About Robert-Schumann-Hochschule Düsseldorf
Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf (RSH Düsseldorf) is a state conservatory-level music university in North Rhine-Westphalia, founded in 1935 through the merger of three private music schools. It was named after the composer Robert Schumann, who resided in Düsseldorf, and became a state-operated institution in 1972 before gaining independence under its current name in 1987.
The conservatory enrols approximately 850 students from more than 40 countries, supported by 47 full-time and part-time professors and around 200 associate instructors. It covers the full spectrum of music professions through five specialist institutes: Church Music, Composition and Music Theory, Music and Media, Musicology, and Schumann Junior.
A distinctive feature of RSH Düsseldorf is its "Audio and Video" programme — reportedly the only study programme in Germany that combines engineering with conservatory-level training. The institution maintains active partnerships with the Deutsche Oper am Rhein for opera productions and performs with the Düsseldorf Tonhalle concert hall.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1935
- Students
- 850
- International
- Students from more than 40 countries
- Faculties
- 5
One of Germany's leading specialist music conservatories, with approximately 850 students from 40+ countries
Unique 'Audio and Video' degree combining conservatory training with engineering — reportedly the only such programme in Germany
Five specialist institutes covering church music, composition, music and media, musicology, and the Schumann Junior programme for young musicians
Active partnership with Deutsche Oper am Rhein for full-scale opera productions
Regular performances at Düsseldorf's Tonhalle concert hall
No tuition fees for any students (including non-EU) under NRW state law; only a semester contribution is payable
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
As a public university in North Rhine-Westphalia, RSH Düsseldorf does not charge tuition fees. NRW abolished general tuition fees for all students (including non-EU nationals) in 2011. A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is payable each semester; the exact current amount is published as a PDF on the university website and typically covers administrative costs and the semester public-transport ticket. No additional non-EU surcharge applies in NRW.
Admission requirements
Admission to performance-based programmes (instrumental, vocal, conducting, composition) is based on an entrance audition or examination. Musicology and theoretical programmes require written and oral entrance exams. International applicants must hold a recognised secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent higher education qualification. German language proficiency is expected for most programmes. APS certificates are not explicitly listed as a requirement on the official website; Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants should verify with the International Office whether APS is required alongside the standard entrance examination. For exchange and Erasmus incoming students, applicants must be enrolled at a recognised partner university and submit an application via the Muvac platform.
Application deadlines
For degree programmes: application and audition dates are announced per programme via the official website. For incoming exchange/Erasmus students: 30 April for the winter semester (October–March); 30 October for the summer semester (April–September). Applications are submitted via the Muvac platform.
Languages of instruction
Instruction is primarily in German. An increasing number of individual masterclasses and postgraduate programmes are conducted in English. Proficiency in German is listed as an application requirement for most degree programmes.
Campuses & locations
Fischerstraße 110, 40476 Düsseldorf — main building including Rectorate and International Office
Georg-Glock-Straße 15 and 19, 40474 Düsseldorf — additional teaching facilities
Graf-Recke-Straße 209, 40237 Düsseldorf
Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen
Düsseldorf is the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and a major financial, fashion, and cultural centre on the Rhine with a population of approximately 650,000. It hosts one of Germany's most vibrant arts and music scenes, including the Düsseldorf Tonhalle, Deutsche Oper am Rhein, and the Kunstsammlung NRW museums. International students benefit from excellent public transport (with semester ticket coverage across the wider region), Düsseldorf Airport with direct intercontinental connections, and a cost of living comparable to other large German cities at roughly €1,000–€1,300 per month.
Student life & support
RSH Düsseldorf has an active performance culture: students participate in orchestral ensembles, opera classes, and chamber music festivals including the annual "Ensemble!" festival. The AStA (student union) organises social activities and supports the Klangkontakt musician-placement service. Subject tutors from higher semesters assist new international students with academic integration. The institution hosts international competitions including the Aeolus International Competition for wind instruments and the Sieghardt Rometsch Competition.
1
Accredited Programmes
1
Master
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