Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU)*
THE NETHERLANDS
THE UNIVERSITY
The Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) has about 4000 students and is one of the
largest art and culture-oriented universities of professional education in Europe.
The school has five faculties. Four faculties are located in Utrecht, primarily in the
older part of the city. The Faculty of Art, Media and Technology is located in
Hilversum, a city 20 kilometers outside of Utrecht. It has an excellent reputation. As
with most creative arts institutions, admission is by portfolio or cd. Admission is
very restricted and there are very few courses taught in English. There are
approximately 65 incoming and 55 outgoing exchange students each year.
THE CITY
The city of Utrecht is characterized by its pretty canals that lend the city a special
feeling. In the summer, the terraces of the many cafés and restaurants along the
canals form a social hotspot. The old centre of the city is very attractive with many
different styles of architecture. As in most of Holland, in Utrecht the bicycle rules!
Although the bike is the main means of transportation within the city, an impressive
extensive network of buses, light rail service and trains connects Utrecht to all of
the Netherlands and Europe. The city is easily accessible from Amsterdam by train
(about 30 mins.). In general public transportation is reasonably priced and efficient.
Cost of living in Utrecht is quite reasonable. The population is over 260,000, which
makes Utrecht the fourth largest city in the Netherlands. The city has many
museums, art galleries, cinemas etc and the year. Dutch Film Festival is held here.
There is always a lot going on in Utrecht. Besides a multitude of pubs and
restaurants, Utrecht has various museums, a city theatre (Stadshouwburg), several
smaller theatres and seven cinemas and cinema clubs.
Foreign films are usually shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles. A
good source of information is the ‘Uitloper’, a long folded brochure which lists
everything that is happening downtown, such as live music, theatre performances,
movies and art exhibitions. A number of bars, clubs, and pubs are listed as well.
The Uitloper can be picked up for free at most pubs and cinemas.
LOCATION
Utrecht, The Netherlands
GENERAL
WEBSITE
http://www.hku.nl/web/English.htm
EXCHANGE
STUDIES
The Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) offers a wide variety of bachelor courses in
fine art, design, music, theatre, media, games and interaction, arts education and
arts management. Within these courses specific modules are open to exchange
students. As an exchange student you will take part in the courses offered in the
second or third year of the full-time bachelor programs. Please look here for more
course information [new window].
APPLICATION
To apply for an international exchange to the Utrecht School of the Arts you follow
an on-line procedure. This procedure is outlined for you in four steps.
1. Nomination via e-mail
The exchange coordinator at your home institution must first confirm your
nomination to the Utrecht School of the Arts via e-mail. Applications from students
who are not confirmed will not be processed.
2. On-line exchange application
Go to Osiris International Office Application and create an account.
Complete and submit your application. After submitting your application you need
to confirm your account. You will be notified of this via e-mail.
After we receive your application it will be checked for completeness. You will be
notified via e-mail if there is anything missing.
3. Selection procedure
When your application is complete it will be forwarded for selection to the
department. About six weeks after the application deadline your and your
exchange coordinator will be notified by e-mail whether you are accepted
or not.
4. After acceptance
Once you are accepted as exchange student, you need to return to Osiris
International Office Application and complete your travel and contact information.
Digital attachments The following documents are required as digital attachments to
your application. All documents should be uploaded as pdf-files.
• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of recommendation
• Transcript of records with grades and credit information from current school of
higher education
• Learning agreement (if applicable)
• Scanned copy of your passport or European i.d. card
• A passport size photograph (jpg or jpeg, file size: 3x4 cm, min. 200 pixels, max.
50 kb size)
• Portfolio of your work and academic standing
(for more information, see Preparing a portfolio).
APPLICATION
DEADLINES
Fall Semester: February 15
Spring Semester: September 15
HOUSING
The campus system doesn't exist in the Netherlands. Students find rooms all over
the city in student houses or as tenants. Most students live in a radius of about 20
minutes (by bike) from school. Rents vary between € 400 to € 700 per month.
Student housing is scarce in Utrecht. Therefore the Utrecht School of the Arts has
made arrangements with the SSH, a student housing agency in Utrecht.
At the Kruisstraat in Utrecht there are a certain number of rooms reserved
especially for exchange students.
ProcedureRead more about the SSH application procedure.
Finding accommodation yourself For more information on finding a room by
yourself, please consult the pages on finding student housing.
INSURANCE
Exchange students must carry insurance with sufficient coverage for medical costs
in the Netherlands and third party liability. Utrecht School of the Arts cannot accept
any liability. Read more on Dutch insurance for international students.
EXPECTED
COSTS
An exchange student from abroad will need a minimum of € 900 per month to
cover the costs of living and studying, including study material. Please note that
the amount for study costs depends on the course you are attending during your
exchange period at Utrecht School of the Arts. Average living expense are as
follows:
Tuition Fee.................... (Paid at the home institution)
Other study expenses..... € 100
Accommodation............. € 400 - 450
Living expenses............. € 350 – 400
You will also need to purchase a bicycle (approx. €100 for a second-hand one) for
local transportation. Read more on transportation.
ADDITIONAL
INFO
Entrance visa & residence permit
It is important to arrange is your entrance visa and/or residence permit timely. You
will find all you need to know about this process under Visa.
Telefoon: 030-2349440
Fax: 030- 2349484
E-mail: info@ssc.hku.nl
Lange Viestraat 2, Utrecht
Postadres: Postbus 1520, 3500 BM Utrecht
* Information subject to change