There is currently a debate in the Netherlands about the number of international students coming to the Netherlands to study. We are closely following that discussion and have joined the debate on this through the sector associations. We want to emphasise: everyone is and remains welcome to apply to the Gerrit Rietveld Academie.

For the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, international orientation has always been important. It should be noted here that we have never actively recruited international students through campaigns or scholarships, for example, nor is growing the number of students a priority for us. We have a fixed number of students at the academy every year, and for a long time this has been a diverse, international group. In doing so, we strive for a good balance between Dutch, European and international students from outside the European Union. Target numbers apply to the latter group so that funding is not jeopardised.

We greatly appreciate this diversity and polyphony and see its strength and value for the profession we educate, which is at its core internationally oriented. The most fertile breeding ground for the development of idiosyncratic artistry is an environment characterised by a multiplicity and diversity of viewpoints and approaches. To make the most of this exchange of ideas and backgrounds, our common language is English. All our students will benefit from this later, as the arts and culture world is international at its core and English is the working language for these professions. 

We make it clear at the beginning of our admission process that it can be (financially) difficult for international students to study in the Netherlands, or that finding a room is very difficult. Where possible, we guide students to land in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, and see it as our duty to put caring for (international) students first.  

We have an individually focused admission process where customisation is paramount. We select those students who we think can get the most out of a period at our academy, and who we see we can guide in finding their voice, material and subject - a mutual connection forms the basis for a fruitful period of study.