Academy of Fine Arts Vienna brand mark

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

Vienna, Austria • Founded 1692

Updated May 2026 · Source: akbild.ac.at

Overview

English Name: Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
Local Name: Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
Acronyms: ABKW
Founded: 1692
Institution Type: Academy
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Inside Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
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Established in 1692, the Akademie der Bildenden Künste Wien (Academy of Fine Arts Vienna) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Vienna (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft and Forschung, Österreich (Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research of Austria), Akademie der Bildenden Künste Wien (ABKW) is a very small-sized coeducational Austrian higher education institution. Akademie der Bildenden Künste Wien (ABKW) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 332-year-old Austrian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

ABKW also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: Schillerplatz 3
Postal Code: 1010
Map:
Phone: +43 (1) 58816 0
Fax: +43 (1) 587 79 77
Social Media:

Academic Details

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Academic Year: October to June (October-February; March-June)
Recognition: Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft and Forschung, Österreich
Accrediting Agency: Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (undesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Forschung – BMBWF)
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate; entrance examination for certain programs.
Student Enrollment: 1,000-1,999
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Urban

Academic Structures

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 6 items
  • Institute for Art Theory and Cultural Studies
  • Institute for Art and Architecture
  • Institute for Conservation and Restoration
  • Institute for Fine Arts
  • Institute for Natural Sciences and Technologies in Art
  • Institute for Secondary School Teaching Degrees

Degrees

Also Diploma in Scenography

Bachelor's 3 programs
  • Architecture
  • Art Education
  • Fine Arts
Master's 4 programs
  • Architecture
  • Art Criticism
  • Art Education
  • Fine Arts
Doctoral 6 programs
  • Cultural Studies
  • Fine Arts
  • Information Sciences
  • Natural Sciences
  • Philosophy
  • Technology

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft and Forschung, Österreich.

Art and Architecture (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Architecture
  • Arts and Humanities
Art Theory and Cultural Studies (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Cultural Studies
Conservation and Restoration (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Restoration of Works of Art
Education in the Arts (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Art Education
Fine Arts (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Fine Arts
Natural Sciences and Technologies in Art (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Natural Sciences
  • Technology

Programs Offered

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping.

15 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Austria

Bachelor's Degree 3 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Architektur
Engineering & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Gestaltung im Kontext
Social Sciences & Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Kunst und Bildung
Social Sciences & Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree 8 programmes

Master's Degree in Architektur
Engineering & Technology

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Bildende Kunst
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Bildende Kunst: Studienzweig Kunst und kulturwissenschaftliche Studien
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Bühnengestaltung / Scenography
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Critical Studies
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Gestaltung im Kontext
Social Sciences & Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Konservierung und Restaurierung
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Kunst und Bildung
Social Sciences & Education

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate 4 programmes

Doctorate in Naturwissenschaften
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Philosophie
Humanities & Cultural Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Practice
Humanities & Cultural Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Doctorate in Technische Wissenschaften
Arts, Design & Architecture

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

Five steps that capture how applications to Academy of Fine Arts Vienna flow.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's catalogue includes 15 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Submit your completed application through Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's official website at www.akbild.ac.at. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +43 (1) 58816 0. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Academy of Fine Arts Vienna

Quick reference for Academy of Fine Arts Vienna: founding, control type, and recognition status.

When was Academy of Fine Arts Vienna founded?

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna was established in 1692 (approximately 334 years ago).

In which city is Academy of Fine Arts Vienna?

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is based in Vienna, Austria.

Is Academy of Fine Arts Vienna a public or private institution?

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is a public institution.

How many students study at Academy of Fine Arts Vienna?

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna has approximately 1,000-1,999 students.

What qualification levels does Academy of Fine Arts Vienna offer?

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

What is Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's academic structure?

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna has 6 academic units.

Is Academy of Fine Arts Vienna officially recognised?

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna is accredited by Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (undesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Forschung – BMBWF).

How do I find Academy of Fine Arts Vienna online?

Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's official website is www.akbild.ac.at.

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