Application and Admission

Who can apply?

Applicants with a Swiss or international university degree from a College or University of Art and Design.
University graduates with majors in the humanities or technical subjects.
Transfers from other universities or other accredited academic institution are possible and will be examined individually.
Admissions "sur dossier" (for applicants without a university degree) are subject to separate assessment. Please contact us if you have any questions.

How can I apply?

1) Registration for the admission procedure: Online application
2) After reviewing the submitted documents, applicants will be contacted by us and asked to submit a personal portfolio and a letter of motivation in electronic form.
3) Selected applicants will be invited to an admission interview. The interview is part of the overall assessment.
Deadlines:
Application deadline Round 1: March 15th 2022
Application deadline Round 2: May 15th 2022
Start of studies: 19th of September 2022
Admission procedures take place twice a year. In exceptional cases, e.g. stay abroad, special professional situations or similar, a special date can be requested. Questions or further information on the admission procedure can be addressed to Nathalie Bahala at any time.
You can find more information on the procedure and dates of the admission procedure under Admission and Application in the menu item 'Design | Master Studio' as well as throughout the course of the online application.

Financial support / working during the Master

Studying at the Master Studio Design is a full-time programme. It is therefore only possible to work during your studies to a limited extent.
An overview of scholarships for foreign students can be found here. Swiss students can find information here.

What language is used for teaching?

The teaching languages are German and English.
We encourage English speaking candidates to acquire a basic knowledge of German of CEFR level A2 before enrolment or throughout the course of study.
A CEFR level B2 in English is expected. Proof can be documented by a certificate or provided during the admission interview.
The program can be completed (thesis) in either English or German.

Infrastructure at the HGK Basel

The Academy of Art and Design FHNW at Campus Dreispitz / Basel offers excellently equipped and round-the-clock accessible workshops, labs, mediatheque, and a library.
All students have round-the-clock access to their own workspace in the spacious studios.

Career prospects

Our graduates assume responsible positions as designers in cultural or commercial professions.
Students with an MA degree command cross-disciplinary skills that qualify them for professional work as a designer in a design agency, for a career in teaching and research, for free-lance work, either alone or in a team, or to set up a business of their own.

Further information: