The link to upload your portfolio will be sent out starting from 9 January 2026.
Check your email for the link where you can upload your portfolio for the preselection.
To enroll in a bachelor programme at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts you have to meet certain conditions, and pass the entrance exam.
-
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 propedeuse 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. An overview of foreign study certificates can be found in the Overview of foreign diplomas. If your degree is not in this list, please send an e-mail to admission@ap.be.
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
Detailed information on the diploma requirements can be found in the Education and Examination Regulations (EER Art. 7.2.).
-
Language requirements
Sufficient knowledge of the language of instruction is a prerequisite for enrolment in the Bachelor's or Master's programme in Visual Arts. In order to ensure smooth communication and good study results, language level B2 (CEFR, Common European Framework of Reference) is required for Dutch in the Dutch-language programme and for English in the English-language programme.
You have sufficient knowledge of Dutch to enrol in the programme if you have successfully completed at least one year of Dutch-language secondary education, or if you have obtained at least 60 credits in Dutch-language higher education, or if you can provide proof that you have passed a language test at level B2 (CEFR). A detailed overview of the language certificates and language attestations accepted by AP University College can be found at Admission requirements for bachelor's programmes | AP University College.
You have sufficient knowledge of English to enrol in the programme if you have obtained one of the following diplomas:
- an ASO diploma or a secondary education diploma, educational qualification level 4 in a cross-domain study programme from the transfer finality (Flanders),
- a VWO diploma (Netherlands),
- a diploma from English-language secondary education,
- or a diploma from English-language higher education,
or if you can present a language certificate of level B2 (CEFR). Only language certificates from the past two years are accepted. AP University College only recognises the following language certificates as proof of sufficient knowledge of English:
- ITACE (minimum B2),
- IELTS Academic via a test centre; online tests are not accepted (minimum score 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each section),
- TOEFL iBT via a test centre; home editions are not accepted (minimum score of 80 for exams up to and including 20 January 2026, and 4.5 for exams from 21 January 2026 onwards),
- Cambridge English (minimum B2 First),
- Pearson PTE Academic (minimum score of 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 in good time with a language centre recognised by AP University College. If you have any questions or doubts, please email admission@ap.be.
-
Artistic entrance exam Bachelor
For enrolment in 2026-2027
The artistic entrance exam will be organised ONLY ONCE in 2026.
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 2026-2027 academic year. This will be organised only once,
From Wednesday 1 July - 3 July 2026 (= standard)
From Monday 6 July - 7 July 2026 (= extra 2 days, if you have registered for two entrance tests (except for Fashion)
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 physically only from 1 to 3 July 2026. There is no digital entrance exam for Fashion.
Note: A positive outcome of the artistic entrance exam is only valid for enrolment in the next academic year, i.e. 2026-2027. If you wish to apply for 2027-2028, you will take the admission test in 2027.
To register for the entrance exams, follow these steps:
1. Read the admission requirements.
2. Register your participation.
3. Check your email for the link where you can upload your portfolio for the preselection.
4. Check your mailbox for the result of the pre-selection.
5. Take part in the artistic assignments.
6. Check your mailbox for the result of the artistic assignments.
7. 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
Registration for the artistic entrance exam Bachelor for the academic year 2026-2027 will be possible from 15 December 2025.
- Till Wednesday 25 March 2026 (14h Belgian time) for FASHION.
- Till 27 May 2026 (14h Belgian time) for all other disciplines.
Don’t wait until the last minute to register. That way, we can process your registration on time and send you the link to upload your portfolio. The deadline for submitting your portfolio can be found in point 3.
2.1 Registration
You complete the registration fully and correctly. If you apply for 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 (if already available), and language certificate (if required and available). 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!
3. Portfolio
- Until Wednesday 1 April 2026 (14h Belgian time) for FASHION.
- Until Wednesday 3 June 2026 (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.
Click here for a description of the content and technical requirements.
4. Announcement of pre-selection result
Check your mailbox (and your spambox as well)
- The week of 5 May 2026 for FASHION.
- The week of 16 June 2026 for the other disciplines.
A pre-selection will be made based on your portfolio. You will receive an email informing you whether you have been selected for the artistic entrance exams in July. This invitation will also include all practical details, such as the time and location, or a digital link if it’s online.
5. Artistic assignments
For all prospective students (including for FASHION):
From Wednesday 1 July - 3 July 2026 (= standard)
From Monday 6 July - 7 July 2026 (= extra 2 days, if you have registered for two entrance tests (except for Fashion)
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 physically only from 1 to 3 July 2026. There is no digital entrance exam for Fashion.
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)
- Th week of 8 July 2026
Between July 8 and July 10, 2026, you will receive an email 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.
-
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 2026-2027. To enrol, you must also meet the diploma and language requirements by the beginning of the academic year:
- 21 September 2026 for academic year 2026-2027
Read more about the admission requirements on the top of this page.
Additional information
-
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
-
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
-
Study fees
The tuition fees for the academic year 2026–2027 will be announced soon.
-
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:
-
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.
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.
-
-
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).
-
Students with specific needs
If you have specific needs you can request facilitating measures.
You can request facilitating measures if you:
-
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.
-
-
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.