Application. How to get your place
Two students select photos they created from the "image/con/text" symposium in our lecture hall. Photo: Maximilian von Lachner
1. Clarify study requirements
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.
2. Create a digital portfolio
Please submit your portfolio digitally as a PDF. It should include the following components:
A Motivation Letter
In roughly half an A4 page (max. 2,000 characters), answer the following questions:
• What does Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography mean to you?
• Why would you like to study with us?
• What would you like to achieve in your profession?
This letter should appear on the first page of the PDF. It should show that you are enthusiastic about visual journalism and documentary photography.
At the end of your text, please add whether you used AI tools when writing it—and if so, which ones exactly.
Using AI is generally permitted; however, it is important that your text remains personal and that your own motivation, viewpoint, and voice are clearly recognisable.
Two Photo Series
Submit two independent pieces of work, each consisting of 10–20 photographs. Each photo series starts with a short text page (3–4 sentences) explaining the topic. At least one series should be a photographic report focusing on people. The second series can, for example, deal with portraiture, landscape, or architecture. What matters is that both series have a clear unifying theme.
You can find tips on creating a compelling photo series in our separate article.
A Short Video
The video may be no longer than 2 minutes. If it is longer, we will only assess the first two minutes.
Your journalistic curiosity should be visible in the video: Technical perfection matters less than your ideas, interests, and the way you approach people.
The video should be integrated into the PDF with a still image, a short introductory text, a list of the crew (if applicable), and a clickable link (e.g. Vimeo, YouTube, Google Drive—without password protection).
A Contents List
At the end, include a contents list naming all components of your portfolio.
3. Send application form
Please register here by March 15, 2026, 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.
4. Wait for decision, create homework assignment
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.
5. Artistic aptitude test
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.
6. Wait for notification, register for your place
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.
Book up to three free appointments. During the sessions, we will answer your questions about the programme and your portfolio.
The artistic aptitude test takes place every year on two days in May. Photo: Maximilian von Lachner
At a glance:
1. Abitur, Fachabitur, or equivalent recognized diploma.
2. Language certificate at the start of studies.
3. Proof of artistic ability for our course of study.
Photo from the reportage "Isaya's Dream" by François Klein
In the digital application, we would like to see two photo series and one video. Show us that you are curious and interested in socially relevant topics.
Show us that you are interested in socially relevant topics.
Photo from the work "Germany's Queens" by Anna-Kristina Bauer
Among the photo series, there should be at least one reportage, which should tell about people somehow.
Photo from the work "Brothers" by Marlena Waldthausen
Depending on the subject’s size, the three works should consist of 10 to 20 photos. Videos should not be longer than two minutes.
Photo from the series "No man's land" by Daniel Chatard
We recommend that you attend a free portfolio review early.
Photo: Maximilian von Lachner
We welcome the applicants to the design center.
Photo: Maximilian von Lachner
You have to accomplish two tasks on-site within approximately 4 hours.
Photo: Maximilian von Lachner
You can print and label the assignments in our workrooms in the basement.
Photo: Maximilian von Lachner
Throughout the day, colloquia will be held with four applicants each.
Photo: Maximilian von Lachner
In the end, you will learn your score and thus know whether you have passed.
Each year, there are numerous enquiries about the selection process for the Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography programme. Here you will find our answers to the most frequently asked questions.
When is the next application period?
The application deadline is March 15 each year.
What is the application procedure?
After you submit your portfolio with work samples, the application for admission, and the declaration of consent for the artistic examination in the Design and Media department, an admission committee will evaluate your portfolio. If you receive 3 out of 15 points for this, you will be invited to the artistic aptitude test on-site in Hannover.
When is the artistic aptitude test, and how long does it last?
The artistic aptitude test usually takes place in the third week of May and lasts from 9 am to approximately 5 pm. The invitation is sent in writing.
How likely is it that I’ll be accepted?
We accept 37 students every year. Although there are always significantly more applicants than places, your chances are good if you are curious, interested in socially relevant topics, and have an eye for exciting pictures. So be brave and send us your application!
Your contact partners will be happy to assist you with your personal concerns. However, due to the large number of enquiries, we ask you to first check our FAQ to see if your question may already have been answered.
Dean of Studies, Design and Media department
Programme representative
Application and admission procedure
Hochschule Hannover
Faculty III – Media, Information and Design
Expo Plaza 2
D-30539 Hanover