- Founded
- 2008
- Students
- 400
- Programmes
- 6
- Taught in English
- 1
About Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg
Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg (Nuremberg University of Music) is a state university of music in Bavaria, founded in 2008 as the third of its kind in the state. It is the youngest state music university in Germany yet draws on a long institutional tradition rooted in the Meistersinger Conservatory. Around 400 students study here across the core areas of musical performance and music education.
The university is located in a lakeside setting on Wöhrder See, approximately ten minutes from Nuremberg's city centre. Its historic main building was comprehensively renovated in 2018 and equipped with modern facilities. The institution maintains close ties with the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Bavarian State Philharmonic, and Nuremberg State Theatre, giving performance students direct access to professional artistic networks.
With over 250 events per year - including ensemble, orchestral, and choir performances - the university has a strong public concert profile. Research strengths include music and artificial intelligence, and digitally supported teaching funded through the Foundation for Innovation in Higher Education. Six departments organise instruction: Elemental Music Pedagogy/Music Pedagogy, Instruments/Vocal Studies, Orchestral Instruments/Conducting, Jazz, Music Practice, and Music Theory/Musicology and Key Qualifications.
Third state university of music in Bavaria; youngest state music university in Germany (founded 2008)
Tuition-free for all students including non-EU internationals
Lakeside main campus on Wöhrder See, renovated 2018 with on-campus dormitory
Strong professional connections: Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, State Philharmonic, and State Theatre
Active research programme in music and artificial intelligence, recognised internationally
Over 250 public concerts and events per year; more than 100 degree programmes across performance and education tracks
Key facts
- Type
- Kunst- und Musikhochschulen
- Founded
- 2008
- Students
- 400
- Faculties
- 6
- Programmes
- 6
Study programmes
6 accredited degrees at Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg, 1 of them taught in English.
Showing 1–6 of 6 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
Studying at Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg is tuition-free for both German and international (including non-EU) students. A semester contribution (Studierendenwerk-Beitrag) of approximately €72 per semester applies as of WS 2024/25. A late re-registration surcharge of €15 applies if payment is made after the deadline. Application fees: €50 for a first application, €30 for subsequent applications; qualifying exam fee: €50 (first submission), €30 thereafter.
Admission requirements
Admission is via a competitive aptitude examination (Eignungsprüfung/qualifying exam). For WS 2025/26 the qualifying exam period ran May 11-29, 2026 (after an application window of January 15 - March 31, 2026). International students must present German language certificates at CEFR B2 (bachelor's artistic) or C1 (bachelor's education) on enrolment. Only certificates from accredited institutions corresponding to the CEFR are accepted. Exchange students may apply only through partner institutions via ERASMUS+ or SEMP (no freemover programme); deadlines are April 15 for the winter semester and November 1 for the summer semester. APS certificate is required at the visa stage for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants; the university itself does not administer APS but the German consulate requires it before issuing a student visa.
Application deadlines
For WS 2025/26: application window January 15 - March 31, 2026; qualifying exams May 11-29, 2026. ERASMUS+/exchange: April 15 (winter semester), November 1 (summer semester). Check the university's official application portal (Muvac) for current-cycle deadlines as dates are updated each year.
How international applicants apply
Not used. Applications are submitted via the Muvac online portal (EUR 50 fee for the first application, EUR 30 for each subsequent application, paid in the portal); the application status is also tracked in Muvac.
Languages of instruction
Programmes are taught primarily in German. Language requirements vary by programme type: B2 German for bachelor's artistic programmes, C1 German for bachelor's education programmes, B2-C1 for master's programmes depending on specialisation.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg
1 scheme run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Student accommodation
What Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
From the university
The Studierendenwerk assists with housing search; the university also maintains a classifieds board for music students seeking accommodation.
Campuses & locations
Historic building renovated 2018; lakeside location ~10 minutes from Nuremberg city centre; on-campus student dormitory available
Living in Nürnberg
Nuremberg is Bavaria's second-largest city, known for its well-preserved medieval old town, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, and internationally recognised cultural events including the Klassik Open Air festival and the traditional Christkindlesmarkt. The wider Nuremberg metropolitan area supports over 30,000 students across several universities. The cost of living - including rents - is substantially lower than in Munich or Berlin, making it an attractive base for arts students. Erlangen and Fürth are easily reachable by public transport, further expanding social and cultural options.
Student life & support
Students can participate in university ensembles including a symphony orchestra, choir, big band, and various jazz and chamber groups alongside their degree programmes. The campus location on Wöhrder See provides outdoor recreation, and Dutzendteich lake is also nearby. The university hosts over 250 public events per year, giving students frequent performance opportunities. The Studierendenwerk assists with housing search; the university also maintains a classifieds board for music students seeking accommodation. Language courses are available through the Language Centre hosted at the local Technische Hochschule and via the Bavarian virtual university platform (vhb.org).
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