During the entrance exam we will assess your chances of successfully completing the programme. The entrance exam consists of three parts:
After you apply in Studielink, you will receive an email with a link to our admissions portal. This is where you fill in the application form and upload your portfolio. Your portfolio should show your craft and artistic level and how you can develop it.
Your portfolio must include:
- A recent photo
- A personal introduction
- Five recent compositions, including at least three scores
You will find the requirements for these compositions below – please read them carefully.
Compositions
Submit five compositions that show your development. These may be autonomous compositions or own music combined with excisting media. A maximum of three pieces may be film music. By film music we mean work written to accompany digital visual media.
Submit your compositions as follows.
- For autonomous compositions, submit a score and preferably also an audio recording.
- For film music, submit a video link and a score for at least one of these pieces.
- Accepted file types:
Scores: Finale, Sibelius or other PDF (handwritten scores are also accepted)
Audio: MP3, WAV, MIDI, etc.
Video: Vimeo or YouTube link, or a similar platform
Personal introduction
Write a short personal introduction. Tell us about your experience and views related to writing music. Also say what you would like to learn during the programme.
You can view two example portfolios to get an idea of what your portfolio might look like:
Example CFT portfolio 1 | Example CFT portfolio 2
Pre-selection
Two lecturers will assess your portfolio and decide whether you can take the entrance exam. You will receive the result of the pre-selection automatically. If the result is positive, you will proceed to the audition.
At the audition we will assess your ability of thinking and talking about music, with your portfolio as the starting point. We will discuss your challenges, considerations and decisions during the composing process.
For the audition, please bring:
- A laptop with your works downloaded;
- Three printed copies of each score (preferably on A3 paper).
The admissions committee consists of at least three and at most five ArtEZ lecturers. The audition lasts up to 45 minutes.
After your audition, the committee will consult briefly. You will then receive your result immediately, or hear that you are on a reserve list and when you will receive a final result. If the result is positive, the theory test will be scheduled for you.
If your audition is sufficient, you will take an oral or written theory test. This is usually on the same day. If that is not possible, you will be informed in time.
Please also read the information on the requirements for general music theory and aural criteria.
Tip: Start early with honing your skills in (harmonic) ear training, sight singing, notation, and reading and writing rhythms. Also train your knowledge of general music theory.
After the entrance exam, the admissions committee will provide their advice to the Exam Board of the ArtEZ Academy of Music. The Board checks that the procedure has been carried out correctly and decides whether or not you will be offered admission to the programme. You are notified of the outcome in writing.
An offer of admission is only valid for the programme you have applied for. If you are also interested in another programme or specialisation at a different location, you will need to apply separately. Admission is only valid for the academic year directly following the entrance exam. If you would you like to start a year later, please submit a written request to the Exam Board to defer your admission for a year.
If you disagree with a rejection because you do not believe that the correct procedure was followed, you may lodge an appeal with the Exam Board.
The admission rounds for the 2025/2026 academic year have now closed.
You can prepare for your entrance exam in several ways.
I live in the EU/EEA and missed the 1 May application deadline. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply, but we can only offer you an entrance exam if there are places left on the programme.
I live outside the EU/EEA and missed the 1 February application deadline. Can I still apply?
That depends on whether you want to complete the programme on campus or online. If you missed the 1 February deadline, you can only complete the programme online.
If you want to study on campus, we will schedule your audition in April. As there are visa deadlines we must take into account, the deadline for applying and submitting your portfolio is 1 February.
If you plan to complete the programme online, the deadline for applying and submitting your portfolio is 1 May, because you will not need to arrange a visa.
Can I do the entrance exam online?
Yes, you can do an online entrance exam. Request this in your Studielink application or by email if you have already applied.
You can find the technical requirements for online entrance exams here.
Do I need a laptop to study Composition for Film and Theatre?
Yes, you need a laptop (Mac or Windows). You are responsible for your own hardware and DAW software (Logic, Cubase or freeware like Studio One).
I have a question about my diploma, language requirements or visa application. Whom should I contact?
The Student Affairs department can help you with these and other questions. You can contact them by sending an email to studentaffairs@artez.nl.
My question is not listed. Whom should I contact?
Please feel free to send an email to conservatorium.arnhem@artez.nl.