Frequently Asked Questions

What does an average day look like at abbey road institute?

Our Advanced Diploma in Music Production & Sound Engineering is available as an intensive, full time programme or as a part time programme. During the full time course, you will have a daily timetable of lectures of 4 to 5 days a week; during the part time course 2  to 3 days a week. These lecturers include class with our core team and weekly lectures with industry experts.

The Institute is open 6 days a week, and we encourage you to use the studios and equipment as much as possible to make the most of your time at Abbey Road Institute and the studios. This means you can be working and recording during the evenings and weekends in addition to your timetabled lectures and workshops.

 

how do i apply for the advanced diploma?

The application process for our diploma is straightforward. You can apply online via our application portal here.

You will need to complete all of the necessary questions and upload copies of the required documents and your music portfolio. If you do not have copies of your qualifications or are waiting for your results, you may still submit your application form to be considered.

We interview all applicants that meet the entry requirements. If you are in the Netherlands we would like to interview you in person. If you are applying from another country and cannot travel to the Netherlands we can interview you on Skype, Zoom or a similar platform.

We will notify you of the outcome of your application within a few days of your interview. If you have any questions or need support with the online application process, please contact our Student Advisor who will be happy to help.

 

WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT AND FUNDING OPTIONS AVAILABLE?

We offer different payment options to support you in being able to fund your studies with us. You can choose to spread the payment throughout your time at Abbey Road or you can pay the full amount upfront and receive a discount on the course fees.

Full Time Course
Payment Plan A – Full fee paid up-front
Payment Plan B – Paid in 3-term instalments
Payment Plan C – Paid in 12-monthly instalments

Details about the fees and funding can be found here

Part Time Course
Payment Plan A – Full fee paid up-front
Payment Plan B – Paid in 3-term instalments

Payment Plan C – Paid in 24-monthly instalments

Details about the fees and funding can be found here

As the Advanced Diploma is not a 3 year degree programme, the course is not eligible for any kind of student loan.

 

I am an international (non-eu) student, can I apply to abbey road institute?

Currently, we are not able to assist non-EU residents with their visa application to study in the Netherlands. Since Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam is a private Institute, students are not eligible for a visa or a student loan. Should you have a personal means of obtaining a visa, for example, a family connection or registration at a university, then you would be suitable to study with us.

Working Holiday Programme (WHP) and the Working Holiday Scheme (WHS)
(Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and Uruguay.)
However, if you are from one of the above listed countries, there is an option to apply for a working holiday. “A working holiday is a cultural exchange programme or scheme (WHP or WHS) for young people aged 18 to 30 from certain countries. The main purpose is to get to know Dutch society and culture. Find out the requirements and how to apply for the residence permit.“

DAFT Visa for US Citizens
DAFT stands for “Dutch American Friendship Treaty”. Under the DAFT, self-employed USA citizens can apply for a Dutch residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. There is no maximum age and you can also sponsor your spouse and minor children for residence.

With a DAFT visa, you can register at the Chamber of Commerce (kvk.nl) in the Netherlands as a business or as a freelancer (self-employed) – in Dutch “eenmanszaak” (a one man business). As a freelancer, you can then give, for example, (music) lessons and study next to it.

Find more information about the process of obtaining a DAFT visa step by step:

Important!

It is the sole responsibility of each prospective student to arrange all the documents necessary to obtain a visa. We encourage you to do your research well in advance and make sure that you have all the documents lined up before you start the application process with us.
(updated: 09/08/2023)

 

It’s been a life-changing experience really. I came with the willingness and hunger to learn and I left with the awareness of being not only a better producer and engineer, but a better person/human being. Once you’ve learnt all the techy stuff, you realise how much more essential it is to learn the emotional and psychological part of the game and how to deal with artists. And that only comes with passion, hunger and dedication.

Marco Spaggiari, Amsterdam Graduate 2018

It’s insane how inspiring it is to put fifteen musicians of all genres and backgrounds in one class and work on your skills together. I mean, Abbey Road brought me a lot of knowledge, a great network and practical skills – that’s what I signed up for. But it also gave me a bloody great time, tons of fun and sort of a second family.

Rudy Mackay, Amsterdam Graduate 2017

I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for this course, not only for the invaluable education but also for the good people at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam, and everyone I’ve met along the year.

Kiko Medeiros, Amsterdam Graduate 2018

By day, you’re soaking in the knowledge of industry experts. By night, you practice what you’ve learnt in a playground of high-end studio equipment. What more could you possibly want?

Janice Wong, Amsterdam Graduate 2017

Abbey Road Institute is not a school, it is a high end production studio with a control room full of learners.

Théo Dorey, Amsterdam Graduate 2016

“Every day spent here felt like I was better than the day before. It is beautiful to think in colours, mix with flavours and develop a unique way to listen and understand music. Abbey Road is all about perspective and attitude, things which are taught so well between the magical walls of the institute“

Stefan Roscovan, Amsterdam Graduate 2017

From the moment I entered Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam it took me a total of 5 minutes to realise that I came to the right place. It has been one of the best experiences, meeting new friends for life from all over the world. You learn so, so much in just 1 year in an incredible environment, which has to be felt to understand.

Fabian Brummel, Amsterdam Graduate 2017