Search
Slovensky

Admissions in regular term (Mgr.)

Into masters study programs, that start in the academic year 2026/2027.

  1. Who can submit an application for a master´s program
  2. When to submit applications for a master´s program
  3. How to submit applications for a master´s program
  4. Important dates of admissions process
  5. Fee
  6. Admissions date and interview
  7. Admissions process
  8. Admissions requirements of individual study programs

1. Who can submit an application for a masters program

An applicant for a master´s program at AFAD can become a student of the chosen study program only by succeeding in the admissions process. If the applicant has completed a bachelor´s program i.e. first level study program, they can enrol in the admissions at AFAD following the required process.
Applicants for study programs ART CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION AND ARCHITECTURE must be the graduates of bachelor´s study programs specialized in restoration and architecture since they are study programs with regulated profession.

In case the admissions to AFAD are conducted prior to completing the bachelor´s program, the successful applicant is admitted conditionally for the master´s program. The final admission to study is conditioned by the successful completion of the first level study program. The applicant will submit a proof of completion of the first level study program within ten days after completing the first level study program yet no later than the deadline for enrolment for study i.e. in September 2026 they must prove that they have completed the first level of the study by submitting a verified copy of a bachelor´s degree and diploma supplement.

All foreign applicants (with the exception of the Czech ones) must have a command of the Slovak language at the B1 level before starting their studies.

Foreign applicants, who have studied abroad, are admitted, only if they provide a decision on the recognition of the diploma issued abroad no later than the deadline for the enrolment (September 2026).
If the university issues diplomas after the enrolment date (after September) we do not recommend students that they submit an application, instead we recommend submitting it in the next academic year.

For more information check the following links:

https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/navigator/

https://www.slovensko.sk/sk/vyhladavanie?mod=search&q=uznanie+dokladu+o+vzdelani

2. When to submit applications for a master´s program

In the period from March 20, 2026 to May 20, 2026 an applicant for a master´s program at AFAD will fill out and sent an electronic application which must be confirmed in the system.

3. Important dates of admissions process

  • Applications submission from March 20, 2026 to May 20, 2026
  • Fee payment deadline May 20, 2026
  • Files must be insterted in the storage from June 8, 2026 starting at 12.00 p.m. CET to June 16, 2026 at 1.00 p.m. CET through repository https://ulozisko.vsvu.sk/
  • Admissions interview before the committee on June 23 - 24, 2026

4. How to submit applications for a master´s program

An applicant for a master´s program at AFAD is allowed to apply for a maximum of two of the following study programs (they also specify a studio they are applying for!)- the applicant will pay the fee twice- will be invited to two interviews. The applicant can also enrol in two studios within one study program – the applicant will pay the fee only once.

Study programs and studios with the estimated number of admitted applicants:

Study Field: Fine Art

Study Program Visual Arts – 61

  • Specialization – painting – 10
    Studio 3EAM
    Studio MAL+BY
    Painting studio Deltδ
  • Specialization – printmaking - 12
    Studio of Illustration and Printmaking
    Studio of Free and Color Printmaking
    Studio of Free Printmaking
  • Specialization – photography - 10
    Studio Photography, Reality, Construct
    Studio of Photography
    Studio Photorgaphy and critical practice
  • Specialization – digital arts – 3
    Studio – Guide to the Galaxy
  • Specialization – intermedia – 10
    Studio of Intermedia
    Studio of Spatial Communications +
    Studio vvv (visual, verbal, public)
  • Specialization – sculpture - 6
    Sculpture in architecture and 3D Virtual Space
    Studio of free sculpture
  • Specialization – glass- ceramics- jewel - 10
    Studio of Ceramics
    Studio of Glass
    Studio Metal and Jewel

Study Program Design – 36

  • Specialization – design - 14
    Studio of Experimental Design
    Studio of Industrial Design
    Studio of Interior design
    Studio of Transport Design
  • Specialization - textiles 10
    Studio of Fashion Design
    Studio of Fiber Design
    Studio of Textile Design in Space
  • Specialization – Visual Communication- 12
    Studio Identity
    Studio Multimedia
    Studio Typo
    Studio Space

