To enroll in a bachelor programme at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts you have to meet certain conditions, and pass the entrance exam.
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Diploma requirements
What diploma do you need to enroll in the bachelor's programme?
· For Belgium, the diploma of secondary education or equivalent applies.
· For the Netherlands, the VWO diploma and the HBO propaedeuse apply. This means that a HAVO diploma and MBO diploma do not give access to the bachelor's programme.
· For all other countries, the diploma that gives access to university studies in the country of origin applies. A non-exhaustive overview of foreign study certificates can be found in the Overview of foreign diplomas. If your degree is not in this list or if you obtained a diploma outside the EU, please send an e-mail to admission@ap.be (see below).
Detailed information on the diploma requirements can be found in the Education and Examination Regulations (EER Art. 7.2.).
How to apply for recognition of your degree?
If you have obtained a degree outside the EU that is not included in the list above, you can apply for recognition of your degree. The AP Student Center will examine your application and inform you of the decision.
You submit the following documents to the Student Centre by 15 October 2025 at the latest via e-mail (admission@ap.be):
· a legalised copy of your diploma;
· a certified Dutch translation of your diploma, if it is in a language other than Dutch, French, English or German.
Having doubts whether your degree gives you admission? If so, send an e-mail with a copy of your diploma to admission@ap.be and we will let you know as soon as possible.
Do you have a Chinese diploma?
If you want to study in Belgium with a Chinese diploma, you need to go through an APS screening in Beijing. The APS screening is not an academic selection procedure but is designed to prevent document fraud and ensure sufficient language knowledge. You will also need the APS certificate to obtain a student visa from the Belgian embassy or consulate in China.
· Contact the APS administration to start this procedure: info@aps.org.cn
· Information on the APS procedure can be found at www.aps.org.cn
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Language requirements
Proficiency in the language of instruction is a condition for enrolling in the Bachelor's or Master's programme in Beeldende Kunsten or Visual Arts. To facilitate communication and good study results, language level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference) is required for Dutch in the Dutch-language programme and for English in the English-language programme.
You meet the language proficiency requirements in Dutch if you have successfully completed at least one year in Dutch-language secondary education, or if you have passed at least 60 credits in Dutch-language higher education, or if you can prove that you have passed a language test at level B2 (CEFR). A detailed overview of organisations that administer language tests and are recognized by AP University College is available at Admission requirements for bachelors | AP Hogeschool.
You meet the language proficiency requirements in English if you obtained an ASO diploma (Flanders) or VWO diploma (Netherlands), or if you have successfully completed at least one year in English-language secondary education, or if you have passed at least 60 credits in English-language higher education, or if you can present a B2 language certificate. AP University College approved certificates and language centres are amongst others: ITACE, IELTS Academic (minimum score 6.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum score 79), Cambridge, Duolingo English Test (minimum score 100), Linguapolis (level 5) and Pearson PTE Academic (minimum score 59).
Please note that a valid language certificate is a mandatory requirement for enrolment. Be sure to check whether you meet the language requirements. If not, make an appointment with an AP University College recognised language centre in time. If you have any questions or doubts, please email admission@ap.be.
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Artistic entrance exam Bachelor
For enrolment in 2025-2026
The artistic entrance exam will be organised ONLY ONCE in 2025.
The Bachelor of Visual Arts programme is only accessible after passing the artistic entrance exam. You can only participate in the artistic entrance exam after pre-selection, which is based on your digital portfolio. This round is digital for every discipline (including Fashion).
Once you have passed the pre-selection, you can participate in the artistic entrance exam for enrolment in the 2025-2026 academic year. This will be organised only once, more specifically in the week of 30 June - 4 July 2025. The entrance exam is spread over three days. If you are still undecided between two different disciplines, you can take part in the artistic entrance exam of those two different disciplines. The period will then be extended to five days. You can participate physically or digitally, although we recommend you attend physically.
