- Founded
- 1907
- Students
- 636
- International
- 14%
- Programmes
- 8
About Muthesius Kunsthochschule
Muthesius Kunsthochschule is the only state art academy in Schleswig-Holstein, located in Kiel, northern Germany. Founded in 1907, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Fine Art, Communication Design, Industrial Design, Scenography/Interior Design/Spatial Strategies, and Art Teacher Training. With approximately 630 enrolled students and class sizes capped at 20, the institution emphasises project-based, studio-centred learning with direct engagement with professional clients.
The academy holds the right to award doctoral degrees (granted in 2007) and draws students from over 30 countries, with international students comprising approximately 14% of the student body - well above the German national average for art schools. All instruction is conducted in German; no English-taught degree programmes are offered.
Only state-recognised art academy (Kunsthochschule) in Schleswig-Holstein
Founded in 1907; refounded with full autonomy as an independent university in 2005
Doctoral degree-awarding rights granted in 2007
Approximately 630 students with intentionally small class sizes (max 20 per course)
14% international student share from 30+ countries, above the German national average for art schools
Erasmus+ network of 50+ partner universities plus non-EU exchanges in Asia and beyond
Key facts
- Type
- Kunst- und Musikhochschulen
- Founded
- 1907
- Students
- 636
- International
- 14% international students (share stated on the official 'Im Fokus' profile page)
- Programmes
- 8
Study programmes
8 accredited degrees at Muthesius Kunsthochschule.
Showing 1–8 of 8 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
No tuition fees are charged (publicly funded art academy in Schleswig-Holstein). A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is required for enrolment, but the exact amount is not published on the official website. Schleswig-Holstein does not levy the additional non-EU tuition surcharge introduced by Baden-Württemberg. Prospective students should contact the admissions office ([email protected]) to confirm the current semester contribution amount.
Admission requirements
All applicants - domestic and international - must pass a mandatory artistic aptitude examination (künstlerische Eignungsprüfung). Applicants holding a non-German school-leaving certificate must register through uni-assist before applying. German language proficiency at B2 level is required for most programmes; C1 is required for Art Teacher Training. Language certificates may be submitted after application but must be in place before enrolment. APS certificate: not listed as a requirement on the official website for India, China, or Vietnam applicants, but applicants should verify with the German embassy and uni-assist, as APS is a consulate-level requirement for the student visa rather than an institution-level one. Applicants without an Abitur may be admitted if they pass the aptitude test with a grade better than 2.0.
Application deadlines
Bachelor and Master applications for summer semester 2027: 1-15 November 2026 via the online application portal; Kommunikationsdesign additionally requires the physical portfolio to arrive 2-13 November 2026; uni-assist registration window for international certificates 25 August - 25 October 2026; portfolio results end of November, practical aptitude examination early-mid December 2026.
How international applicants apply
Dual model for international certificates. Applicants with international certificates must additionally register with uni-assist BEFORE applying (registration window for SS 2027: 25 August - 25 October 2026; not applicable to Master applicants already bachelor-enrolled at the Muthesius). The actual application then runs through the Muthesius online application portal (1-15 November 2026) followed by the artistic Eignungsprüfung (portfolio review and practical part/interview). Uni-assist questions are handled by the International Office 'fernweh'.
Languages of instruction
All degree programmes are taught entirely in German. German language certification is mandatory: B2 level (DSH 1, TestDaF 4×3, Goethe B2, or telc B2) for most programmes; C1 level required for the Art Teacher Training (Kunst Lehramt) programme. No English-taught degree programmes are available.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Student accommodation
What Muthesius Kunsthochschule publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
From the university
Housing information and further support can be obtained directly from the International Office; no on-campus accommodation details are published on the official website.
Campuses & locations
Main building with administration, examination office and Kesselhaus mensa
Second site used for exhibitions and teaching
Living in Kiel
Kiel is the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, situated on the Baltic Sea coast. It is home to the renowned Kiel Week sailing regatta and has a strong maritime character. With a population of around 240,000, Kiel offers a compact, affordable student environment with good transport links. The city hosts multiple higher-education institutions, giving it an active student population relative to its size.
Student life & support
The International Office (fernweh-Büro) is headed by Maud Zieschang and is located at Legienstraße 35, Room 01.04. Walk-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00-12:00, with additional appointments available. The office coordinates Erasmus+ mobility (50+ partner universities across Europe and beyond, including partners in India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China) and the PROMOS programme for non-EU internships and study. A student canteen (Kesselhaus refectory) on campus serves fresh meals on weekdays including vegetarian and vegan options. Housing information and further support can be obtained directly from the International Office; no on-campus accommodation details are published on the official website.
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