B.A. Animation and Game
Application and Admission
For admission to the program you must pass the Animation and Game Entrance Exam. Moreover you need a German University Entrance Certificate or an equivalent international school leaving certificate and you should be proficient in English (level B2). Applications can be made once a year. The BA Animation and Game starts once a year in Winter Semesters. When applying you must choose a specialization: Art & Design or Technology. It is not possible to apply for both specializations at the same time.
| 🇩🇪 Application for Winter Semester 2026/27 with a German University Entrance Certificate | 🌏 Application for Winter Semester 2026/27 with an International School Leaving Certificate |
|---|---|
Application start 01.04.2026 Application deadline: 01.06.2026 | Application start: 31.01.2026 Formal application deadline (UNI ASSIST): 15.04.2026 Entrance Exam application deadline: 01.06.2026 |
DOCUMENTS
Please download the application guidelines and read them carefully before starting the application process:
🇩🇪 Application Guidelines for Applicants with German University Entrance Certificate (available 01/2026)
🌏 Application Guidelines for International Applicants (available 01/2026)
SHORTCUTS
Application Prerequisites
🇩🇪 With a German University Entrance Certificate
For your application you will need a University Entrance Certificate (HZB) valid in Germany. Moreover you must give proof of English language proficiency at level B2 according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Moreover you must pass the Animation and Game Entrance Exam for the chosen specialization („Technology“ or „Art & Design“).
For detailed application specifications please download our Application Guidelines for Applicants with German University Entrance Certificate.
🌏 With an International School Leaving Certificate
In order to study Animation and Game you need a University Entrance Certificate with entitlement to study in Germany and you must give proof of English language proficiency at level B2 according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Moreover you must pass the Animation and Game Entrance Examination for the chosen specialization („Technology“ or „Art & Design“).
For detailed specifications please download our Application Guidelines for International Applicants.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Online registration
Get registered online on the application platform of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences and create your personal MY-HDA application account and application ID number.
Select the Animation and Game specialization pathway you wish to apply for:
Technology (TeC) or Art&Design (AaD).
Step 2: Formal application
For your formal application you need the following documents:
- Copy of your University Entrance Certificate (HZB)
- English language certificate Level B2
- Curriculum vitae in English language
- Letter of motivation in English language
- Portfolio Form
Submit your formal application digitally until 01.06.2024 at 12:00h via data upload. For details please refer to the Application Guidelines for Applicants with German University Entrance Certificate.
Step 3: Portfolio submission
In order to apply for the Entrance Examination you must submit a digital portfolio with 3 work samples.
These must be related to the field of animations and games and to the chosen specialization. More information regarding the Animation and Game Entrance Examination and the digital portfolio can be found below.
If have further questions regarding academic prerequisites, your University Entrance Certificate or your formal application in general please contact the Student Service Center of Damstadt University of Applied Sciences.
Step 1: Formal application
The formal application consists in the documentation of your academic qualifications. It must be submitted to UNI ASSIST, the University Application Service for International Students in Germany.
Specifications regarding the documents to be submitted can be found in the Application Guidelines for international Applicants.
If you have further questions regarding academic prerequisites and the formal application via UNI-ASSIST please get in touch with the Student Service Center of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (SSC) under: international@h-da.de
Step 2: Portfolio submission
For the Animation and Game Entrance Exam you must submit a digital portfolio consisting of 3 work samples related to the field of animations and games and the chosen specialization („Technology“ or „Art & Design“).
In addition you must submit the Portfolio Form, a letter of motivation as well as a detailed CV. Specifications and the form can be found in the Application Guidelines for international Applicants. More information regarding the Animation and Game Entrance Exam can be found below.
Entrance Exam
The Animation and Game Entrance Exam tests talents and skills relevant to the field of study and the chosen Specialization: “Technology” or “Art and Design”. Is consists of two stages: the Portfolio Exam and the Presence Exam. In order to take the Entrance Exam applicants must submit a digital portfolio with 3 work samples. The work samples must be projects related to the field of animations and games and to the chosen specialization. Applicants must pass the Portfolio Exam to get admitted to the Presence Exam. The Presence Exam consists in practical assignments, written tests and an interview.
