Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
Vienna, Austria • Founded 1692
Overview
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
Looking to reach Academy of Fine Arts Vienna? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Key statistics on Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.
Academic Structures
Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's constituent schools and faculties. Continuing education or professional development units are typically separate from full-time degree-granting units.
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
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Architecture
- Art Education
- Fine Arts
Master's 4 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Architecture
- Art Criticism
- Art Education
- Fine Arts
Doctoral 6 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- 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
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Fine Arts (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
Common Career Paths
- Artist
- Curator
- Art Educator
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Natural Sciences and Technologies in Art (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Natural Sciences
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Academy of Fine Arts Vienna offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
Bachelor's Degree
3 programmes
These 3 programmes make up Academy of Fine Arts Vienna's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Kunst und Bildung Social Sciences & Education
Gestaltung im Kontext Social Sciences & Education
Architektur Engineering & Technology
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
4 programmes
There are 4 programmes to choose from at Academy of Fine Arts Vienna for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Kunst und Bildung Social Sciences & Education
Gestaltung im Kontext Social Sciences & Education
Architektur Engineering & Technology
Critical Studies Arts, Design & Architecture
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
4 programmes
Browse 4 programmes of research-degree study at Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Naturwissenschaften Arts, Design & Architecture
Practice Humanities & Cultural Studies
Philosophie Humanities & Cultural Studies
Technische Wissenschaften Arts, Design & Architecture
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
4 programmes
Academy of Fine Arts Vienna lists 4 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Bildende Kunst Arts, Design & Architecture
Bildende Kunst: Studienzweig Kunst und kulturwissenschaftliche Studien Arts, Design & Architecture
Bühnengestaltung / Scenography Arts, Design & Architecture
Konservierung und Restaurierung Arts, Design & Architecture
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 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 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 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 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 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
Frequently asked questions about Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
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.
Top-Ranked Universities in Austria
Some Austria systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Public transport hubs near Academy of Fine Arts Vienna affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.
Where Else to Study Arts, Design & Architecture
Arts, Design & Architecture is taught at multiple universities across Austria — these alternatives to Academy of Fine Arts Vienna are worth weighing. Each programme reflects different academic traditions, industry connections, and research priorities.
Universities Often Compared with Academy of Fine Arts Vienna
Faculty mobility between Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and peer institutions is common — academics often move within a comparable tier. This signals shared academic standards and salary structures.
