Next application deadline is March 15, 2019!

 

How to apply

Admission to The Animation Workshop’s bachelor programs is talent based. This means that we are looking for students with excellent drawing and storytelling skills. Therefore, all applicants must hand in a portfolio along with their application.

Important dates

  • BA in Animation (CA & CGA)
    - Program start: August 27, 2018 
    - Applications for this year are closed. You can expect to hear from us early in week 19 regarding the test and interview
  • BA in Graphic Storytelling:
    - Program start: September 2019
    - Application deadline: March 15, 2019, at 11:59 am (CET) 

Quick overview of the application procedure

  1. You apply through www.optagelse.dk
  2. In order to apply, you must meet the formal requirements
  3. You must submit a portfolio with your application. We require you to upload it to one single PDF-file, including a mandatory cover page and a letter of intention
  4. You receive a receipt for your application and are invited to log on to VIA’s admissions portal where you can keep track of your application
  5. After the deadline, we select and invite applicants for a test and interview in Viborg in week 21
  6. You get the result of the admissions test in June
  7. The final enrollment is completed on the last workday of July

PLEASE NOTE: The requirements for the portfolio format is changed: As of 2018, we require you to send your portfolio in a SINGLE PDF FILE.

More information

How to apply

  • Formal requirements

    All those applying for the programs must meet the formal requirements.

    Danish applicants

    • Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (STX, HF, HHX, HTX, EUX, IB Diploma)
      or
    • EUD - Digital Media (applicants for Character Animation and Computer Graphic Arts) / EUD - Grafisk tekniker or Mediegrafiker (applicants for Graphic Storytelling)
    • English B-level

    Non-Danish applicants

    • Proof of upper secondary education
      You must send proof of your upper secondary exam (high school, baccalaureate, IB or similar). The diploma need not be translated from the original language.
    • Proof of other education and courses.
    • Documentation of your current English language level.

    English language requirements

    If English is not your first language, you will need to provide documentation of your English language level. 

    IELTS An average band score of 6.5 
    TOEFL Internet-based 83 
    TOEFL Paper-based (valid until June 2019) 585 
    TOEFL Paper-delivered

    Reading - High (22-30)
    Listening - High (22-30)
    Writing - Good (24-30)
     Cambridge ESOL tests CAE, 176 overall on the Cambridge English scale
    FCE, 180 overall on the Cambridge English scale 
     IB (International Baccalaureate)

    Group 1: All grades
    Group 2: English B HL, all grades

     

    Exceptions to the rule

    Applicants who are native speakers or have proof of secondary school education from the UK, Australia, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand are exempt from the English language admission requirements.

    Applicants from Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland do not need to be tested in English if the English level of their high school diploma corresponds to the Danish B-level. You can find the correspondent levels in Eksamenshåndbogen (in Danish only).  

    If you do not meet the formal requirements

    If you do not fulfill the requirements, you can apply for an individual assessment of your competences. When evaluating your individual competences, we assess whether your experience and qualifications qualify you for admissions on equal terms.

    In order to apply for individual assessment of your competences, you must choose the option “No entry qualifying exam” and tick the box “I apply for special permission”.

    Read more about individual assessment of your competences.

    If you already have a degree (only applicable for Danish applicants)

    According to Danish law, it is not possible to take a second degree at the same or lower level (for instance, two bachelor educations or a master degree, followed by a bachelor education). The rule only applies to applicants who took the first degree in Denmark.

    If you have already completed a degree, we suggest you contact us before applying to our programs.

    Read more about the double degree rule (in Danish)

  • Portfolio requirements

    Please note that the requirements for the portfolio format has changed for the 2018 admissions.

    As of 2018, we require you to upload your portfolio in one single PDF file, max 100 MB, together with the application on www.optagelse.dk

    All portfolios must contain

    Download portfolio template

    To make it as easy as possible, we have made a template for Photoshop, InDesign, and OpenOffice as well as a How-to-guide for saving your portfolio as a single PDF-file. In the template, you will find the necessary information about requirements for the portfolio, the coverletter form and the letter of intent. 

    Character Animation - portfolio template (zip-folder)

    Computer Graphic Arts - portfolio template (zip-folder)

    Tip! You don't have to squeeze all of your 10 croquis drawings into one page - use as many pages per category as you feel is necessary to show off your work.

    If you decide to make your own portfolio, please:

    • Download the DIY portfolio kit (zip-folder)
    • Read and follow the guidelines found in tipsforPDF
    • Include a header on each page stating
      - your name
      - the line you are applying for
      - which category the image(s) represent in the portfolio
    • Sequence your images as in the requirements
      - Character Animation
      - Computer Graphic Arts
    • Don't use Microsoft Word as the software supporting your template! Word is not good at compressing images, and you will lose a lot of quality in your images.

