About Musikhochschule Lübeck
Musikhochschule Lübeck (MHL), formally the University of Music Lübeck, is Schleswig-Holstein's sole state university of music. Founded in 1911 as the city's first professional music education institution, it gained full university status in 1973. The institution enrolls around 594 students from 52 nations, taught by over 180 internationally active lecturers including approximately 40 professors.
MHL offers programmes spanning instrumental music, singing, church music, composition, music education, music theory, musicology, educational sciences, and musicians' health — at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. Doctoral degrees are awarded in musicology, music theory, and music education. The institution also hosts the Brahms Institute as an affiliated research centre.
With over 400 public events per year attracting more than 35,000 visitors annually, the MHL is one of the most active music performance venues in northern Germany. It is home to the Brahms Festival — described as the only university festival of its kind in Germany — and maintains close ties with Theater Lübeck through its Lübeck Opera Studio and Orchestra Academy.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1911
- Students
- 594
- International
- students from 52 nations
Founded in 1911; granted university status by Schleswig-Holstein in 1973
Only state university of music in Schleswig-Holstein
Around 594 students from 52 nations, with over 180 internationally active lecturers
Over 400 public events per year, drawing more than 35,000 visitors annually
Home to the Brahms Festival — described as the only university music festival of its kind in Germany
Houses the internationally recognised Brahms Institute as an affiliated research centre
Alumni chamber groups include the Artemis, Esmé, and Leonkoro Quartets
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
As a public university in Schleswig-Holstein, MHL does not charge tuition fees for standard degree programmes. Schleswig-Holstein does not levy non-EU surcharge fees (unlike Baden-Württemberg). A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is payable each semester; the exact current amount is not published on the official website and should be confirmed directly with the institution.
Admission requirements
Admission to all degree programmes at MHL is based on an aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) assessing musical ability rather than academic grades alone. International applicants must meet the same aptitude standards as domestic students. Programmes are taught primarily in German; sufficient German language proficiency is expected for academic and ensemble participation. APS certificate requirements apply to applicants from India, China, and Vietnam for study in Germany, though the specific APS requirement should be confirmed with the institution given the specialist/arts nature of the programmes. The institution's student advisory contact for degree programme questions is Christian v. Streit ([email protected], +49 451 1505-118).
Languages of instruction
Instruction is primarily in German. The institution offers an English-language website and hosts international students and faculty from 52 countries; however, degree programmes are taught predominantly in German. Prospective international applicants should confirm language requirements directly with the institution, as no English-taught degree programmes are advertised on the official site.
Campuses & locations
Große Petersgrube 21, 23552 Lübeck — main building in the UNESCO World Heritage old town district, near the historic Holstentor
Chamber music hall location on the Obertrave riverfront
Concert venue used since 2007 for larger performances
Living in Schleswig-Holstein
Lübeck is a Hanseatic city of approximately 220,000 inhabitants on the Baltic Sea coast in Schleswig-Holstein, around 60 km northeast of Hamburg. Its medieval old town — home to the famous Holstentor gate — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms the immediate backdrop for the MHL campus. Lübeck has strong cultural and musical traditions and is well connected by rail to Hamburg.
Student life & support
The MHL maintains a Career Center offering individual and group career counselling for students. Psychological support is available both through the institution (Christian v. Streit, certified psychologist) and externally via the Schleswig-Holstein Student Services Association. Equal opportunities and diversity officers are in place. Housing is not managed directly by MHL; students are advised to seek accommodation through the Schleswig-Holstein Studierendenwerk (student services organisation for the region). The institution's general contact for student services is [email protected].
17
Accredited Programmes
10
Master
7
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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