Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da) - University of Applied Sciences

Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da) is a public university in Darmstadt offering a wide range of technical and creative programs in media computer science, animation, games, and audiovisual production. Studying media and animation in Darmstadt provides access to courses that combine computer science, design, and production, with multimedia labs, practical projects, and a strong focus on media engineering. The programs include bachelor's degrees focused on game development, animation, and media technology, as well as specialized master's degrees. The h_da attracts international students with its technical courses and projects in English or bilingual formats, along with its industrial collaborations in the Rhein-Main-Region.

Admissions (for international students) — complete summary: Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da) requires a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) recognized in Germany for admission to the Bachelor's program; for Master's programs, a recognized Bachelor's degree/diploma (for the M.Sc. Media, Technology & Society: a 'relevant' degree in media/communication/related fields). The recognition of foreign diplomas is verified through the evaluation procedure (uni-assist / Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) when requested by the program. ([h-da.de](https://h-da.de/fileadmin/h_da/Studium/Studienangebot/Bewerbung/MTS_International_Application_WiSe2025.pdf)) Languages and language proofs: the courses in the requested programs are in English (EN). For the Bachelor in Animation and Game, proof of English CEFR B2 is explicitly required. For Master's programs (e.g., MTS), the instruction is in English; application documents specify the language requirements by program (checked via uni-assist / master's application). The program pages indicate the language of instruction and, if applicable, the required level. ([h-da.de](https://h-da.de/en/studies/study-programmes/study-programmes/architecture-media-and-design/animation-and-game?utm_source=openai)) Procedure and platforms: depending on the type of training: - International Master's programs (e.g., MTS): two-step procedure for international applicants — (1) pre-check/formalities via uni-assist (payment of the service fee), (2) aptitude test/document-based aptitude test sent directly to the department (documents, presentation, CV, motivation letter, portfolio if requested). The published international deadlines for MTS are June 1 (Winter) and December 1 (Summer). ([h-da.de](https://h-da.de/fileadmin/h_da/Studium/Studienangebot/Bewerbung/MTS_International_Application_WiSe2025.pdf)) - Bachelor's programs with artistic tests (e.g., Animation and Game): registration for the aptitude test (Eignungsprüfung); follow the page “Künstlerische Eignungsprüfung” and the published application timelines (timeline from April to June for German certificates, see the program page). ([h-da.de](https://h-da.de/studium/studienangebot/bewerbung/kuenstlerische-eignungspruefung?utm_source=openai)) Common documents to provide: diploma or certificate of completion (Bachelor for Master), transcripts, CV, identification (passport), motivation letter/presentation (for Master MTS), portfolio for artistic programs, certified translations if necessary. The documents for uni-assist must be provided in original + sworn translation in German or English if requested. ([h-da.de](https://h-da.de/fileadmin/h_da/Studium/Studienangebot/Bewerbung/MTS_International_Application_WiSe2025.pdf)) Fees: the h_da is a public university — no general tuition fees published for undergraduate studies; however, a semester contribution (mandatory semester fee) applies (e.g., published amount: €401 for the Winter semester 2026/2027). The uni-assist formalities involve a service fee charged by uni-assist. ([h-da.de](https://h-da.de/studium/studienorganisation/semesterbeitrag?utm_source=openai)) Tests/interviews: some programs require an Eignungsprüfung (aptitude test) or an interview/document-based aptitude test (e.g., Animation and Game, MTS). The modalities (portfolio, presentation, grading) are specified in the specific regulations (BBPO / Eignungsprüfungssatzung). ([h-da.de](https://h-da.de/fileadmin/h_da/Studium/Studienangebot/Studiengaenge/Animation_Game/Modul_Animation_and_Game_B.A_englisch.pdf?utm_source=openai)) Visa/residence permit: practical information and support via International Student Services; the h_da guides on visa procedures and offers resources (e.g., the Visaflow platform mentioned on the international pages). For visa questions, contact international.student.services@h-da.de. ([

Application deadline: February 1, 2027.

Why choose h_da?

• Strong technical component and practical projects
• Programs in media technology and animation
• Proximity to an industrial hub and tech startups
• Specialized master's degrees in media & interaction