Note: Are you a candidate for FASHION? Then you can attend the entrance exam in July physically only. There is no digital entrance exam for Fashion in July.
Note: A positive outcome of the artistic entrance exam is only valid for enrolment in the next academic year, i.e. 2025-2026. If you wish to apply for 2026-2027, you will take the admission test in 2026.
Register for the entrance exam and follow these steps:
- Read the admission requirements.
- Register your participation.
- Upload your portfolio.
- Check your mailbox for the result of the portfolio.
- Take part in the artistic assignments.
- Check your mailbox for the result of the artistic assignments.
- Passed? Complete your registration online!
1. Admission requirements
To enroll in the bachelor's programme, you need to meet the diploma and language requirements. Check these carefully in advance to make sure you meet them.
2. Registration
- till 28 March 2025 (14h Belgian time) for FASHION.
- till 26 May 2025 (14h Belgian time) for all other disciplines.
2.1 Registration
You complete the registration fully and correctly. If you apply for the Fine Arts, you must specify the discipline (Sculpture, In Situ, Painting or Printmaking & Drawing).
For smooth registration, keep the following documents ready: identity card, photo (or webcam), diploma and language certificate (if necessary). You can upload your diploma and any language certificate later.
2.2 Administrative fee
In the registration environment, you pay an administrative fee of 30 euros for the admission test If you take part in two different admission tests, you will pay 45 euros (30 + 15) for the two tests in total. The administrative fee is not refundable under any circumstances.
For smooth payment, keep your bank card at hand. If you cannot pay online, please send an email to enrolment@ap.be.
Note: A payment from abroad can take several days. Do not delay, so make your payment on time!
Registration for the artistic entrance exam Bachelor for the academic year 2025-2026 will be possible from 15 January 2025.
3. Pre-selection: Portfolio
Upload your portfolio.
- until 3 April 2025 (14h Belgian time) for FASHION.
- until 2 June 2025 (14h Belgian time) for all other disciplines.
After registration and payment, you will receive by e-mail (also check your spam box) a link to upload your portfolio. Based on your portfolio, the jury will decide whether you can participate in the artistic assignments in July.
Note: If you apply for two disciplines, you will submit a portfolio for both disciplines. You can tailor this content to the respective disciplines as you wish.
CONTENT REQUIREMENTS
Your portfolio bundles the following four items in Pdf format: 1. curriculum vitae, 2. motivation letter, 3. cultural inspiration report and 4. artistic work. If you participate in the admission test of graphic design, jewellery design or costume design, your portfolio will contain a fifth section (see below).
1. CURRICULUM VITAE
Your CV contains the following personal data: name and contact details, studies and projects completed, interests or personal activities that characterise you. Your CV fits on 1 A4.
2. MOTIVATION LETTER
You write a motivation letter in which you explain concisely and to-the-point your choice for 1. the arts, 2. for this discipline and 3. for the Academy. Your letter should be 300 to 500 words.
3. CULTURAL INSPIRATION REPORT
You present three cultural activities or artists that have recently inspired you and you indicate in what way they inspire you. You make an explicit link to the discipline you are applying for. Think of exhibitions, literature, music, theatre, film, dance, documentary, meeting with artist-designer-writer-illustrator, ...
You introduce these three recent sources of inspiration textually and add one image per activity. With this text, you give an insight into your discursive skills and your cultural interest. Your text should not exceed 500 words.
4. ARTISTIC WORK
You create an overview with your own work. It should give a representative and visual image of your creative-visual talent and your personality.
To this end, you make a selection of autonomous artistic work, assignments you made in school and/or artistic work you designed for third parties, such as drawings, photos, sketches, graphic work, stylings, texts, poems, music, computer prints, performances or other creations.
5. REEL
Note: Exclusively for COSTUME DESIGN – GRAPHIC DESIGN
Interested in graphic design or costume design? Then briefly introduce yourself in a 1-minute reel. You are free to decide what you want to share and how you want to introduce yourself.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Your application will be valid only if the following technical requirements are met.
