Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln
Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln (KHM Köln) is one of Germany's most prestigious educational institutions in media arts. Founded in 1990, this state university offers a unique education focused on "Mediale Künste" (Media Arts). Located in Cologne's dynamic and culturally rich environment, KHM Köln provides students with a creative platform across a wide spectrum including visual arts, film, television, digital media, and experimental arts.
KHM Köln is a popular choice for Turkish students looking to study art and media in Germany, especially noted for its master's programs. The strong interest in German language courses in the city (as shown by the popularity of searches like TH Köln German Course) reveals how much students value improving their language skills. This page aims to guide you through all the details, from application processes to student life, if you're considering studying at KHM Köln, whether you're a woman or a man.
Quick Facts
- University Name
- Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln
- City
- Köln
- State
- Nordrhein-Westfalen
- Type
- Artistic University (Künstlerische Hochschule)
- Founding Year
- 1990
- Number of Students
- 415
- Number of Master's Programs
- 10
- Official Website
- http://www.khm.de
- HRK Member
- Evet
Center for Media Arts and Creativity: KHM Köln
Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln (KHM Köln) opened its doors in 1990 as an art and film school in the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen. Since then, it has fostered internationally renowned artists and filmmakers in the field of media arts. With "Mediale Künste" (Media Arts) as its main focus, the university aims to equip students not only with technical skills but also with critical thinking and experimental approaches.
KHM Köln hosts projects that push the boundaries of art, combining traditional art disciplines with digital media, filmmaking, interactive installations, and new media forms. The school's faculty and alumni include prominent names like Rosa Barba, VALIE EXPORT, Phil Collins, and Hans Weingartner. This shows that KHM Köln is not just an educational institution, but also a center that shapes the development of contemporary art and media. As a public law institution (öffentlich-rechtlich), it guarantees the quality and accessibility of its education.
Student Life in Cologne and What the City Offers
Cologne is one of Germany's most vibrant and student-friendly cities. Located on the Rhine River, this historic city offers students a unique experience with its modern art galleries, museums, lively nightlife, and multicultural atmosphere. KHM Köln students have direct access to the city's artistic and cultural riches.
The presence of many universities in the city increases the size and diversity of its student community. The frequent questions among Turkish students, such as Are there applicants for master's at Cologne Technical University?, indicate how appealing the city is for graduate studies in general. Regarding accommodation, searches like Can you recommend private dorms in Wuppertal, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and the surrounding areas? or Information on private dorms in Cologne, Duisburg, and Essen highlight students' need for affordable and safe housing options.
In Cologne, student dorms (Studierendenwerk – the student services organization) and shared apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft) are the most common options. The transportation network is highly developed; the question Is transportation easy between Solingen and Cologne? also shows that access from surrounding cities is straightforward. Public transport (tram, bus, train) is very common and efficient for getting around the city.
Education, Master's Programs, and Scholarship Opportunities at KHM Köln
Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln particularly stands out for its master's programs. Our database indicates there are 10 master's programs, showing a wide range of options for those looking to pursue graduate studies. Master's programs at KHM Köln offer students the chance to develop their own artistic projects, conduct in-depth research, and establish themselves in the international art scene.
Application processes typically involve portfolio evaluation and interviews, requiring candidates to showcase their artistic talents and visions. The frequent question from Turkish students planning to study in Germany, Who helps me with a scholarship application for admission to Germany?, highlights how crucial scholarship opportunities are. While KHM Köln might not have its own scholarships, you can find scholarships through general German scholarship programs like DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) or various foundations.
Additionally, resources like the AlmanyaUni platform can help students get information about recognition of qualifications and visa processes in Germany. During the application process, you might need sworn translations of your documents into German; searches for affordable sworn translators in Bonn or Cologne confirm this need.
Monthly Cost of Living (Estimated)
Places to Visit and Student Hangouts
This Gothic masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the city's symbol and a must-see.
Housing significant works of modern art, this museum is an inspiring resource for KHM Köln students.
You can walk or bike along the river, or simply spend time with friends.
A lively district full of fashion boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and bars.
A popular student district known for its traditional pubs, restaurants, and cozy atmosphere.
A beautiful garden offering a peaceful escape, home to diverse plant species.
Student Life and Culture
Thanks to its small student body (415), Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln offers an intimate and collaborative student culture. Students can easily connect with peers from different disciplines, develop joint projects, and contribute to each other's creative processes. The campus, workshops, and studios provide modern facilities for students to conduct experimental work and bring their ideas to life.
