The Top Graphic Design Schools In The Netherlands

Graphic design is a creative and rewarding career path for visually inclined people. If you want to become a graphic designer, the Netherlands offers some of Europe’s best design education programs.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The top graphic design schools in the Netherlands are the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Design Academy Eindhoven, and Willem de Kooning Academy.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide an overview of the top graphic design programs in the Netherlands. We’ll go over the curriculum, faculty, facilities, career prospects, and more for each school.

Whether you’re a prospective student or simply curious about design education in the Netherlands, read on to learn about the premier institutes training the next generation of Dutch designers.

Gerrit Rietveld Academie

The Gerrit Rietveld Academie is one of the top graphic design schools in the Netherlands. Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to design education, this renowned institution has been shaping the creative minds of students for decades.

With a strong emphasis on experimentation and pushing boundaries, the Gerrit Rietveld Academie offers a unique learning experience for aspiring graphic designers.

Overview and Notable Facts

Established in 1924, the Gerrit Rietveld Academie is named after the famous Dutch architect and designer Gerrit Rietveld. The school is located in Amsterdam, a city known for its vibrant arts and design scene.

The academy is renowned for its progressive teaching methods and its commitment to nurturing individual creativity.

One notable fact about the Gerrit Rietveld Academie is its strong connection to the art and design community in Amsterdam. The school regularly collaborates with local design studios, galleries, and museums, providing students with valuable opportunities to showcase their work and network with industry professionals.

Programs Offered

The Gerrit Rietveld Academie offers a range of programs in graphic design, catering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in design principles, as well as opportunities to specialize in areas such as typography, branding, and digital design.

Students at the academy are encouraged to explore and experiment with different mediums and techniques. They have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped studios, computer labs, and printing facilities.

This allows them to bring their creative visions to life and develop their technical skills.

Facilities

The Gerrit Rietveld Academie boasts excellent facilities that support the learning and creative process. The school has spacious studios where students can work on their projects, collaborate with peers, and receive guidance from experienced faculty members.

Additionally, there are specialized workshops for printmaking, photography, and digital media, providing students with access to the tools and resources they need to bring their ideas to fruition.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The tuition fees at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie vary depending on the program and the student’s nationality. International students can expect to pay higher fees compared to Dutch students. It is recommended to check the official website of the academy for the most up-to-date information regarding tuition fees.

The acceptance rate at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie is competitive, as the school attracts talented students from around the world. Admissions are based on a portfolio review and an interview process, where applicants are evaluated on their artistic abilities, creativity, and potential for growth.

Notable Alumni

The Gerrit Rietveld Academie has produced many successful graphic designers who have made a significant impact in the industry. Some notable alumni include Irma Boom, a renowned graphic designer known for her innovative book designs, and Wim Crouwel, a pioneer of Dutch graphic design.

Career Prospects for Graduates

Graduates from the Gerrit Rietveld Academie have a strong foundation in design principles and practical skills, which opens up a wide range of career opportunities. They can work as graphic designers in design agencies, advertising firms, publishing houses, or even start their own design studios.

The academy’s emphasis on experimentation and pushing boundaries also equips graduates with a unique perspective that sets them apart in the industry.

Design Academy Eindhoven

Overview and Notable Facts

The Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE) is an internationally acclaimed design school located in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Founded in 1947, DAE has become one of the most prestigious and innovative design schools in the world.

It is ranked the top design school in the Netherlands and the 8th best design school globally in 2022.

DAE is known for its experimental and innovative approach to design education. The school follows the philosophy of “learning by doing” and places great emphasis on developing students’ creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Some notable facts about Design Academy Eindhoven:

• One of the world’s leading and most selective design schools, with an acceptance rate of only 7% in 2022.
• Ranked 1st for design education in the Netherlands and 8th worldwide in 2022.
• Home to around 650 students and 350 faculty and staff members.
• Students come from over 45 different countries to study at DAE.
• The campus is housed in a former Philips light bulb factory, giving it a unique industrial vibe.

Programs Offered

DAE offers a range of innovative Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in various design disciplines:

• Bachelor of Design – 4-year program focused on hands-on learning in fields like product design, fashion design, graphic design, and spatial design.
• Master Design – 2-year graduate program with specializations including social design, design curating and writing, and design research.
• Master Social Design – A 2-year master’s exploring design for social impact and change.
• Preparatory courses – 1-year course to prepare students for the Bachelor programs.

The school also offers a variety of short summer programs and workshops open to professionals and design enthusiasts.

