Berlin University of the Arts is one of the largest institutes in the world offering higher education in the arts domain. It has four colleges specializing in Fine Arts, Architecture, Media and Design, Music and the Performing Arts. This university captures the full spectrum of the arts and related studies with more than 70 degree programs to choose from and is one of the coveted top German universities.
The university is known as a unique model in Europe as it combines science and arts under the same roof. It is also one of the few art colleges to have the full university status. The institution is also different as it does not charge tuition fee from students except for the advanced education masters program. Students of the university only incur a cost of 320 EUR per semester related to security contribution, registration fee, application fee etc.
The university has a student population of more than 4000 students. Berlin University of the Arts provides various grants worth up to EUR 700 per month to the international students. with the funding period is up to twelve months- September to August. These grants are limited to a maximum of two academic years. For those who fail to secure university scholarships can apply for external scholarships to study in Germany.
Berlin University of the Arts Rankings
- #71 in German University Ranking (UniRank)
- #1311 in the World University Ranking (UniRank)
- #78 in the country and amongst top 9% institutions in the world (EduRank university rankings)
- #30 in World University Rankings by subject Ranking for Arts and Design published by QS Rankings.
Highlights
| Type of University | Public |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Campus Setting | Urban |
| Establishment Year | 1696 |
| Accreditation Agency | Senate Chancellery for Science and Research, Berlin |
| Admission Criteria | Based on entrance examination |
| Academic Calendar | Semester based |
| Housing facilities | Not available on campus |
| No. of Campuses | 1 |
| Degrees offered | Bachelor, Master and Doctoral |
Berlin University of the Arts Courses
Berlin University of the Arts offers courses at undergraduate and graduate levels through its four colleges, namely, College of Fine Arts, College of Design, College of Music and Berlin Jazz Institute, and College of Performing Arts, which encompasses the full spectrum of the arts and related academic studies in more than 70 courses. Some of the courses and its deadlines and requirements are mentioned below:
| Programs | Application Period | Total Semester |
|---|---|---|
| M.A. Architecture | Winter semester: 05 Feb- 05 March | 4 semesters |
| M.A. Costume Design | Summer semester: 15 Oct- 15 Nov | 4 semesters |
| M.A. Design | Winter semester: 01 March -01 April | 2 semesters |
| M.A. Music Therapy | Winter semester: 15 March – 15 April | 6 semesters |
| B.A in Architecture | Winter semester: 05 Feb- 05 March | 8 semesters |
| B.Mus. Sound Engineering | Winter semester: 15 March – 15 April | 8 semesters |
| B.A in Art and Media | Summer semester: 20 Dec- 20 Jan Winter semester: 20 May- 20 June |
6 semesters |
| B.A. Costume Design | Summer semester: 15 Oct- 15 Nov | 6 semesters |
Berlin University of the Arts Campus
With all the creative minds studying in the University, the campus of Berlin University of the Arts is a hub of cultural events. The University is the largest arts university in Germany and among the few in Europe to offer such programs. Over 600 events are organized annually in the University.
- For fee based events, tickets can be bought from the UdK Berlin Concert Hall Box office.
- the department of press and communication of the institute opens doors for students to participate in voluntary social work.
- Other facilities available at the University include a library full of resources, student advisory service, career and transfer center, etc.
Housing Facilities/ Residence
- The Berlin University of Arts does not have housing facilities of its own.
- It provides accommodation options to students through studierendenWERK BERLIN.
- There are around 18 options available for the students of this institute that include single room, double room, full apartment etc.
- Candidates can also rent private student accommodation in Germany that provide small apartments or shared rooms in flats with a monthly rent starting at 400 EUR.
Berlin University of the Arts Admission
The students applying for admissions at Berlin University must note that the graduate courses and a lot of other undergraduate courses are offered in German language. And hence, German language proficiency is a must. The students who do not have language knowledge are offered German Language lessons in the institute. Also, once the application is reviewed, the students shall receive the details in writing and will be called for the entrance exam. Most entrance exams can be taken digitally while some need the student presence.
How to apply?
Application Portal: The students have to apply online through the official website.
Application fee: 30 EUR (payable for selective courses only)
Application deadline: February to March
Basic Admission Requirements:
- Photocopies of original transcripts.
- CV in tabulated form.
- Uni-assist evaluated copies of certificates.
- German language proficiency proof
- Letter of motivation/ recommendation
- Portfolio as per requirement
- Proof of internship.
- Short video to be uploaded on Vimeo (only for Graduate Admission)
Proof of German Language Proficiency:
- Official language certificates, equivalent to the common European Framework of reference (ERF) for languages such as A2.
- A completion certificate of required level from a language school with 80 percent attendance required
- An assessment test (only with identification) to the next level
- TestDAF with overall average grade from all four performances accordingly: B2 = GPA greater than or equal to 3, C1 = GPA greater than or equal to 4
- A degree from a German university equates to the completed level C1 or a school report according to the following regulations: A2 = min. 3 years of German lessons, B1 = min. 5 years.
Berlin University of the Arts Cost of Attendance
The Berlin University of Arts does not charge any tuition fee except for advanced education master programs. The only charges to be incurred by all students whether domestic or international are related to the application fee, social security fee for the studierendenWERK Berlin, registration fee etc. The table below mentions the cost of living in Germany for the students of Berlin University:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Cultural Journalism | 500 EUR per month(Total 12.000 EUR) |
| Leadership in Digital Innovation | 1500 EUR per module (Total 18000 EUR) |
| Music Therapy | 385 EUR per month (Total 15710 EUR) |
| Sound Studies and Sonic Arts | 450 EUR per month (Total 16200 EUR) |
| Social Security Contribution fee | 320 EUR per semester |
| Cost of Living | 1000 EUR per month |
Berlin University of the Arts Scholarships
There are no direct scholarships awarded by the University to first year students. The Berlin University of Arts offers grants and scholarships in Germany for international students for special projects available through diverse organizations like DAAD that provide funding. International students pursuing a program at the College of Music are eligible for grants up to 700 EUR per month awarded by the Ad Infinitum Foundation, DAAD and the Lucia Loeser Foundation. Study completion grants up to 900 EUR are also awarded by DAAD to international students in the last few months before graduation
Berlin University of Arts Placements
As a graduate from a creative field, one has hundreds of career options lying ahead, whether it is working in a company or being self employed. 40% of the alumni of the institute are self-employed. Courses such as music therapy make the students eligible to work in hospitals as well in areas such as neurology, oncology, pain therapy, etc. The students of sound studies can work as sound designers or sound consultants in various recognized areas.
Berlin University of Arts Alumni
Joining the alumni Network of the University has several benefits. Alumni get to participate in courses offered by CTC up to 5 years, without any cost. They are also provided with personalized alumni card which helps in getting discounts in event tickets and get free use of get-together.
Notable Alumni
- Xin Wang (Former Research student)
- Dr. Grit Koppen (Former Postdoctoral Fellow)
- Prof. Dr. Claudia Blümle (Former member of The Steering committee)
The UdK is well-known for its trend-setting innovative educational approach , allowing their students to have access to improved technical study and problem solving, experimentation, and intuition. Theory and history, image and space, planning and design, construction, and technology are among the topics covered by students. Much of the work centers on projects and experimentation is encouraged. Please keep in mind that applications for admission (printed out) can only be sent via regular mail.To do so, print out the admission application after completing the online application, sign it, and mail it to the UdK Berlin. Applicants must ensure that their documents are sent in plenty of time so that they arrive at the UdK Berlin before the deadline.