- Your portfolio consists of four components (curriculum vitae, motivation letter, cultural inspiration report and artistic work) which you compile into 1 pdf file of maximum 50 MB. Your portfolio should contain all the information you wish to share. The jury will NOT review the information you share through an online platform, personal website or storage service.
- If you apply for graphic design, jewellery design or costume design, your portfolio comprises five sections. You add one page with a direct link to your reel posted on an online platform. If your reel is in a secure online environment, add access details or password. Your reel should not last more than 1 minute.
- Should your portfolio exceed the maximum file size of 50 MB, you can reduce its size via www.smallpdf.com.
- You can only UPLOAD your portfolio only ONCE, so double-check. Additional submissions will be deleted.
When the upload was successful, the message 'Uploading completed' will appear on your screen. This message serves as a confirmation message for the proper receipt of your portfolio.
4. Announcement of pre-selection result
Check your mailbox (and your spambox as well)
- From 5 May 2025 for FASHION.
- From 16 June 2025 for the other disciplines.
A pre-selection will be made based on your portfolio. You will receive an e-mail telling you whether you will be invited for the artistic assignments in July. All practical information such as time & location or a digital link will be enclosed.
5. Artistic assignments
For all prospective students (including for FASHION):
- From 30 June - 2 July 2025 (= standard)
- From 30 June - 4 July 2025 (= if you have registered for two entrance tests)
The assignments will be organised both physically and digitally, though we recommend you to participate physically and on campus.
Note: Are you a candidate for FASHION? Then you can attend the entrance exam in July physically only. There is no digital entrance exam for Fashion in July.
What can you expect?
Day 1 & 2: Artistic assignments in the studio, where you will work under the guidance of tutors and surrounded by other candidates.
Day 3: Drawing assignments on the main campus, where you can showcase your drawing skills.
Day 4 & 5: Artistic assignments in the studio, if you have registered for two entrance tests.
During these three days, you will work in an inspiring and supportive environment. Together with fellow candidates and teaching staff, you will build a dynamic, creative atmosphere where you will not only share your artistic vision, but also learn from each other. It is an ideal opportunity to get a first insight into life at the Academy and to discover whether this programme really suits you.
How will you be assessed?
We are curious about your artistic process. The assignments are designed to get a clear picture of your creativity and imagination, your interest in general culture and specific focus on art/design and visual culture, your drawing skills and your ability to express ideas in image and in language. Our focus is on a balanced and inspiring assessment, so that you too can experience whether our programme is the right match for you.
Practicalities
You will receive the necessary information about location, time and materials when you are invited to the admission tests. Get ready for three days full of creativity, discovery and a taste of life as a student at the Academy!
6. Announcement of artistic assignments result
For all prospective students (including for FASHION)
- The week of 7 July 2025
In the week of 7 July, you will receive a mail with the outcome of the artistic entrance examination. Keep a close eye on your mailbox and your spam filter.
7. Enrolment in the programme
Passed the artistic entrance examination? Congratulations! You will receive an email to finalise your registration. Remember, to register, you must meet the diploma and language requirements as described above.
You can find the regulations for the artistic entrance examination via this link.
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After the artistic entrance exam
If you pass the artistic entrance exam this year, you can enrol in your chosen specialization in the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts Programme for the academic year 2025-2026. To enrol, you must also meet the diploma and language requirements by the beginning of the academic year:
- 15 September 2025 for academic year 2025-2026
Read more about the admission requirements on the top of this page.
Additional information
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Residence card
Are you an international student who wants to study at the Academy?
Bear in mind that you need to apply for a residence permit.
Depending on your country of residence, you need to follow a different procedure.Find more information by following this link.
Contact
E-mail: studentenadministratie@ap.be
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Housing in Antwerp
Need a place to stay in Antwerp during your studies? Not sure which costs you have to calculate or how and where to start the search?
