasis on academically sound teaching programmes. The comprehensive range of academic study courses is open to students of all disciplines. The Academy is actively involved in the aesthetic discourse of our time and organizes exhibits, lectures, symposia and publications. It further offers the postgraduate study course Meisterschüler/in as part of the Weissenhof Programme of Fine Arts to promote innovative projects and outstanding artists. ABK Stuttgart is one of the few art academies in Germany that is entitled to award doctoral and post-doctoral degrees.
PARTNERSHIPS & INTERNATIONALITY
The many contacts the Academy has made with national and international universities worldwide and the exchange programmes it offers allow students to study abroad. However, they may also gain intercultural experience while studying at the Academy. The international stance of ABK supports students in establishing a broad professional network for their future activities.
INFRASTRUCTURE & LOCATION
ABK Stuttgart is only a few minutes away from Stuttgart central station by public transport and is equipped with an excellent infrastructure. In addition to its over thirty workshops, the Weissenhof campus has a library with a qualified selection of national and international publications in the fields of architecture, fine arts, design, photography, art history, art theory and restoration., various exhibit rooms, a cinema, a cafeteria and a kindergarten. The Academy also uses the Reinwaldhaus in Bodman, an exclusive seminar house at Lake Constance, for field trips.
LEGAL STATUS
The Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design is a legal entity under public law and a state-owned institution. It has the right to institutional self-government within the framework of the law. Its status is equivalent to that of a scientific university.
Studienkolleg
If your school certificate does not give direct admission, you first go to a Studienkolleg and pass the Feststellungsprüfung — it is recognised by every university. The colleges listed here are this university's partners.
Programmes
All 3 programmes →How to apply
The general procedure is the same for all programmes of the university; the required grade, language and additional requirements are on the page of each programme.
- 1Check your school-leaving certificateDirect admission, admission after a year at a university at home, or Studienkolleg first — it depends on your country and certificate.
- 2German B2 and a certificateDSH, TestDaF or telc C1 Hochschule — before you apply, not after.
- 3Application directly to the universitymaster's until 10.06. Deadlines differ between programmes — check the programme page.
- 4Admission, visa, movingPlan 2–3 months for the visa and the blocked account — start them in parallel with the application.
What it costs to study
| Tuition fee | €1,500 per semester for international students |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee of the federal state (Baden-Württemberg), international students | €1,500 |
| Semester contribution | €113.40 |
Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.
Campuses
About the campuses in detail →A programme is tied to a campus — when looking for housing, go by the campus, not by the university's main address.
Studying in Stuttgart: housing, transport, costs →If you don't meet the requirements yet
Two typical stops: a school certificate without direct admission and German below the required level. Both can be solved within a year, but plan them before you apply, not after a rejection.
Questions about Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design
How much does it cost to study at Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design?
The federal state charges international students from outside the EU €1,500 per semester. Every student pays the semester contribution of €113.40. Some programmes charge their own fee — see the programme page.
Are there programmes in English?
No — all programmes in our catalogue are taught in German.
When do I need to apply?
Master's programmes: until 10.06. If you apply via uni-assist, send the documents 4–6 weeks earlier.
Do I need a Studienkolleg?
It depends on your certificate, not on the university. The Feststellungsprüfung of any Studienkolleg is recognised by all universities; Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design works with Studienkolleg of the KIT (Karlsruher Institute for Technology), Studienkolleg Heidelberg.
Universities nearby
University chosen — next come the programme and the deadlines
Requirements and deadlines differ within one university. We will pick 3–5 programmes for your certificate and language and plan everything back from the deadline.