Applying for the study programme Composition (Young Students)

Applicants for a place in the programme for gifted young students (Jungstudium) at the Faculty of Music at the HfK should submit an online application for admission to the entrance examination and to the course during the application period via the application portal. The entrance examination takes place in person. After we receive your application, you will receive an email from us stating the further dates and procedures for the application process.

As described on this page, applicants can only join the programme for young students by taking a regular exam for a major. They are asked to prepare a set of some 20 minutes duration (works from two or three periods, slow and fast movements).

Applications for the entry exam to the studies while in school can be entered at our application portal for every winter semester.

The training offer for young students is affiliated to the Bremen University of the Arts as a subject-related training course in accordance with Section 4, Paragraph 12 of the Bremen Higher Education Act and costs 250 euros per semester.

With the young student programme, the HfK offers young people who are still in school the opportunity to receive premium level support at an early stage and be integrated into university life. 

It is aimed at young instrumentalists, singers or composers who are aiming for a university degree in the field of music and are looking for a highly qualified training path in addition to regular school attendance. 

The application process for the Faculty of Music at the HfK takes place via the application portal (Bewerbungsportal). The HfK maintains email contact with you via your application account during the application process and informs you in a timely manner about dates, processes, necessary documents and tasks.

To apply to participate in the entry exam and to studies, all applicants have to upload the following documents and information by the end of the deadline. 

Application documents sent by regular mail will not be accepted or processed.

The following information must be submitted:

• tabular CV
• the programme for the entrance examination
• a passport photo
• copies of certificates
• Further information about school qualifications and university degrees already acquired that are a prerequisite for or are related to the degree programme applied for.

Foreign applicants are requested to send copies of their certificates with a certified translation in German. A certified translation in English is also accepted.

A fee of 50 euros is charged for entering the application process. You will receive information about bank details and intended use by email after your application has been checked. The fee must be received in the account of the University of the Arts Bremen by May 15th at the latest. Participation in the entrance examination is not possible without paying the fee.

At the Faculty of Music, the entrance examination usually consists of three to four parts:

• the artistic-practical examination in the main subject(s),
• an artistic-practical examination in the instrumental or vocal minor subject,
• a written exam in music theory and ear training,
• an artistic-pedagogical examination for the degree programme Bachelor of Music, artistic-pedagogical training in the fields of instrumental and vocal pedagogy (IGP), IGP/music theory and music theory/composition

In the respective instrumental/vocal major subject, the performance of several works (duration approx. 20 minutes) is expected in the artistic-practical examination. The literature selection should be based on the stylistic eras relevant to the subject and include a work from the 20th century. In addition to the technical mastery, the artistic performance is also assessed by an expert commission. In individual cases, sight-reading skills can be examined – if the main subject is singing, sight-singing may be asked for.

The entrance examinations in the music faculty for the winter semester 2024/25 will take place in person in the week of June 3rd to 8th at the HfK Bremen. 

For all applicants in the bachelor's degree programmes, an examination in music theory takes place in addition to the artistic examination. For applicants in the degree programmes Bachelor and Master of Music Composition and Electro-acoustic Composition, an additional oral examination is required. 

The results of the entrance examination are expected to be communicated to you by the end of July.

Admission to study after passing the entrance examination

If you have passed the entrance examination, you will receive notification by email and take part in the allocation process for the available study places.

Admission to study and acceptance of the study place
If you receive admission to the study program, you should inform us that you have accepted the study place. You will receive information about this with the admission letter.

If you receive a rejection letter, it remains to be seen whether the University of the Arts can allocate you a place in the follow-up procedure. If a replacement procedure takes place, you will be notified automatically. We guarantee that no study place will remain vacant!

Department 1, Office for Students, is the central contact address for all questions relating to applications, admissions, studies and examinations. From the study organisation to the application and admission process, enrolment and de-registration, to questions about taking a leave of absence from your studies, information about study and examination regulations/registrations, questions about BAföG as well as guest and secondary students: you will find advice and support here.

The dean of studies' responsibilities in the music faculty include questions about studying and teaching. The dean of studies ensures that the individual courses of study are carried out appropriately in accordance with the examination and study regulations. She decides on measures to ensure the necessary teaching offerings with adequate supervision. She also ensures that student interests are taken into account appropriately. The dean of studies supports you throughout your studies and coordinates subject-specific advice from lecturers. You are welcome to contact the dean of studies to arrange further advice and if you have personal concerns or difficulties.

Please note that proof of German language skills is a mandatory enrolment requirement. Foreign applicants to study at the University of the Arts must prove that they have a good knowledge of the German language in oral and written communication. Further information about the language certificate can be found below.

• Info for foreign applicants (PDF – German)
• FAQ proof of language skils (PDF – German)
• Application to waive proof of language skills – KuD (PDF – German)