- Founded
- 1925
- Students
- 1,550
- Programmes
- 5
About Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln
The Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (HfMT Köln), known in English as the Cologne University of Music and Dance, is one of the largest music and dance academies in Europe. It operates across three campuses in Cologne (headquarters), Wuppertal, and Aachen in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen, and draws students and faculty from more than 50 countries worldwide.
Founded in 1925 as a state music academy - with roots in an earlier conservatory established in 1845 - the institution broke away from traditional conservatory-only training to combine top-level artistic education with pedagogical and scientific professional preparation. It offers programmes in music and dance at bachelor's, master's, and teacher-education levels, including a dedicated Centre for Contemporary Dance in Cologne.
Admission to all degree programmes is based primarily on an aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) assessing artistic talent, which is central to every application. The university is a state public institution in NRW with no general tuition fees; students pay only the semester contribution, which covers the Germany-wide semester ticket, student union fees, and social services.
One of the largest music and dance academies in Europe, with three campuses in Cologne, Aachen, and Wuppertal
Students and faculty from more than 50 countries, creating a strongly international artistic environment
Admission based on artistic aptitude test - exceptional talent can substitute for a standard university entrance qualification
Dedicated Centre for Contemporary Dance in Cologne - one of the few integrated music-and-dance conservatories in Germany
Founded in 1925 with roots dating to 1845; celebrated 100 years as a state institution in 2025
No tuition fees; semester contribution (from ~€336) includes Germany-wide public transport ticket
Key facts
- Type
- Kunst- und Musikhochschulen
- Founded
- 1925
- Students
- 1,550
- International
- Students from more than 50 nations
- Faculties
- 7
- Programmes
- 5
Study programmes
5 accredited degrees at Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln.
Showing 1–5 of 5 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
No tuition fees as a public state university in NRW. Students pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) that varies by campus: Cologne €336.05, Aachen €352.30, Wuppertal €359.30. This covers the Deutschland-Semesterticket (nationwide public transport), Studierendenwerk social fees, AStA student self-administration, university sports, and social hardship coverage. A one-time application participation fee of €50 is charged (once per application cycle, regardless of number of programmes applied to).
Admission requirements
All applicants - including international students - must pass a programme-specific aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) assessing artistic ability; this is the core selection criterion. A general university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent) is required; applicants with outstanding artistic talent may be admitted via a special entrance examination even without the standard school-leaving certificate. Applications are submitted via the Muvac online platform and require a CV, repertoire list, and proof of the €50 participation fee. International applicants should verify their school qualification against the DAAD anabin database. APS certificate requirements apply to applicants from India, China, and Vietnam where their prior qualification falls under the APS mandate. German language: Bachelor of Music applicants must demonstrate at least B2 (or TestDaF TDN 3) by the end of their second semester; Master of Music requires A2 by end of first semester.
Application deadlines
Winter Semester (October start): March 2 for Bachelor/Master of Music programmes; June 1 for Master of Arts programmes. Summer Semester (April start): October 1 (limited to Teacher in Music Bachelor and Master programmes only). Applications submitted via the Muvac platform.
How international applicants apply
No uni-assist. The entire application, admission (Eignungspruefung) and enrolment procedure runs exclusively online via the muvac platform (winter-semester applications approx. early Jan - 1 Mar; summer-semester approx. early Sep - 1 Oct). International applicants additionally need a university entrance qualification, proof of sufficient German skills, and an APS certificate if graduating from China, India or Vietnam. Paper/e-mail applications are not considered.
Languages of instruction
Programmes are taught primarily in German. German language proficiency is required for all degree-seeking students (B2 by end of second semester for Bachelor of Music; A2 by end of first semester for Master of Music). No English-taught degree programmes are listed on the official site.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Campuses & locations
Main headquarters at Unter Krahnenbäumen 87, 50668 Köln; also hosts the Centre for Contemporary Dance at Turmstrasse 3-5
Secondary campus at Theaterplatz 16, 52062 Aachen
Third campus at Sedanstr. 15, 42275 Wuppertal
Living in Köln
Cologne (Köln) is Germany's fourth-largest city with approximately 1.1 million residents and a thriving academic community spread across more than 20 universities and colleges. Around 10% of the city's population are students. The city has a particularly strong music and media culture, hosting world-class venues such as the Kölner Philharmonie and the Opera House, as well as major festivals including ACHT BRÜCKEN (contemporary classical) and c/o pop. The Rhine riverfront, iconic Cologne Cathedral, and a lively network of student-friendly districts make Cologne one of the most popular study destinations in Germany.
Student life & support
The HfMT's three-campus network across Cologne, Aachen, and Wuppertal creates an unusually wide artistic community linked by joint performances and projects. The university hosts concerts, recitals, and dance performances that are open to the public. Cologne itself offers extensive student discounts for cultural events, numerous sports programmes, and a vibrant nightlife and live-music scene. The AStA student government is active across all campuses. Students benefit from the Deutschland-Semesterticket included in the semester contribution, giving free nationwide rail travel.
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