About Hochschule für Kommunikation und Gestaltung
Hochschule für Kommunikation und Gestaltung (HfK+G) is a small private, state-recognised university of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg, operating as a non-profit GmbH (gGmbH). It specialises exclusively in communication and design disciplines, offering Bachelor of Arts programmes in Communication Design, Corporate Communications, and Illustration. Teaching staff are drawn from professional practice in advertising, communication, and design.
The institution maintains two campuses — one in Stuttgart and one in Ulm — and offers its programmes in both full-time and dual-study formats. The dual-study model alternates between lecture phases at the university and practical phases at partner companies. As of winter semester 2023/24, the university enrolled 59 students, making it one of the smallest accredited higher education institutions in Germany.
HfK+G hosts two research institutes: the Institute for Applied Research (IAF) and the Institute of Digital Art (established 2016). State recognition was extended through June 2024; applicants should verify current accreditation status directly with the institution before applying.
Key facts
- Founded
- 2012
- Students
- 59
Exclusively specialised in communication and design — three focused Bachelor of Arts programmes
NC-free admission (no fixed grade cut-off)
Dual-study option available for Communication Design and Corporate Communications
Two campuses: Stuttgart and Ulm
Institute of Digital Art and Institute for Applied Research on site
Very small cohort size — highly personalised teaching environment
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Private institution — tuition fees apply to all students. As a private university in Baden-Württemberg, it charges its own programme fees separate from the state non-EU surcharge. Non-EU students studying longer than one year in Baden-Württemberg additionally owe the state's standard €1,500/semester non-EU fee. Exact per-semester programme fees are not published on the official site; contact the institution directly for current fee schedules.
Admission requirements
Admission is NC-free (no numerus clausus). A German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent) is required. Fluent German language skills are mandatory for all applicants, including international students. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants must present an APS certificate before applying. No English-taught programmes are available; international applicants must demonstrate German proficiency. Prospective students should contact the institution directly to confirm current entry requirements and any portfolio/aptitude-test obligations common to design programmes.
Languages of instruction
German (all programmes taught in German; fluent German required for admission)
Campuses & locations
Main campus, Kölner Straße 38, 70376 Stuttgart
Branch campus, Schillerstraße 1/10, 89077 Ulm (relocated 2021)
Living in Baden-Württemberg
Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg and Germany's sixth-largest city, with roughly 620,000 residents from 177 nationalities. It is a major economic centre — home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche — and has a dense creative and media industry scene. Students benefit from a relatively moderate cost of living compared to Munich or Frankfurt, with monthly budgets typically in the range of €800–900. Stuttgart has 19 universities and universities of applied sciences and ranks highly for quality of life among German cities.
Student life & support
Given the very small cohort size (under 60 students), campus life at HfK+G is intimate and studio-oriented. The dual-study option means many students split time between the university and partner companies in Stuttgart or Ulm. Both cities offer student cultural infrastructure and public transport connections. Stuttgart's broader university network provides additional social and networking opportunities beyond the HfK+G campus itself.
1
Accredited Programmes
1
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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