BA in Animation and Game
Application and Admission
To be admitted to the programme, you must pass the Animation and Game Entrance Exam. You will also need a German university entrance qualification or an equivalent international school-leaving certificate, and you should be proficient in English (level B2). Applications can be submitted once a year. The BA in Animation and Game commences once a year in the winter semester. When applying, you must choose a specialisation: Art & Design or Technology. It is not possible to apply for both specialisations at the same time.
| 🇩🇪 Application for the winter semester 2026/27 with a German university entrance qualification | 🌏 Application for the winter semester 2026/27 with an international school-leaving certificate |
|---|---|
Applications open on 1 April 2026 Application deadline: 1 June 2026 | Applications open: 31 January 2026 Formal application deadline (UNI ASSIST): 15 April 2026 Entrance exam application deadline: 1 June 2026 |
DOCUMENTS
Please download the application guidelines and read them carefully before starting the application process:
🇩🇪 Application Guidelines for Applicants with a German University Entrance Certificate
🌏 Application Guidelines for International Applicants
ENQUIRIES
For questions regarding the formal application requirements (school leaving certificates, language certificates), please contact the Student Service Centre.
For questions regarding the application portfolio, the entrance exam and your application, please contact the Animation and Game Studies Adviser.
SHORTCUTS
Application Prerequisites
🇩🇪 With a German university entrance qualification
To apply, you will need a university entrance certificate (HZB) valid in Germany. You must also provide evidence of English language proficiency at level B2 according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). You must also pass the Animation and Game Entrance Exam for your chosen specialisation (‘Technology’ or ‘Art & Design’).
For detailed application requirements, please download our Application Guidelines for Applicants with a German University Entrance Certificate.
🌏 With an international school leaving certificate
To study Animation and Game, you need a university entrance qualification that entitles you to study in Germany, and you must provide evidence of English language proficiency at level B2 according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Furthermore, you must pass the Animation and Game Entrance Examination for your chosen specialisation (‘Technology’ or ‘Art & Design’).
For detailed information, 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 01.06.2026 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 assesses the talents and skills relevant to the field of study and the chosen specialisation: ‘Technology’ or ‘Art and Design’. It consists of two stages: the Portfolio Exam and the Presence Exam. In order to sit the Entrance Exam, applicants must submit a digital portfolio containing three work samples. The work samples must be projects related to the field of Animation and Game and to the chosen specialisation. Applicants must pass the Portfolio Exam to be admitted to the Presence Exam. The Presence Exam consists of practical tasks, written tests and an interview.
Applicants who live outside Germany and are unable to travel to Dieburg Campus to sit the Presence Exam may request a Distance Exam, which is conducted online. To be eligible, they must send a written request, accompanied by proof of residence, to eignungspruefung.ag.fbmd@h-da.de.
Entrance Exam Technology Specialisation
We are looking for individuals who are keen to programme, innovate and apply technology in game and animation development. Successful candidates should demonstrate proficiency in programming, tech art and technical concepts, as well as the ability to develop independent solutions. A keen interest in industry trends is essential.
Applicants for the Technology Specialisation should have:
- strong analytical skills
- a passion for problem-solving
- the ability to combine creativity with technical precision
Portfolio: Exam Technology
A portfolio for the Technology Specialisation may include various types of work samples. It should have a strong technological focus. Ideally, it should contain at least one project in which code, algorithms or blueprints were used. However, this is not a requirement. 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’re not sure how to get started on building your portfolio, there are some really good tutorials on game engines here: https://learn.unity.com or here https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/learn. It’s also a great opportunity to take part in a GameJam. We host the largest Global GameJam event in Germany every year, and you’re welcome to join us: https://globalgamejam.org/jam-sites/2024/mediencampus.
- Completed tutorials or demos in the field of game development. (If you have used a tutorial, please explain exactly which parts were taken from the tutorial and which you modified)
- Code snippets demonstrating proficiency in languages such as 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 demonstrate a technical approach.
- Prototypes for VR and AR experiences that demonstrate both technological and artistic considerations.
- Digital environment assets and concept art, emphasising the integration of technology into design
- Board game prototypes or digital game/game level prototypes, showcasing innovative game design concepts.
- Character designs and 3D character models, demonstrating technical proficiency in character animation.
- Concepts and prototypes for unique or experimental animation and game-related elements
Presence Exam Technology
The entrance exam aims to identify individuals who can seamlessly combine artistic vision with technological expertise, contributing to the dynamic intersection of creativity and innovation in Animation and Game technology. The entrance exam assesses logical thinking, spatial awareness and the ability to turn creative ideas into reality. However, no coding or programming skills are required, nor is any artistic drawing necessary!
The attendance test consists of the following components:
- Logic test (abstract thinking, problem-solving strategies)
- Technical art and spatial reasoning test
- Game design concept (scenario development, integration of mechanics, player engagement strategy, visual concept)
- Interview (Have a friendly chat with the technology lecturers, during which you can tell us more about yourself)
Entrance Exam for the Art & Design Specialisation
Applicants for the Art & Design Specialisation should have a keen awareness of formal, compositional and dramaturgical structures and be capable of developing innovative design concepts using Animation and Game-related technologies. A strong motivation and a critical interest in Animation and Game culture are essential.
Applicants for the ‘Art and Design’ specialisation should demonstrate:
- originality and creativity
- cognitive flexibility
- perceptiveness
- visual narrative imagination
Art & Design Portfolio Assessment
The portfolio must include three examples of work relating to the field of Animation and Game, and to your chosen specialisation. A single example of work may consist of several related items. You should therefore regard the three examples of work as three projects, each represented by a selection of key elements. This will enable you to better demonstrate your artistic, methodological and technological approach.
A portfolio for the ‘Art & Design’ specialisation might, for example, include:
- 3D animations, 2D 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
- 3D 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 full-day exam. It includes a test assessing visual-spatial and systematic thinking, as well as several practical creative tasks such as, for example, visual storytelling, Animation and Game conceptualisation, and character or spatial design tasks. There will also be an interview.