Student life across Cologne is quite active; there are numerous student clubs, cultural events, and festivals. Events in the media and art fields, in particular, create networking and inspiration opportunities for KHM Köln students. The city also has a strong cycling culture, with many students preferring bikes for transportation. Thanks to the Semesterticket (semester ticket), public transport in the Nordrhein-Westfalen state becomes free or very affordable, making it easier for students to explore the surroundings.
- Intimate and collaborative student environment
- Modern workshops and studios for creative projects
- Access to Cologne's rich art and culture scene
- Strong cycling culture and easy inner-city transportation
- Free/affordable intra-state transportation with Semesterticket
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application requirements for master's programs at KHM Köln? ▼
KHM Köln offers 10 different master's programs, especially in media arts. While application requirements vary by program, they generally include a relevant bachelor's degree, a strong artistic portfolio, and German language proficiency (English may sometimes be accepted). We recommend you visit the official website for detailed information.
Can I get information about student dorms or private dorms in Cologne? ▼
Cologne has affordable student dorms affiliated with Studierendenwerk. However, finding a spot can be challenging. Private dorms (as mentioned in the question Can you recommend private dorms in Wuppertal, Cologne, Düsseldorf, and the surrounding areas?) or shared apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft) are also popular options. We advise you to apply for dorms early and explore alternative accommodation options.
Who can help with scholarship applications in Germany? ▼
For scholarship applications in Germany, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is the most important resource. Additionally, various foundations (e.g., Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung) and universities might have their own scholarship programs. For your question, Who helps me with a scholarship application for admission to Germany?, platforms like AlmanyaUni can also provide general information and guidance.
Is transportation easy from Solingen to Cologne? ▼
Yes, there are regular train and bus services between Solingen and Cologne. Thanks to Nordrhein-Westfalen state's developed public transport network, getting to Cologne from surrounding cities is generally easy and fast. As a student, your Semesterticket (semester ticket) will allow you to use this transportation economically.
Is it possible to find an affordable sworn translator in Cologne? ▼
Yes, there are many sworn translators in and around Cologne. When your documents need to be translated into German, you can find lists of sworn translators online or on local consulate/embassy websites. For your search for an affordable sworn translator in Bonn or Cologne, we recommend you get price quotes from different translators to compare.
How is the NC score calculated for university applications in Germany, and what is the application threshold for KHM Köln? ▼
The NC (Numerus Clausus) score is the high school diploma grade point average required for admission to certain programs in Germany. Calculations like 400 points in equal weight makes a 2.2 NC score refer to converting the Turkish grading system to the German one. However, for artistic universities like KHM Köln, the NC score is generally not the primary criterion. Artistic talent, portfolio, and interview performance are more decisive. Nevertheless, general academic qualification is still important.
Do you need more information to make your study dreams at Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln a reality? You can ask your questions in the AlmanyaUni forums and find up-to-date information about application processes and student life.
Programs
Useful Links
Location
Programs & Departments
25 active programs · 15 English · 1 NC-frei
Master (10)
Experimenteller Film
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
Experimental Film at KHM encompasses all free, non-narrative artistic forms of moving images. Experimental films have freed themselves from rigid theoretical definitions and the long shadows of struct...
View details →Künstlerische Fotografie
DE+ENMaster of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
The Artistic Photography program focuses on conceptual work and experimentation with the medium. Starting from photography as a medium that depicts reality, the program reflects on the difference betw...
View details →Kunstwissenschaft mit erweitertem Materialbegriff
DEMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The course 'Art Science with an Extended Concept of Material' focuses on examining the handling of material in art as a central subject of art history, particularly in relation to form questions. The...
View details →Malerei Skulptur
DE+ENMaster of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
The Painting and Sculpture seminar is dedicated to the elementary techniques and media of artistic design and offers participants the opportunity to get to know them, use them for themselves, and appr...
View details →Mediale Künste
DE+ENMaster of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
The Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM) offers the 'Mediale Künste' (Media Arts) program as a nine-semester undergraduate course (Diplom 1) and a four-semester postgraduate course (Diplom 2), comparab...
View details →Public Art Öffentlicher Raum
DEMaster of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
The seminar 'urban stage' has been continuously examining urban contexts and sociopolitical structures through practical exercises and student project work since 2007. The course analyzes and redefine...
View details →Studium Mediale Künste
DE+ENMaster of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
The 'Mediale Künste' (Media Arts) program at the Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln (KHM) is an artistic project study program offered as a nine-semester basic program (Diploma 1) and a four-semester pos...
View details →Transformation Design
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
The recently established field of Transformation Design (TD) sets out to ask for the role of design in transformation processes and find out about the shaping of future qualities. The program focuses...
