In addition to the Erasmus programme, it is also possible to study for one or two semesters at an academy or university outside Europe through a so-called bilateral agreement. The partner universities of the Academy of Fine Arts Munich outside Europe include universities in Japan, China and Brazil.
The exchange agreements include for example:
- facilitated admission conditions
- organisational support
- exemption from tuition fees at the respective partner universities
- recognition of work done abroad
Students are responsible for visas, insurance and travel themselves. An exchange via a bilateral agreement is not linked to the award of a scholarship. Additional funding via scholarships, e.g. from the DAAD, is possible.
If you are interested in an exchange to a non-European partner university of the AdBK, please contact the International Office to discuss the further application procedure. You can find an overview of the existing university cooperations outside Europe here. Please inform yourself about your preferred partner university at an early stage.
- Matriculation at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich
- Completion of at least two semesters of study at the beginning of the stay abroad (Master programme one semester)
- Knowledge of the language of instruction at the host university (English language skills are sometimes also accepted)
Duration of the stay
Three to a maximum of twelve months, i.e. one or two semesters within an academic year.
Each university or academy has its own guidelines for the required application documents. For more information, please contact us by Email:
Application deadline
Please start planning your stay abroad early. In most cases, the application deadline is 6 months before the start of the respective semester. Application deadlines vary from university to university and are announced by the International Office.
The International Office supports students in applying to the host university. However, each student must take care of the following:
- Completion and submission of the application documents in time
- Semester times at the host institution
- Language courses and, if applicable, proof of language skills
- Visa (information is available from the German Foreign Office or the embassy of the respective host country)
- Travel arrangements
- (International) insurance cover
- Accommodation in the host country
- Course selection at the host university
- If applicable, leave of absence and re-registration at the AdBK Munich
- Confirmation of academic achievement abroad (Transcript of Records)
- Recognition of academic achievements abroad (if planned and no leave of absence has been granted)
We recommend that all students who wish to study abroad take out additional health insurance. International health insurance is available from all insurance companies, most banks and the DAAD. Please enquire whether your private liability insurance and, if applicable, your accident insurance are also valid abroad.
During the semester abroad, students at the AdBK can take a leave of absence. Even in the case of a leave of absence, re-registration for each semester is necessary. Students can apply for recognition of academic achievements abroad but only if no leave of absence has been taken. It is advisable to clarify in advance with the examination office (Prüfungsamt) whether recognition of the work done abroad is possible.
Responsible contact persons for the recognition:
Fine Arts / Architecture: Kristin Brunner,
Interior Architecture: Andrea Schulz,
Art Education: Martina Mitterer,
In many cases, it is possible to attend introductory weeks for international students or language courses at the host university even before you begin your studies abroad. Therefore, enquire at the host university early on about special offers for international students that facilitate orientation at the beginning of your studies abroad.
In some cases it is possible to extend your stay abroad by another semester. Please contact us early (i.e. at least one month before the end of the semester) to apply for an extension.
Please inform the International Office and the Student Office immediately of any changes that occur during your stay abroad, such as an extension or termination of your stay.
Please send us your experience report no later than 2 weeks after the end of your semester abroad via email (