    For Graphic Storytelling 2019 Admission, information will follow.

    What are we looking for in your portfolio?

    Drawing and storytelling skills, as well as the overall potential demonstrated in the portfolios, are decisive for our selection of applicants for the test and interview.

    For Character Animation and Computer Graphic Arts, we first and foremost look for solid drawing skills. Excellent life drawing and perspective drawing are a crucial foundation. Furthermore, we are interested in seeing originality and a broad range of personal drawing styles in your portfolio.

    For Graphic Storytelling, we look for compelling visuals – ideally a combination of strong life drawing and perspective fundamentals and distinctive visual stylization – and compellingly plotted and written narratives. Both versatility and originality are a plus.

  • Letter of intention

    Your letter of intention is our chance to get to know you and your reasons for applying.

    The letter of intent is meant to allow us to get to know the applicants: Their background, interests, and motivations for applying. It is as vital a part of your application as the portfolio; we encourage you to use it to stand out among the other applicants. The letter of intent has to be written in English (in a letter format, not bullet points or answers to the questions).

    Please use the questions below as a point of departure for your letter. You do not have to cover all the topics and if you have some other topic you prefer to include please do so. We would like to read what is most interesting for you to write about.

    • Why are you applying and why did you choose the specific program? Your ambitions for future work?
    • How do you see the industry developing in the future? Your professional influences and inspirations and why?
    • Your favorite works (films, games and/or comics) and why? Your least favorite works (films, games and/or comics) and why?
    • Do you have any related work experience, course or other activities?
    • CA and CGA applicants: Do you have any leadership experience?
    • A list of your software knowledge and user level
    • Tell us about any travel or experience abroad, and how it affected you
    • How do you plan to finance the education?

    Word count max. 2000

  • Test and interview

    The applicants with the strongest portfolios are invited to a test and interview.

    For the 2018 admissions round, the tests and interviews take place in week 21. You can expect to hear news from us early in week 19 regarding the test and interview.

    If you are selected for the test and interview, you will be invited to book your appointment through our online booking platform. You do not need to bring anything for the test; all materials will be provided.

    The admissions test takes three hours and the interview lasts approximately 30 minutes. You can book your interview either the same day or the day after the test.

    Admissions test

    The admissions test for the Bachelor in Animation (Character Animation and CG Arts) consists of a short individual drawing test, followed by a two-hour workshop. The workshop focuses on your collaboration and communication skills. For Graphic Storytelling applicants, there will be a three-hour individual drawing and storytelling test.

    Admissions interview

    Our purpose with the interview is to get to know our applicants. We are especially interested in your motivations and goals, where you think your strengths lie and what you could bring to the class.

    What are we looking for at the test and interview?

    In addition to a strong portfolio, we are looking for self-reflected, diligent and curious students who are eager to learn and open to collaborating in a shared responsibility environment. You must demonstrate an open attitude to taking critique and to trying new work methods. The program is demanding, and you must be ready to be a part of an intensive learning environment.

  • Test and interview for applicants living outside Denmark

    We highly encourage you to attend the test and interview in person, even if you live outside Denmark.

    Normally, our current students offer to accommodate our applicants for one or two nights; this will reduce your travel costs significantly.

    If it is not possible for you to come to Viborg for the test, you will have the option of taking the test via email and the interview via Skype. In this case, we will email the test to you, and you will have three hours to complete the test, scan it and email it back.

    Drawing test long distance

    The Character Animation and Computer Graphic Arts tests focus on drawing skills, knowledge, and use of character posing and gestures, composition, and design theory to support a chosen genre and tone.

    The Graphic Storytelling test focuses on drawing skills, idea creation, and visual storytelling.

    Interview long distance

    The interview will take place within the same week, following the test. You must have a reliable internet connection and camera for the interview. 

  • Result and feedback

    We inform you about the result of the admissions test in June.

    We will inform you about the results of the admissions test in June. If you passed the test, you will receive a preliminary acceptance letter. The official enrollment into the program is completed at the end of July.

    Feedback for rejected applicants 

    If you are not selected for the admission test, you will be invited to a portfolio workshop.

    Registration is required – each applicant will be invited to one session only either on May 16 or June 6. It is not possible to interchange these dates, as the workshops will vary in content. You will be invited to the one most relevant for you, based on the recommendation of the admission committee. More information about the workshops will be provided in the invitation letter.

    Due to the volume of the applicants, this is the only way to receive feedback. 

