The Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design (Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart), founded in 1761, has a longstanding academic tradition of excellence in the fields of fine art and design. With a student body of approximately 850, the Stuttgart Academy is a state recognized institution with University status. As one of the largest institutions of its kind in the State of Baden-Württemberg and a prominent institution in the Federal Republic of Germany, the Stuttgart Academy is a state-of-the-art center for education in both fine (e.g. painting, sculpture) and applied arts (e.g. architecture, design). This innovative and dualistic approach to the study of the arts has emerged from a solid traditional foundation and is a reflection of the Academy's understanding of its unique role in university level arts education, a position which the Academy continues to preserve and cultivate.

Previous Alumni of the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design include prominent figures of the art world including Adolf Hoelzel, Willi Baumeister, Johannes Itten and Oskar Schlemmer.

The academic education offered by the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design is characterized by a workshop environment which involves student participation in both individual and group projects with the support and supervision of academic staff. The outstanding quality and range of equipment available in the technical department workshops allows students to acquire a wide-range of practical skills under the guidance of highly skilled workshop teachers. As with all university level degree courses in the fields of art and design, students must be bold, self-motivated, and show a high degree of initiative and perseverance.

The Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design offers 14 degree courses. The first year fine arts foundation course offers all students a sound introduction to fine and applied arts study. The purpose of the foundation year is to give students a broad knowledge base covering all areas of the arts, from art history, theory and analysis, painting, drawing, graphics, to sculpture and new-media. All fulltime degree students must complete the one year foundation course, which functions in co-operation with the departments of applied arts. The fine arts departments encourage students to develop their artistic and research skills through access to a broad range of methodologies and teaching styles in relation to arts theory and studio practice. Fine art degree students receive close supervision from their designated professor who oversees the students studies from second year studies to final examinations. Through the excellent technical workshop facilities at the Stuttgart Academy fine arts students are encouraged to explore a diverse range of fine arts disciplines ranging from print techniques (i.e. etching, lithography, screenprinting, offset) to ceramics, wood, stone and metal work (i.e. woodturning, stone carving, bronze sculpture).

The study of applied arts at the Stuttgart Academy, including architecture and design, which had previously encompassed the traditional emphasis on the study of manual trades, has been developed in order to take into account the growing and diversified demands of industrial production capabilities.

The leading-edge departments of Architecture and Design at the Stuttgart Academy offer multifaceted programmes where students work intensively in small groups and under the close supervision and support of professors and academic staff. The specialized technical workshops at the Stuttgart Academy give both design and architecture students the opportunity to explore and realize a comprehensive range of production techniques.
The department of Architecture, currently ranked as one of the best university level Architecture programmes in Germany, gives students the unique possibility of experiencing an interdisciplinary study programme encouraging students to view architecture from an artistic standpoint, culminating in combined studies of art, design, science and architecture.
The award-winning Design department at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design, with its reputation for excellence, offers students the chance to study in a highly competitive and international programme of studies. As well as lectures and seminars, design students have the opportunity to participate in specific group projects relating to the wide-ranging practical and theoretical disciplines of design.

The study of art history and theory is an integral part of any arts degree. Throughout each semester, a large programme of lectures and seminares are open to students from all departments and are a required course component for all study areas. Subjects range from art theory, philosophy and art, the history of architecture, design theory, to the chronological history of art.

In addition to fine and applied arts studies, the Stuttgart Academy also offers a broad-range of degree courses in the academic fields of restoration and conservation, including the Restoration and Conservation of New Media and Digital Information, and Archeological and Ethnological objects. For a full list of courses available please visit the relevant pages on this site.

State Diplomas (Education Degrees) can be obtained for Art Education, Industrial Design, Textile Design, Communication Design, Conservation and Restoration of Paintings and Polychrome Wooden Sculptures, Conservation and Restoration of Archeological, Ethnological and Craft Objects, Conservation and Restoration of Graphics and Archival Library Materials, Conservation and Restoration of Wall Paintings and Polychrome Stone.

Bachelor and/or Master degrees can be obtained for Architecture, Conservation of New Media and Digital Information and Integral Studies.

