Amsterdam University of the Arts
About
Amsterdam University of the Arts offers English-taught design and arts programmes for €10,500/year — below the median for arts-specialist institutions in Western Europe. IELTS 6.0 keeps entry accessible, and Amsterdam's dense creative-industry networks pair with the Zoekjaar post-study permit and €5,000 Holland Scholarship.
Amsterdam is a dense, bike-friendly city with world-class museums, galleries, and performing-arts venues on every corner. Student housing is expensive compared to other EU cities—expect €450–650/month for a shared flat in the city or suburbs. The city pulses with creative energy: street art, indie venues, fashion weeks, and design studios. Amsterdam is expensive, but many students live in outer boroughs and commute by train or bike. The cultural infrastructure for artists is unmatched in the region.
Application deadlines
- SeptemberJan 15
Arts schools: Jan 15 + audition/portfolio. Each sub-school (Conservatory, Theatre School) has its own admission process.
Accommodation
Extremely competitive market. Apply for SSH/DUWO waiting list at the moment of admission offer. Budget €1,000+/mo realistic in private market.
SourceScholarships
- 🏛Holland Scholarship (€5,000)
Holland Scholarship: one-time €5,000 first-year grant for non-EU students. Apply directly to the institution. BY eligibility uncertain for 2026 intake.
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- EU diploma from a Dutch university of applied sciences gives access to the 1-year Zoekjaar post-study work permit across the Netherlands.
- Tuition of €10,500/year is below the median for arts-specialist institutions in Western Europe.
- IELTS 6.0 minimum is accessible for CIS students without intensive test prep.
- Amsterdam is a global creative hub with dense design, media, and arts industry networks useful for internships and career entry.
- Holland Scholarship (€5,000 one-time) is open to RU, UA, KZ, and UZ applicants, reducing first-year costs.
- Students may work 16 h/week term-time and full-time in June–August without a separate work permit.
What to check
- Amsterdam has the highest private rental prices in the Netherlands — €700–1,500/month — and dormitory availability is unconfirmed for international students.
- Russian students face SWIFT payment blocks: tuition and blocked-account deposits require intermediary transfer solutions.
- Belarusian students have no confirmed standard visa pathway; direct IND consultation is required before applying.
- Admission to selective arts programmes is portfolio-based and competitive; Studielink registration alone does not guarantee a place.
- Non-EU students must prove €13,569 in financial reserves (blocked account or sponsor letter) before the visa is issued.
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Figures are indicative and change by academic year. Always confirm tuition, deadlines and visa requirements on the official institution and government sources before applying.