Application with a German University Entrance Certificate

Important changes regarding the entrance examination for the semester 2021 / 2022 due to the Coronavirus pandemic

Please note:

The second part (practical exam + interview) will be completely online or if necessary via telephone conference.
We are aware that since many language centers are currently closed, it may be difficult to get language certificates. Therefore applicants can hand these in later just before immatriculation.
To make the application process easier, documents and work samples will be sent digitally via upload instead of mail.
Due to system maintenance, the application platform will be only available from March 16th instead of March 1st as originally posted. Also from May 3rd to May 16th document upload functions will not be available. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Application with a German University Entrance Certificate
Short Summary
Online registration: 16.03.2021– 01.06.2021
Online registration link: https://my.h-da.de
Portfolio Examination: Mid June 2021
Presence Examination: End of June 2021, exact date will be communicated at a later date

Required Documents:
– University Entrance Certificate (Hochschulzulassungsberechtigung, kurz HZB)
– curriculum vitae (CV, personal data sheet) including artistic, cinematic and narrative interests, description of experience, skills, social engagements, etc.
– motivation statement (What? Why? Why here? Why you?)
– digital portfolio with a maximum of three work examples
– written consent of your parents or legal guardian if you are under 18 years old
– proof of English language proficiency
See also detailed instructions on the application form.

1. Prerequisites
University Entrance Certificate
In order to apply an authentified copy of your University Entrance Certificate valid in the state of Hesse is required. If you receive your University Entrance Certificate after the application deadline, you have to submit a certification of enrolment from your school as well as the last two school reports. If you do not have a University Entrance Certificate at all and do not expect to obtain it in the year of your application, you may apply for admission based on outstanding artistic aptitude. Successful proof of outstanding artistic aptitude in the entrance examination qualifies for enrolment in the Motion Pictures course of studies without a University Entrance Certificate.

Proof of English Language Proficiency
Another requirement is proof of English language proficiency by a B2 Certificate or similar such as Toefl and IELTS or by an English grade better than the average of your last two high school reports is required.

Personal Requirements
We ask for nothing less than having a passion for films and a strong interest in filmmaking. You need to be creative, able to work independently, set your own goals and be a reliable team player. Furthermore you should have the talent to analyze and understand film, develop and write down your own ideas and concepts and be able to translate them into film language. For the application you will have the chance to show this in your curriculum vitae, your motivation statement and your digital portfolio.

Digital Portfolio
For your digital portfolio select three of your strongest own works. Work samples do not actually have to be completed films, but anything related to the subject of film such as screenplays, storyboards, photo series, etc. However it is advisable to select works with recognizable conceptual substance. Also there are no limitations in content, genres nor is technical perfection necessary.
Portfolio formats: H.264 or H.265 / HEVC file for videos, JPEG for Pictures, Text or Storyboards as PDF.

Application for a Higher Semester
If you have studied in a similar program already you might be able to join a higher semester. The procedure is similar, but the examination board will review each application individually. Besides the already mentioned documents for all applicants you will need to send in additional proof of all previous university grades including fails. The examination board can also ask for additional documents.

2. Artistic Entrance Examination
The entrance examination is an aptitude test, that serves to determine the related artistic and creative suitability for the interdisciplinary course of studies Motion Pictures. This program requires visual, photographic, narrative, conceptual, design, technological, planning, social, scientific and linguistic skills. The entrance examination consists of two steps.

Portfolio Examination
During the Portfolio Examination the examiners will assess and grade the work samples which you have submitted with your application and digital portfolio. They will also read carefully through your CV and motivation statement. If you pass the portfolio examination you will receive a written invitation to the Presence Examination.
Presence Examination

The Presence Examination takes place at the campus in Dieburg, Germany and will take about half a day. The examination contains a creative practical task followed by an interview. During the interview you will be asked questions regarding your solution of the practical task, your digital portfolio, your motivation, knowledge about the subject of film as well as possible practical experience.
If you have a solid reason for not being able to attend the examination on the date you are invited (i.e. illness, accident etc.) the examiners may choose to reschedule or in some cases offer to do the interview online.
Once you have passed both steps you will receive a written invitation to enrol.

3. Formal Application Procedure

Online Registration
The first step is the online registration which can be done here: https://my.h-da.de/

Application Form
At the end of the online registration you will receive an ID number as well as an application form. Please fill out the form, make sure it is signed and upload it together with your work samples. You will find all necessary instructions on the platform.

Postal address:
Hochschule Darmstadt, Student Service Center
Haardtring 100
64295 Darmstadt

Visitor address:
Student Service Center
Schöfferstrasse 3
Gebäude C10
64295 Darmstadt

Contact:
For questions regarding the formal application procedure please contact the Student Service Center: https://www.h-da.de/studium/im-studium/kontaktformular/?no_cache=1
For questions regarding the entrance examination please contact: Wolfram Gruss | wolfram.gruss@h-da.de