• Courses offered by the department of Fine Arts:
Art Education (secondary school teaching degree), Ceramics, Glass Design, Graphics, Painting, Sculpture, Stage Set Design

• Courses offered by the architecture department:
Architecture

• Courses offered by the department of Design:
Communication Design, Industrial Design, Integral Studies, Textile Design

• Courses offered by the department of Conservation and Restoration:
Conservation of New Media and Digital Information, Conservation and Restoration of Archeological, Ethnological and Craft Objects, Conservation and Restoration of Graphic, Archival and Library Materials, Conservation and Restoration of Paintings and Polychrome Wooden Sculptures., Conservation and Restoration of Wall Paintings and Polychrome Stone.

• Institutes of the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design:
- Institute of Book Design and Media Development
- Institute of Museology
- Weissenhof Institute, Interdisciplinary forum of Architecture, Interior Space and Design

Next to the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design

The world-famous "Weissenhofsiedlung" is located next to the Academy. "Weissenhofsiedlung" was built on the Killesberg in Stuttgart in 1927 and it is one of the best examples for the art of the "new architecture" in Germany. With the art director, Mies van der Rohe, 17 architects (such as Le Corbusier, Mart Stam, Walter Gropius, etc.) from Germany, the Netherlands and France etc. created a model housing programme for the modern urbanite. More details you will find at www.weissenhof.de

International Student Information

The first step towards studying at the Stuttgart Academy is the application process. There are three different application processes for prospective international students depending on whether you wish to apply as a:

• 1. Regular Fulltime student
• 2. Programme student
• 3.a) DAAD Scholarship student
• 3.b) Visiting student

Important: Be sure to indicate at the place provided on the relevant application form, if you are applying for a place as a Regular, Programme, DAAD Scholarship or Visiting student, and please read the following information very carefully. You must send the form and all other application material to the corresponding office. We cannot guarantee that applications sent to incorrect departments will be assessed. Please make sure that all details are correct before sending your application.

1. Regular Fulltime Students

Regular fulltime students study for the full duration of a degree programme (up to 5 years) and are full fee paying students. In order to study at the Stuttgart Academy you must be able to present proof of previous study or a high school graduation certificate equivalent to such as A-level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) or that of the German Abitur. Applicants who are not in possession of a university entrance qualification may be eligible to sit an entrance exam for especially gifted applicants.
The application procedure for regular students consists of two stages: The submission of application material, including a portfolio and the entrance examination, by invitation (on assessment of the portfolio). The entrance examination consists of two parts; a practical examination and an interview.
Regular students must apply to the Department for Study and Examination Affairs, please see contact information on this page, above right.

2. Programme Students (The Office for Foreign Affairs)

The Office for Foreign Affairs is responsible for all programmes and university exchanges which are the result of co-operations between the Stuttgart Academy and its Partner Institutions.
Please note that the Office for Foreign Affairs only accepts application material from programme exchange students. All other applicants must apply to the offices as stated in the information supplied on this page.
Programme students are students on an exchange scholarship or who are taking part in a Partner-University exchange programme without a scholarship. The programme student admission process applies to all Erasmus, Baden-Württemberg Scholarship, Oregon Study Center, California State University, and all Partner-University exchanges.
All international student exchanges are managed by the Office for Foreign Affairs. Students who would like advice about exchanges with the Stuttgart Academy should direct any enquiries to auslandsberatung@abk-stuttgart.de
For application requirements please see the information on the right side of this page.
Programme Student Fees: As part of the Erasmus Programme regulations scholarship students are not required to pay study fees.

International Co-operation

The Stuttgart Academy has over 40 international Partnership Agreements in place with academic institutions all over the world. These co-operations enable both students and academic staff members the possibility to take part in international exchanges. For further information please contact the Office for Foreign Affairs at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design. auslandsberatung@abk-stuttgart.de

3. a) DAAD Scholarship Students

For students who are recipients of DAAD Scholarships please send your application to the Department Secretary of your field of studies. See the list of department contacts (above right).

3. b) Visiting Students

Visiting international students are students or graduates who wish to study at the Stuttgart Academy for a period of up to two semesters. As of summer semester 2011, it is possible for Visiting students to take examinations and receive credits (with approval from Faculty members) for their studies. Proof of previous studies and experience in the relevant study area is a prerequisite. Please send your Visiting student application to the Department Secretary for your field of studies. See the list of contacts (above right). For detailed information please see our website.
Visiting Student fees: Visiting students are required to pay semester fees of 150 €, plus an administration fee of 116, 85€ , per semester. It is important to note that as a Visiting student of the Academy you will be responsible for all practical and financial aspects of your stay in Stuttgart. Visiting international students may also receive the regular student reductions for public transport.

