Admission procedure

First, the application package will be assessed by the Advisory Group, consisting of documa alliance members. They make an initial evaluation, focusing on the intellectual and artistic potential of the applicant. The Advisory Group decides whether the applicant can take part in the entrance exams (where appropriate, with minor revisions to be made). Applicants will be notified of this decision either by May 1 (spring/summer application phase) or by November 1 (autumn/winter application phase).

Once admitted to the entrance exam, the applicant has to give an artistic performance and an oral presentation of his/her research topic in English in front of the Entrance Examination Committee, consisting of documa alliance members. The entrance exam itself consists of:

• a live performance in the applicant's discipline, linked (at least partly) to the research topic; composers present a portfolio of their oeuvre (max. 30)
• an oral presentation of the research topic (max. 15 minutes)
• a personal interview on the research topic, conducted by the members of the Entrance Examination Committee

In all cases, the final authorisation of the doctorate is given by the university that will award the degree.

The entrance exam takes place in the Concert Hall of the Orpheus Institute either in the first week of July (spring/summer application phase) or in January, usually in the second week (autumn/winter application phase). Applicants are notified of the entrance decision by the end of July (spring/summer application phase) or by the beginning of February (autumn/winter application phase).

The doctoral programme starts in September.

Please click here for more information about the admission requirements.
Please click here for more information about the application.
Please click here for an overview of the deadlines for submitting the application form.