Find more information by following this link.
Contact
E-mail: studentenhuisvesting@ap.be
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Study fees
The payment of the study fee is one of the enrolment conditions. When enrolling or re-enrolling, you sign a study contract. The study fee is due as soon as you sign your study contract.
How much you pay each academic year for your study fees depends on a number of factors, including:
- Your fee status: Belgium/European Economic Area (EEA)
EEA = EU + Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein - Your programme
- Additional costs
To find a breakdown of the study fees you can expect, consult the regulations for the tuition fees, study costs and various expenses.
To give you an indication of the amount of the study fee, you can find below an example for a programme of 60 credits.
- A student from within the EEA enrolling for 60 credits with a diploma contract pays 1336 euro:
288 euro fixed part of the tuition fee +
828 euro (13,8 euro variable part of the tuition fee x 60 credits) +
220 euro course related fees
Total: 1336 euro.
- A student from outside the EEA enrolling for 60 credits with a diploma contract pays 8534,9 euro:
904,9 euro fixed part of the tuition fee +
7410 euro (123,5 euro variable part of the tuition fee x 60 credits) +
220 euro course related fees
Total: 8534,9 euro.
The following students pay extra fees:
- Fashion and Graphic Design students pay a deposit of 25 euro for the badge that grants them access to their campus.
- Fashion students pay 250 euro extra to participate at the Fashion show in June.
Paying your study fees
Study fees are paid in full at the start of the academic semester.
After signing your contract, you will receive an invoice on your school e-mail address to pay for the study fee. You can pay by card or by bank transfer. No cash payment is acceptedOur bank details:
KBC Bank nv
Havenlaan 2
1080 BrusselAccount Name: AP Hogeschool
Address: Lange Nieuwstraat 101, 2000 Antwerpen
Account Number: IBAN: BE62 7350 2845 7461
BIC Code: KREDBEBBYou must use your student number + first name & last name as the reference for your bank transfer so we know who the payment is for.
You must pay the full amount of fees for the new academic year in one instalment.Other costs
A student must have sufficient means of subsistence to cover all study, living and healthcare costs, including potential repatriation costs.
Besides the tuition fee and cost for flights and visa, students need in general approximately 9.000 euro per year:- Housing: student room (rent, electricity, water and internet): +/- 450 euro/month
- Meals: +/- 10 euro/day or +/- 300 euro/month
- Transportation and travel: bus/tram/metro: buzzy Pazz De Lijn +/- 212 euro/year; bicycle: Velo +/- 49 euro/year.
- Your fee status: Belgium/European Economic Area (EEA)
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Financial support
Higher education studies are not cheap
A student must have sufficient means of subsistence to cover all study, living and healthcare costs, including potential repatriation costs.
Besides the tuition fee and cost for flights and visa, students need in general approximately 9.000 euro per year:
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Housing: student room (rent, electricity, water and internet): +/- 450 euro/month
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Meals: +/- 10 euro/day or +/- 300 euro/month
- Transportation and travel: bus/tram/metro: buzzy Pazz De Lijn +/- 212 euro/year; bicycle: Velo +/- 49 euro/year.
Please note that it is not possible to pay the study fees in instalments. The study fees are paid in full at the start of the academic semester.
Funding your studies
There are a number of facilities that help you fund your studies:
1. International scholarships
For general information about international scholarships, please check http://www.studyinflanders.be/en/scholarship-programmes/ and https://www.studentsonthemove.be/
2. Scholarships from the Flemish Community
In order to receive a scholarship from the Flemish Community, you must fulfill multiple conditions. If you are temporarily staying in Belgium because of your studies, national conditions will be an obstacle and you might not be eligible to request this scholarship.
If you do not meet the requirements, you will have to fund your studies yourself and (if possible) apply for financial assistance and/or study aid in your home country.
For more information about the scholarship of the Flemish Community, please check https://centenvoorstudenten.be/english/scholarship-flemish-community/.
