Admission Process

Optagelse.dk is a national application portal, which all applicants must use. 
The portal opens each year on 1 February, and deadline for completing your application is 15 March at 12:00 CET. Remember to upload all documents before deadline, and have your application signed and approved. 
Your Signature page from Optagelse.dk must be submitted to MitAkademi before deadline 15th at 12:00.

Please go to Your Application from A - Z for a more elaborate description.

We recommend

• Read through instructions on optagelse.dk thoroughly before you apply. Use the English section of the portal.
• Apply well before deadline. If required documentation is missing from your application, we will notify you and guide you on how to add documents.
• Contact support on optagelse.dk if you need help when filling in your application.
• Check your receipt from optagelse.dk to ensure that your application is received and complete.

You need to prepare the following before the digital test:

1.    Mini portfolio – your own work
2.    5 to 10 everyday items
3.    Formal requirements you need to know
 

Mini portfolio – your own work

Your mini portfolio should consist of a maximum of three pages showing examples of things you’ve created in the past. It should give us a sense of what interests you, what you enjoy working with, and how you like to work. How you choose to show this is completely up to you.
Your examples can include drawings, sketches, material collections, and photos. They can also be projects, experiments, or explorations. Add titles and short explanatory texts and try to avoid mind maps and long passages of text.
Your mini portfolio helps us get a first impression of you as a future craft student—how you think, work, and express yourself visually, artistically, and conceptually.
We’re looking for design potential, curiosity, and a genuine desire to learn.
We review your portfolio on a large screen, so feel free to make full use of the format.
If you include work created by others, you must credit your sources so we can distinguish your work from others’ or AI generated material.

Submission format:
PDF, max 10 MB, uploaded as a separate file during the digital test.
Your submission must be anonymous, meaning your name cannot appear anywhere. We suggest naming your file simply “portfolio”.
Yuo upload during the online test.
 

5 to 10 everyday items

You need to bring 5 to 10 items from your everyday life that you find inspiring. These must be brought to the digital test.

They can be items you’ve collected, found, or borrowed—but not things you’ve made yourself. Choose objects based on whether they are visually interesting, functionally well designed, and/or have a special meaning connected to a personal memory or the way they help someone.
The items might be physical or digital.
Physical items might include furniture, ceramics, lamps, textiles, kitchen tools, posters, photographs, or hardware that inspires you through form, colour, texture, or function.
Digital items might include apps, smart home devices, or digital screens that inspire you through interaction, user experience, interface design, or information structure.
You’ll use these objects for tasks during the digital test. Choose at least 5 and no more than 10. You won’t necessarily use all of them—it depends on how you decide to approach the given task.
 

Formal requirements you need to know

During the test, you have quite a lot of freedom to work the way you want, think creatively, and push your ideas. We’re often asked, “Am I allowed to…?”—and the answer is usually yes. The test isn’t about limiting you but about seeing your ideas and how you explore possibilities.
Still, there are a few rules you must follow:

• Your designproposals - not your portfolio - must be new and created specifically for the assignments.
• You must create all material yourself and cannot receive help or feedback from others during the test.
• You may not sit in the same room as other test participants.
• You are not allowed to communicate with other test participants online or in person.
• The monitoring software must be running at all times.
• You’re allowed to take breaks and step away from your workstation.
• Your material must be submitted anonymously.
• You must submit in English
• You may only use the materials listed in the assignment texts.
• You may use any working methods and tools you prefer unless the assignment states otherwise.

The initial admission test is online. Particpation requires:

• that you have applied for admission on optagelse.dk before 15 March, at 12:00 CET
• that you have signed up for the online test on MitAkademi before deadline
• that you have access to a computer
• that your internet connection is stabile
• that you have prepared a miniportfolio. See section above.
• that you have selected 5-10 everyday items. See section above.

Participation is mandatory. Miniportfolio is be uploaded on the day of the test. 
Portfolio and design proposals must be uploaded in pdf-format.  
If you are not familiar with working with this format, we strongly recommend that you practice.

Purpose of Online Test

Our purpose with the online test is to identify which applicants we want to invite for an additional onsite test in Copenhagen. Applicants with the highest scores will be invited.
The assignments are designed for you to demonstrate your potential to become a designer within the fields of either glass or ceramics. The assigments are artistic in nature.

