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Photography Schools and Programs in Germany

Photography Studies in Germany

Photography can be studied in Germany in three ways: as an artistic course at an art academy (Kunsthochschule), as a bachelor's degree at a university of the arts or a university of applied sciences, or as a three-year vocational training that leads to the state-recognised occupation of photographer (Fotograf/Fotografin). The routes differ in aim, length and admission. The first decision is therefore whether the goal is artistic work, applied and commercial photography, or a craft qualification.

The courses described here are taught in German, and the higher education courses select their students by portfolio and aptitude test rather than by school grades alone.

How the courses are organised

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) gives six semesters as the usual standard period of study for a bachelor's degree. Photography courses are longer. Three examples from the institutions' own pages show the range:

  • Bachelor of Arts at a university of applied sciences: the Fachhochschule Dortmund offers a B.A. Fotografie with a standard period of study of 7 semesters, taught in German and starting each winter semester. After a foundation year, students can specialise from the 3rd semester in photojournalism and documentary photography, studio, still life and food photography, advertising, fashion and portrait photography, or artistic and conceptual photography.
  • Bachelor of Arts at a university of the arts: the Folkwang Universität der Künste describes its B.A. Fotografie as an eight-semester course aimed at developing an independent position in artistic photography.
  • Diplom at an art academy: at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst Leipzig (HGB), photography is one of four Diplom courses. The ten-semester course consists of two years of basic studies and three years of main studies in a specialist class. The HGB states that it teaches artistic photography and sets itself apart from photo design and communication design courses.

The vocational route is regulated by a federal training regulation (Fotografen-Ausbildungsverordnung). The training lasts three years and takes place in a training company. Each trainee chooses one elective qualification: people photography, product photography, architectural and industrial photography, editorial photography and picture editing, software-based image generation, or analogue photography.

Admission and portfolio

According to the DAAD, applicants for certain artistic subjects can be admitted on the basis of work samples or aptitude tests alone. In practice each institution sets its own procedure:

  • At the Fachhochschule Dortmund the course has no admission restriction, but enrolment requires a passed artistic aptitude assessment with a portfolio. Registration for the assessment for the winter semester 2027-28 is open until 31 March 2027. Once established, the aptitude is generally valid for the three following enrolment dates. Applicants also need 420 hours of practical work in a field close to photography, at least half of it proven at enrolment. The application period for the winter semester runs from mid-May to 15 July for EU citizens and from mid-April to 15 June for non-EU citizens.
  • The HGB Leipzig asks for a portfolio of about 20 to 30 work samples. The deadline is 1 February for the following winter semester, and the entrance examinations take place by the end of March. Applicants need the Abitur or a subject-specific equivalent; the HGB states that the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife) is not enough.

Applicants with a foreign school-leaving certificate apply through uni-assist or directly to the institution, depending on the institution. If the certificate is not recognised in Germany, the usual route is a preparatory year at a Studienkolleg. Most institutions require German at CEFR level B2 or higher, according to the DAAD. The HGB, for example, accepts the DSH, TestDaF with at least level 3 in all parts, or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.

Costs and visa

State higher education institutions generally charge no tuition fees for bachelor's courses, according to the DAAD. The state of Baden-Württemberg is an exception and charges non-EU citizens €1,500 per semester. All students pay a semester contribution of between €70 and €430 depending on the institution; the Fachhochschule Dortmund lists €346.80. Materials, prints and equipment come on top and depend on the projects.

Citizens of EU member states need only a valid identity card to enter Germany. Students who need a visa have to prove funds of €992 per month, according to the DAAD.

Careers

The Fachhochschule Dortmund states that its photography graduates often work as freelancers in all areas of photography, as picture editors at magazine publishers and media companies, or as art buyers in advertising agencies. Freelance work is common in this field, so business and legal basics are part of some curricula.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to study photography in Germany?

It depends on the route. The bachelor's degree takes 7 semesters at the Fachhochschule Dortmund and eight at the Folkwang Universität der Künste, the Diplom at the HGB Leipzig takes ten semesters, and the vocational training as a photographer lasts three years.

Do I need a portfolio to study photography in Germany?

Yes, for the higher education courses described here. The HGB Leipzig asks for about 20 to 30 work samples, and the Fachhochschule Dortmund assesses a portfolio in its aptitude procedure.

Can I study photography in Germany in English?

The courses described here are taught in German. Applicants need proof of German, usually at CEFR level B2 or higher.

Is studying photography in Germany free?

State institutions generally charge no tuition fees for bachelor's courses, but every student pays a semester contribution of between €70 and €430. Non-EU students pay €1,500 per semester in Baden-Württemberg.