- Founded
- 1662
- Students
- 320
- Programmes
- 1
- Taught in English
- 1
About Akademie der Bildenden Künste Nürnberg
The Akademie der Bildenden Künste Nürnberg (Academy of Fine Arts Nuremberg) is a state art academy founded in 1662, making it the first art academy established in the German-speaking world. It is a small, highly specialised institution located in Nuremberg, Bavaria, focused exclusively on fine arts, design, and art education.
The academy offers Diploma programmes in Fine Art (with specialisations in Free Art, Graphic Design/Communication Design, and Jewelry and Objects), an Art Education track leading to the Lehramt (secondary school teaching credential), and a non-consecutive Master's programme in Live Art Forms (performative practices). Teaching is organised around individual studio classes led by professors, emphasising direct mentorship and independent artistic development.
With approximately 320 enrolled students and around 22 professors, AdBK Nürnberg is one of the smallest higher education institutions in Bavaria. Its compact size enables close professor-student contact and a strong studio culture. The campus at Bingstraße 60 was designed by architect Sep Ruf and features dedicated workshop and studio infrastructure.
Founded 1662 - oldest art academy in the German-speaking world
Approximately 320 students with around 22 professors - exceptionally low student-to-staff ratio
Studio-based Diploma in Fine Art with specialisations in Free Art, Graphic Design/Communication Design, and Jewelry & Objects
Non-consecutive Master's in Live Art Forms (performative practices) with international profile
No tuition fees; low semester contribution (€72/semester as of WS 2024/25)
Erasmus+ partnerships with approximately twenty international partner universities
Key facts
- Type
- Kunst- und Musikhochschulen
- Founded
- 1662
- Students
- 320
- International
- Not published by the academy. Context: very small total body (279 students SoSe 2023 per destatis/Wikipedia; around 300-350 study places), predominantly German-taught main programmes; international activity centres on Erasmus+ exchange with roughly twenty partner academies rather than large degree-seeking international intake.
- Faculties
- 5
- Programmes
- 1
Study programmes
1 accredited degree at Akademie der Bildenden Künste Nürnberg, 1 of them taught in English.
Showing 1–1 of 1 programme
Admissions & fees
What it costs
No tuition fees for enrolled students. Semester contribution: €72 per semester (as stated on the official international student information page for WS 2024/25). Note: Bavaria introduced a non-EU tuition fee of €3,000/year from WS 2025/26 for non-EU students at Bavarian state universities - applicants should verify current fee status directly with the admissions office, as this policy may apply.
Admission requirements
Admission is highly competitive and portfolio-based. Applicants must demonstrate pronounced artistic-creative talent in their chosen specialisation. The main application window for new students runs 15 March - 15 April each year (high-school transfers within Germany/EU until 15 May; guest students until 31 March). Prospective students are encouraged to attend optional portfolio consultations with professors before applying. International applicants from non-EU countries follow the same application process and must provide proof of sufficient German language proficiency. APS certificate: AdBK Nürnberg is a Bavarian state university; Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese nationals applying must hold a valid APS certificate before the visa application stage (APS is a German embassy/consulate requirement for these nationalities, not separately listed on the academy's own pages). Proof of financing is required: €11,904/year (€992/month, as of WS 2024/25), consistent with the nationally required blocked-account amount.
Application deadlines
Main intake (winter semester): 15 March - 15 April. High-school transfers (within Germany/EU): until 15 May. Guest students: until 31 March. Dates apply for the 2025/26 cycle; verify annually at adbk-nuernberg.de.
How international applicants apply
Direct portfolio-based application - no uni-assist. Main intake window 15 March - 15 April (higher-semester transfers within Germany/EU until 15 May; guest students until 31 March); optional portfolio consultations with professors beforehand; artistic aptitude assessed in an entrance procedure. Non-EU applicants follow the same process with German-proficiency proof; APS certificate needed for Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese nationals at visa stage.
Languages of instruction
Instruction is predominantly in German. The Live Art Forms Master's programme has an international profile and uses English alongside German. German language proficiency is expected for most programmes.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Campuses & locations
Bingstr. 60, 90480 Nürnberg. Campus designed by Sep Ruf and Hascher Jehle Architektur.
Living in Nürnberg
Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is Bavaria's second-largest city with around 530,000 inhabitants, known for its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, strong creative and design industry, and a significant annual cultural calendar including the Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt). The city has a lower cost of living compared to Munich, good public transport, and an active student population supported by Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Technische Hochschule Nürnberg nearby.
Student life & support
As a very small specialist academy, student life at AdBK Nürnberg centres on studio practice and close collaboration within and across year groups. The student body is tight-knit. The academy has a student representation body (Studierendenvertretung) and a Freunde der Akademie (Friends of the Academy) association that organises events. International exchange is facilitated through approximately twenty Erasmus+ partner universities. Annual graduate exhibitions are a significant public event.
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