Materials and Tools

• Materials. For the online test you must have the following at your disposal: paper, glue and tape. Format, quality and colour is of your own choice.
• Tools. Choose tools that you are comfortable with in regards to drawing tools. Scissors and box knife, ruler and/or tapemeasure are recommendable.
  Camera and computer or tablet with the preferred software. The camera in your phone should be sufficient.
  You will work digitally as well as analoguely. All submission is online.

Preparations before Online Test

You need to prepare in different fields:

• Technical requirements. Inform yourself thoroughly (more details in next section). 
• Portfolio. You must prepare a miniportfolio/ 3 pages with examples of your works. 
• Select 5-10 everyday items. You will be asked to use them during the test.
• Work station. Consider how to set up a suitable work station for yourself. You must be able to work, take photos, put things aside and so forth. Please note that you are not allowed to work in the same room as other test participants. 
• Pdf and video. The predominantly submission format will be pdf. We strongly recommend that you practice and make yourself comfortable with the format  before test. 
  You might also be asked to do a short video.
• Online info meeting. We’re hosting an online info meeting on Zoom on March 26 at 5 PM. We’ll give a quick rundown of what’s going to happen during the test. Joining is optional, and we won’t say anything in the meeting that you can’t also find on the website. You’ll get the Zoom link directly from us a couple of days before the meeting, once we’ve registered all sign‑ups.

Applying for Extra Time 

If you are physically or mentally impaired, we might be able to extend your test time a little. Upload documentation for your impairment on optagelse.dk no later than 15 March, 12.00 CET. 
You need to do so no later than 3 days prior to the test. We recommend that you apply well before deadline, which will give us time to prepare and contact you, if we have questions.
Usually we extend test time with ½ hour.

Test Room and Upload

When you have registered for the exam on MitAkademi, you will at some point be able to see a test room on your profile. The test room is called “REGISTERED TESTS”. This is where you start your digital test, and this is where you must upload your files at the end of the day.

At 9 AM (09:00 CET) on the day of the test, you will have access to the assignment in the test room. We recommend that you save the file on your own computer for safety reasons, so that you have access to them at all times, even if technical problems arise.

We recommend

• That you upload your submission continuously, e.g. every 2 hours. You can always replace your files with a new and better version. 
• That you set aside the last 10 min. to do a security check of your work. Save your file on your computer and close it. Open it again to check that it can be opened and that all elements appear where you intended them. Save and close your file again before uploading. 
• That you check again that the file can be opened and contains the intended elements, after you have uploaded the last version.

Surveillance, Use of AI, Help and Cheating

The online test is monitored in order to prevent cheating.
You need to download a surveillance tool, called Observer More information about this in the next section:  Step 2: Online Admission Test - Technical Requirements.

When you do the online test, you must do the designs yourself and without help. It is important that you are alone in the room as much as possible, and you are not allowed to work in the same room as other test participants. You are allowed to leave the room/camera when you need a break. As a general rule, we expect you to take some short breaks during the day and to take a longer lunch break.

Generative AI may be used for inspiration and idea generation, not for specific design proposals, generation of text and images, etc. If you have used AI or similar digital tools in working with the assignments, you must state what and how. 

During the test you can chat with us, if you have questions.

What to do in case of Service Disruptions

Service disruptions may occur, making it difficult for you to connect to the test room and monitoring program. 
In such situations, we recommend

• That you have downloaded the assignment to your own computer in advance
• That you continue working and wait for a message from us
• That you check your email regularly. We will send you a message about what to do
   

Assessment and Scores

All submitted material will be assessed according to criteria. When all assessments are completed, your score will be visible to you on MitAkademi. 
If among the participants with the highest scores you will be invited to a test in Copenhagen. No later than two weeks before the test you will know.

Requirements for Hardware and Software

In order to participate in the online admission test for Crafts you must use the following hardware and software. 

• a computer with microphone and webcamera. The webcam must be turned on during the entire test.
• a mobile phone or a camera for taking photos
• software programme "Observer" to be downloaded from MitAkademi.
  The programme records image and sound and makes screen sharing possible.
• a stable internet connection
• programme for making pdf-files.
• programme for making video.