     

  • Special enrollment flow for non-EU students

    We have a special enrollment flow for non-EU students.

    In order to have time enough to settle matters regarding visa/residence permits, there is a special (early) enrollment flow for non-EU/non-EEA citizens who pass the admissions test and are offered a place in one of the Bachelor programs.

    Immediately after receiving a positive answer from the admissions committee, you will be asked to sign a contract for the education and to pay the tuition fee for the first study year up front.

    After signing the contract and paying the tuition fee, you receive a letter confirming your payment and your unconditional enrollment to the program. The receipt for the tuition fee and the enrollment letter are preconditions for being granted a residence permit.

    The application for a residence permit is made online and is initiated by VIA, after your payment has been registered.

    Special application fee for non-EU students

    If you are a citizen from outside the EU/EAA and do not hold a valid Danish residence permit, you are required to pay a 100 euro application fee before your application can be processed.

    Read more about the application fee

    Download payment schedules

     

  • Fees and finances

    Get an overview of your finances during your studies at TAW.

    Tuition

    There are no tuition fees for students coming from Denmark, the Nordic countries, EU/EEA countries, and Switzerland. Students coming from countries outside of EU/EEA must pay tuition fees unless they hold a permanent Danish residence permit. Paying the first year’s fee is a precondition for obtaining a student’s residence permit.

    Payment schedule for Graphic Storytelling (PDF)
    Payment schedule for Computer Graphic Arts (PDF)
    Payment schedule for Character Animation (PDF)

    Materials fee

    All students must pay a materials fee of DKK 2200 (300 EUR) per month, except for the internship semester. (The current fee is valid for 2018 and is subject to change in 2019).

    • Total fee for Bachelor in Animation
      - 36 months x DKK 2200 = DKK 79,200 
    • Total fee for Bachelor in Graphic Storytelling:
      - 42 months x DKK 2200 = DKK 92,400 

    The fee covers costs and services which students at other institutions are expected to pay for themselves and include:

    • Individual workstations including an industry standard computer and Wacom board
    • Animation drawing table
    • Various animation supplies: specialty pencils, paper, books and readers, and sketchbooks
    • Study trips to animation film festivals
    • Software and materials related to creating the productions
      and much more

    Material List CA & CGA (PDF)
    Material List GS (PDF)

    Living Costs

    You should expect average monthly living costs between 5000 and 7000 DKK (roughly 650 - 900 EUR), including accommodation.

    Financial support

    • Danish students can apply for SU
      - The bachelor programs are approved for SU for the official duration: 
         - Bachelor in Animation: 3½ years or 41 months
         - Bachelor in Graphic Storytelling: 4 years or 46 months
    • Students from EU/ EEA countries 
      - Foreign students are not eligible for the Danish educational support scheme (SU). Some exceptions are made for refugees and relatives of refugees and for other foreign citizens. EU citizens may be eligible for SU if they have a contract for 10-12 work hours per week. More information about SU for foreign students
    • Tuition-paying students from countries outside the EU/EEA
      - VIA offers a limited number of scholarships to cover the tuition fees for a shorter or longer period of your education. The scholarship is normally granted for one semester or for a full academic year at the time. You can apply for a scholarship during the application process. The application deadline follows the admissions deadlines. Please note that you will not receive a scholarship unless you are admitted to the education. If you were enrolled and were not awarded a scholarship, you can still reapply every semester. You can read more about the scholarship and find the application form here

  • Visa and residency

    All international students must register in Denmark for stays that last more than three months.

    Coming to Denmark from a Nordic or EU/EEA country, including Switzerland, you are free to live, study and work in Denmark. However, you must register, if you intend to stay more than three months.

    If you are coming to Denmark from outside the EU, you need a tourist visa (valid up to three months) or a residence permit (for stays exceeding 89 days). Normally, you must apply for visa or residence permit prior to your arrival in Denmark. Applying for a visa is a part of the enrollment process for the bachelor educations and is initiated by the school after you have been admitted to the program.

    For detailed information about the application process and requirements, please visit the website of the Danish Immigration service

    Registering for Danish Social Security number (CPR) and Danish Health Insurance scheme 

    You must register in order to receive a Danish CPR-number. It is a social identity code which is key to all public registration and services, including tax, opening a bank-account etc. Furthermore, the CPR-number will guarantee free public health insurance for the entirety of your stay (after a quarantine for the first six weeks for non-EU citizens).

    EU Citizens must register through Statsforvaltningen, all other citizens must register at the local municipality.

  • Contact

    If you didn't find the answer to your questions, please contact us.

    Katrine Frausig

    Administrator

    E:

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