1. On the diploma requirements
Is it possible to register for a LUCA Master of Fine Arts/Music/Audiovisual Arts with a bachelor diploma from a similar/equivalent field of study, but if it is not issued in Belgium?
You are able to apply for one of LUCA’s masters if you’ve obtained a bachelor diploma which is found equal to the bachelor diplomas in Flanders.
Even if you obtained your degree in the same or similar field of study, you will have to take part in a master assessment which is the artistic part of the application. The staff of the concerned department will interview you and ask about your motivation, background and portfolio. They’ll decide if you’ve obtained the necessary competences to start directly in the master.
Is it possible to register for a LUCA Master of Fine Arts/Music/Audiovisual Arts without prior art related education?
If you are holder of an academic bachelor or master degree but not in an artistic field of study (Fine Art, Music, Audiovisual Arts,…) you are still welcome to apply for admission and could be accepted for a preparatory programme depending on your background.
You’ll have to take part in a master assessment which is the artistic part of the application. The staff of the concerned department will look at your background, portfolio etc. and if they think you are a suitable candidate, invite your for an interview. The commission could decide that you need to follow a preparatory programme before starting the Master programme.
This programme usually takes up 1 year and exists out of some courses around 30 - 45 ECTS. Afterwards you’ll be able to enroll in the MA, without applying again. Of course, if the commission decides that you are lacking too much essential competences they might advise you to do a major part (with potentially some exemptions for certain course modules) or even the entire bachelor degree programme. Please note that our bachelor degree programmes are only available in Dutch.
Important note: If you are advised to complete a preparatory programme and you are receiving a national study grant/fellowship in your country of origin that may be used as well for studies at LUCA, always check with the scholarship provider if the scholarship may be used for preparatory programmes, as your subscription at LUCA will be linked to ‘preparatory programme’ and not to a registration in our bachelor degree programme.
If I have not graduated by the time of my application, can I still apply?
Yes, if you are still studying at the time of your application, you are requested to upload the provisional transcripts of your current studies to your application. This way the LUCA Admissions Department will be able to evaluate your grades and make a decision about your application. You will need to have completed your current studies successfully by the time you enroll at our school. If you cannot present us with a proof of graduation by the time of enrollment, you will not be allowed to enroll at our school.
Additional APS procedure for Chinese students/Chinese diplomas
Students from the People's Republic of China or students with a higher education degree from a Chinese university who apply for admissions at LUCA will normally have to present the APS certificate upon definitive enrolment. The APS is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of academic documents and discourages document fraud. More information about the APS certificate, the procedure and regulation, please read here.
2. On the language requirements
Can I study one of your bachelor programmes in English?
No, you cannot. All our bachelor degree programmes are officially taught in Dutch. Only in the Music programme we can sometimes welcome students at bachelor level who are not Dutch speaking students. The language requirements are described on our website: https://www.luca-arts.be/en/applying-bachelor-degree-student#%3E_language_requirements
Can I study one of your master programmes in English? And is Dutch proficiency necessary for your official English programmes?
Yes, you can. LUCA offers several full English spoken master programmes. We don’t require an official proficiency in Dutch for these programmes, but of course, to connect with the local student body at the campuses it may be helpful to have some basic understanding of Dutch.
Can I study as international student one of your master programmes that is taught in Dutch? And is Dutch proficiency necessary for this programme?
Although proficiency in Dutch is recommended international students with a good command of the English language are also welcome to attend the Master in Visual Arts (Ghent). This master programme consists of a considerable amount of elective courses taught in English. Moreover practical course components are taught in small groups making it easier to accommodate international students.
However, for the following degree programmes a minimum level of Dutch proficiency (CEFR Score of at least B2) is required:
- Master in Drama (Leuven)
- Master in Product Design (Genk)
- Master of Visual Arts (Genk)
- Master of Audiovisual Arts (Genk)
- Educational Master in Visual and Audiovisual Arts (Brussels, Ghent, Genk)
- Educational Master in Music and Performing Arts (Leuven)
More information in the course guide: http://onderwijsaanbod.luca-arts.be/opleidingen/v/e/
What is the required level of Dutch or English for exchange or degree students?
Dutch language bachelor and master programmes: CEFR B2 Dutch
English language master programmes: CEFR B2 English
Exchange programmes/students: CEFR B2 English
Which English (and Dutch) language test do you accept?
Please read the application requirements per application box/category here: https://www.luca-arts.be/en/step-2-apply thoroughly. Click on ‘Applying as bachelor student’ for the Bachelor’s degree programme , ‘Applying as master student’ for the Master’s degree programme, ‘Applying as exchange student’ for Exchange programmes and ‘Applying as PhD student’. Scroll down to the section about ‘Language Requirements’ in every category.
What if I don't have a Dutch or English language certificate upon applying?
If your language certificate would not be available at the time yet, then you should mention this in your application because one of the mandatory attachments is a proof of language proficiency. You could for example:
- add a proof of registration of your language test when this would be missing, or
- add a personal statement,
- add other documents that proof your language proficiency: a high school or higher education diploma or transcript of records,….
Is LUCA offering a language preparatory year?
LUCA doesn’t offer degree programmes with a language year included, nor do we have a Language Centre where you could study a Dutch language Preparatory Year to prepare for higher education studies in Flanders, Belgium.
More information about language preparation in Belgium: https://www.luca-arts.be/en/language-preparation
How to obtain LUCA's conditional admission document for an external language year?
To obtain LUCA's conditional admission document you need to apply for the program of your choice for the upcoming academic year: https://www.luca-arts.be/en/step-2-apply).
Depending on the program you will have to:
- answer some motivational questions (online) about your motivation to study Dutch in the first place and secondly why you choose LUCA/this programme and your future career path. You have to substantially motivate your answers. The Head of Programme will evaluate this motivation. If you pass you will receive a conditional admission letter for the academic year that follows after the preparatory year. (for Interior Design, Construction and Audiovisual techniques: Photography (Vorst) only)
- take part in one of the Artistic Aptitude Tests/Master assessments. Besides the artistic dimension of this test you will need to answer some motivational questions about your motivation to study Dutch in the first place and secondly why you choose LUCA/this programme and your future career path. You have to substantially motivate your answers. If you pass the assessment you will receive a conditional admission letter for the academic year that follows after the preparatory year. (for all Dutch programmes except Interior Design, Construction and Audiovisual techniques: Photography (Vorst))