Study Program Architecture – 12

Studio of Architecture II.
Studio of Architecture III.
Studio Architexture: Body and Space
Virtual Studio

Study Program Conservation and Restoration – 15

Studio of Wooden Sculpture Conservation and Restoration
Studio of Stone Sculptures and Stone Elements of Architecture Restoration
Studio of Textile Conservation and Restoration
Studio of Artwork on Paper and other media Restoration
Studio of Photography Restoration
Studio of Painting Conservation and Restoration

Study Field: History and Theory of Fine Arts and Architecture

Study Program History and Praxis of the Contemporary Art - 9

The given numbers of admitted applicants are not binding.

Aplication Procedure

STEP 1:

Electronic application can be found:

STEP 2:

Use this email address  for sending the following attachments:

  • A proof of payment of the fee for the admissions process (e.g. statement of payment from internet banking) – the fee must be paid no later than 20 May, 2026, when paying it is necessary to state a variable symbol, specific symbol and as a Message or Additional data – NAME and SURNAME of the applicant, otherwise the payment will not be matched.
  • An electronic copy of the bachelor´s diploma (if You have completed bachelors studies at this point), in case of a diploma issued abroad, it must be accompanied with an official Slovak translation (with the exception of Czech documents).
  • An electronic copy of the diploma supplement or transcript of records with calculated weighted study average is required together with a transcript of records (applicants from other universities than AFAD request a transcript of records from the Study Office of their school) in case of a document issued abroad (with the exception of Czech universities) it must accompanied with an official Slovak translation or a diploma supplement translated into English.
  • Foreign applicants, who have studied abroad, are admitted, if they provide a decision on the recognition of the diploma issued abroad no later than the deadline for the enrolment.
  • you do not need to fill in the study results in the e-application; if you are from a school other than AFAD/VŠVU, you attach a study transcript, diploma, diploma supplement as an attachment

For more information check the following link:

https://uznavanie.minedu.sk/navigator/

https://www.slovensko.sk/sk/vyhladavanie?mod=search&q=uznanie+dokladu+o+vzdelani

STEP 3:

In the period between June 8, 2026  from 12.00 p.m. CET to June 16, 2026 to 1 p.m. CET an applicant shall insert files and other documents for an admissions process for a master´s program according to the requirements of individual study programs via web page:

  • https://ulozisko.vsvu.sk/
  • username, password and instructions will be sent to the applicant´s email address stated in the application on  June 8, 2026.

5. Fee

An applicant who submits 2 applications for different study programs will pay the fee twice - he will be interviewed twice. The applicant can also apply to two studios within one study program - the applicant pays the fee only once.

Applicants from Ukraine are exempted from paying admissions fees.

A fee of €25 must be paid via bank transfer using the following:

  • IBAN: SK42 8180 0000 0070 0007 2516
  • SWIFT: SPSRSKBAXXX
  • Variable symbol: 648 003
  • Specific symbol: six-digit number starting with 26 and followed by a four-digit number consisting of the application filing number, before which zeroes must be added. Example: application filing number is 345, so specific symbol will be 260345
  • Additional information: applicant’s name and surname

In case of a foreign bank transfer it is required to state the following data:

  • Account owner: Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, Hviezdoslavo nám. 18, 81437 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
  • Bank: ŠTÁTNA POKLADNICA (STATE TREASURY), Radlinského 32, 810 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
  • SWIFT: SPSRSKBAXXX
  • IBAN: SK42 8180 0000 0070 0007 2516
  • Purpose of the payment: variable symbol 648 003
  • Specific symbol: six-digit number starting with 26 and followed by a four-digit number consisting of application filing number, before which zeroes must be added. Example: application filing number is 345, so specific symbol will be 260345
  • Additional information: applicant’s name and surname

6. Admissions date and interview

The admissions interview will be conducted on June 23 - 24, 2026 between an applicant and admissions committee (either in person or online for foreign applicants requesting it). The admissions committee will evaluate not only the interview, but also an electronically sent portfolio with a motivation letter which will help them to verify the applicant´s individual skills and preconditions necessary for meeting independently and creatively requirements of the master´s programs at AFAD, their general knowledge of the field and level of thinking as well as their knowledge of art history and theory.

