Applications are accepted exclusively for the summer semester. The next application period for the summer semester 2026 is: September 1—October 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m. (application deadline).

Admission to the doctoral program requires the successful completion of a Diploma, Meisterschüler, or Master’s degree with an artistic–practical focus from a German higher education institution (generally with an overall grade of at least “good”), or an equivalent degree from a foreign higher education institution. Any exceptions require the approval of the Doctoral Committee.

A further requirement is proof of special aptitude for artistic–research work. This may be demonstrated through relevant coursework in the completed degree program, artistic research projects, scholarships, internships, or professional work experience.

Applicants who completed their studies at a foreign higher education institution must provide proof of the equivalence of their degree, as specified in paragraph 1, to the Doctoral Committee.

Please create an applicant account in HISinOne. As soon as you start an application, it will be assigned an application number, which you should quote in the event of any inquiries.

Once you have submitted your online application, an upload link will be available in your applicant account.

Please upload your digital application portfolio by 14 October 2025, 4:00 p.m. at the latest (application deadline), together with the documents listed below. Each document must be uploaded as a separate PDF file, clearly named (e.g. Summary, Exposé, University Degree, CV), and written in German or English:

• A summary of the proposed project of at least 15 lines (3 pages recommended, font size 12);

• A portfolio outlining the artistic research practice in relation to the proposed project; the methods, media, and formats of the work must be evident, as well as the sources and tools used;

• Proof of higher education degree;

• Proof of special aptitude for artistic–research work;

• If applicable, proof of equivalence of a degree obtained at a foreign higher education institution;

• Curriculum vitae;

• A proposal for a primary supervisor and a proposal for a second supervisor in accordance with §⁠ ⁠6 of the Doctoral and Doctoral Study Regulations for the PhD in Art Practice;

• A declaration stating whether the applicant has previously undergone or applied for a doctoral procedure elsewhere and, if so, with what result;

• A declaration confirming that the applicant is familiar with the current Doctoral Regulations for the PhD in Art Practice and has taken note of the guidelines for good artistic practice.

The total file size is limited to 30 MB. Submission of a physical application portfolio is not possible.

Late, incomplete, and/or applications submitted by email, as well as subsequently submitted documents, cannot be considered.

For your application to HFBK Hamburg, only the documents/works uploaded with the digital application portfolio will be considered. Links to external platforms will not be considered.

Submissions after the application deadline are only possible upon request.