Hochschule für Musik und Theater "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" Leipzig

About Hochschule für Musik und Theater "Felix Mendelssohn Barthold

The Hochschule für Musik und Theater "Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy" Leipzig (HMT Leipzig) is one of Germany's oldest conservatories, founded in 1843. It emerged in its current form in 1992 through the merger of the historic music conservatory (1843) and the theater school (with roots dating to 1875/1876). The institution is a public higher education institution operating under public law in the state of Saxony, with its main address at Grassistraße 8, 04107 Leipzig.

HMT Leipzig combines artistic training with scholarly teaching and research across music performance, theatre, dramaturgy, music theory, musicology, and pedagogy. The institution is organised into three faculties and approximately 12 specialised departments and institutes, covering areas such as Early Music, Wind Instruments and Percussion, Jazz and Popular Music, Piano and Conducting, Composition, Musicology, and Acting (the Hans Otto Institute). Doctoral programmes are offered alongside undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Approximately one-third of the roughly 1,300 enrolled students come from abroad, representing around 60 nations. HMT Leipzig maintains partnerships with more than 40 leading international institutions and participates in ERASMUS+ mobility programmes for both students and staff.

Key facts

Founded: 1843
Students: 1,300
International: ~one-third (students from approx. 60 nations)
Faculties: 3

Founded in 1843 — one of the oldest music conservatories in Germany

Approximately 1,300 students from around 60 nations; roughly one-third are international

Three faculties and ~12 specialised departments spanning music, theatre, dramaturgy, and musicology

Partnerships with more than 40 leading international institutions and active ERASMUS+ participation

Named after Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who founded the original conservatory in Leipzig

Located in Leipzig, home of the Gewandhaus Orchestra, Leipzig Opera, and J.S. Bach's legacy

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

HMT Leipzig is a public state university in Saxony. Saxony does not charge tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students at state music and arts conservatories (unlike Baden-Württemberg's non-EU fee of €1,500/semester or Bavaria's fee introduced from WS 2025/26). A standard semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) applies to all students; the exact current amount is published in the institution's Gebührenordnung (fee regulations PDF) on the official website and should be verified directly. No non-EU tuition surcharge was identified on the official site.

Admission requirements

Admission to HMT Leipzig is highly selective and based primarily on an artistic entrance examination (Aufnahmeprüfung/audition) rather than purely academic grades. Most programmes admit only for the winter semester (October start); Acting (Schauspiel) applications open in November of the preceding year, and Musicology master's applications open in May. International applicants must hold a university-entrance qualification recognised in Germany. German language proficiency is required for German-taught programmes; the specific level required varies by programme and must be confirmed with the admissions office. APS certificate is required for applicants whose prior qualifications are from India, China (mainland, HK, Macau), or Vietnam before the visa application stage. Applications are submitted via the HMT online campus portal.

Application deadlines

Most programmes: winter semester only; specific application window not published as a single date on the main admissions page — applicants must check the online portal and individual programme pages. Acting (Schauspiel): 1–30 November of the year preceding the target winter semester. Musicology master's: 1–31 May.

Languages of instruction

The primary language of instruction is German. Most degree programmes (performance, pedagogy, acting, musicology) are conducted in German. No standalone English-taught degree programmes are listed on the official website; individual masterclasses and academies may use English as a working language.

Campuses & locations

Main Campus

Grassistraße 8, 04107 Leipzig — primary teaching and administrative building

Living in Sachsen

Leipzig is a major cultural and economic city in the state of Saxony, eastern Germany, with a population of approximately 620,000. It has a long musical heritage — Johann Sebastian Bach worked here for 27 years at the Thomaskirche, and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy founded the Gewandhaus Orchestra's conservatory tradition. The city hosts the Gewandhaus Orchestra, the Leipzig Opera, and the MDR Symphony Orchestra. Leipzig is known for affordable living costs relative to western German cities, a vibrant student population (two major universities), and strong public transport connections to Berlin and Dresden.

Student life & support

The International Office coordinator (Sebastian Clever) assists incoming international students and ERASMUS+ exchange students; personal consultations are available by appointment. The institution participates in ERASMUS+ for student and staff mobility. On-campus psychological counselling and study advisory services (Studienberatung) are available. The official website references student support services including career mentoring (Mentoring Arts). Information on student housing (Studentenwerk Leipzig manages dormitories across the city) and German language courses should be confirmed via the international coordinator or the Leipzig Studentenwerk directly.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus