Application and admission procedure

Admission to bachelor’s degree programmes is possible with an advanced technical certificate (comprising both scholastic and vocational components) in conjunction with passing an additional examination (Deltaprüfung). This examination is held alongside the aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung) which assesses general academic aptitude through a supplementary oral examination.

Note: Students of the Art Education programme who either choose Intermedia Arts as a second subject or study their second subject at one of the partner universities must take the Delta examination at the University of Mannheim. Further information is available from the respective partner university.

Professionally qualified applicants with a master craftsman’s certificate

Professionally qualified individuals with a master craftsman’s certificate or another equivalent advanced vocational qualification (e.g. IHK business administrator) are eligible for general university entrance to all degree programmes. In addition to proof of meeting this requirement, you must provide evidence of having attended a counselling session at our university. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs at ABK Stuttgart for this purpose.

Other professionally qualified applicants

Other professionally qualified applications with at least two years’ vocational training and three years’ professional experience may gain entry to a degree programme that corresponds to their professional background. This requires passing an aptitude test for professionally qualified individuals at a preparatory college (see below). In addition, proof of having attended a counselling session at our university must be provided.

Note: The aptitude test for professionally qualified applicants at the preparatory college (Studienkolleg) does not replace the university-specific aptitude tests required as part of the application and admissions process. These must be taken in addition!

Procedure for the aptitude test for professionally qualified applicants:

• Applicants must first contact the ABK Stuttgart Office of Student Affairs, which will refer you to the relevant department. Proof of having attended a consultation at ABK Stuttgart is a prerequisite for admission to the test.
• ABK Stuttgart decides on participation in the aptitude test for professionally qualified applicants and registers the applicants for the test at the Studienkolleg. Direct registration for the aptitude test is not possible!
• The application, including all supporting documents, must be submitted by 31 January at the latest.
• Once you are registered, you will receive an invitation to take the aptitude test:
  • Architecture study programme: Preparatory College at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), stk.kit.edu
  • All other subjects: Preparatory College at the University of Heidelberg, isz.uni-heidelberg.de
• There is a fee for the aptitude test. If you have any questions regarding the fees, please contact the respective college.
• The examination may only be retaken once.

In the following degree programmes, the aforementioned university entrance qualifications may be waived if the applicant demonstrates exceptional talent and a general education sufficient for the course of study:

• Fine Arts
• Stage and Costume Design
• Industrial Design
• Communication Design
• Textile Design

Proof of this must be provided by successfully passing an aptitude test. Information on the aptitude test can be found in the ABK Stuttgart’s Admission and Enrolment Regulations:

Zulassungs-Immatrikulationssatzung.pdf pdf

You should submit your foreign academic certificates as part of your application. The Office of Student Affairs will then assess whether they are equivalent to German qualifications in accordance with Section 35(1), sentence 6 of the LHG. You can find more information on the page for Foreign Qualifications.