Facilities

DAE is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support learning across different design disciplines:

• Spacious design studios and workshop spaces fitted with industry-standard equipment.
• Advanced prototyping facilities including 3D printing and CNC milling.
• Photography and film studios for design media, fashion shoots etc.
• Library housing over 145,000 design-related documents.
• Exhibition spaces to display student and faculty work.

The campus buildings are creatively designed to inspire students, with flexible studio layouts, inviting communal areas, and whimsical decor elements throughout.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

DAE is one of the most selective design schools with low acceptance rates:

The school offers scholarships and financial aid options based on portfolio quality and financial need.

Notable Alumni

Many distinguished designers and innovators are DAE graduates, including:

• Hella Jongerius – Leading Dutch industrial designer, specializing in color, materials, and textiles.
• Richard Hutten – Renowned Dutch designer, known for conceptual and playful designs.
• Niels van Eijk and Miriam van der Lubbe – Founders of design label Van Eijk & Van der Lubbe.
• Piet Hein Eek – Furniture and interior designer, known for using scrap materials.
• Bas van Abel – Founder of creative agency Van Abel and the Fairphone company.

Career Prospects for Graduates

DAE graduates are highly sought-after in the design industry and have excellent career opportunities globally. Many launch their own successful agencies or brands. Graduates often work at leading companies like:

• Global design firms – IDEO, Frog Design etc.
• Fashion houses – Viktor&Rolf, G-Star RAW, Adidas.
• Furniture brands – Vitra, IKEA, Herman Miller.
• Innovative technology companies like Apple, Samsung, Google.

DAE’s emphasis on creative problem-solving skills prepares graduates for diverse roles like product design, UX design, design strategy, art direction, and entrepreneurship.

Willem de Kooning Academy

Located in Rotterdam, the Willem de Kooning Academy is one of the top graphic design schools in the Netherlands. With its strong emphasis on creativity and innovation, the academy has gained a reputation for producing highly skilled and talented graduates in the field of graphic design.

Overview and Notable Facts

The Willem de Kooning Academy is part of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and offers a wide range of programs in various design disciplines. It was named after the famous Dutch abstract expressionist painter Willem de Kooning, who was known for his innovative and groundbreaking work.

One notable fact about the academy is its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to work together across different design disciplines, allowing for the exploration of new ideas and approaches in graphic design.

Programs Offered

The academy offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in graphic design, illustration, advertising, and photography. These programs provide students with a comprehensive education in both traditional and digital design techniques, as well as the opportunity to develop their own unique artistic style.

Students can also choose to specialize in areas such as typography, branding, motion graphics, or user experience design, allowing them to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.

Facilities

The Willem de Kooning Academy boasts state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to support and inspire creativity. Students have access to well-equipped studios, computer labs, and digital printing facilities.

The academy also has a dedicated gallery space where students can showcase their work to the public.

Additionally, the academy has strong connections with the industry, providing students with opportunities for internships and collaborations with leading design agencies and companies.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Tuition fees for international students at the Willem de Kooning Academy vary depending on the program of study. It is recommended to visit the official website of the academy for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees and admission requirements.

The acceptance rate at the Willem de Kooning Academy is competitive, as the academy attracts talented students from around the world. It is important for prospective students to submit a strong portfolio that showcases their creative abilities and potential.

Notable Alumni

The Willem de Kooning Academy has produced many successful alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of graphic design. Some notable alumni include:

• Irma Boom: Internationally renowned graphic designer known for her innovative book designs.
• Studio Dumbar: A design agency that has worked on projects for major clients such as Shell, Philips, and the Dutch government.
• Richard Hutten: A prolific industrial designer who has received numerous awards for his innovative furniture designs.

Career Prospects for Graduates

Graduates from the Willem de Kooning Academy have excellent career prospects in the field of graphic design. With their strong technical skills, creative thinking, and interdisciplinary approach, they are well-equipped to succeed in a variety of design-related roles.

Many graduates go on to work as graphic designers, art directors, illustrators, or photographers in advertising agencies, design studios, publishing houses, or freelance. Some may even start their own design businesses or pursue further studies in design-related fields.

Conclusion

The Netherlands boasts exceptional graphic design programs that have produced many leading designers over the years. The Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Design Academy Eindhoven, and Willem de Kooning Academy are considered the top institutes for graphic design education in the country.

These schools offer rigorous curriculums, expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry connections. Graduates are well-prepared for graphic design careers at studios, agencies, companies, and as freelancers.

If you want a world-class design education, the Netherlands has much to offer aspiring graphic designers.