Please note:
Technical problems with your internet or software set-up preventing you from fully participating in and completing the online test, will entail that you loose your chance of a study place this year.

Identification during Test

Have an ID with photo at hand when you log-on. You must identify yourself with etiher a passport, a drivers licence or similar with name, photo and date of birth. You must show your ID to the webcamera. Make sure to cover up personal information like the last four digits of your cpr-number (Danish applicants).
If you do not present a valid ID to the camera, your assignments will be considered invalid.

Check of System

After signing up for the online test on mit.kglakademi.dk you must download the software programme "Observer" and run a system check. Makes sure to do the system check on the computer that you will be using during the admission test.

Observer supports the following operating systems:
Windows 10 and 11
14 Sonoma (Apple macOS)
15 Sequoia (Apple macOS)
26 Tahore (Apple macOS)

The following macOS systems are not officially supported by Observer but should still work. Make sure to test Observer ahead of the test:
10.15 Catalina (Apple macOS)
11 Big Sur (Apple macOS)
12 Monteray (Apple macOS)
13 Ventura (Apple macOS)

We can not guarantee that Observer works if you use another version of Windows and macOS or a third operating system.

About Surveillance and Data Processing

It is a requirement for test participation that the applicants are recorded. The test will be recorded and saved.
The Royal Danish Academy will be data responsible for the personal data that is processed as part of the test with the purpose of preventing cheating.
Thus, both identification information and video / audio recordings are processed. The processing takes place on the basis of Executive Order 56 of 10/01/2024 (Bekendtgørelse 56 af 10/01/2024).

Your information is not shared or passed on to others, and there is no transfer to third countries. The information is stored until the admission process is completed, however, for a maximum of 1 year. 
You have the right to request insight into and correction or deletion of your personal information. You also have the right to request limitation of processing or to object to processing as well as the right to data portability. You also have the right to complain to the Danish Data Protection Agency. 
If you have further questions regarding the processing, please contact the Royal Danish Academy's data protection adviser at dpo@kglakademi.dk.

The test hall is located in the huge building that runs along Danneskiold-Samøes Alle.
Adress: 10 Philip De Langes Alle, 1437 Copenhagen K.
The doors are opened at 8.30 AM, and the test starts at 9:00. We finish 5 PM. 

It will not be possible to attend from your home or alternative locations.

Who is Invited?

Applicants with the highest scores from digital test will be invited for the test no later than 14 days before test date. The invitation will be visible on MitAkademi. If invited you must sign up for this second test on MitAkademi.
We usually invite between 30 and 35 applicants for the second test.

What Happens during the Test?

During the test a number of assignments will be given to you; the purpose is to give you opportunity to show us your talent and potential for Crafts in Glass and Ceramics.
During the test you will be called out for a brief interview with staff members. Time and place will appear on a label on the table assigned to you.

What to Bring:

You must bring the following tools and materials to the test:

• computer with software of your choice and mobile phone with camera (remember charger for both)
• tools for drawing and painting/colouring of your choice
• scissors or cutter, glue, tape and cutting mat (or a piece of cardboard). Your glue must be odour free. 
• tools for carving, trimming, smoothing and scraping (wire cutter not necessary)
• identification with photo
• food and drink, incl. cutlery
• your participant number
• mini-portfolio, either printed or on your computer

What to Prepare:

For your interview you must prepare a brief introduction of yourself based on the mini-portfolio that you uploaded for the online test. Max. 2 min.  The interview will last 10-12 min. in total.

Assessment and Scores

All assignments and the interview will be assessed after the test. 

No later than 2 June your test scores will be visible to you on MitAkademi. We will also provide you with a collected survey of all test scores. This survey will make it possible for you to see your position in the applicant field.

We cannot tell you whether you will be offered a study place or not. Your chance depends on a number of things, among others how many of our applicants who decides to accept offers from other schools.

Offered of study places will be announced by the end of July. You will be given a short deadline to accept our offer.

How are your assigments assessed?

