Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch

Berlin, Germany

About Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch

The Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch (HfS Ernst Busch) is one of the leading performing-arts universities in the German-speaking world, with a strong international reputation. Founded in 1905 by Max Reinhardt at the Deutsches Theater Berlin, it was elevated to full university status in 1981 and is today a state-funded institution in Berlin.

The school offers six specialised degree programmes: Acting (Schauspiel), Directing (Regie), Dramaturgy (Dramaturgie), Contemporary Puppetry (Zeitgenössische Puppenspielkunst), Play and Object (Spiel und Objekt), and Choreography (Choreographie). Most programmes are four-year diploma courses; Dramaturgy and Spiel und Objekt are taught at master's level. Admission to diploma programmes does not require the Abitur (German university-entrance certificate), but all applicants must pass a demanding artistic entrance examination.

The university operates across three sites in Berlin: the central campus in Berlin-Mitte, the bat-Studiotheater in Prenzlauer Berg, and the HZT-Campus Uferstudios in Berlin-Wedding (shared with the Inter-University Centre for Dance Berlin). Its small size — roughly 230 enrolled students — means class groups are intentionally small and studio-based.

Key facts

Founded: 1905
Students: 233

One of the most prestigious performing-arts universities in the German-speaking world, founded by Max Reinhardt in 1905

Six specialised programmes: Acting, Directing, Dramaturgy, Contemporary Puppetry, Play and Object, and Choreography

No Abitur required for diploma programmes — admission based on artistic entrance examination

Intentionally small cohorts (~230 students total) for intensive studio-based training

Three Berlin campuses including shared HZT-Campus Uferstudios with the Inter-University Centre for Dance Berlin

No tuition fees; ERASMUS+ exchange partnerships across European performing-arts institutions

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

No tuition fees are charged. Students pay a Semesterbeitrag (semester contribution) covering re-enrolment administration, Studierendenwerk social levy, student-parliament (AStA) fee, and the Berlin semester public-transit ticket (VBB Semesterticket). The exact amount varies slightly each semester due to transit-ticket cost changes; no specific figure is published on the official website. Berlin state does not impose non-EU surcharges. ERASMUS+ exchange students are explicitly exempt from tuition.

Admission requirements

Admission is highly selective and based on an artistic entrance examination (Aufnahmeprüfung), not academic grades alone. Diploma programmes (Acting, Directing, Puppetry, Choreography) do not require the Abitur; professional experience or artistic aptitude can substitute. Master's programmes (Dramaturgy, Spiel und Objekt) require a relevant first degree or equivalent professional qualification. International applicants from India, China, and Vietnam who hold prior qualifications from those countries must present an APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) as part of any German student-visa application, even though HfS itself does not list it as a separate admission gate — the visa requirement applies regardless. German language proficiency at B1 level or higher is required. Entrance examinations are held on-site in Berlin; remote participation is not standard. Application deadlines for the 2026 intake: Acting begins 21 May 2026, closes 6 August 2026; Puppetry opens 29 May 2026, closes 12 October 2026. Directing and Choreography intakes are in autumn 2026; Master's programmes (Spiel und Objekt, Dramaturgy) next intake from 2028. Contact [email protected] for current cycles.

Application deadlines

Acting (Schauspiel) 2026: application window 21 May – 6 August 2026. Contemporary Puppetry (Zeitgenössische Puppenspielkunst) 2026: 29 May – 12 October 2026. Directing (Regie): autumn 2026 (exact dates not published at time of writing). Choreography: September 2026 intake. Master's programmes (Spiel und Objekt; Dramaturgy): next intake from 2028. ERASMUS+ incomings: nomination deadlines 15 July (winter term) and 15 December (summer term).

Languages of instruction

Instruction is primarily in German. B1–B2 German proficiency (CEFR) is required depending on programme. ERASMUS+ exchange students need at least B1 German.

Campuses & locations

Central Campus (Berlin-Mitte)

Zinnowitzer Str. 11, 10115 Berlin. Main teaching building opened 2018 (O&O Baukunst). Fully wheelchair-accessible.

bat-Studiotheater (Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg)

Belforter Str. 15, 10405 Berlin. Studio theatre used for student productions. Fully wheelchair-accessible.

HZT-Campus Uferstudios (Berlin-Wedding)

Uferstraße 8, 13357 Berlin. Shared with the Inter-University Centre for Dance Berlin (HZT); home to the Choreography programme.

Living in Berlin

Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, with approximately 3.7 million residents. It is a global centre for contemporary theatre, dance, and performance art, home to institutions such as the Schaubühne, Berliner Ensemble, Volksbühne, and Komische Oper. Students benefit from an internationally connected arts scene, affordable living costs relative to other Western European capitals, and excellent public-transit connectivity. The university's three Berlin locations — Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Wedding — are all well served by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram lines.

Student life & support

With roughly 230 students spread across six programmes, HfS Ernst Busch offers a close-knit, studio-based environment. Students have access to a buddy programme, international exchange opportunities through ERASMUS+ and PROMOS/DAAD, career-services support, and a diversity and anti-discrimination office. The bat-Studiotheater and the Uferstudios host student productions open to the public. The student parliament (AStA) organises social and cultural activities.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master