Application and portfolio deadline
Applications for the Bachelor Graphic Design open on October 1.
In order to apply, you must first register in Studielink and then gain access to our application system where you will be asked to submit your documents, including a portfolio.
The final deadline for submitting your application and portfolio are:
For non-EU/EEA candidates: March 1
For EU/EEA candidates: May 1
Read about the general eligibility requirements, the specific requirements regarding your portfolio and other required documents further below.
General requirements
High school diploma
High school diploma comparable to a Dutch VWO, HAVO or MBO 4 diploma.
You can check the equivalent Dutch level of your diploma on the Nuffic website.- Proficiency in both spoken and written English
Non-EU/EEA candidates are required to provide proof of English Language proficiency.
EU/EEA candidates' English language level will be assessed during the interview.
Specific requirements
- Portfolio & motivation
As part of the admission and selection procedure, you will be asked to provide examples of earlier work and explain your motivation to study at the Graphic Design department of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK). - Assignments
If you receive an invitation to the entrance examination day, which includes individual interviews, you will be requested to prepare a home assignment. This assignment can then be presented during your interview. - Basic programming knowledge is preferable.
Your portfolio should feature a curated selection of recent work, with an emphasis on pieces created within the last three years. Ensure that your portfolio is well-organised and structured, potentially categorised by themes or subjects. It should offer a diverse showcase that provides insights into your personality, individual interests, working methods, and skills.
The following items can be part of your portfolio: drawings and paintings, collages, sketches, pages from a sketchbook, posters, flyers, publications, fanzines, commissioned print work or work made on your own initiative, photos of exhibitions, performances, registrations of 3D work, short films and websites – you might want to adapt some of those items for the presentation.
To optimize your presentation for the review committee, use a landscape format, as they will be viewing it on a laptop. You also have the option to create an interactive presentation, allowing you to integrate URLs or other links within your portfolio.
Keep in mind that the PDF portfolio should not exceed 20MB and should be limited to a maximum of 20 pages. This ensures that your work is presented effectively and efficiently during the evaluation process.
The PDF portfolio may consist of max. 20 pages and the file should not exceed 20MB.
The following questions are just an indication of topics you could elaborate on while writing your letter.
- Why do you want to study at the Graphic Design department of the KABK?
- How did you get acquainted with the subject of graphic design?
- What do you expect from a Bachelor Graphic Design programme? Which subjects are essential for you?
- Our department is very internationally oriented, with students from all over the world. How do you think this can influence your study?
- Which sources of inspiration are of interest to you? Think of exhibitions, books, news, travels etc. How do these influence the work you make?
- If you should describe a dream project, how would this project look like?
- What are your plans and dreams and how do you want to manifest yourself as a designer/artist?
The home assignment changes annually and is used to evaluate each candidate’s approach to a specific question, based on:
- providing creative solutions
- being research oriented
- being sensitive to material
- being sensitive to one’s surroundings
- curiosity
- enthusiasm
- ability to combine text and visuals
Application deadlines
The final deadlines for submitting your application, including portfolio and motivation letter are:
for non-EU/EEA candidates: March 1
for EU/EEA candidates: May 1
