SANDBERG INSTITUUT

ABOUT

As the postgraduate programme of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie Amsterdam, the Sandberg Instituut offers Master Programmes in Fine Arts, Interior Architecture and Design. The five Main Departments aim to deepen the practices of artists, designers and critics. In addition, the Temporary Programmes reflect on specific urgencies in society and the arts, and the Hosted Programmes focus on collaboration with other institutes.

From 7 January until 1 April 2025, the Sandberg Instituut is open for applications to the Main Departments and one new Temporary Programme. For more information and to apply to the Sandberg Instituut, visit https://sandberg.nl/apply-now

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I apply to all temporary departments?
Temporary departments are two-year programs developed according to urgent world issues. The new temporary department starting in 2025 is Monstrous Futurities, which is now open for applications.

Is it possible to apply without a bachelor in arts?
Yes, anyone with a bachelor's level degree or equivalent can be accepted. A convincing portfolio and practice related to art and a clear idea of what you would like to achieve in two years are as important.

What does a studio look like?
All departments, apart from Fine Arts, share a communal space. The Fine Arts students have individual studios within their department space (first years share one studio space, and second years have one to themselves).

Are the studies collective or individual?
Everyone follows their own trajectory and graduates individually. Frequently there are collective projects and collaborative workshops and seminars.

What’s the duration of the study?
All programs are full-time two-year courses. You earn 60 ECTS points per year (European Credit Transfer System).

In which language are courses taught with at Sandberg Instituut?
All courses and communication at Sandberg Instituut are through English, occasionally 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 checked.

Are study years one and two intertwined?
Both study years of the main departments share the same space and follow the same seminars. There isn’t a strict divide between the years across each department.

What kind of workshops and facilities are available in the school?
The Rietveld Academie has a great number of workshops and a library at its disposal for Rietveld Academie and Sandberg Instituut students. Within the school, you can find Media Lab, a metal workshop, a wood workshop, a glass workshop, a screen-printing workshop, a library, and many more. Departments do not have their own facilities.

Is it allowed to take my dog to school?
Unfortunately, dogs or other pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs or similar.

Is it possible to apply to more than one program?
Yes, you must indicate this on the digital application form.

Is there an age limit for candidates?
There is no age limit.

How many students are selected for the master of fine arts?
We accept around 12 students, per department, per year.

Do different departments collaborate?
There are some occasional collaborative workshops and seminars across departments, but generally each department follows their own trajectory. There are also a number of student initiatives which collaborate across departments.

What are the expenses of living in Amsterdam?
In addition to the tuition fee, costs vary depending on your personal situation and individual choices. Nevertheless, it's advised to count on at least € 1.130 living expenses per month.

Is it hard to find housing in Amsterdam?
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 www.studentenwoningweb.nl. The Sandberg Instituut offers a very limited number of accommodations for new, international full-time students at Jacques Veltmanstraat, through the student housing organization DUWO. All studios and apartments are self-contained and furnished. The accommodations are available for a maximum of 2 years, as long as you are a registered student.

How can I contact departments if I have more questions?
Main departments:

Critical Studies
erica.moukarzel@sandberg.nl

Design
design@sandberg.nl

Dirty Art Department
dityartdepartment@sandberg.nl

Fine Arts
finearts@sandberg.nl

Studio for Immediate Spaces
sis@sandberg.nl

Temporary programs
dorothe@sandberg.nl