Federal Award for students

The "Bundespreis für Kunststudierende" (Federal Award for Art Students) aims to showcase the diversity of education and artistic positions at German art universities. It specifically supports outstanding students, giving them the opportunity to gain professional exhibition experience, present their work to a wide audience, and build connections in the art industry. All 24 academies, universities, and colleges represented in the Rector’s Conference of German Art Universities participate in the competition and nominate two students or student teams from each institution. An independent expert jury selects up to eight award winners from the nominees based on portfolios.

The Federal Award for Art Students is endowed with a prize of 30,000 euros. Additionally, a production grant totaling 18,000 euros helps the artists realize works specifically for the exhibition.

The competition began in 1983 and is held every two years. Three institutions support the competition: the Federal Ministry of Education and Research funds the competition, the German Student Union organizes and coordinates it, and the Bundeskunsthalle in Bonn hosts the exhibition of the award winners.