Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Founded
- 1761
- Students
- 850
- International
- 17%
- Programmes
- 17
About Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart
The Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart (State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart) is a public art university founded in 1761, making it one of the oldest art academies in Germany. It holds full university status as a legally independent public institution with the right to award doctorates and habilitations.
The academy enrolls approximately 850 students across 23 study programmes spanning five disciplinary areas: Architecture, Design (Industrial, Communication, and Textile Design), Fine Arts (including Stage and Costume Design, and Art Teaching), Conservation-Restoration (five specialisations), and Art History and Aesthetics. This breadth of fine and applied arts under one roof is described by the institution as unique among German art universities.
The campus is located at Weißenhof in Stuttgart, comprising three buildings - the historic Altbau (1913), Neubau 1 (Architektenbau), and Neubau 2 - two of which are registered cultural monuments. The academy operates more than 30 workshops covering both analogue and digital production processes, and maintains institutional partnerships with over 80 universities worldwide.
Founded in 1761 by Duke Carl Eugen of Württemberg - one of Germany's oldest art academies
23 study programmes across Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Conservation-Restoration, and Art History under one institution
No Numerus Clausus, no lottery, no waitlist - admission purely by portfolio and entrance examination
Non-EU students pay €1,500/semester tuition fee (Baden-Württemberg state law)
Over 30 analogue and digital workshops on campus; two campus buildings are listed cultural monuments
Partnerships with more than 80 universities across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa
Key facts
- Type
- Kunst- und Musikhochschulen
- Founded
- 1761
- Students
- 850
- International
- ~17% (SS 2023)
- Programmes
- 17
Study programmes
17 accredited degrees at Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart.
Showing 1–17 of 17 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
As a Baden-Württemberg public university, ABK Stuttgart charges non-EU/EEA students a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester under the State Higher Education Fee Law (LHGebG). EU/EEA nationals and holders of German-equivalent qualifications (Bildungsinländer) are exempt. All enrolled students pay a semester contribution of €184 (comprising €80 administrative fee, €96.50 student services fund, and €7.50 student association fee). Incoming Erasmus/exchange students from EU partner institutions pay only €150 per semester; non-EU visiting students pay €1,500.
Admission requirements
International applicants must have their foreign school-leaving or higher-education qualification recognised as equivalent by the ABK admissions office before applying. There is no Numerus Clausus, lottery, or waitlist; admission is based on portfolio review and/or an entrance examination. Language requirements: B2 level (DSH 1 / TestDaF 3) for most programmes; C1 (DSH 2 / TestDaF 4) for Architecture. Some programmes require 3-12 months of relevant practical experience before enrolment. Applications are submitted via the HISinOne campus portal. The official pages for international applicants do not mention the APS certificate by name; Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants should confirm APS requirements directly with the admissions office, as APS is a visa-level requirement for those nationalities regardless of what the university page states.
Application deadlines
Winter Semester: most programmes 13-30 April; Restoration programmes 26 January - 13 February; some Master's programmes 1-12 June. Summer Semester: limited programmes (mainly Master's level) with deadlines in December or June. Entrance examinations typically take place in June or July. Exact dates are published per intake on the ABK website.
How international applicants apply
Not used. International applicants must have the equivalence of their higher education entrance qualification checked by the ABK Stuttgart Student Office (Studierendenbuero) before applying, then apply directly through the academy's own admission/aptitude procedure (portfolio review); no uni-assist or VPD is mentioned anywhere in the official application pages.
Languages of instruction
Instruction is primarily in German. German language proficiency (minimum B2 / DSH 1 / TestDaF 3 for most programmes; C1 / DSH 2 / TestDaF 4 for Architecture) is required for degree-seeking international students. The academy offers German language courses specifically for international students. No English-taught degree programmes are listed on the official site.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Campuses & locations
Weißenhof 1, Stuttgart-Killesberg. Three buildings: historic Altbau (1913), Neubau 1 (Architektenbau), and Neubau 2. Two buildings are listed cultural monuments.
Living in Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg and a major economic and cultural centre in south-west Germany, home to around 635,000 residents. It is headquartered by international companies including Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, and has a strong design and creative industry sector. The city is well connected by S-Bahn and U-Bahn, with Frankfurt airport reachable in under 90 minutes by train. Cost of living is moderate to high by German standards; the Welcome Center Stuttgart provides practical arrival support for international newcomers.
Student life & support
The International Office (Campus Weißenhof, Neubau 2, Room 0.11; [email protected]) supports both incoming and outgoing students, offering advice on exchange programmes, funding (Erasmus+, SEMP, Baden-Württemberg scholarships), and mobility requirements. The academy provides German language courses for international students through VESPA. For practical matters such as visa, residence registration, and local orientation, the International Office directs students to the Welcome Center Stuttgart. Student facilities on campus include a library, exhibition spaces, cinema, cafeteria (Mensa), and a retreat house (Reinwaldhaus) at Bodman am Bodensee.
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