You can register online from early January 2026
The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026 
 
Note: we noticed an issue affecting Hotmail/Outlook/MSN accounts. Emails sent to these accounts are often not delivered. We strongly advise using an alternate email address when registering. 

Upload your motivation letter together with samples of your work. Applications must be submitted before 23:59 on April 1, 2026.

Selected candidates will receive an invitation for an interview.

If your application is successful, you will be asked to submit additional paperwork and pay the tuition fee. Your application will be finalised and your place confirmed once the payment has been received. 

Master's programmes at Sandberg Instituut are funded by the Dutch Government and accredited by the Dutch Flemish Accreditation Organisation (see NVAO).

The institute is licensed to issue Master of Arts degrees: MA in Fine Art and Design for all programmes with the exception of Studio for Immediate Spaces which leads to an MA in Interior Architecture. This exception is made because this degree is required in the Netherlands to register as an interior architect. 

All programmes are full time two-year courses. You earn 60 ECTS points per year (European Credit Transfer System).

All courses at Sandberg Instituut are taught in English, and some communication in Dutch. But as a foreign student, learning Dutch is not compulsory. During the interview, as a part of the admission process, your English language level will be evaluated. If there is doubt we will ask for proof that English can be regarded as your mother tongue (passport) or that you have followed English in secondary/high school with a positive mark on your diploma. 

We can only accept you as a student if you have a valid Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the programme you are applying for. We will ask for a copy of your diploma after you have been accepted as a student. If you are unable to provide any diplomas, please indicate so in Step 1 of the application process, on the digital registration form. In that case we will evaluate your pre-education as well as your professional experience. 

Dutch students are sometimes eligible for funding. In practice hardly any students receive a study loan or grant, and they combine their studies with a (side) job. (only for European students).

Unfortunately, Sandberg Instituut cannot provide financial aid for students. International students are advised to try to obtain a grant in their country of origin. Please also see Nuffic's grant finder tool.

We cannot provide letters of approval beforehand; you need to apply and be accepted first. If this means you need your application results at an earlier date, please contact Sandberg Instituut staff in time.

Gerrit Rietveld Academie can award a total of five NL Scholarships (formerly known as 'Holland Scholarship') of €5,000 to non-EU students who will be studying in Higher Education in the Netherlands for the first time. 

Of these scholarships, three are available for Bachelor students and two for Master students. For more information see here. 

During the application procedure for Rietveld Academie/Sandberg Instituut, candidates will receive an email with an application form. 

Candidates who are not eligible for this scholarship program will have to apply for a scholarship themselves (in their home country).

Students in the Netherlands must have a legal status. Citizens of the following countries are exempt from MVV visa requirements: 

All EU/EEA countries; Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Romania, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, United States. 

Students from any other country are required to obtain a MVV visa. As soon as you pass the selection procedure you will be informed on how to obtain a visa. 

Please note: A student of this category will be asked by the IND (visa issuing Government Organization) to proof there is an amount of at least €22,143 in their bank account.  

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find housing in Amsterdam. Because the housing situation is so precarious, we suggest that successful applicants treat their process of house-searching with the utmost urgency. Please give yourself as much time as possible to search for a home. As a suggestion, one could start by subscribing to StudentenWoningWeb. It is also suggested to keep an eye on the Sandberg Instituut Facebook group and the Gerrit Rietveld Academie Facebook group (which tends to be more active).  
 
Sandberg Instituut offers a limited amount of accommodation at Jacques Veltmanstraat for new, international, full-time students who come from non-European countries through student housing organisation DUWO. All studios and apartments are self-contained and furnished. The accommodation is available for a maximum of 2 years, as long as you are a registered student.  

The tuition fees for 2026–2027 are:

• €3245,00 for EU/EEA students without a Dutch master's degree
• €9816,00 for all students who followed a masters programme in the Netherlands and obtained a Dutch master's degree
• € 9816,00 for non-EU/EEA students

If you are unsure what applies to you click this link

*Exception: students with a Swiss or Surinamese nationality, or with a specific type of residence permit are treated as EU/EEA

*Applicants from the United Kingdom are considered non-EU/EEA

The tuition fee must be paid in one amount before September 1.

In addition to the tuition fee, please take into account the costs below. The eventual costs vary depending on your personal situation and individual choices. Nevertheless, it's advised to count on at least €1,500 living expenses per month:

• Rent €700-950
• Energy bill €200
• Internet €25
• Water €15
• Health insurance €150
• Phone bill €50
• Home & liability insurance €15
• Groceries €200–250
• Study material & excursions €100
• Public transport €75
• Leisure & personal care:
  - Gym €50
  - Parties, drinks €100
  - Various (bike, hair) €150
  - Cinema member €20