Bachelor Admissions FAQ
DEADLINES:
→ What is the deadline for application?
Fri 28 February 2025
PORTFOLIO:
→ What should my portfolio look like? Your portfolio is a means to represent yourself; your passions and interests, your qualities and skills, the way you see things, the world. Your portfolio consists of your most recent works; for example: drawings, idea sketches, photography, model making, (printed) digital work. It can be your work from school or course assignments, but also work done on your own initiative, in your leisure time. Try to show not only end results, but also your process; research, ideas, steps and choices. You should also add to your portfolio (pictures of) the results of your two DAE home assignments. If in general you feel you have too little 3D work to show, you can always make an extra DAE home assignment to add to your portfolio. The portfolio itself is a simple A4 folder which needs no designing since it is all about the content. Once you applied for DAE, you can upload your portfolio, no later than February 28, 2025.
→ What kind of work should I present / put in my portfolio? We are very much interested in your way of working and thinking, so please show all steps in your process (ideas, sketches, choices) don’t just show end-results. Show what represents you the best, models, 3D projects, drawings, pictures, movies, etc.
→ What do you mean with 3D work? 3D work means that work is spatial (in three dimensions), so it is not flat like a drawing, and it is not made in a 3D computer program either. Think of projects and models made of cardboard, clay, wood, metal, textiles, plastics, ceramics or any other material.
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS → What are the diploma requirements? In order to be admitted you need a Dutch HAVO-, VWO- or MBO-4-diploma or international equivalent (senior general secondary education, pre-university education, or senior secondary vocational education).Make sure to thoroughly check whether your diploma meets the above-mentioned required Dutch standard. For checking diplomas and other information on requirements for studying in the Netherlands: see the Nuffic website
→ What if I don’t have HAVO-, VWO- or MBO-4-diploma, can I still apply? If you do not have the appropriate diploma, but you are 21 or over, you must pass a HBO-test (the so-called 21+ test) to prove you are capable of working and thinking at the level that is required at a University of Applied Science (HBO). You can take the test after being admitted.
→ Do I need to provide an English test like IELTS? Only Chinese student should provide their IETLS score due to VISA/Nuffic requirements. We do test all candidates’ English proficiency level during the interviews. Students at DAE are required to be proficient in English, both to facilitate communication with their tutors and to develop and write their thesis research. Applicants whose English is not fluent should consider delaying their application until their English language skills reach the level required.
FINANCE → How much is the tuition fee for Bachelor study? Each year the statutory tuition fee is set by the Dutch government. The institutional tuition fee is set by the board of DAE and is based on the statutory rate. See tuition fee here
→ What other costs do I have to take in account (rent, food, study materials, transportation, etc.)?
Beside the tuition fees, a student must take into account the following living expenses. These specifications are based on a single student living in Eindhoven.
GENERAL → Which courses are taught in the 1st year? In the 1st year you learn a lot of different techniques and basic skills like drawing, painting, form research, reflecting, architecture, working with textile, metal, wood, digital software like Photoshop, illustrator, 3D modelling.
→ How long does it take to graduate? The bachelor educational program is a 4-year program. The first year is a basic year. After you passed the first year, you choose one of the design departments.
→ Is it possible to start in a higher year? We have one and the same admission procedure for all candidates who apply for our Bachelor program. All BA students start in the propaedeutic year (from September); transferring into a higher year is not possible. From experience, we know that the specific approach that DAE has, needs a strong and adequate DAE fundament (skills, knowledge and experiences) for a student to grow towards the right understanding and feel at home too.
→ Can I get exemptions for classes I already took somewhere else? No, exemptions are not given.
→ Does the academy provide rooms for (international) students? No, but we do have a list of room agencies. We advise you start looking for a room as soon as you know you are accepted at DAE.
→ Can I get a scholarship? No, not in Holland or from the academy. Sometimes there are scholarships in your own country for international programmes.
→ I want to design fashion/furniture/cars, is DAE right for me? That depends. DAE has no specific graphic / fashion / car design departments. If you are sure you want to design in only one specific field, you’d better go to a specialized academy. DAE teaches design in a broader perspective. That also means you learn a lot in different areas.
→ I have dyslexia, do I get more time for theoretical tests? Yes, when there is a theoretical test you get more time and a laptop from DAE. You have to discuss your situation with the student councilor first.