Universität der Künste Berlin

UdK Berlin

Universitat der Kunste Berlin is an independent art school in Berlin offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across fine arts, design, architecture, music and performing arts. Applicants undergo an aptitude or entrance examination and must meet programme-specific German or English language requirements.

Berlin, GermanyIndependent art schooludk-berlin.de

Schools and subjects

  • Fine Arts (Bildende Kunst)
  • Design
  • Architecture
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Art and Media

Listed under: architecture schools, graphic design schools, fine art schools.

Undergraduate requirements

Degrees

Bachelor (e.g. BA Visual Communication, BA Design, BA Stage Design)

Portfolio

Varies by programme. Example Visual Communication BA: artistic sample (portfolio + Hausaufgabe) uploaded on Bemus platform (https://bemus.udk-berlin.de); max 4 files, max 350 MB; PDF max 50 MB, MP4/MOV/M4V 150 MB (max 2 videos, 3 min each); up to 20 own works. Deadline 01 Feb–15 March. Other programmes (e.g. Stage Design) require ~20 own works as one PDF.

English

Language requirement depends on programme: most require German B2 or C1 (GER); some require English B1/B2. Accepted English proof (enrolment): IELTS Academic B2 5.5–6.5; TOEFL iBT 72–94 (B2). International applicants generally need German B2/B1 proof (uni-assist VPD required for many Bachelor programmes for foreign qualifications).

International tuition

No tuition fees (except a few continuing-education Master programmes); all students pay semester fee ~€370 per semester (2026). International students pay the same – no differentiated tuition.

Deadline

No uniform deadline; varies by programme and term. Examples: Visual Communication BA portfolio 01 Feb–15 March; Design (Fashion & Product) Master 15 Jan–15 Feb; GWK Master 01 April–30 April. Apply via https://my.udk-berlin.de.

Interview

Varies by programme – aptitude/entrance examination (often multiple stages: portfolio pre-selection + practical/artistic test; some include interview).

Postgraduate requirements

Degrees

Master (e.g. MA Visual Communication, MA Design, MA GWK, MA SODA)

Portfolio

Varies by programme. Example Visual Communication MA: portfolio on Bemus, 3 files max 350 MB, PDF 50 MB / video 150 MB (max 2 videos 3 min), + 1 A4 page project description. Design MA: PDF portfolio max 20 pages (20 MB) + CV + exposé (250–500 words) + 1-min MP4. GWK MA: 4 tasks, max 6 DIN A4 pages PDF + video/audio.

English

Programme-dependent: e.g. SODA Master requires English C1 (GER); GWK Master requires English B1 + German C1. Accepted: IELTS Academic C1 6.5 / B2 5.5–6.5; TOEFL iBT 100 (C1) / 72–94 (B2).

International tuition

No tuition fees (except few continuing-education Masters); semester fee ~€370 per semester (2026). Same for international students.

Deadline

Programme-specific. Examples: Design Master 15 Jan–15 Feb (WiSe); GWK Master 01 April–30 April (WiSe); SODA Master 15 Jan–28 Feb 2026 (SoSe 2027). Via https://my.udk-berlin.de.

Interview

Varies – aptitude examination; some programmes include interview/portfolio defence.

Other notes

Scholarships

International Office advises on DAAD-/Fulbright-Scholarship stays abroad and financing of studies (visa/residence and financing counselling). No UdK-specific international tuition scholarship listed on admission pages. URL: https://www.udk-berlin.de/service/international-office/

AI in the portfolio

Explicit policy: 'Bei der Verwendung von KI bitten wir um Kennzeichnung' (if using AI, please label it) for portfolio (Visual Communication). A formal declaration states submitted work (portfolio, homework, exam papers) must be prepared WITHOUT aid of AI/ChatGPT etc.; failure = exclusion from application for attempted deception. GWK Master asks for brief documentation of used KI-tools/prompts. URLs: https://www.udk-berlin.de/bewerbung/bewerbungsguide/visuelle-kommunikation-bachelor/ and https://www.udk-berlin.de/fileadmin/2_dezentral/FR_IPA/Bewerbungsverfahren/Muster_Erklaerung_KI-Nutzung_verboten_beschreibbar.pdf