7. Admission Procedure

  • Between 8 June 2026 from 12:00 p.m. and 16 June 2026 until 1:00 p.m., applicants shall upload files and other documents for the admission procedure for the Master’s degree programme according to the requirements of the individual study programmes via: https://ulozisko.vsvu.sk/
  • Login details and instructions will be sent on 8 June 2026 to the applicant’s email address provided in the application form.

Admission procedure and admission criteria for study programmes:

Navigation: 7.1. Architecture, Art Conservation and Restoration; 7.2. Visual Arts, Design; 7.3. History and Praxis of the Contemporary Art

7.1. Architecture, Art Conservation and Restoration

The admission procedure is intended to assess the applicant’s level of knowledge, talent, thinking, abilities, and skills in relation to the specific requirements arising from the chosen Master’s degree programme. The admission procedure is evaluated by an admission committee appointed by the Rector of AFAD for each study programme separately.

The committee will assess the applicant’s individual abilities and prerequisites to independently and creatively meet the requirements of Master’s study at AFAD, their overview of the field and current developments in it, their level of thinking, and their knowledge of the history and theory of art.

The admission procedure consists of the following parts:

  • the applicant’s portfolio with annotations to the works and individual projects (the portfolio must be submitted in electronic form).
  • the applicant’s motivation letter specified according to the study programme requirements
  • an interview with the applicant

Each member of the admission committee awards points for the portfolio, motivation letter, and interview (on a scale from 0 to 5 points). Based on the total score from the individual committee members, the ranking of applicants is established. The evaluation results and ranking of applicants are submitted by the admission committee to the Rector of AFAD, who decides on admission to the study programme provided by AFAD. The applicant will receive the admission decision in accordance with the law and AFAD regulations.

 

7.2. Visual Arts, Design

The admission procedure is intended to assess the applicant’s level of knowledge, talent, thinking, abilities, and skills in relation to the specific requirements arising from the chosen Master’s degree programme. The admission procedure is evaluated by an admission committee appointed by the Rector of AFAD for each study programme separately.
The committee will assess the applicant’s individual abilities and prerequisites to independently and creatively meet the requirements of Master’s study at AFAD, their overview of the field and current developments in it, their level of thinking, and their knowledge of the history and theory of art.

The admission procedure consists of the following parts:

  • a project – a description of the topic, problem, and its framework that you would primarily like to explore creatively and through research throughout the entire period of study
  • the applicant’s portfolio with annotations to the works and individual projects (the portfolio must be submitted in electronic form).
  • the applicant’s motivation letter specified according to the study programme requirements
  • an interview with the applicant

Each member of the admission committee awards points for the project, portfolio, motivation letter, and interview (on a scale from 0 to 5 points). Based on the total score from the individual committee members, the ranking of applicants is established. The evaluation results and ranking of applicants are submitted by the admission committee to the Rector of AFAD, who decides on admission to the study programme provided by AFAD. The applicant will receive the admission decision in accordance with the law and AFAD regulations.

 

7.3. History and Praxis of the Contemporary Art

An applicant for the Master’s degree programme in History and Praxis of the Contemporary Art may become a student of the chosen study programme only after successfully completing the admission procedure. If the student has completed Bachelor’s studies, they may apply for the admission procedure at AFAD in the prescribed manner. The admission procedure includes an interview and written assessment of the applicant’s interest in the study programme and field they are applying for, as well as an assessment of their cultural orientation in general and their general knowledge of the theory and practice of contemporary art, and of art and culture to the extent of Bachelor’s level study.

The admission committee is appointed by the Rector of AFAD. The committee takes into account the results of the admission procedure, such as the interview, the written essay and its individual parts, which will be evaluated and scored, as well as the applicant’s academic results achieved during Bachelor’s studies.

