Do I have to take an entrance exam?
Yes, in the Netherlands, it is customary to do an entrance exam before starting at an art academy. The goal is to establish if we are the right academy for you. Accepting acceptance means you have enough talent and motivation to succeed in our programmes.
Please check our website under the “Admission” section, for up-to-date information on our entrance examination.
What does an entrance exam entail?
We want to meet you in person and get a complete perspective on your talent, motivation and skills. We also need you to get to know us and our academy. The admission exams occur at our academy on Tuesdays from 16.00 until 19.00 (please check our website for actual dates).
During the day, you will work on a visual assignment. The necessary art material is provided. The result of the assignment will remain at the academy and be evaluated by the admission committee.
You will also talk to our teachers about the work you brought along. You will give us an insight into your talent and interests, and you will have the opportunity to explain the works. In this talk, you can show us what you can – and tell us your dreams.
Do I have to do a home assignment?
No, you do not have to do a homework assignment, but we have an academy entrance exam. During the entrance exam day, you will work on a visual assignment. The necessary art material is provided. The result of the assignment will remain at the academy and be evaluated by the admission committee.
You also get to bring an overview of earlier work/a portfolio. This will give us an insight into your persona, talent and interests, and you will have the opportunity to explain the works.
When will the entrance exam(s) take place?
The entrance exams take place at our academy on Tuesday from 16.00 until 19.00; please check our website under the “Admission” section of the programme of your interest for the actual dates.
Can I do a long-distance video entrance exam if I do not live in/near the Netherlands?
Due to Corona and restrictions, we offer online entrance exams in 2022. However, we would rather speak and see you in person, so we prefer you to come to our academy.
We want to meet you in person and get a complete perspective on your talent, motivation, and skills. At the same time, we also find it essential that you get to know us and our academy.
We have several dates available for online entrance exams. After applying to StudieLink, you’ll receive an email with a booking calendar. Check this calendar regularly for new dates if no dates are available.
What should be included in my Portfolio?
Bring as much as you want: drawings, paintings, photographs, videos, mockups, and objects, but also sketchbooks and rough outlines of ideas.
You may take photos/videos of objects which you cannot transport and bring those instead of the objects themselves. Also, check out this video with Portfolio tips:
Can I bring (digitalized) pictures of my work instead of the actual work?
You may take photos/videos of objects you cannot transport and bring them instead of the objects themselves.
Are there other entrance requirements I have to meet besides passing the entrance exam?
To be enrolled at AKI ArtEZ, your previous education must be equivalent to the Dutch HAVO, VWO or MBO4 diploma. You can do a quick online check here. Furthermore, you need to submit proof of your English language proficiency. Please check the ArtEZ Student Affairs website for up-to-date information on accepted language proficiency tests and who can be exempted from taking a language test.
Does my diploma/previous education meet the entrance requirements?
You can check if your diploma meets our entrance requirements at the website of Nuffic, a Dutch governmental organisation for internationalisation in education.
Can I get an exemption from taking an English language test?
Detailed and up-to-date information on language requirements and who can be exempted can be found on the ArtEZ Student Affairs website.
Please note! If you need to take a language test, start well in advance!
You’ll need to obtain an approved certificate at the required level before 1 September.
If you need a residence permit to study at AKI ArtEZ, the deadline is even earlier, 31 May.
Which English language proficiency tests are accepted by ArtEZ?
Detailed and up-to-date information on accepted language proficiency tests can be found on the ArtEZ Student Affairs website.
Please note! If you need to take a language test, start well in advance! You’ll need to obtain an approved certificate at the required level before 1 September. If you need a residence permit to study at AKI ArtEZ, the deadline is even earlier, 31 May.
Application procedure
1. Please check if your diploma meets our entrance requirements at the website of Nuffic, a Dutch governmental organisation for internationalisation in education;
2. Apply for admission at www.Studielink.nl;
3. ArtEZ Student Affairs will ask you to submit documents proving you meet the entrance requirements, e.g. copy of diploma, transcripts, language certificate;
4. You will receive an invitation from AKI ArtEZ to come to our academy and participate in our entrance examination;
5. You will be informed about the result of your entrance examination within three working weeks after the entrance exam. You will receive the admissions decision by email; 6. If you need an entry visa and residence permit to study in the Netherlands, ArtEZ Student Affairs will apply for your visa as soon as they have received all necessary documents and the financial guarantee; 7. You can complete your registration in Studielink if you meet all requirements in time, and you can start your studies at AKI ArtEZ.
What are the application deadline(s)?
To apply for admission, go to Studielink and create an account. This is possible from the beginning of October until 1 April.
Can I visit AKI on a day other than the AKI Open House day? Yes, you can; please email office.aki@artez.nl to make an appointment for a personal tour and a chance to show your portfolio for a preview.
What are the tuition fees?
Please check the ArtEZ Student Affairs website for date information on tuition fees.
What other expenses/living costs can I expect during my studies?
You can find an estimation of your daily expenses here.
Does ArtEZ offer Scholarships?
You can check the ArtEZ website for date information on available scholarships.
Please note! It is advised to arrange for funding in your home country. While ArtEZ does offer scholarships, we want you to know that we do not have many to offer, and they do not cover your total tuition fees and living expenses.
Am I allowed to work in the Netherlands while studying at AKI ArtEZ?
Yes, you are, but if you are not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, there are some restrictions if you want to work alongside your studies. You can either work for a maximum of 16 hours a week during the year or full-time during June, July and August, but only with a work permit.
Please note! We would not recommend working alongside your studies. Especially during the first year of your studies, the workload of your studies will be 40 (+) hours per week. There will not be much spare time left for you to work. Further information can be found on the Study in Holland website.
Will I be living on campus, or does AKI ArtEZ provide student housing?
AKI ArtEZ is not a campus, so we do not offer housing for our (international) students.
We will, however, inform you on how to arrange a place to live in Enschede after you have been admitted into one of our programmes.
Do I need a visa and residence permit to study in the Netherlands?
Please check the ArtEZ website for up-to-date information on rules and regulations concerning visas and residence permits.
Where can I find further information on living and studying in The Netherlands?
Check: www.studyinholland.nl/