MASTER DESIGN (part-time programme):
Application 2026-2027:
The application procedure is open from Dec 1st onwards (we admit students on a rolling basis, early applications are encouraged, you can also apply before the deadlines)
Deadlines are:
February 27, 2026 priority deadline for Dutch and EU applicants
May 8, 2026 final deadline for Dutch and EU applicants
Important note:
For this part-time programme Master Design it is not possible for NON-EU applicants to obtain a study visa. For this reason, this master cannot accept NON-EU applicants, unless they have an EU passport, or are residents in the Netherlands and have a visa which allows them to follow a part-time course.
The Master Design is part of the WdKA/Piet Zwart Institute. Our classroom is international, and we come from different design disciplines and creative backgrounds. The programme starts each September. It is taught in English, but students individually can work in Dutch and coaching is available in Dutch. We can only offer places to Dutch and EU students.
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 Design:
- Portfolio: the portfolio consists of a document with two parts: Key Works and Design Goal
1.Key Works: A reflection upon your design work , pdf, maximum six A4-sized pages
Please present 2-3 key works. A key work can be a design, a project, or a presentation from your professional practice. The key works can be collaborations in which you played a major role. Use images as well as text to tell us the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, and why) of each key work.
2.Design Goal: Mapping Your Design Goal, pdf, digitally readable
What could be your design goal that you wish to pursue while studying with us? Please highlight the questions and issues you wish to pursue and how you intend to go about it.
- Motivation statement, pdf, maximum 1 A4-sized page
In this statement, you tell us who you are as a designer and design researcher: what motivates you, what impact do you want to have, and why is now the right time in your practice for this course of study? Do you have particular learning goals or expectations for your growth? We are interested to hear how you expect to deepen your practice and contribute to the wider fields of design.
- CV, pdf, maximum 1 A4-sized page
Name, address, date of birth, place of residence, nationality
Previous education and work experience
Brief description of current work/activities
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.
Interview
Duration 30 minutes
If you are invited for an interview, you begin with a 5-minute presentation highlighting information from your application portfolio and motivation statement. After that, the tutors interview you about your work, design goal, and personal aims.
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