The admission procedure consists of the following parts:

  • a written essay of at least 3 and at most 5 standard pages based on published questions for the applicant (the essay must be submitted in electronic form).
  • an interview with the applicant – the interview will take place in person or online for international applicants who request it. The applicant will be informed in due time via the email address provided in the application form.

Each member of the admission committee awards points for the written essay and interview (on a scale from 0 to 5 points). Based on the total score from the individual committee members, the ranking of applicants is established. The evaluation results and ranking of applicants are submitted by the admission committee to the Rector of AFAD, who decides on admission to the study programme provided by AFAD. The applicant will receive the admission decision in accordance with the law and AFAD regulations.

8. Requirements of Individual Study Programmes

The applicant shall upload a portfolio and other documents for the admission procedure for Master’s study in one joint PDF file, max. 10 MB, labelled firstname_surname_name of study programme (visual_arts, design, architecture, conservation_restoration, history_practice), containing the portfolio and motivation letter according to the requirements of the individual study programmes:

Navigation: 8.1. Visual Arts; 8.2. Design; 8.3. Architecture; 8.4. Art Conservation and Restoration; 8.5. History and Praxis of the Contemporary Art

8.1. Visual Arts

specialisations: digital arts, photography, printmaking, intermedia, painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewellery

Master’s study in the Visual Arts study programme prefers project-oriented forms of study and takes place in the selected studio. The application for Master’s study requires the preparation of a preliminary intended project to which the student will devote themselves in cooperation with the teaching staff throughout the entire period of study. After admission, the project proposal is re-evaluated and further specified in the first semester of study in dialogue with the head of studio and consultants, so that a feasible and high-quality assignment for the entire study period and the diploma thesis can be created.

The applicant presents the following to the admission committee:

  1. A project – a description of the topic, problem, and its framework that you would primarily like to explore creatively and through research throughout the entire period of study (minimum 300 words; your own visual documentation is welcome)
  2. The applicant’s portfolio with short annotations to individual works and projects. The portfolio should demonstrate skills, knowledge, relevant themes, and creative intentions in the area of the submitted project.
  3. A motivation letter – it should contain a justification of your motivation for studying in a specific studio (minimum 100 words)
  4. Curriculum vitae

Further details:

  • The project, portfolio, motivation letter, and CV shall be submitted between 8 June 2026 from 12:00 p.m. and 16 June 2026 until 1:00 p.m. via: https://ulozisko.vsvu.sk/
  • the applicant applies to a specific studio
  • based on the topic and portfolio, the admission committee has the right to propose a different studio to the applicant
  • the applicant submits a project for the full duration of study (4 semesters); it is a project indicating a process of artistic thinking, but it may be reconsidered and modified throughout the course of study
  • the project topic should be related to the profile of the selected studio
  • we recommend individual consultations with studio heads when defining the project (information on consultations is available on the websites of the individual studios)

Evaluation criteria:

  • Project proposal:
    • clarity of the problem, innovation and creativity, relation to the studio, feasibility within 4 semesters, appropriate methods, defined outputs
  • Portfolio:
    • creativity, quality of concept and solution, process, craftsmanship, appropriateness to the study programme specialisation, consistency
  • Interview:
    • ability to articulate and argue, reflection, orientation in the field, motivation for the studio, ability to actively engage in critical dialogue, and to reflect on and revise one’s decisions

8.2. Design

specialisations: design, textile design, visual communication

Master’s study in the Design study programme prefers project-oriented forms of study and takes place in the selected studio. The application for Master’s study requires the preparation of a preliminary intended project to which the student will devote themselves in cooperation with the teaching staff throughout the entire period of study. After admission, the project proposal is re-evaluated and further specified in the first semester of study in dialogue with the head of studio and consultants, so that a feasible and high-quality assignment for the entire study period and the diploma thesis can be created.

