The application deadline for the winter semester 2025 has expired.
The Media and Fine Art diploma course is offered as a 9-semester undergraduate course (diploma 1) and a 4-semester postgraduate course (diploma 2).
All applicants take part in an application procedure, in which samples of artistic/design work are submitted (e.g. videos/films, photographs, computer graphics/animation, drawings, texts, compositions, music videos). The application period is from mid October to January/February. Courses always begin in the winter semester.
Applicants to the 9-semester course (1) are asked to interpret a given theme in artistic and written work. The Abitur (or an equivalent school-leaving certificate) is prerequisite. Applicants without a relevant school-leaving certificate can be accepted if the commission takes the view, based on the submitted documents, that they are especially suitable to take on study at the KHM.
A project proposal is to be prepared for application to the 4-semester course (2). The formal admission prerequisite is a higher-education degree in a relevant area of study. This could include courses in art/design as well as theatre, film and television theory, literature, art and cultural sciences as well as IT and engineering sciences. Admission requirements for applicants who have no higher-education degree is the general higher-education entrance qualification and at least two years of work experience in an artistic/design field.
As part of the application to the four-semester postgraduate course (Diplom 2), prospective students are required to produce an outline for a potential project. For further information on the project outline please read the current application form, published at the beginning of each application period.
Your application should document sound knowledge in the intended area of study and make clear your personal developmental targets in terms of studying at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne. The course calls for the willingness and ability of students to realize individual projects.
If you have the impression you are lacking important foundations in artistic work that are required for entry onto the Diplom 2 course, you may consider applying for the nine-semester course (Diplom 1), even if you have already completed an undergraduate course. The decisive selection criterion for both the 9- and the 4-semester course is artistic aptitude.
Non German-speaking applicants must be able to prove a good knowledge of the German language (Goethe-Institut level B2), as most teaching at the KHM will be carried out in German.
The following documents (if required in German or English certified translation) must be submitted during the application process:
- University entrance qualification / A-levels
- Degree certificate or proof of professional practice (D2)
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation
- Proof of internships (if available)
- Current german language certificate, at least A2 (for non-German-speaking applicants)
Degree
Diploma 1 +2 / Media and Fine Art. The Academy of Media Art Cologne’s diploma is internationally comparable with a MFA (Master of Fine Art).
Semester fees
The semester fees for German and international students are approx. 415 Euro per semester (for social security contributions, public transport semester ticket etc.)
Can I make an appointment for a portfolio consultation with a professor?
The KHM does not offer portfolio advice to lecturers. Applicants are encouraged to make their own decisions about the presentation of their artistic work samples.
Can I apply to the KHM without a general university entrance qualification (Abitur)?
Applicants without a general university entrance qualification can apply and be admitted if they have particular artistic aptitude for the Media Arts course at the KHM. This is determined by a commission based on the submitted work samples during the application process.
Can I apply in the year I finish high school?
Yes, this is possible if the semi-annual report is available for the application and the Abitur certificate is submitted at the latest when you enroll.
How important is my average Abitur grade?
The average grade does not play a decisive role. The most important criterion in the selection of applicants is artistic aptitude for the Media Arts course, which is determined by a commission based on the submitted work samples.
How much are the semester fees and what is included?
Currently, contributions of approx. 400 euros per semester are charged. This includes the semester ticket (valid throughout North Rhine-Westphalia on buses, trains and local trains), as well as contributions for the student union and insurance of the equipment in the KHM lending facility.
Can I apply for Diploma 1 and Diploma 2 at the same time?
Since the KHM only offers one course (in two different variants), a double application is not possible, applicants have to decide on an application process.
Can I apply for the Diploma 2 course before I have received my university's diploma?
Yes, this is possible if the application documents are accompanied by a certificate from the current examination office stating that the applicant will complete the course in the course of the next summer semester at the latest.
Can I submit original certificates?
No, only certified copies and, in the case of foreign certificates, additionally translated copies (English or German) can be accepted.
What does the linguistic analysis as a written-analytical treatment of component 1 involve?
The focus of this component of the thematic work is on language, i.e. on the linguistic analysis of the topic in text form.
What is the scope of the project outline (Diploma 2)?
The project outline can be a text (usually two to three pages) or, e.g. in the case of installations, act around a sketch. Explanations can be found in the application documents.
I am interested in two or more areas of specialization in the Diploma 2 course.
Which one should I apply for?
You can only apply for one focus. If, after viewing the work samples, the commission is of the opinion that the applicant is more suitable for a different focus, the application documents will be forwarded to the appropriate commission with his / her consent (see application documents)
Do I have to submit the certificate for German level B 2 when applying?
Not necessarily, but you must provide proof of your current level of German, it should not be below level A2. The B2 certificate must then be submitted at the time of enrolment.
Do I have to take the B2 exam at a Goethe Institute?
The language certificate can also be issued by other language schools, provided that the language tests correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Does the KHM offer language courses for international students?
Yes, German tutorials are offered at the KHM. However, these do not replace language courses with final examinations.
Is there a quota for the admission of international students?
The applications are selected regardless of the nationality of the applicants based on the criterion of artistic suitability for the media arts course.
What support is available for students with impairments or disabilities?
Students can contact the relevant representative at the university for advice on support options during their studies and, if necessary, how to apply for compensation for disadvantages.