In general, the academy is looking for applicants who are committed and independent with a great desire to immerse themselves in the professional field. We want a broad field of applicants that reflects our society in its diversity. When you apply, we do not expect you to know everything in advance. All assignments from both tests are assessed by two or more teachers at the Royal Danish Academy. This is done anonymously. The only thing the assessors see is your participant number and what you have uploaded. Therefore, it is important that your name and face do not appear anywhere in what you submit.

An assessment starts by assigning a level across uploaded assignments. We do this to ensure that both the first and last assignment are assessed equally. 
After that, the actual assessment of each individual assigment begins. The assessors give points for each criterion, and your total scores is calculated. 
If you are invited to the second test, you will also have to attend an interview, where points are given. It is not necessarily the same people who interview and assess the ssigments. The tasks from the digital test are assessed over 2 or more weeks after the test. The tasks from the physical test are assessed in the days immediately following the test. Interviews are assessed immediately after your interview.

Criteria for design proposals:

During the online admission test and the admission test in Copenhagen, your assignments are assessed based on the following five criteria:

EXAMINING AND REGISTERING
Design originates from a curiosity about the world. When you work with design, it is not only about reproducing something, but about understanding it: form, colours, materials, moods, movements, and connections. We focus on how you examine your subject through sketches, studies, material experiments and observations, and how you use these examinations to discover something new. It is a type of fieldwork, where you demonstrate how you register and examine the world as a designer. 

GENERATING AND DEVELOPING IDEAS
Design is about creating many options before choosing one. We look at how you develop a wide range of ideas through sketches, models, and experiments without closing the process too early. It is important that these ideas arise from your examinations and from an understanding of users, needs, and context. We evaluate how you explore and test options and how you develop new thoughts through working with materials, references, and forms.

DEVELOPING AN ORIGINAL AND INNOVATIVE PROPOSAL
Good design is personal and reflective. We look at how you develop a proposal that carries your own personal touch; through shape, function, materials, and expression. It does not have to be something that has never been seen before, but it must be your own interpretation. We evaluate how you make your own choices and create a solution rooted in your examinations and reflections. 

PROCESSING AND DEVELOPING FORM
Designers work extensively with form. We are interested in how you work with proportions, lines, surfaces, scale, structure, rhythm, and contrasts. We also look at how you develop and vary form, and how you adapt it according to function, user, and context. It is about being able to shape, change, and refine your expression through a conscious design process.

COMMUNICATING IN WRITING AND VISUALLY
Design is also about being able to convey your ideas and choices clearly. We evaluate how you describe your process, and whether text and images together create a coherent and understandable submission. This includes how you present your sketches, photos, and your final proposal, and whether you can convey your thoughts clearly through visual expression.

In addition, we look at relevant use of both digital and analogue tools and expect applicants to use both in solving tasks.

Criteria for Interview:

During the admission test in Copenhagen, you will also participate in an interview. Here you will be assessed according to two criteria:

YOUR ABILITY TO ARGUE, CONVEY, AND COMMUNICATE ORALLY
During the interview, we focus on how you talk about your process, your ideas, and your choices. We look at whether you can explain your intentions and considerations, and how you take part in a professional conversation. It is about being able to communicate clearly, reflectively, and openly about your work.

YOUR READINESS TO STUDY THE CRAFTS PROGRAMME
We also look at your motivation, curiosity, and willingness to learn. We evaluate whether you understand what it means to study crafts at the Royal Danish Academy: commitment, independence, and a desire to develop yourself within an academic community.

Requirements for Format and More

Material that does not meet requirements will not be assessed. Our requirements are stated on the website and assignment texts. 
Examples: 
If we ask for a maximum of 7 pages, and you submit 10 pages, you do not meet our requirements. 
If we ask you to submit anonymously, and your name appears on your file, you do not meet our requirements. 
If we ask you to submit 3 files, and you only submit 2 files, you do not meet our requirements.

Points and Scale:

The point scale is 1-10. The best is 10. 
Point numbers 2-10 are used for material that meets the requirements for format, content, etc. as stated in the task texts. 
Point number 1 is used for material that does not meet the requirements. 
An applicant whose material achieves point number 1 in all criteria cannot continue as an applicant.

You can get a maximum of 50 points (5 criteria x 10 points) in the online test. You can get a maximum of 70 points (7 criteria x 10 points) in the second test.

After the test in Copenhagen all design proposals are discarded.