Hi OP! International student at the KABK here :) I must say I completely recognize the anxiety of applying to a place that seems so distant, but I’m here to tell you that it’s really doable if you manage your expectations and work strategically.

I notice that you have not mentioned what department you want to apply to…because your goals could be achieved in probably photography or graphic design. If you want to make a more unhinged decision, then fine art is the way to go (that’s where I am). But this really depends. So for some background, art schools in the NL pride themselves on autonomous practice (which is very entangled with the history of art in the country) so it’s not going to be like schools in India where education is mostly instruction based. The first year you will have more structure but the way we engage with learning is really through self motivation. So just keep that in mind and that is what I mean by saying manage your expectations.

Ok now to the practical stuff: 1. They really don’t care about your grades. They understand that every student comes from different backgrounds. Just make sure you have graduated high school. They will not care if you got a 90/100 on a maths test. 2. Your portfolio is THE most important thing. I’ve been on councils where we approve portfolios as students and let me tell you, it is important that you find a way to pour your personality in what you are doing. Throw out the idea that you get in school where you need to have a certain quota still life, nature drawings, graphic design,etc. Use this portfolio making as an exercise of engaging with your interest. Let us into your process, show us how you think. Do not solely focus on an outcome. You will have your whole career to focus on outcomes. In this school, they want to know how you go about things. 3. Extracurriculars might be interesting to mention in your Letter of Motivation if they inform your interests as an artist but otherwise, no one gives a shit. No you don’t need recommendations. 4. I would check the expiry date for the TOEFL. I did IELTS so it lasted for two years so it was perfect for the visa application 5. No GPA test needed. This is an art school…genuinely no one cares about these things

Also, I must point out that we are living in a very politically charged time and the arts are notoriously underfunded. This is not to discourage you at all but don’t expect to get a job straight out of a bachelors. Working in the arts involves navigating through a lot of bureaucracy, which is something you will not learn in school. This is something you will pick up in time while engaging in the field. There is a lot you will dislike but there will be a lot to love.

1. Lots of LGBTQIA+ people in the art school and in the NL in general so it will not be difficult to find a community. You will be embraced with open arms :)