In order to study at the Academy of Fine Arts, you must pass a multi-level aptitude test to demonstrate a certain level of artistic talent and aptitude for the program of study. You will be asked to submit independently prepared samples of your work (a “portfolio”). We will assess your aptitude by reviewing your portfolio and then invite you for an interview, in which you comment on your work and explain your interest in the subject. The Mainz Academy of Fine Arts offers individual academic advising to answer any questions relating to your portfolio or other topics.

If you display particular talent in the aptitude test, you can also study Fine Arts at the JGU Academy of Fine Arts with a secondary school qualification (i.e. without a German Abitur). As a future artist you should, of course, also posses a general passion for art and be highly motivated to fulfill your responsibilities during your studies. You must also demonstrate a willingness to explore the work of others and, for example, regularly visit museums and other cultural institutions. Finally, you should bring a multitude of ideas and have the courage to pursue and execute them with a great deal of energy and personal initiative.

Program structure

Your studies will be divided into two parts:

Basic studies (1st-4th semester)

In the first two semesters, you will take a basic course for general artistic orientation, where you will acquire the foundations for independent artistic work and get to know your interests, abilities, and talents better. In addition, you can try out new artistic approaches and media. After the second semester, you will be able to choose a specialization for the rest of your studies.

From the third semester onward, you will continue with your studies in one of the following classes:

• Sculpture
• Film/video
• Photography
• Painting
• Media arts
• Drawing

Your studies are complimented by artistic workshops (analog and digital photo lab, printed graphic work, painting techniques, media lab, wood and metal workshop) as well as theoretical courses. The basic studies are concluded with an intermediate examination (Vordiplom).

Core studies (5th-9th semester) The remaining course sequence is centered around your individual artistic development, your selected areas of focus, and your own objectives. You will gain expertise in specific artistic procedures and work towards expressing yourself in your art. You will also intensely and critically analyze works of art created by your fellow students and lecturers both within your class and with other classes. The art world in general – in both a modern and historical context – also plays an important role here. Core studies are completed with the Diplom examination.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

Internships

This program of study does not include a mandatory internship. However, voluntary internships are a great way to gain insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

The degree program in Fine Arts essentially prepares you for working as a freelance artist. Other areas are however also open to you.

After acquiring the Diplom, students with a particular aptitude can obtain a recognized postgraduate degree in Fine Arts – also referred to as “Master Class Studies” (Meisterschülerstudium) – in order to further develop their own artistic creativity.

Graduates typically work in the following areas:

• Freelance artistic activities, from independent studio work to commissioned work
• Galleries and art associations
• Universities and academies
• Adult education
• Art therapy
• Museum education

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.