The Orientation Course is an exploratory programme held over 25 Saturdays during which participants can familiarise themselves with the working methods of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie. During this course, participants can find out whether they want to pursue studying art and design. The Orientation Course gives you the opportunity to make a collection of works, which you can use to apply to the bachelor programme of the Rietveld Academie or any other academy.
During the Orientation Course you can find out if studying art and design suits you. It is also intended for those who are seriously committed to working with visual media, but do not yet have sufficient material to compile a portfolio. Orientation course students can attend a first round of admissions to assess whether they are ready for the Gerrit Rietveld Academie entrance examination.
Students of the Orientation Course have a minimum age of 16 and a maximum age of 50*, but they vary in age and they have many different backgrounds. Classes are in English, as a number of participants are from abroad. All Orientation Course teachers speak Dutch as well.
NOTE: Orientation Course participants are not eligible for Dutch study finance (Studiefinanciering), and attending the Orientation Course does not give you the right to apply for a Dutch residence permit. So, non-EU/EEA applicants can only apply for the Orientation Course if they already have a Dutch residence permit on other grounds than full-time studies.
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*) This maximum age limit is a recommendation, not a strict limit. We also accept applications from candidates over 50 years old. But with the notice that after the course -with possible application for further studies- they may face a strict maximum age limit.
