You need a general qualification for university entrance (Abitur, Fachabitur, or an equivalent recognized qualification, e.g. high-school diploma, A-levels) to study with us.
Foreign applicants require a language certificate if their native language is not German. In addition to the procedure described below, applications with a foreign educational qualification must be submitted via uni-assist.

The portfolio has to be submitted digitally as a PDF. We would like to see the following elements:
•   a letter of motivation*
•   three photo series** or two photo series and one video.

The motivation letter should revolve around the following questions: What do Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography mean to you? Why exactly do you want to study with us? What do you want to achieve in your profession later on? This text should be placed on the first page of the PDF and be about half an A4 page long (max. 2.000 characters).

Depending on the topic, the three photo series should each consist of 10 to 20 photos. Put a text page in which you introduce the topic in three or four sentences before every photo series.

For videos, please note the maximum length of 2 minutes (if you submit longer videos, we will only watch the first 2 minutes). Introduce videos with a still image, a short introductory text, a list of the crew, and a clickable link in the PDF. The link should lead to the video without a password (e.g. on Vimeo, Youtube, Google Drive, or similar).

How to create a convincing photo series, we have compiled for you in a separate post.

*The portfolio should show that you are interested in the core profile of our study programme, i.e. visual journalism and documentary photography.

**By photo series, we mean reportage, essay, or portrait series. However, there should be at least one reportage, and it should be about people somehow or other. The other photo series may also deal with architecture, portraits, landscapes, etc. In any case it is important to us that each work has a thematic frame.

Please register here by March 15, 2024, complete your application, and upload your work samples. All further steps are explained in great detail on the page. During the application process, you fill out an application for admission, print it on paper and send it with your CV by mail to the Faculty III – Department of Design and Media at Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Only then can you upload your work samples. You will receive confirmation when this has been successful.

After reviewing your application materials, we will notify you by mail within three to four weeks whether you have been admitted to our artistic aptitude test. With this letter, you will also learn the topic for the homework assignment that you are required to complete before the test. Applicants with foreign educational certificates must also register with uni-assist by 31 May and upload their certificates there.

The artistic aptitude test takes a full day on-site in Hannover. In the evening, you will learn the score you have achieved, and that’s how you will know whether you have passed.

The official confirmation will be sent to you promptly after the artistic aptitude test. Only with this written notification the result is official, and you can register – usually by July 15 of each year – at the Academic Affairs Service Center for your place.