About Hochschule für Musik und Theater München
The Hochschule für Musik und Theater München (HMTM), known in English as the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, is a state arts university in Munich, Bavaria, offering study programmes across instrumental performance, vocal and theatre arts, dance, music education, church music, jazz, historical performance, composition and conducting, musicology, and arts management.
The institution is organised around multiple institutes and academies, including the Ballett-Akademie, the Jazz Institut, the Young Academy for advanced pre-university training, and dedicated studios for contemporary and historical performance. HMTM holds system accreditation and operates its own recording studio, library with digital collections, and a university symphony orchestra (HSO München).
Approximately 40% of the student body comes from abroad, giving HMTM a strongly international character. The main building is located at Arcisstraße 12 in central Munich — the former Führerbau, where the 1938 Munich Agreement was signed — a site the university acknowledges through an active culture of remembrance.
Key facts
- International
- ~40%
Approximately 40% of the student body are international students, reflecting a strongly international campus culture
Main building is located in the former Führerbau at Arcisstraße 12 — a historically significant site in central Munich
Entrance examinations must be taken in person in Munich and cannot be replaced by virtual auditions
Offers German language courses at multiple levels (A1 to C1) specifically for incoming international students
Erasmus code D MUNCHEN03; active partnerships across Europe and globally
Hosts the HSO München (university symphony orchestra), ensemble oktopus, and multiple choirs
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Bavaria introduced tuition fees for non-EU/non-EEA international students from the winter semester 2025/26 onward. HMTM is a public Bavarian state university and is therefore subject to these fees; however, the exact per-semester amount was not published on the HMTM website at the time of this data collection. A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is charged to all enrolled students and its amount is specified in the individual acceptance letter. Prospective students should contact the HMTM directly or check the official fees page for the current figure. Tuition for EU/EEA students remains free of charge beyond the semester contribution.
Admission requirements
Admission to all programmes is governed by an entrance examination (Aufnahmeprüfung) that must be taken in person in Munich; the exam cannot be replaced by a virtual audition. The main application deadline for most programmes is 5 March, with on-site entrance exams typically held in June (e.g. 13–23 June 2026). Some programmes — including cooperative courses with the Theaterakademie August Everding, dance, and certain master's programmes (Arts & Music Management, Digital Communication, Arts & Cultural Journalism) — have different deadlines; applicants must check individual programme pages. A registration fee of €50 is required at application; each additional programme application costs €10. Fees are non-refundable and paid via the online portal. International applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency by the day of enrolment (level varies by programme). APS certificate requirements (applicable to applicants from India, China, and Vietnam) are not explicitly stated on the HMTM website; applicants from those countries should contact the International Office to confirm whether an APS certificate is required for their specific programme and nationality before applying.
Application deadlines
Main deadline: 5 March (for the following summer intake entrance exams held in June). Entrance examinations for summer semester 2026: 13–23 June 2026. Some master's programmes and cooperative programmes with Theaterakademie August Everding have separate deadlines — check individual programme pages. Exchange/Erasmus applications: 1 February – 15 March. Deutschlandstipendium scholarship: 1 July. ERASMUS outgoing applications: 15 December (for the following academic year).
Languages of instruction
The primary language of instruction is German. For most degree programmes, proof of German language proficiency is required; accepted language certificates are listed in programme-specific documentation. Some programmes or activities are accessible in English; the institution's website is available in both German and English. Intensive German courses (September, pre-semester) and in-semester courses at A1, B1, and B2/C1 levels are offered to support incoming international students.
Campuses & locations
Main building in central Munich (former Führerbau)
Living in Bayern
Munich (München) is the capital of Bavaria and Germany's third-largest city, with approximately 1.6 million inhabitants. It is home to two major research universities (LMU and TU München), numerous arts institutions, and a vibrant cultural scene including the Bavarian State Opera, the Munich Philharmonic, and dozens of theatres and museums. The city consistently ranks among Europe's highest quality-of-life cities; it is also one of the most expensive, with rental costs among the highest in Germany. Munich is well connected internationally via Munich Airport (MUC) and has an extensive public transport network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses).
Student life & support
The International Office at HMTM serves as the central point of contact for all international degree-seeking students and exchange students, handling matters related to studying, staying abroad, and international partnerships. Consultation is available by appointment. HMTM offers pre-semester intensive German courses (late September) and in-semester German language classes at A1, B1, and B2/C1 levels. Welcome Days are held at the start of each academic year (e.g. 7–9 October 2025 for WS2025/26). Exchange students may arrange dormitory accommodation through the administration. HMTM also operates a career centre, library, and recording studio for students.
24
Accredited Programmes
13
Master
11
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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