About Hochschule für Musik Würzburg
The Hochschule für Musik Würzburg (University of Music Würzburg) is a state music conservatory and specialist performing arts university in Bavaria. It was formally established as a Musikhochschule in 1973, though professional music training in Würzburg traces back to the early 19th century. It is one of Bavaria's two music universities and celebrated its 50th anniversary as a Hochschule in 2023.
The university offers degree programmes with artistic, pedagogical, and scientific orientations across eight departments covering vocal performance, opera, conducting, piano, strings, woodwinds and brass, jazz and percussion, organ and church music, historical instruments, composition, musicology, and music education. Approximately 650 students are taught each year by around 250 instructors drawn from across the world.
The institution has no tuition fees and charges a semester contribution of approximately €168.50 (as of 2025), covering the semester ticket and student union fee. Admission to all programmes requires a formal aptitude assessment (Eignungsprüfung); academic entry qualifications alone are not sufficient.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1973
- Students
- 650
- Faculties
- 8
One of only two state music universities in Bavaria, established 1973
~650 students taught by ~250 internationally recruited instructors across 8 departments
No tuition fees; semester contribution ~€168.50 (2025)
All programmes require a formal aptitude examination — artistic ability is the primary admission criterion
Strong international profile: International Office, Erasmus+ partnerships, FAQ and site sections in English
Located in Würzburg, host city of the Mozartfest and one of Germany's leading music festival cities
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
No tuition fees charged. Students pay a semester contribution of approximately €168.50 per semester (as of January 2025), covering the semester ticket and student union fee. Bavaria introduced non-EU tuition fees from WS 2025/26 at some state universities — applicants should verify whether this applies to the HfM Würzburg at the time of application, as the official FAQ (Jan 2025) still states no tuition fees.
Admission requirements
All undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes require a formal aptitude assessment (Eignungsprüfung/Aufnahmeprüfung); there is no admission without passing this examination. Applications are submitted via the Muvac electronic platform. Studies begin only in the winter semester. International applicants must verify whether their school-leaving certificate is recognised as a university entrance qualification for a conservatory in Germany — the Student Services office handles individual credential queries. German language proficiency is required: B2 level for artistic bachelor's programmes, C1 for artistic-pedagogical programmes. APS certificate is not explicitly mentioned on the official site; however, Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants should note standard German APS requirements may apply for visa purposes — verify with the German Embassy. Application deadline for winter semester: 15 March (application phase opens 15 January). Aptitude assessments take place in mid to late May.
Application deadlines
Winter semester (only intake): application deadline 15 March (application phase opens 15 January). Aptitude assessments held mid to late May. Student housing (Studierendenwerk) application deadline: 15 June for winter semester.
Languages of instruction
German is the primary language of instruction. German language proficiency is required for admission: B2 for artistic (bachelor's) programmes, C1 for artistic-pedagogical programmes, B1 for artistic master's and Meisterklasse programmes. An English-language section of the website is available and the institution is internationally oriented.
Campuses & locations
Main building, Hofstallstraße 6-8, 97070 Würzburg — administration and International Office
Additional teaching premises near the UNESCO World Heritage Residenz
Additional teaching premises
Living in Bayern
Würzburg is a historic Franconian city on the Main river in Bavaria, known as a cultural and university city with a relaxed atmosphere. It is home to the Julius-Maximilians-Universität, the Hochschule für Musik, and a university of applied sciences. Landmarks include the UNESCO World Heritage Residenz and the Fortress Marienberg. The city hosts major annual events including the Mozartfest, the Africa Festival, and the Street Music Festival — the latter two among the largest of their kind in Europe. Würzburg is a well-connected railway hub offering fast access to Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Munich.
Student life & support
Student life centres on performance and ensemble work: the university runs numerous ensembles, orchestras, and chamber music groups. Facilities include a library, recording studio, and an experimental electronic music studio. A career centre and parent-child room are available. Affordable student housing is available through Studierendenwerk Würzburg halls of residence. The city's rich cultural calendar — concerts, festivals, theatre, museums, and outdoor events — complements conservatory life. Cost of living is relatively low compared to Munich or Berlin.
11
Accredited Programmes
11
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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