International Student Visas

Visas are a very important part of overseas visits. It is your responsibility to find out what kind of visa you will require for the duration of your studies in Germany. There are various institutions that offer advice on how to obtain a visa from your country, for example the German Federal Foreign Office (www.auswaertiges-amt.de), follow the links>English> Welcome to Germany>Coming to or staying in Germany>Visa regulations. Or you can visit the website of the German Academic Exchange Service 3 (www.daad.de) and follow these links>English>Information for foreigners>Living in Germany>Entry and Residence, for further information. It is very important that you find out about your visa requirements well in advance, as the processing times for visas can vary greatly from country to country.
Important: When applying for a visa you will be asked for a letter of invitation from the Stuttgart Academy. Once you have been accepted into the Guest student programme you may request an invitation letter from the Admissions Office (Studentensekretariat). Please note that some students from selected countries are able to obtain a visa once they have entered Germany. Please contact a Visa office in your country, before you leave, for the exact information.

Living Costs and Accommodation

It is essential that students who wish to study in Stuttgart are able to finance their stay. Please contact the Department secretary for your area of study for more advice on how to apply for accommodation, insurance, visas and the public transportation card.
International programme students can receive assistance from the Stuttgart Academy in finding student accommodation in Stuttgart. Student housing can cost up to € 400 per month in single room accommodation. For more detailed information or an application form please contact the department secretary for your area of studies.

Language requirements

Courses at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design are held in German. You are expected to have at least basic knowledge of German and to have a proficient level of English, both oral and written, in order to participate in courses and class work.

Rectorate

Rector
Petra von Olschowski

Chancellor
Dr. Matthias Knapp

Prorectors
Prof. Dr. Nils Büttner
Prof. Volker Lehnert
Prof. Dipl.-Ing. M.Sc. Tobias Wallisser

Regular Fulltime International Students

Contact:
Department of Study and Examination affairs / Abteilung für Studien- und Prüfungsangelegenheiten

a) Mr. Georg Kube
Head of Department of Study and Examination affairs
Building: F / Neubau II
Room: 0.04
T +49.[0].711.28440 – 126
g.kube@abk-stuttgart.de

For general information about Application forms, Enrolment and Student ID cards, contact the student Admissions Office staff listed below:

Ms. Rita Afani
Mr. Philipp Rummel
Building: F / Neubau II
Room: 0.05
T +49.[0].711.28440 – 107 or 106
afsa@abk-stuttgart.de

Consultation hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9-12 am
Thursday 1.30-4 pm

Programme Students

The programme student admission process applies to all following exchange programs: Erasmus, Baden-Württemberg Scholarship, Oregon Study Center, California State University, and all Partner-University exchanges. Programme students must first register with their home university before applying to the Stuttgart Academy.
Once you have registered with your home university for one of the above exchange programmes you can download the programme student application form here.
Application requirements: Application form, 2 Passport photos, C.V., Portfolio, Copy of passport, Letter of motivation, Learning Agreement (Erasmus).

Office for Foreign Affairs/Büro für Auslandsbeziehungen

Ms. Sonja Fendel
Head of Office for Foreign Affairs
Building: F
Room: 2.16
T +49.[0]711.28440 - 103
F +49.[0]711.28440 - 219

incomings@abk-stuttgart.de

Consultation hours:
By appointment only!

Ms. Renata Earnshaw-Mathiasch
Erasmus Incomings
Building: F
Room: 0.14
T +49.[0]711.28440 - 330
F +49.[0]711.28440 - 335

incomings@abk-stuttgart.de

Visiting Students and DAAD Scholarship Students

All DAAD Scholarship student and Visiting student applications are to be sent to the
department secretary responsible for your area of studies, e.g. Architecture. The application form can be downloaded here.
Application material: Application form, 1 Passport photo, detailed C.V., Portfolio (at least 10 pieces of work, preferably in PDF format or JPEG files), Copy of passport, Letter of motivation, Proof of health insurance, Visa (non-EU residents), Transcript of Records.

Department Secretaries