Admission
After your application via Studielink, you will receive an email with instructions explaining how the admission process works. Admission is a way to get to know each other: to see whether you are a good fit for the programme, and for you to see whether this programme is what you are looking for. On this page you can read what admission involves and what you need to submit.
What do we look for?
The entrance exam is your moment to show what you can do. This can take place either on location or online. We look at your creative ability, your sense of form and your communication skills in English. We also consider your motivation and your ability to critically reflect on your own work. We are looking for candidates with a curious and experimental attitude, and with genuine interest in contemporary art practice and research.
We look at:
- Creativity: We look at your ability to express yourself visually, to work based on observation and concept.
- Motivation: How good are your communication skills? Are you able to share your fascination and inspiration?
- Aesthetics: How do you understand form, colour and material and the individuality expressed by your work.
- Critically: Inquiring and experimental attitude, curiosity and a genuine interest in contemporary art practice.
Admission
Submit the questionnaire, homework and portfolio before the upload deadline. Did you meet the deadline? Then you will receive an invitation for admission in the days after the deadline.
If you live in the Netherlands or are able to travel to Arnhem, take part in an on-site admission exam.
You will spend an entire day gaining an in-depth impression of the programme. At the same time, we will assess whether you’re a good fit for BEAR Fine Art. The day starts around 10:00 with a short introduction. From 10:30 to 16:00, you will take part in a group workshop led by our lecturers. All materials will be provided for you. You will present your results to the admissions committee.
In addition, you will have an individual interview of about 20 minutes with the admissions committee. During this interview, we will discuss your motivation, the home assignments, and your portfolio. Bring physical copies of your work and assignments. If your work is too large to transport, make sure you have proper documentation.
Please note: you will only be considered if you have completed the home assignments and uploaded them in advance via OSIRIS.
If you live abroad and take the admission exam online, it will be conducted via Zoom. You will receive a time slot and a Zoom link by email.
In the interview, you will present six completed home assignments and your portfolio (maximum 30 pages). You will explain your creative process and the ideas behind your work.
Your portfolio may include a variety of media — drawings, paintings, photographs, videos, animations, websites, furniture, clothing, posters, and more. Include a link for videos.
Don’t limit your presentation to finished artworks. Sketches and works in progress also give us valuable insight into the way you work.
Result and validity
After completion of the admission, you will hear within two weeks whether you have been artistically admitted. We will then check your diplomas and other documents to confirm whether you meet the requirements for final admission. An admission is only valid for the academic year that immediately follows the entrance exam.
Please note: your admission only applies to the course for which you have actually been admitted. Are you interested in another course or specialization at a different location? Then you have to apply again.