The Kunstakademie Karlsruhe offers two degree programmes: a Diploma degree course in Fine Arts and a Educator degree course. Both programmes require students to choose between the two Fields of Study: Painting/Graphics or Sculpture. The Diploma Programme Fine Arts is designed to lead to artistic independence. The Artistic Educator Programme at Gymnasium level includes a Bachelor's degree followed by a postgraduate Master's degree.
The Educator degree course in Fine Arts is structured into two majors: an artistic major and a scientific major, the latter completed at a partnering university. Alternatively, students can opt for the artistic-scientific subprogramme Intermedial Design (IMG) is an alternative to the scientific major. This subprogramme can be pursued alongside the artistic major (Educator programme) in Fine Arts at the Kunstakademie Karlsruhe.
The Kunstakademie Karlsruhe offers a "Meisterschüler*innenstudium" (Masterclass student expanded programme) and a "Kontaktstudium" (=contact studies). These are both to be found under further education courses.
The university has the right to award doctorates in the theoretical subjects. It awards the academic degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) on the basis of a regular doctorate.