Minor Be Creative (Eindhoven)
Come to Eindhoven, build something that has never existed before, and present it to close to one million people.
The Minor Be Creative is a full-semester engineering project in which students from around the world collaborate to design and build an innovative prototype. All in the heart of one of Europe's leading design and technology cities.
About the exchange programme
The Minor Be Creative is a project-based, technology-driven minor at Fontys in Eindhoven. As an exchange student, you join an international team of engineering students for a full semester of hands-on creative engineering. You do not attend standard lectures. You will work on a real project, with a real client, and build a working prototype from scratch.
The minor is taught entirely in English and welcomes students from universities worldwide. You will work alongside Dutch and international students in a multidisciplinary team, guided by a dedicated project coach and supported by companies and technical experts.
For full programme details, visit the Minor Be Creative programme page. Exchange-specific information like application, deadlines and credit recognition, you'll find below.
Why this programme?
- Unleash your creativity in a multidisciplinary environment where art, technology, and entrepreneurship converge.
- Collaborate on real-world projects with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and cultures.
- Gain hands-on experience and practical skills in a creative hotspot, Eindhoven, known for its vibrant arts and innovation scene.
- Build and present a real prototype, not a classroom assignment
- Your work may be showcased at GLOW Eindhoven, one of the Netherlands' largest public festivals
Project: GLOW Floral Flow
The 'Floral Flow' is an interactive light project. Visitors who would like to see these flowers 'bloom' must pump water from the canal to the flowers.More about the programme
Over 20 weeks, you and your team design and build an innovative prototype that does not yet exist on the market. You start with a week-long creativity bootcamp. An intense, hands-on introduction to design thinking, creative methods and collaborative engineering. From week two onwards, you are fully immersed in your project, working 40 hours a week on location at Fontys Nexus Building.
You work with tools and techniques including 3D printing, CAD, electronics, soldering and software, using whatever the project demands. Past student projects include award-winning installations at GLOW Eindhoven and a rehabilitation exoskeleton that won a national innovation award.
Is this programme for you?
You do not need a design background, a creative portfolio or prior experience with all the tools. What you need is an engineering or technical background, curiosity and a hands-on attitude.
This minor is a great fit if you come from electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, ICT, applied physics, mechatronics or a related field. The creative methods and design approaches are built up within the minor. No prior experience required.
Project: Handex
The Handex Exoskeleton Therapy Hand is a rehabilitation device designed to help people regain finger strength and mobility after a spinal cord injury, stroke or other medical condition.How to apply as an exchange student
Applications should always be submitted via the International Exchange (or Erasmus) Officer at the home university. If several versions of the programme are offered, please indicate for which version you would like to apply to (Programme I, Programme II, Programme III, etc.) This officer will send your application request (nomination) to Fontys. Once Fontys has accepted the application, your Fontys study department will send you a link to a web application called Mobility Online.
Deadline for application
Fall semester: 15 May
Spring semester: 15 November
Note: Not all exchange programmes are available every semester. To find out when this programme is offered, please check its specific details.
How will your course programme be recognised by your home university?
Fontys will provide you with a so-called ‘Transcript of Records’, which will clarify the results that you have achieved. Depending on your results, you will receive a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. ECTS credits are recognised throughout Europe. The agreement between your home university and Fontys University of Applied Sciences will usually include a condition whereby the credits that you obtain will be recognised and transferred into the records kept by your home university.
Project: GLOW Vena Lumen
Vena Lumen literally means 'heartbeat light'. The design transforms the heartbeat into dancing light that moves in the sofa.Practical information
- Start moment(s)
- September, February
- Location
- Eindhoven
- ECTs
- 30
- Language
- English
- Duration
- 1 semester, 20 weeks
For more detailed information about practical matters, such as financial matters, residence permit, health insurance and accommodation, please click on the button below.
Want to know more about the programme structure, assessment and daily schedule? Visit the Minor Be Creative programme page