Masters Q&A
MA APPLICATION DEADLINES
→ What is the deadline for MA applications?
Online application deadlines:
Fri 31 jan 2025 23:59 CET - MA application deadline
Mon 31 March 2025 23:59 CET - MA application deadline
Spots to the programmes are limited, please make sure to apply early!
LIVE ADMISSIONS
→ What is Live Admissions?
This year we offer the opportunity for you to fast-track your application process with Live Admissions. During the MA Talk & Tour on 14 January 2025, there are sessions planned during which successful applicants will have interviews with the MA Course Heads, and find out whether they have been accepted to study at DAE. To apply for Live Admissions, you need to take the following steps:
- Apply for a DAE Masters course via Osiris before 12 January at 23:59.
- Fill in the MA Talk & Tour sign up form here and indicate you would like to take part in Live Admissions
It is important that you complete both of the steps above to be accepted for the Live Admissions process. You will receive more information about this by email once you have applied via Osiris.
MA PORTFOLIO
→ What should my portfolio look like?
The portfolio should be one single document, with images and written examples of projects, research and processes. It should reflect your creative and critical position as a designer, as well as give the admissions committee some insight into your interests. It can be presented as a PDF or website and may also include sketches, unfinished and conceptual work. The quantity of work you should include is left to your own discretion.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS MA
→ What are the qualification requirements
The minimum requirement is a completed course at Bachelor level or higher. Preferably in design, design history, curatorial studies or an equivalent discipline.
Applicants with a BA in art, architecture, art history, or the humanities, with a demonstrable affinity with design, can also apply.
Only in extremely exceptional cases will DAE deviate from the rule that the MA is a two-year course and that a completed BA programme is a requirement for admission. Students who believe they are eligible for specific exemptions can submit their request to the General Masters Coordinator via Masters@designacademy.nl.
We do test the English proficiency of all candidates through the one-minute introduction videos in the initial application and the interview process. Students at DAE are required to be proficient in English, both to facilitate communication with their tutors and to develop and write their research thesis. If you are not fluent in English, you should consider delaying your application until your English language skills reach the level required.
FINANCE
→ How much is the tuition fee?
The statutory tuition fee is set by the Dutch government every year. The institutional tuition fee is set by the board of DAE and is based on the statutory rate. The tuition fee will be published in December. Tuition fees are outlined in full here.
→ What other costs should I take into account?
DAE asks students to set aside funding to cover living expenses, which are outlined in the right-hand column of the tuition fees page on this website. > International students might need to prove they can pay these expenses.
GENERAL QUESTIONS MA
→ How long does it take to graduate?
An MA at DAE is a two-year programme and earns 120 ECTS.
→ What’s the official name of the Master programme?
The official name of the Master programme is titled Master of Arts in Fine Arts and Design.
→ What title will I receive when I graduate?
Completing the Master Course at DAE will lead to the degree Master of Arts (MA).
→ Does the Academy provide housing or rooms for students?
No, but we do have a list of agencies we can recommend for students to begin their search for housing. We advise you to start looking for a room as soon as you are accepted at DAE. More information can be found here.
→ Can I get a scholarship?
Yes, via the Holland Scholarship programme. Sometimes, international students can access scholarships in their own country for international programmes.