Entrance Exam Technology Specialization
We seek individuals eager to program, innovate, and apply technology in game and animation development. Successful candidates should demonstrate proficiency in programming, tech art, and technical concepts, along with the ability to develop independent solutions. A keen interest in industry trends is essential.
Applicants for the Technology Specialization should have:
- strong analytical skills
- a passion for problem-solving
- the ability to blend creativity with technical precision
Portfolio Exam Technology
A portfolio for the Technology Specialization may include various types of work samples. It should be more technology oriented. Ideally, it should contain at least one project in which code, algorithms or blueprints were used. However, this is not a must. Each work sample should be presented as a comprehensive project, providing a holistic view of the applicant’s skills and creativity. For example:
- If submitting 3D models, include rendered images or turntable videos from all angles, accompanied by wireframe representations showcasing the conceptual approach.
- For game-related projects, include elements such as gameplay diagrams, narrative design concepts, or concept art to illustrate the broader vision.
If you don’t know how to get start building your portfolio, there are really good tutorials for Game Engines here: https://learn.unity.com or here https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/learn . It is also a good opportunity to take part in a GameJam. We host the biggest Global GameJam site in Germany every year and you are welcome to come along: https://globalgamejam.org/jam-sites/2024/mediencampus.
- Completed tutorials or demos in the field of game development. (if you use a tutorial, explain exactly which parts were from the tutorial and which you modified)
- Code snippets showcasing proficiency in languages like C#, C++, Python, or Java.
- Demonstrations of algorithmic problem-solving and data structure implementations.
- Game prototypes or interactive applications developed using relevant Game Engines or programming frameworks
- Animations, materials or general projects that show a technical approach.
- Prototypes for VR and AR experiences showcasing both technological and artistic considerations.
- Digital environment assets and concept art, emphasizing the integration of technology into design
- Board game prototypes or digital game/game level prototypes, highlighting innovative game design concepts.
- Character designs and 3D character models, emphasizing technical proficiency in character animation.
- Concepts and prototypes for unique/experimental animation and game-related elements
Presence Exam Technology
The presence exam aims to identify individuals who can seamlessly merge artistic vision with technological expertise, contributing to the dynamic intersection of creativity and innovation in animation and game technology. The presence exam evaluates logic, spatial thinking, and the ability to turn creative ideas into reality. However, no coding/programming and no artistic drawing is required!
The presence exam consists of the following components:
- Logic test (abstract thinking, problem-solving strategies)
- Technical art & spatial reasoning test
- Game design concept (Scenario development, mechanics integration, player engagement strategy, visual concept)
- Interview (Have a nice chat with the technology professors where you can tell us more about yourself)
Entrance Exam Art & Design Specialization
Applicants for the Art & Design Specialization should be sensitive to formal, compositional, and dramaturgical structures and capable of developing novel design concepts using animation and game-related technologies. A strong motivation and critical interest in animation and game culture are essential.
Applicants for the “Art and Design” Specialization should demonstrate:
- originality und creativity
- cognitive flexibility
- perceptiveness
- visual narrative imagination
Portfolio Exam Art & Design
The portfolio must include three work samples reated to the fiedl of animation and game. and the chosen specialization. A single work sample can consist of several related items. So you should rather consider the 3 work samples as three projects which are represented through a choice of significant elements. This will allow you to better demonstrate your artistic, methodological and technological approach.
A portfolio for the “Art & Design” Specialization can for example include:
- 3-D animations, 2-D animations or stop motion animations
- animatics and storyboards
- digital game or game level prototypes, board game prototypes
- character designs and 3d character models for animations or games
- environment concept art and digital environments for animations or games
- 3-D models, e.g. assets for animations or games
- design concepts and prototypes for VR and AR experiences
Presence Exam Art & Design
The Presence Exam is a fully day exam. It includes a test in the area of visual-spatial and systematic thinking as well as several practical creative assignments such as, for example, visual storytelling, animation and game conceptualization, character or spatial design assignments. Moreover there will be an interview.