(SuSe/WiSe)
Application dates and deadlines
This degree programme begins in both the winter and the summer semester.
| Application stage | Winter semester application dates* | Summer semester application dates* |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of special artistic aptitude via mappe.hawk.de | 1 February to 30 April | 1 August to 30 October |
| Apply online and upload your application documents to the Study Portal | 1 June to 15 July | 1 December to 15 January |
*Please note that extended application deadlines may apply.
Portfolio as part of the artistic aptitude test
In the artistic aptitude test, you will present a portfolio of works you have created yourself.
- We recommend that all prospective students attend our portfolio and study counselling appointments (in German) at an early stage.
- It is advisable to bring as much of your previous work as possible to this appointment – this is the only way to ensure we can give you individualised advice.
- An up-to-date appointment schedule can be found in the download section of this website
To upload your portfolio, visit mappe.hawk.de.
Application and enrolment processes
University entrance qualification
A German or international university entrance qualification (HZB) as required by Section 18 of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG).
If you did not obtain your university entrance qualification in German, you will need to provide proof of your German language skills in addition to your university entrance qualification (more on this under “Upload documents”).
Artistic aptitude
Proof of special artistic aptitude through the assessment, which must be completed in advance, is a prerequisite for admission.
Please note the application information and the information on the special artistic aptitude test, also known as the portfolio test.
1 February to 23:59 on 30 April 2025
Application and aptitude test, part 01 (pre-selection)
- Digital application to take part in the special artistic aptitude assessment
- Upload 7 - 10 samples of your artistic work. You can change and update your details at any time up to 30 April 2025.
- If you wish to do so, use our HAWK platform and visit mappe.hawk.de
By 14 May 2025
- Assessment Committee reviews the work samples you have uploaded.
- Sending of the results of the pre-selection (part 01 of the assessment)
- Invitation to the second part of the qualifying assessment at the HAWK campus
21 May 2025
Aptitude test, part 02, at the HAWK campus in Hildesheim
- The practical test consists of two design tasks, each lasting approximately two and a half hours.
- There will also be a 10-minute interview, enabling us to get to know you and hear about your ambitions.
- Bring your portfolio (15-20 works) with you, as it will be discussed during the interview. Your portfolio can also include work that you have already submitted digitally. You will be able to take your folder home with you on the same day.
By 6 June 2025
- Proof of special artistic aptitude or points certificate sent out.
By 15 July 2025
- Online application for a place on the degree programme. See "Apply online".
1 August to 23:59 on 30 October 2024
Application and aptitude test, part 01 (pre-selection)
- Digital application to take part in the special artistic aptitude assessment.
- For the first part of the test (pre-selection), upload 7 - 10 samples of your artistic work. You can change and update your details at any time up to 30 October 2024.
- If you wish to do so, use our HAWK platform and visit mappe.hawk.de
By 13 November 2024
- Assessment Committee evaluates the work samples you have uploaded.
- Results of the pre-selection (part 01 of the test) sent out
- Invitations issued for the second part of the aptitude test at the HAWK campus.
26 November 2024
Aptitude test, part 02, at the HAWK campus in Hildesheim
- The practical test consists of two design tasks, each lasting approximately two and a half hours.
- There will also be a 10-minute interview, enabling us to get to know you and hear about your ambitions.
- Bring your portfolio (15-20 works) with you, as it will be discussed during the interview. Your portfolio can also include work that you have already submitted digitally. You will be able to take your folder home with you on the same day.
By 10 December 2024
- Proof of special artistic aptitude or points certificate sent out.
By 15 January 2025
- Online application for a place on the degree programme. See "Apply online".
Applying through the HAWK Study Portal
Applications should be submitted online through the HAWK Study Portal (in German). The portal closes at 23:59 on the final day of the application period.
Enter the required application and enrolment information in the Study Portal.
Information sheet
You will find step-by-step instructions in the online application information sheet.
During the online application process, you upload your application documents to the HAWK Study Portal.
Mandatory documents: all applicants
- Proof of university entrance qualification
- CV in tabular form, including a passport photograph
- Proof of special artistic aptitude
Additional documents with regard to international university entrance qualifications
Translation of the university entrance qualification: If your university entrance qualification is not in German, you upload:
- a copy of the original qualification; and
- a sworn translation of the qualification in English or German
Proof of German language competence: If your university entrance qualification was not acquired in German, please upload one of the following proofs of German language proficiency:
- Level 3 TestDaF issued by the TestDaF Institute
- DSH (German Language Test for University Entrance) Level 1
- Goethe Certificate C2
- telc certificate in German C1 University
- DSD (German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs) Level 2
If you do not yet have sufficient proficiency in German or are unsure whether your language skills are sufficient, please consult the International applicants page.
Additional documents for specific cases
- Certificate of exmatriculation (if you have previously studied elsewhere)
- Proof of vocational training (if applicable)
- Certification of military service, civilian service or voluntary service (if applicable)
- Explanation in writing of your motivation for studying (for second degree applicants)
- Copy of passport and residence permit (if you do not hold German citizenship)
- Evidence of other criteria to be considered
Application for advanced semesters
- Records of achievement to enable you to be assigned to the appropriate level
The Design degree programme is admission-restricted. This means that if there are more applicants than places available on the programme, admission will be decided on the basis of the selection criteria.
The overview of selection criteria (in German) gives an indication of the scores that have been sufficient in previous years.
Communication of results
Successful applicants will be sent a letter of admission by post. The letter of admission can also be viewed as a PDF on the HAWK Study Portal.
By enrolling, you accept your place on the programme. To do so, proceed as follows:
1. Letter of admission
Successful applicants will be sent a letter of admission by post. The letter of admission can also be viewed as a PDF on the HAWK Study Portal.
Your letter of admission will outline the enrolment process and specify two deadlines for applying for enrolment.
2. Apply for enrolment online
If you wish to take up your place, the first thing you need to do once you have received your letter of admission is apply to enrol online via the Study Portal – by the first deadline set out in your letter of admission.
3. Upload enrolment documents
Once you have completed the online enrolment process, upload these documents to the Study Portal within the second specified deadline:
- enrolment documents (see information in the portal)
- any other documents specified in the letter of admission
The HAWK can only enrol you once you have uploaded all the documents required for enrolment.
If you do not upload the required documents with your application for enrolment, your application for enrolment will not be considered!