Applicants need a first university degree (Bachelor or Diploma) qualifying them for a profession in an artistic/design or humanities/cultural studies programme.

Applicants whose Bachelor’s degree comprises 180 ECTS credits must earn 30 credits in the form of additional, study-relevant achievements within the framework of a pre-semester in order to complete the Master’s programme with 300 ECTS credits. In this case, the duration of study is 4 semesters.

Applicants who are able to design project ideas or questions on the subject of research in design, art and media on the basis of university degrees other than those mentioned may be admitted if they can prove that they are particularly qualified to study.

At the time of application, all students should speak at least B2 level English and are required to have C1 level English at the conclusion of their studies. Non-German-speaking students are also expected to have at least B1 level German at the end of their studies.

Use the online portal to apply or send us the completed and signed application form by post.

We also need the following documents:

• A curriculum vitae in tabular form
• Proof of a first university degree (certified copies of certificates)
• A passport photo
• An exposé outlining a project you would like to work on as part of the Master’s programme (2-5 pages)
• A letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
• A portfolio of 1-3 current textual and/or artistic/design works relevant to the Master’s programme. The submitted works should provide an overview of your abilities and interests.
• A proof of a English language test is required, either Cambridge Certificate or TOEFL-Test (level B2)

The admission procedure includes the examination of the submitted application documents and determines the admission to the study programme. As part of the examination, the Commission may invite applicants for an interview to ask questions about their motivation to study.

Do you have questions about admission requirements or application?

Our study office will be happy to provide you with personal study advice. Individual counselling interviews with the head of the study programme and a tour of the university are possible by arrangement.

Consultations with professors of the Merz Akademie are also possible by appointment in Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Hamburg and Vienna.

Open house

The Merz Akademie is an open house: you are welcome to come to our cafeteria for lunch and take an informal look at the university. If you would like a guided tour or further information, just let us know: 0711/26866-78

The tuition fees for the Master’s programme currently amount to 415 euros per month. Once the standard period of study has been paid, additional semesters are free of charge.

Study now and pay according to your income later on

By participating in the solidarity model of the Income Share Agreements (ISA), students can initially concentrate fully on their studies, while Chancen eG pays the fees. In return, the participants undertake to give this opportunity to later generations: Those who work and earn more than a minimum income pay a percentage of their income to finance further study places. Other financing options such as BAföG or scholarships are independent and can be used additionally.

If you opt for this tuition fee model, please submit your application for the ISA to Chancen eG together with your application for a study contract. The documents you need for the ISA application: Your curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation and your certificates. Please note: this offer is only for first-year students.