Applications to our bachelor’s and master’s programmes open on 1 October 2025.
Follow the steps as mentioned in the application procedure per study programme (via the Apply button) and/or select a program you're interested in and continue reading for more information.
The application deadline for the bachelor’s and master’s programmes is 2 March 2026.
The application deadline for Preparatory Year is 1 July 2026.
You can find more information about the deadlines and admission requirements on the page of the study programme for which you want to apply.
You should have a high school diploma comparable to a Dutch VWO, HAVO or MBO 4 diploma.
On the website of Nuffic (the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education) you can find an overview of common diplomas from many different countries and how they compare to Dutch diplomas. You can use this to help you estimate your level.
If you do not have the required diploma, please mention this during your admission interview. In exceptional cases, the department can decide to offer you the chance to prove that you function at the desired level by way of an official competency test. The cost of the competency test (€279) is to be covered by the applicant.
Please check all additional information on the admission requirements page under the programme of your interest.
You must hold at least a bachelor's degree. Some programmes have additional requirements related to the field of study of your bachelor's degree. Please check all additional information on the admission requirements page under the programme of your interest.
All students (bachelor's or master's degree level) should be able to write and speak sufficient English to follow and complete their studies at the Royal Academy of Art.
Please find information on minimum English language requirements, which tests/certificates we accept, who must submit a certificate/test result and when, under English language requirements.
For questions related to a study programme and/or the structure of the courses please send an email to the coordinator of the department of your interest. You can find each coordinator's contact info at the bottom of each study programme webpage or on this overview with contact info.
Practical information about matters such as accommodation, residence permit, insurance can be found under Practical matters pages and for related questions you can contact our student administration office.
Yes, you can!
The Open Day, the KABK tours, and the graduation exhibition (Graduation Show) are great occasions to visit the academy and learn about our programmes.
Check our events calendar for the latest information on these events or sign up to receive invitations and updates about our upcoming exhibitions & study orientation events.
After you have applied via Studielink you will receive an email with detailed information about the next steps of the application procedure.
In general, you will first be asked to upload a portfolio through our online application system Osiris, after which if you are selected, you'll be invited for an entrance exam/interview. Here, you will be asked to present your portfolio and in some cases, additional completed assignments.
The selected candidates who will be invited for the entrance exam/interview, will receive relevant information per e-mail.
The entrance exam dates differ per department. The exact date and time per study programme are communicated during the application procedure.
Please check all additional information on the admission requirements page under the programme of your interest.
Yes, it is possible to apply for more than one programme.
Through Studielink you can apply for a maximum of four study programmes in the Netherlands, including programmes offered by other universities (of applied sciences).
If you have been studying at another academy for a year or part of a year and would like to continue your studies at the KABK, you will have to follow the regular application procedure (register via Studielink and then submit your portfolio, motivation & CV for admission in the academy's application system).
Please check all additional information on the admission requirements page under the programme of your interest.
Once you pass the selection procedure and offered a place in one of our programmes, the department will decide if you can be admitted to a higher year.
Yes, you can apply for a preparatory course such as the Orientation course (semester course) or the Preparatory Year (one-year course).
Our preparatory courses are an ideal pathway for you to develop your work to the point where you can take an entrance exam for a bachelor's degree, or to find out if studying at an art academy really suits you. There is an admissions process for all of our preparatory courses.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications from non-EU/EEA students will not be considered, since the KABK cannot arrange a residence permit for non-EU/EEA applicants for the Preparatory Year and/or the Orientation course.
Read more about the general admission and portfolio requirements for Fine Arts.
Read more about the general admission and portfolio requirements for ArtScience.
Read more about the general admission and portfolio requirements for Graphic Design.
Read more about the general admission and portfolio requirements for Interactive Media Design.
Read more about the general admission and portfolio requirements for Interior Architecture and Furniture Design.
Read more about the general admission and portfolio requirements for Photography.
Read more about the general admission and portfolio requirements for Textile and Fashion.
Applicants who would like to start a study programme in a higher year than year 1, still need to apply as a first-year student.
During the interview round, the applicant can request to start in a higher year and the admission committee will take this request into consideration.
If the admission committee finds the applicant has the necessary competencies to indeed start in a higher year, the Exam Board will be asked for a preliminary advice on the matter and the student will be further informed by the department coordinator.
Your diploma cannot be assessed in advance via phone or email before you take the entrance exam.
If you have or will obtain a Dutch diploma, it will be verified through DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs). Certain diplomas are also screened via Studielink. Ultimately, all diplomas are assessed by the student administration once you have been admitted at the artistic level.
Students can check the equivalent Dutch level of their diploma on the Nuffic website.