MASTER LENS-BASED MEDIA
Application 2026-2027:
If you are interested in pursuing a degree at our institute for our 2026-2027 cohort, please submit your application from the 1st of December 2025.
Deadlines are:
February 27, 2026 – final deadline for NON-EU students – priority deadline for Dutch and EU applicants
May 8, 2026 – final deadline for Dutch and EU students
Due to the number of applications received by the Piet Zwart Institute Master’s programmes, as well as regulations regarding immigration and international opportunities for study funding, we strongly encourage you to apply early.
Once a committee has reviewed your completed application, you may be invited for an interview.
Selection criteria
All applicants for the Piet Zwart Institute need to have completed a Bachelor as a minimum degree. English is our working language, and proficiency in both speaking and writing is a necessity. All applications should be in English.
How to apply?
Please read all of the admission requirements below before applying
Our application procedure consists of 3 steps:
STEP 1
Register for your desired master program via www.studielink.nl Our programmes can be found under Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Willem de Kooning Academy and the Piet Zwart Institute are faculties of this university, hence the selection. Then select HBO Master and look for your desired Master programme. Please note that after registering with Studielink it takes around 5 working days to receive your 7- digit student number. If you wish to apply to 2 different PZI Master programmes you need to register only for one of them via Studielink.
STEP 2
Apply and upload all of the required admission documents in our online applications system: Apply here (link follows).
Application requirements Master Fine Art & Design: Lens-Based Media
- Portfolio of maximum 20 artwork samples (e.g. images, writing, external links to video or sound files).
- The portfolio should be maximum 20 pages.
- Include only 1 artwork sample per page with title, date and materials listed.
- A maximum of 2 images per artwork sample.
- Creative writing can be included as a sample but it must be clearly indicated with title information.
- Do not include extended artist statements in portfolio.
- Motivation statement maximum of 750 words
- CV emphasizing academic accomplishments, exhibitions, scholarships and awards
STEP 3
Upload the required academic documents in Osiris
https://osiris.hr.nl/osiris_aanmeld_hrprd/WelkomPagina.do
- Certified copy of Bachelor diploma (with a certified English translation if your diploma is not in Dutch, English, German, Spanish or French)
- Certified copy of transcripts (with a certified English translation if your diploma is not in Dutch, English, German, Spanish or French)
- Copy of passport (valid at the start of the programme)
- Results of the English language test: TOEFL/IELTS/CAE (in case you need one: see link for more information)
Your academic documents will be screened by the Centre of International Affairs (CoIA) and after approval, you will be given your proof of enrolment.
DIPLOMA:
If at time of applying you are still in your final year we can also determine your eligibility based on your current transcript plus a statement of graduation from your school stating your expected date of graduation and the official name of the diploma (in original language) you are expected to obtain.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Selection
Shortlisted candidates will be emailed for an interview and will receive a message afterwards informing them whether they have been accepted into the study program or placed on the waiting list.
Please note, due to the high level of applications the school receives, we are unable to provide feedback regarding unsuccessful applications.
Within two months after the application deadline, applicants will be informed about the outcome of their application.
You can follow your application progress in https://my.rotterdamuas.com/
Find more information about FUNDING:
Funding – Piet Zwart Institute
Find more information about DEADLINES
Deadlines – Piet Zwart Institute
Find more information about: TUITION FEES
Tuition Fees – Piet Zwart Institute
Find more information about: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International Students – Piet Zwart Institute
Find more information about LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Language Requirements – Piet Zwart Institute
Questions?
For questions about the application procedure, please contact us via: e-mail: pzi.admission[at]hr.nl