Admission requirements & portfolio

Participation in the Orientation Course is subject to a selection procedure. This procedure consists of the following:

A portfolio is a collection of works that you have created on your own initiative. These can be drawings, sketches, designs, models, images, photographs, paintings, videos, 3D, works in textile/wood/metal, etc. Unfinished work, notes and ideas can also be part of your portfolio. You can bring work that you've made at your school/art course/workshop too, as long as it conveys information about your personal insights and creative process. Show your sources of inspiration, artists and artworks you admire. Take photos of works you cannot bring with you to the academy and include them in your portfolio. Make sure to put together a varied portfolio, consisting of as many pieces as possible. The more information you provide about yourself and your passion, the better we can advise you and support you in finding what you're looking for in this programme.

In this booklet you can read general recommendations, tips (What is a portfolio? How do I make one?) and relevant information for prospective applicants to our preparatory and bachelor programmes.

You will receive this questionnaire by e-mail, after your registration. Please fill in and bring a copy of the completed questionnaire with you on the admission/interview day.

On the admission day you are expected at the KABK at 10.15, where you will be welcomed and provided with a space to showcase your portfolio; you will be able to discuss your work and the questionnaire. From 11.00 to 15.00 group interviews will be held with all candidates and the admissions committee.

Admission days 2024/2025

  • beginning of September 2024 - exact dates t.b.a.
    Admission day for the first course (September - January)
  • end of January 2025 - exact dates t.b.a.
    Admission day for the second course (February - June)

NOTE: The second course can be followed as an advanced course, after finishing the first one. In this case, no second admittance is necessary.

Apply for the admission day

Practical information

Registration for admission: You can register for the admission and see whether this course offers what you are looking through this application process.

Upon submission of your application, you will automatically receive a message with information about the admission day and a questionnaire to fill in and bring with you.

Course fees and payment: The cost for the course is €808 for 15 Saturdays, including a full-day excursion.

  • If you are admitted, the full amount must be paid before the start of the course. You will automatically receive a message about this from the financial administration.
  • If you cannot meet the cost of this course, you can opt for the place sponsored by the Municipality of The Hague at the admission day. The sponsored amount covers the cost of the course as well as materials and administration fees. One spot is available for the course September 2024-January 2025 for a student who is admitted and holds a valid Ooievaarspas (reduction card). To be eligible, the candidate must bring the Ooievaarspas on the admission day.
  • No course fee will be refunded in the event of illness, absence or premature departure from the course.
  • If, after attending the admission day, you decide not to participate in the course, this should be communicated to the department before the start of the first lesson. If participation in the course is not cancelled in time, a fee of €95 will be charged for administrative costs.

Residence permit: Please note that the KABK is not able to arrange a residence permit for non-EU/EEA Orientation Course candidates.

Material: Students are requested to bring their own materials for classes. The academy shop has put together a special package for Orientation course participants, which you can purchase at a discount.

Course dates academic year 2023-2024

The course is provided by these teachers from the academy and starts every year in September or January/February. Each course lasts fifteen Saturdays (including a full-day excursion).

Course 1 - starting in September

Saturday 9 September 2023 (Admission date)
Saturday 16 September 2023
Saturday 23 September 2023
Saturday 30 September 2023
Saturday 7 October 2023
Saturday 14 October 2023
Saturday 21 October 2023 (Autumn break - no class)
Saturday 28 October 2023
Saturday 4 November 2023
Saturday 11 November 2023 (Excursion day)
Saturday 18 November 2023
Saturday 25 November (Open Day)
Saturday 2 December 2023
Saturday 9 December 2023
Saturday 16 December 2023
Saturday 23, 30 December and 6 January (Christmas break - no classes)
Saturday 13 January 2024
Saturday 20 January 2024 (Presentation day)

Apply for Course 1

Course 2 - starting in February

Saturday 27 January 2024 (Admission date)
Saturday 3 February 2024
Saturday 10 February 2024
Saturday 17 February 2024
Saturday 24 February 2024 (Spring break - no class)
Saturday 2 March 2024
Saturday 9 March 2024
Saturday 16 March 2024
Saturday 23 March 2024
Saturday 6 April 2024
Saturday 13 April 2024
Saturday 20 April 2024 (Excursion day)
Saturday 27 April 2024 (Kings day/May break - no class)
Saturday 4 May 2024 (May break - no class)
Saturday 11 May 2024
Saturday 18 May 2024
Saturday 25 May 2024
Saturday 1 June 2024
Saturday 8 jJune2024 (Presentation day)

Apply for Course 2