About Universität der Künste Berlin
The Berlin University of the Arts (Universität der Künste Berlin, UdK Berlin) is one of the largest and most diverse art universities in Europe, with roots tracing back to the founding of the Brandenburg-Prussian Academy of Arts in 1696. It is home to approximately 4,500 students, roughly one-third of whom are international, and it hosts more than 700 cultural events annually.
UdK Berlin is organised into four colleges — Fine Arts, Architecture/Media/Design, Music, and Performing Arts — alongside specialised centres including the Jazz Institute Berlin, the Inter-University Centre for Dance Berlin (HZT), and the Central Institute for Continuing Education and Transfer (ZIWT). The university is located across multiple sites in western Berlin, primarily in the Charlottenburg district.
The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programmes in the arts, design, music, and performing arts disciplines. Instruction is primarily in German; English-language proficiency is accepted for some programmes. International applicants are supported by the International Student Services office and a dedicated StudyGuide advisory service.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1696
- Students
- 4,500
- International
- ~33% (about one-third international)
- Faculties
- 4
One of Europe's largest and most diverse art universities, with origins dating to 1696
Approximately 4,500 students, around one-third of whom are international
Four colleges: Fine Arts; Architecture, Media and Design; Music; Performing Arts
More than 700 cultural events hosted annually, open to the public
No tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes (Berlin state public university)
Admission is portfolio- or audition-based; highly selective across all disciplines
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
UdK Berlin is a public university in the state of Berlin. Berlin does not charge tuition fees for bachelor's or consecutive master's programmes for any student regardless of nationality. A semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is payable each semester; the exact amount is not published on the English-language pages reviewed — applicants should confirm the current amount via the StudyGuide or the Registration and Examinations Office (IPA). Non-consecutive (postgraduate professional) programmes may carry programme-specific fees.
Admission requirements
Admission to UdK Berlin is highly selective and primarily portfolio- or audition-based, as is typical for art universities. International applicants must hold a higher education entrance qualification recognised by German authorities (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). Applicants from India, China, and Vietnam whose prior qualification was obtained in those countries must present an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before the visa stage. Entry requirements vary significantly by programme; applicants are directed to consult the programme-specific ApplicationGuide (BewerbungsGuide) on the university website. Language requirements (German B2/C1 or English B2/C1) must be met by the time of enrolment. The StudyGuide advisory service (+49 30 3185 1480; [email protected]) can advise on programme-specific requirements.
Application deadlines
Application deadlines are programme-specific and are not published centrally on the English-language website. Applicants must consult the BewerbungsGuide (ApplicationGuide) for their chosen programme at www.udk-berlin.de/en/application/applicationguide/ or contact the StudyGuide office.
Languages of instruction
Instruction is primarily in German. German proficiency at B2 or C1 level (depending on programme) is required for enrolment; applicants may apply with one level below (B1 if B2 is required, B2 if C1 is required). Accepted German certificates include DSH, Goethe-Institut, telc, and TestDaF. English proficiency (B2 or C1, depending on programme) is accepted for English-language or bilingual programmes; accepted certificates include IELTS (5.5–6.5 for B2; 6.5 for C1) and TOEFL iBT (72–94 for B2; 100 for C1). From winter semester 2025/26 proof of the required language level is mandatory for enrolment.
Campuses & locations
Main historic building; central administration and several programmes
Former master school for graphic art and book production
Former master school for arts and crafts (relocated here 1952)
Performing arts theatre venue (UNI.T)
Inter-University Centre for Dance Berlin (HZT) at Uferstudios
Former Municipal Conservatory site
Living in Berlin
Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, with a population of approximately 3.7 million. It is a major cultural, creative, and technology hub, home to world-class museums, galleries, music venues, and a globally recognised arts scene — making it a natural home for an arts university. The cost of living is lower than Munich or Hamburg, though rising; student accommodation through the Studierendenwerk Berlin (studentenwerk-berlin.de) is available but in high demand. Berlin has excellent public transport (BVG) and a large, internationally diverse student population across more than 30 higher education institutions.
Student life & support
International students are supported by the International Student Services team within the International Office, which advises on visa, residence permit matters, and study-related questions, and assists UdK students seeking DAAD or Fulbright grants. The StudyGuide ([email protected], +49 30 3185 1480) is the central advisory point for prospective and current students. German language courses at B2 and C1 level are offered on campus; from winter semester 2025/26 these are mandatory for students whose programme requires German proficiency, though places are limited. The Career and Transfer Service Centre provides workshops and coaching for careers in the creative industries. Housing is not arranged directly by UdK Berlin; students are advised to apply early through Studierendenwerk Berlin or the private market.
57
Accredited Programmes
35
Master
22
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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