Integral HGK Basel, Basel Academy of Art and Design

The one-year Integral pre-study programme is an institutionalized bridge program designed for prospective students with a migration background or refugee experience who do not yet meet the admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree programme in art and design.

The program’s main focus areas are: advancing German language skills, teaching basic design skills, fostering formal and conceptual competencies, teaching digital skills, providing insight into the degree programmes and orientation within the Swiss educational landscape, assessing current academic and professional goals, gaining practical experience and insights into the creative industries job market, and participating in the discourse on current social issues at HGK Basel.

Integral strives to create an enriching and inclusive learning environment in which everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive contribution to society.

Could this offer be for you?

The pre-study programme Integral HGK Basel is made for refugees, who would like to study art or design. Our offer serves to support participants in optimizing career prospects and turn academic ambitions into reality.

What are the requirements for participation?
The following requirements apply for participation in Integral HGK Basel:

• Matura (or equivalent that entitles the holder to study in their home country) or an already started studies in art or design
• Minimal German language skills at level A2
• Residence permit F, S, B, C (N may be considered in exceptional cases)
• Place of residence in the cantons sponsoring the FHNW (BS, BL,AG, SO - exceptions can be checked with the respective canton)
• Secured funding or cost approval by the canton / municipal social service office responsible for the case (if costs are covered)¹

Praticipation fee
CHF 12'200 (or CHF 10'000 with early bird discount for registrations before February 28, 2026)

Applications are only possible via the online portal.

Please contact integral.hgk@fhnw.ch for any questions.

<sup>1) If you live in the canton of Aargau and belong to the IAS target group (recognized and provisionally admitted refugees > B and F permits; provisionally admitted persons > F permit; persons with S protection status > S permit), please contact the agency handling your case regarding cost coverage. This is:
- The Case Management Support Integration (CMSI) unit of the Cantonal Social Services for individuals living in cantonal housing.
- The social services office responsible for the municipality of residence for all other individuals.
The Office for Migration and Integration of the Canton of Aargau will review your request to determine whether a cost coverage approval can be issued under the Swiss Integration Agenda/Program S.</sup>