The applicant presents the following to the admission committee:

  1. A project – a description of the topic, problem, and its framework that you would primarily like to explore creatively and through research throughout the entire period of study (minimum 300 words; your own visual documentation is welcome)
  2. The applicant’s portfolio with short annotations to individual works and projects. The portfolio should demonstrate skills, knowledge, relevant themes, and creative intentions in the area of the submitted project.
  3. A motivation letter – it should contain a justification of your motivation for studying in a specific studio (minimum 100 words)
  4. Curriculum vitae

Further details:

  • The project, portfolio, motivation letter, and CV shall be submitted between 8 June 2026 from 12:00 p.m. and 16 June 2026 until 1:00 p.m. via: https://ulozisko.vsvu.sk/
  • the applicant applies to a specific studio
  • based on the topic and portfolio, the admission committee has the right to propose a different studio to the applicant
  • the applicant submits a project for the full duration of study (4 semesters); it is a project indicating a process of artistic thinking, but it may be reconsidered and modified throughout the course of study
  • the project topic should be related to the profile of the selected studio
  • we recommend individual consultations with studio heads when defining the project (information on consultations is available on the websites of the individual studios)

Evaluation criteria:

  • Project proposal:
    • clarity of the problem, innovation and creativity, relation to the studio, feasibility within 4 semesters, appropriate methods, defined outputs
  • Portfolio:
    • creativity, quality of concept and solution, process, craftsmanship, appropriateness to the study programme specialisation, consistency
  • Interview:
    • ability to articulate and argue, reflection, orientation in the field, motivation for the studio, ability to actively engage in critical dialogue, and to reflect on and revise one’s decisions

8.3. Architecture

  • the applicant’s portfolio with short annotations (including brief descriptions of the projects)
  • the applicant’s motivation letter, containing a summary of the issues the applicant would like to focus on during their studies. The study programme is conceived as a space for cultivating an individual authorial programme. We welcome applicants who are able to articulate their emerging interests, research questions, or architectural positions that they wish to develop further.
  • short curriculum vitae

8.4. Art Conservation and Restoration

  • the applicant’s portfolio:
    a) For photographic records of individual works, it is required to state: title, technique, year of creation, dimensions, name of the school, and the name of the teacher under whose supervision the work was created (if it is a copy or was created, for example, במסגרת preparatory training, etc.), or whether it is independent work.
    b) For photographic records of conservation-restoration projects, it is required to state:
    1. basic data including: title of the work, location, material, technique, dating, author, dimensions, and the name of the guarantor / responsible conservator-restorer;
    2. a short annotation containing: the restoration intention, a brief summary of the research results, and a short description of the restoration work carried out. In the case of teamwork, also the precise scope of the applicant’s contribution.
  • the applicant’s motivation letter, which should contain a brief summary of the issues the applicant would like to focus on during their Master’s studies.
  • curriculum vitae

8.5 History and Praxis of the Contemporary Art

  • a written essay of at least 3 and at most 5 standard pages, which should include the applicant’s opinion on the following areas:
    a) which artworks they consider close to their view of art
    b) which books, including art-historical publications, or films about artists they have read or seen
    c) which exhibitions they have visited or remember, and what interested them about them from an artistic and curatorial point of view
    d) which artists, or periods and movements, they would like to learn more about and why
    e) what meaning they see in the work of the historian, theorist, and curator of contemporary art in today’s world
  • curriculum vitae

Recommended literature for admission interviews

  • BERGER, John: Ways of Seeing. Prague: Labyrint, 2016
  • BERGER, John: About Looking. Prague: Fra, 2009
  • CHATELET, Albert (ed.): World History of Art – Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Decorative Arts. Prague: Ottovo nakladatelství, 2004
  • RUSINOVÁ, Zora (ed.): History of Slovak Visual Art – 20th Century. Bratislava: Slovak National Gallery, 2000
  • MIRZOEFF, Nicholas: How to See the World. Prague: Artmap, 2019
  • FOSTER, Hal – KRAUSS, Rosalind – BOIS, Yves-Alain – BUCHLOH, Benjamin: Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism. Prague: Slovart, 2007

Information on master´s programs is provided by the AFAD Study Office:

Information for applicants from Ukraine:

General consultations refer to Applicants guide

 

Download

Information in Ukrainian language about admissions to master level studyPDF, 307 KB