Gerrit Rietveld Academie

Why this works

• EU diploma with a 1-year Zoekjaar orientation permit lets graduates job-hunt across the Netherlands after graduation.
• Tuition of €10,500 per year is moderate for a specialised arts university in Western Europe.
• IELTS 6.0 entry bar is accessible for CIS applicants who have studied English without intensive test prep.
• Amsterdam is a global creative hub with dense arts, design, and cultural industry networks for internships and contacts.
• The Holland Scholarship offers €5,000 in year one to non-EU students including RU, UA, KZ, and UZ nationals.
• Students may work 16 hours per week during term and full-time in summer without a separate work permit.

What to check

• Amsterdam has one of the highest costs of living in the Netherlands; private housing averages €700–1,500 per month.
• Russian students face SWIFT transfer blocks to the Netherlands and must arrange alternative payment methods for tuition and living costs.
• Belarusian students have no confirmed standard visa pathway; individual IND consultation is required.
• Admission involves a selective portfolio review; acceptance is not guaranteed even if English and academic thresholds are met.
• Financial proof requires roughly €13,569 in a blocked account or sponsor letter, which can be a barrier for many CIS families.

Accommodation

€800-1400/mo private — Extremely competitive market. Apply for SSH/DUWO waiting list at the moment of admission offer. Budget €1,000+/mo realistic in private market.

Scholarships

Holland Scholarship: one-time €5,000 first-year grant for non-EU students. Apply directly to the institution. BY eligibility uncertain for 2026 intake.