View details →Transversale Ästhetik
DE+ENMaster of Arts (M.A.)
Transversale Ästhetik (Transversal Aesthetics) deals with forms of art and study that evade established social structures while critically questioning the individual and institution. It builds on the...
View details →Videokunst Performance
DE+ENMaster of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
Video Art and Performance, the seminar of Phil Collins and Tobias Yves Zintel examines, reflects on and aims to produce collaborative or participant works of performance and video art. One important s...
View details →Other (11)
Animation 3D
DE+ENOther
Animation is located somewhere between fine arts, film and new technologies, a hybrid form incorporating many elements of traditional and new developments of visual communication. The students can exp...
View details →Dokumentarfilm
DEOther
The Documentary Film program teaches knowledge and methods of contemporary and past documentary practices. Students are enabled to independently find topics and materials, develop them to project matu...
View details →exMedia Lab
DE+ENOther
The exMedia Lab is a workspace for transdisciplinary and transmedia projects and the exploration of materials at the interface of analog and digital realities. These realities, along with their techno...
View details →Experimentelle Informatik
DE+ENOther
The Experimental Computer Science program is based on the conviction that humanity is increasingly dependent on technology and its smooth functioning, but at the same time does not 'mentally grasp it'...
View details →Film und Fernsehen
DEOther
The Film and Television program teaches students in the subjects of feature film, screenwriting, documentary film, camera work, creative production, and television-specific forms. These areas are not...
View details →Filmgeschichte Filmtheorie
DEOther
The professorship ensures depth and continuity of teaching in the field of historical developments of heterogeneous positions in film history and film theory - as an examination of experiments, film l...
View details →Globalization discourses and digital transformation
DEOther
Teaching Staff: Prof. Dr. Fatima Fay Kastner, Professor of globalisation discourses and digital transformation
View details →Literarisches Schreiben
DEOther
The Literary Writing program has been offered at the Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln (KHM) since the winter semester 2017/2018. It is uniquely embedded in the open project study "Mediale Künste" (Medi...
View details →Queer Studies in Künsten und Wissenschaft
DE+ENOther
Queer Studies in Arts and Science is a teaching area at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM). The program focuses on queer-feminist theories, transfeminist resistance, and the exploration of queern...
View details →Sound
DE+ENOther
The Sound department as part of exMedia is dedicated to a broad spectrum of sound-related work. It focuses on the questions: What do we hear? How do we hear? How can we shape what we hear? And in what...
View details →Spielfilm Regie
DEOther
The Film/Direction program at KHM focuses on developing directors as authors (Auteurs) and establishing artistic film, combined with solid knowledge in analytical theory and film history. The program...
View details →Unknown (4)
Bildgestaltung Kamera
DECinematography/Camera is a teaching area of the Film and Television department that is not limited to genres or types/forms of films. The foundation of any camera work is technical and aesthetic prior...
View details →Drehbuch
DE+ENThe Screenwriting program at KHM (Academy of Media Arts Cologne) offers a free and systematic approach to learning. The program includes foundational seminars on all forms of storytelling, theoretical...
View details →Fernsehformate
DEThe conception and design of television formats has a tradition at KHM. In the basic seminar 'Live Direction', the rules and techniques of traditional live broadcasting are taught. It focuses on the f...
View details →Kreatives Produzieren Produktion
DE+ENThe program at KHM is a demanding project-based study characterized by free choice and individual combination of artistic focuses. In this open process, a large number of artistic works are created th...
View details →
Cologne
State: North Rhine-Westphalia
University Life and Study Opportunities in Cologne
Cologne stands as one of Germany's leading educational hubs, offering students a broad spectrum of academic opportunities. The city is home to 20 univ...
more →Life and Transportation in Cologne
Cologne is a lively and multifaceted city, spread across both banks of the Rhine River. Being the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia means it's al...
more →Student Life and Culture
Cologne is one of Germany's most student-friendly cities. Thanks to its high concentration of universities, the city has a youthful and dynamic atmosp...
more →More about Cologne
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How do I apply to Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln as an international student?
Non-EU applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS certificate for some countries). EU applicants apply directly. You need a recognised degree, language certificate, motivation letter and CV. After admission, open a Sperrkonto and book a visa appointment at your local German embassy.
- Pick a programme — Browse the programme list above — filter by language, degree, field.
- Verify your eligibility — Check Anabin/APS for your country and degree-equivalence rules.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF/DSH for German, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes.
- Apply via uni-assist or directly — Submit by 15 July (winter) / 15 January (summer) deadlines.
- After admission: Sperrkonto + visa — Open the blocked account, get health insurance, attend embassy interview.