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M.A. Animation and Game

Apply for Summer Semester 2026

Admission to the Animation and Game Master’s degree program requires a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a related academic field. We offer three different program versions form which you can choose depending the type of Bachelor's degree you hold:

  • Graduated from Bachelor program with 6 semesters (180 CP) → 4-semester Master’s program
  • Graduated from Bachelor program with 7 semesters (210 CP) → 3-semester Master’s program
  • Graduated from Bachelor program with 8 semesters (240 CP) → 2-semester Master’s program

All applicants must give proof of English language proficiency of least B2 level according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe). Moreover applicants must pass the Entrance Exam for the chosen specialization: Creative Direction of Technical Direction. You can only apply for one program version and specialization at the same time.

🇩🇪 Application deadline for Summer Semester 2026 with a German Bachelor's Degree🌏 Application deadline for Summer Semester 2026 with an International Bachelor's Degree

Open from: 04.12.2025

Deadline: 01.02.2026 

Open from: 15.10.2025

Deadline: 01.12.2025

DOCUMENTS
Please download our detailed Application Guidelines and read them carefully before you start the application process:

🇩🇪 Application guidelines for Applicants with German degree 

🌏Application guidelines for Applicants with international degree

 
SHORTCUTS

↓ Application Process↓ Entrance Exam

Application in 3 Steps:

🇩🇪 With a German Bachelor's Degree or Diploma

In order to apply for the M.A. Animation and Game you need to register on the application website of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences. Make sure to select the correct program version (2-semester, 3-semester or 4-semester Master) as well as the specialization (Technical Direction or Creative Direction) you wish to apply for. For more information please refer to the APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS WITH GERMAN DEGREE . Read the guidelines carefully before starting the application process.

🌏 With an International degree

Skip to Step 2
 

🇩🇪 With a German Bachelor's Degree or Diploma

For your formal application your need the following documents:

  • Complete certificate of university studies
  • English language certificate (minimum B2)
  • Curriculum vitae in English language

If you have further questions regarding the academic prerequisites and the formal application please refer to the Student Service Center SSC of Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences via e-mail: master@h-da.de  or via phone: +49.6151.533-6896

🌏 With an International degree

The University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt is a member university within the UNI ASSIST Association. UNI ASSIST pre-checks which entitlement study applicants have to study in Germany based upon the guidelines of the German Central Office for Foreign Education. So in order to formally apply for the Animation and Game Program applicants must register and apply through the UNI ASSIST online portal: www.uni-assist.de

Please note: UNI ASSIST charges an obligatory service fee which must be paid beforehand. Your formal application will only be processed after payment.

Application Deadlines for formal application:
  • For enrollment in a winter semester: 01 June
  • For enrollment in a summer semester: 01 December
Documents required for formal application:
  • High school/secondary school leaving certificate
  • Depending on your country of origin, a certificate proving that you have passed the University Entrance Examination
  • Complete certificate on university studies (Bachelor degree certificate with transcript of records including grading system and diploma supplement)
  • English Language Certificate level  B2 according to „Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe“ or equivalent.
  • Copy of your passport

If you have questions regarding the formal application for international applicants please refer to the Student Service Center under: international@h-da.de
 

🇩🇪 🌏With a German Bachelor's Degree or Diploma and with an International degree

For admission to the program applicants must pass the Entrance Exam for the chosen specialization. In order to participate they must submit their Entrance Exam application.

The Entrance Exam consists of two stages: a Portfolio Exam and an online interview. Applicants must pass the Portfolio Exam for admission to the interview.

The Entrance Exam in each of the two specializations differs in application requirements and examination criteria. More information can be found below.

Entrance Exam

In the M.A. Animation and Game Entrance Exam applicants must demonstrate advanced competencies, knowledge and methodical skills in the disciplinary field of animation and game and the chosen specialization. You may only apply for and participate in the Entrance Exam in one of the specializations: Creative Direction or Technical Direction.

The Entrance Exam consists of two stages:

  • Stage 1: Portfolio Exam
  • Stage 2: Online Interview

Applicants must pass Stage 1 for admission to Stage 2.

For the Entrance Exam Application you must submit the following elements:

  • •Curriculum vitae in English language
  • •Motivation statement in English language
  • •Exposé: Master project proposal in English language
  • •Digital portfolio with 5 work samples: completed projects related to the field of animations and games
  • •Portfolio Form
  • •Optional: reference letters from employers proving professional experience in the field of animations and games

Creative Direction Entrance Exam

Creative Direction Applicant Profile 

Candidates for the Creative Direction Specialization are expected to have advanced artistic, technical and methodical skills in the field of animation and game creation and production. They should demonstrate their potential to develop innovative and original creative approaches in discipline related areas such as digital animation, game design, narrative design, visual development, cinematography and experience design.

Applicants should substantiate a significant motivation for pursuing advanced academic studies in the field as well as a critically informed interest in staying abreast of and contributing to emerging trends and advancements at the intersections between design research, artistic practices and technology driven production processes.

 Creative Direction Application Portfolio

Applicants for Creative Direction should include projects in their application portfolio which are related to the field of animations and games and the chosen specialization, such as for example:

  • Video games or video game prototypes
  • Animated shorts, animation series or other fictional or non-fictional animation formats
  • Game cinematics
  • 3-D character and creature art for animations or games
  • 3-D environments and 3-D assets for animations or games
  • Visual development, art direction and concept development projects for animations or games
  • Virtual reality and augmented reality projects

Technical Direction Entrance Exam

Technical Direction Applicant Profile

Candidates for the Technology Specialization should have a strong grasp of relevant technologies, a passion for scientific innovation, and a commitment to solving complex challenges. We seek individuals skilled in advanced programming, cutting-edge technology, and abstract thinking, who can blend artistic creativity with technical precision.

Applicants will be assessed on their proficiency in tools, advanced programming, technical art, and concepts, with a focus on their ability to develop innovative solutions in animation and game technology.

Additionally, candidates must demonstrate strong motivation for advanced studies and a keen interest in emerging trends and advancements in the field.

Application Portfolio Technical Direction

Applicants for Technical Direction should include projects in their application portfolio which are related the chosen specialization, such as for example:

  • Game prototypes developed using relevant Game Engines or programming frameworks
  • Technical aspects of game design suitable to demonstrate proficiency in coding, algorithms, and game mechanics.
  • Technical animation and animation tools; advanced rigging projects, performance capturing projects
  • Advanced VFX, simulations and procedural assets
  • Prototypes for VR and AR experiences showcasing both technological and artistic considerations
  • Digital environment assets emphasizing the integration of technology into design

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Find all information about the application process and your path to the Master's degree program Animation and Game at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences.

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