3. Financial aid from the AP University College
Only students from within the European Economic Area are eligible for financial aid from the AP University College, and this if they meet certain conditions.
For more information about the financial aid from the AP University College, contact our student services: stuvo@ap.be.
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Learning account
The learning account is applicable to each student who enrols in a University College or University in Flanders. With this tool the Government aims to encourage you to make the right study choice and monitor your study progress.
Principle
Every student starting higher education in Flanders receives a learning account of 140 study credits. Study credits are deducted from your learning account for each subject you enrol for. If you pass your exam you earn back your credits. If you fail your exam, the study credits are irrevocably deducted from your learning account. If you don't have any credits left in your learning account you can no longer continue your studies.You can check the balance of your learning account on https://studentenportaal.vlaanderen.be/ (website in Dutch only).
Example
If you enrol for a subject of 6 study credits, then those 6 study credits will be deducted form your learning account. If you pass your exam with at least 10/20 then those 6 credits will be added again to your learning acount. If you fail, the 6 credits will be irrevocably deducted.Bonus
The first 60 credits you obtain under diploma contract in higher education in Flanders are doubled. Those 60 credits don't need to be earned in one academic year, one study programme or one institution.For whom?
The learning account applies to any student who enrols with a diploma contract or credit contract for a bachelor or master programme. It does not apply to students who enrol for a teaching qualification programme, for a bridging or preparatory programme or for a postgraduate programme. Also enrolments with an exam contract are not taken into account.Goal
The learning account aims to encourage you as a student to make the right study choice and to encourage you to change your study programme in time.Made the wrong choice?
Is your study not running so smoothly as you expected or do your realise that you made the wrong choice? Then you should make an appointment with your student counselor. You can withdraw or choose a new programme. This way you do not unnecessarily lose credits from your learning account. The quicker you decide, the more chance you have to gain back your credits.Already obtained a master's degree?
The balance of your learning account is reduced by 140 credits when you obtain a diploma for a master programme. If this results in a positive balance, you can use the remaining credits to enrol in an initial bachelor or master programme. If the balance of your learning account is less than 60 credits, you can build it up again to a maximum of 60. Ten credits are added to your learning account every academic year after you obtained your master diploma.More information about the learning account can be found in the Education and Examination Regulations under article 8.1 and on http://onderwijs.vlaanderen.be/leerkrediet (Dutch website only).
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Students with specific needs
If you have specific needs you can request facilitating measures.
You can request facilitating measures if you:
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have a (learning) disability (dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorder, adhd, a motor, visual or aural disability …);
- suffer from a medical or psychological problem;
- combine top sport / work / family with studying.
The student counselor David De Roey (david.deroey@ap.be) will assist you in applying for facilitating measures to meet your individual needs.
Do you want to apply for facilitating measures? Do this as soon as possible and before 15 October.
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Regulations and academic calendar
Education and Examination Regulations
The Education and Examination Regulations lay down the rules relating to education, examinations and the student’s legal status at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
The Education and Examination Regulations provide information on admission requirements for studies, enrolment, various types of study contracts, exemption applications, taking part in examinations, conditions to pass a study, the academic calendar, etc.
We recommend that you read the education and examination regulations at the start of the academic year.Conslult the Education and Examination Regulations of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
Academic calendar
The academic calendar includes the dates of: lessons, exams, catch-up exams, announcement of exam results, consultation and feedback, proclamations, artistic entrance examinations and holidays.
Consult the academic calendar of the Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
Regulations tuition fees, study costs and various expenses
Consult the regulations for the tuition fees, study costs and various expenses.
ICT regulations
The ICT regulations cover the agreements on the use of the ICT facilities offered by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp and AP University College.
Library regulations
The library regulations lay down the rules relating to the access to and the use of the library of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp and other libraries at the AP University College.
You can find all regulations and calendars on the website of AP University College:
https://www.ap.be/en/regulations.