Artistic Aptitude Test for Communication Design

If you have successfully completed the registration process by the deadline, you will receive a letter of invitation to the examination via the application portal, along with detailed information about the process.

The aptitude test consists of three parts and takes place over the course of one week. The examination committee evaluates each part of the test using a point system and decides on admission to the studies.

A – Submission of a portfolio and special topic PDF containing approximately 20 of your own creative works plus at least 3 works on a special topic.

B – Assignments (online & on-site): Over two exam days, you must complete a total of 5 assignments in various specializations.

C – Technical Interviews: A 15-minute interview with the examination committee

You’ll find detailed information on the individual exam sections in the next section.

Portfolio: The portfolio should consist of approximately 20 of your own creative works and provide insight into your working methods, interests, creativity, and conceptual skills. Examples include graphic design, typography, drawing, photography, spatial design, digital art, and film. A series of works on a single page counts as one piece.

If you have questions about the content of the portfolio or the examination process, we recommend attending our portfolio consultation sessions led by teaching staff or students!

Special Topic: In addition to your regular portfolio, each exam requires the submission of at least three pieces of work on a rotating special topic. Instead of the three pieces of work, you may also complete this assignment by creating a short film. The film should not be longer than 3 minutes.

Special Topic for the Winter Semester 2026/27: “(In)visible”

Format & Instructions

• The portfolio and the pieces on the special topic must be submitted digitally and combined into a single PDF file.
• Please make sure it is clear to us which pieces represent your ideas on the special topic!
• Please name the file: Family Name-Given Name-PortfolioKDEignungstest.pdf
• The file size must not exceed 20MB
• Videos must be embedded as links within the PDF (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). (Please be sure to check that the link works!) Individual files will not be accepted
• Uploads are typically due by noon on Monday during exam week.
• You will receive the upload link and the exact schedule with your invitation.

All applicants who have submitted their portfolio and work on the special topic by the deadline are invited to participate in the two exam days.

Exam Day 1 will take place online (approx. 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.). Exam Day 2 will take place on-site in Wiesbaden (approx. 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.).

All applicants must participate on both days.

During the exam days, applicants must complete five tasks within a set time frame. Each task has a different specialization: photography, film, illustration, text, and navigation.

There are plenty of scheduled breaks between tasks to catch your breath.

What do I need for the examination?

Exam Day 1 (online)

• Computer with internet access
• A device for taking photos and videos (a smartphone is sufficient)
• The examination will be held via Zoom
• You’ll receive all the information about Zoom access and data upload with your invitation

Exam Day 2 (in person)

• Some paper for drawing (A4 size is sufficient)
• Pens and art supplies for working in black-and-white and color (e.g., pencils, colored pencils, markers, etc.)
• Tools such as a ruler, scissors, eraser, pencil sharpener, etc.
• Snacks

All applicants who have earned a sufficient number of points in Parts A and B of the aptitude test will be invited to the interviews. The interviews will take place on campus during the exam week. You will receive notification of your invitation to the interviews on the evening of Exam Day 2 (on site).

The interview lasts about 10–15 minutes and is usually conducted by 2–3 faculty members from the examination committee. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you better and learn more about your motivation and interests. Please be prepared to discuss the work in your portfolio as well as your work on the special topic.

This part of the exam may be waived if you have already earned sufficient points in Parts A and B.

Applicants who have submitted an application for “outstanding artistic talent” must participate in the interviews (even if they may already have enough points).

Notification of admission to the degree program or rejection will be sent digitally via the application portal. The notification is usually sent about 1–2 weeks after the last exam day. (We’ll do our best to get it to you quickly :-))

The examination will take place from 9 to 11 June 2026. 
The portfolio must be submitted by 13:00 on 5 June 2026.

The theme for the additional assignment in the portfolio is: ‘(In)visible’. This should be included in the portfolio in the form of at least three visual works or, alternatively, a film.

You can find all official information about the aptitude test in the admissions regulations.

Lecturers on the degree programme offer portfolio consultation sessions. You are welcome to bring along and show your own work. However, you can also attend without bringing any work of your own simply to ask questions and get advice.

Content 
The aptitude test procedure | General information about the degree programme | Tips and tricks for putting together a portfolio | Feedback on your own portfolio | Q&A

Venue 
Unter den Eichen Campus in Wiesbaden, Building B2, Room 218

Upcoming dates: 
Tuesday, 28 April 2026, 14:00, General KD, Prof. Hen
Tuesday, 19 May 2026, 14:00, General KD, Prof. Hen

A student on the degree programme is offering portfolio consultation sessions. You are welcome to bring along and show your own work. However, you can also take part even if you don’t have any work of your own, simply to ask questions and get some advice.

Content 
The aptitude test procedure | General information about the degree programme | Tips and tricks for putting together a portfolio | Feedback on your own portfolio | Q&A

Venue 
Unter den Eichen Campus in Wiesbaden, Building B2, Room 218

Upcoming dates: 
Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 14:00, Room B2.218 – Sudermann
Tuesday, 21 April 2026, 14:00, Room B2.218 – Sudermann
Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 14:00, Room B2.218 – Sudermann
Tuesday, 26 May 2026, 14:00, Room B2.218 – Sudermann

The student advising office offers counseling appointments year-round. Here, you can discuss general questions about choosing a major and the requirements for studies in a confidential setting, so that you can make an informed decision about your studies.

Scheduling an Appointment

We’re thrilled that you’d like to study with us and can’t wait to get to know you and your creative ideas!

If you’d like to study with us, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must have successfully passed our aptitude test.

You can provide proof of your higher education entrance qualification by providing:

• general higher education entrance qualification
• specialized higher education entrance qualification
• entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences
• a higher education entrance qualification for people with vocational qualifications

The higher education entrance qualification may not be required if you pass the aptitude test with distinction. (Outstanding artistic talent)

If you would like to take the aptitude test, you must register through our application portal.

The aptitude test is administered every semester and determines admission for the following semester.

Winter semester: Preclusive time limit for registration → November 27; examination period → first week of December

Summer semester: Preclusive time limit for registration → May 27; examination period → first week of June