- Founded
- 1973
- Students
- 1,600
- International
- 14.9%
- Programmes
- 25
About Alanus Hochschule
Alanus Hochschule für Kunst und Gesellschaft (Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences) is a private, state-recognised art university located in Alfter, near Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia, with an additional study centre in Mannheim. Founded in 1973 by a small group of anthroposophically-oriented artists around Wilfried Ogilvie, it describes itself as offering a unique combination of art and science that is rare in Germany. The institution is organised as a non-profit GmbH (Alanus Hochschule gGmbH) and holds state recognition from the NRW Ministry for Culture and Science.
The university offers more than 20 bachelor's and master's programmes across architecture, fine arts, educational sciences, artistic therapies, eurythmy, performance arts, and business administration. It operates without a numerus clausus - admission is based on portfolio review and personal interview rather than grade-point selection. Class sizes are deliberately small, emphasising individual mentoring and interdisciplinary exchange.
Alanus holds Fairtrade University status and emphasises sustainability and holistic human development as institutional values. All degrees awarded are legally equivalent to those from state-run universities in Germany.
Private state-recognised art university founded 1973 on anthroposophical principles in Alfter near Bonn
No numerus clausus - admission by portfolio, audition, or interview across all programmes
Unique combination of fine arts, performing arts, architecture, artistic therapies, and educational sciences under one roof
Over 20 bachelor's and master's programmes; some tracks available in English (Waldorf Pedagogy, Eurythmy)
Three-campus model: two in Alfter (historic farmstead + modern campus) and a pedagogy centre in Mannheim
Fairtrade University; emphasises sustainability, small learning groups, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Key facts
- Type
- Kunst- und Musikhochschulen
- Founded
- 1973
- Students
- 1,600
- International
- 14.9% international students (1,393 students total at Alfter, WS 2024/25 - Studis Online profile)
- Faculties
- 6
- Programmes
- 25
Study programmes
25 accredited degrees at Alanus Hochschule.
Showing 1–10 of 10 matching programmes
Clear filtersAdmissions & fees
What it costs
Alanus is a private university; tuition fees apply to all students regardless of nationality. Representative rates: Architecture bachelor/master €3,696/semester (€626/month); Fine Arts full-time €2,436/semester (€416/month); Fine Arts part-time €1,800/semester; Eurythmy €1,080/semester (heavily subsidised); Performance Studies €2,814-€3,570/semester; Mannheim part-time programmes €900-€1,400/semester. A one-time matriculation fee of €300 and a semester transport ticket (€208.80-€226.80) also apply. There is no separate non-EU surcharge - fees are the same for EU and non-EU students. Specific programme fees should be verified on the official fee schedule at alanus.edu/de/studium/gebuehren.
Admission requirements
Admission is based on an artistic aptitude test, portfolio review, or personal interview depending on the programme - there is no numerus clausus (NC). Applicants need a general university entrance qualification (Abitur or recognised equivalent); vocational entrants may qualify via practical aptitude assessment. International applicants must demonstrate sufficient German language proficiency (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, or equivalent) for German-taught programmes; English-taught programmes require English language evidence. APS certificate is required for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants as part of the German student visa process. Applications are accepted throughout the year (no single fixed deadline); most programmes start in mid-September, some also in mid-March. Degree-seeking international students should contact the Student Administration Office ([email protected]) directly for programme-specific requirements.
Application deadlines
No single fixed application deadline - applications are accepted year-round via the online application portal. Typical programme starts: winter semester (mid-September) and summer semester (mid-March). Individual programme pages on alanus.edu list any programme-specific cut-off dates. DAAD STIBET scholarship applications for enrolled international students have an internal deadline (historically February of the relevant year).
How international applicants apply
Direct application only - uni-assist is not used. Applicants submit the university's own online form (anfrage.alanus.edu), then send certified certificates by email; selection is via portfolio review (art programmes), practical aptitude tests (performART, Wirtschaft & Schauspiel, Eurythmie) or interview (academic programmes). International applicants need German proficiency (TestDaF, DSH or equivalent) and are asked to contact the Student Administration / International Office for individual advice; there is no hochschulstart involvement.
Languages of instruction
Most programmes are taught in German. A small number of programmes (including Waldorf Pedagogy and Eurythmy tracks) are available in English, making them accessible to non-German-speaking international students.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Student accommodation
What Alanus Hochschule publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
Rooms are allocated by
Studierendenwerk Bonn
Not by the university. Apply to them directly, and expect a waiting list.
The university's housing page
Deadlines and application forms are published here, and they change every intake.
Open housing pageRoom types mentioned
What that page describes. Availability varies by intake.
Campuses & locations
Main artistic campus set on a historic farmstead at the edge of the Kottenforst nature reserve; houses art studios, rehearsal spaces, theatre, and the Alanus Café
Opened 2009; modern expansion housing studio buildings, university library, dining facilities, and administrative offices at Villestraße 3, 53347 Alfter
Part-time pedagogy programmes (Waldorf and inclusive education) at the Institute for Waldorf Pedagogy, Inclusion and Interculturality in Mannheim
Living in Alfter
Alfter is a small municipality immediately southwest of Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia, bordering the Kottenforst-Ville nature reserve. It lies within easy commuting distance of Bonn (approximately 10 km) and Cologne (approximately 30 km), both reachable by regional rail and bus. Bonn, as the former German capital, offers a dense cultural scene, museums, and the Rhine riverside. The Alfter campus setting combines rural green space with proximity to one of Germany's largest metropolitan regions.
Student life & support
The Alfter campuses host art studios, rehearsal and performance spaces, a university theatre, a library, dining facilities, and social spaces including the Alanus Café and beach volleyball court. A Study Buddy Programme connects incoming international students with local peers. The International Office coordinates cultural events, language exchange, and networking. The university's small size (approximately 1,600 students) fosters a close-knit community across artistic and academic disciplines. Erasmus+ and PROMOS funding supports student mobility abroad.
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