Josine Fontrodona
Programme director Fontys Circus and Performance Art
We work with students with an excellent technical level. You are encouraged to develop your personal artistic profile both as creator and artist in circus art. The education at Circus and Performance Art enables its students to start a professional career in various fields of contemporary circus and in other performing arts.You will become an artistic entrepreneur and receive the opportunity to build up your professional network.
You can read all about the disciplines and the teachers here.
We offer a 4-year, full-time study program with a pioneering, distinctive artistic shape. The international study program provides an globally recognized academic bachelor diploma of professional education as Circus artist, and has a qualified team and a clear mission. We also offer exceptional training facilities.
The study program focuses on:
Life at Circus and Performance Art is very inspiring. You’ll spend a lot of hours in the training facility which is well equipped and tailored to the needs of circus training. You are encouraged to develop your personal artistic profile both as a creator and circus artist.
Jannis Kaske, student“The way the teachers work; a part is fixed but most of them are guest teachers, so you always have a great choice”
Do you have any questions regarding your audition? Do not hesitate to call us or e-mail Chantal & Karin at fhkcircusaudition@fontys.nl.
As a prospective student, your path to the journey begins here.
Register for our admission audition and unveil your skills through captivating videos. The deadline for this pre-selection is March 24, 2024!
Why this step matters:
- It's your chance to shine and secure your spot in the pre-selection of this prestigious program.
- We're seeking passionate individuals or partners who not only possess technique but also a desire to excel in Circus and Performance Art.
Upload your video material for the pre-selection. The deadline is March 24, 2024.
- A 3 to 5 minute video in 1 or 2 takes.
- Click on 'Audition Assignment' to see what you must do.
A. First Round is the Pre-selection upon admission (go to audition assignment)
B. Second Round is a Physical Audition in Tilburg
For questions about the audition, contact us at fhkcircusaudition@fontys.nl.
The tuition fees indicator helps you to determine the tuition rate for your situation. The information and tuition rates from this indicator are without engagement.
A distinction is made between statutory tuition fees and institutional tuition fees. Only if you satisfy all statutory requirements regarding your nationality and if you have not yet been awarded a degree, will you be eligible for statutory tuition fees. Via the tuition fees indicator, you can secure an indication of the type of tuition fees that will be applicable in your situation. To do so, please make use of the indicator above.
Distinctions are made between the following types of Institutional Tuition Fees:
These different types of tuition fees and the Exemption Regulations are fully detailed in the:
The amount to be paid may vary in accordance with the following situations:
Collection will take place in a maximum of ten equal instalments on or around the 26th of the month. Depending upon the processing time required after your enrolment, the direct debit may need to be moved to the following month. If so, the amount outstanding will then be divided and added to the remaining instalments to be executed until and including the June instalment.
If you commence your studies on 1 September, the direct debit pertaining to your Tuition Fees will be executed on or around 25 September. If you commence your studies after 1 September, the direct debit will be executed on or around the 26th of the month in which you commence your studies.
Incoming Non EU students will receive a payment letter from their study department which must be paid before the deadline. In the following academic years payment can be done by direct debit.
If you have a Bank account number, of which the bank is not situated in one of the SEPA countries, and you are a national of a country outside the EEA without an address in The Netherlands, then you will receive a paymentletter from Fontys via your course department.
The Dutch currency unit is the Euro (i.e. abbreviated to ‘EUR’ or ‘€’).
The average living expenses per month for a foreign student living and studying in Holland are between EUR 900 and EUR 1,100 per month. These living expenses cover rent, insurance, food, public transportation, books, clothing and other general costs.
Dutch Immigration Service (IND) requires non-EEA students to proof they have access to € 11,520 per year (€ 5,760 per semester)
Costs within the first months upon arrival will be higher than all other months due to a housing deposit, intro week and books. Study books are usually bought at the start of the semester and therefore it is wise to reserve and have direct access to an amount at the start of the semester which can cover the price of all study books and the living expenses for the first two months.
Before starting your study at Fontys, you must find suitable housing. Unfortunately, it is not easy for international students to find accommodation in the Netherlands due to the housing crisis. Start your accommodation search early. Please be aware that finding a place to live is your own responsibility. However, we are happy to assist in any way we can.
The education at Circus and Performance Art enables you to start a professional career in various fields of contemporary circus and in other performing arts. It provides you with the aptitude to meet the requirements of an incessantly evolving art form on a professional level. You will work in the field of circus, a large professional field that has evolved considerably, and that nowadays embraces various structures: circus, variety shows, street performances, site-specific work, circus theatre, visual theatre, amusement parks, events and more. Read all about the disciplines we teach.
Also take a look at our digital stage. This is the place where our graduates introduce themselves.
As a prospective Bachelor's student you must have a diploma of higher secondary education that is equivalent to Dutch standards.
For Dutch students: VWO-, HAVO- or MBO 4-diploma (your diploma will be verified via Studielink).
Non-Dutch students: once admitted after the audition you will be asked to send a certified copy of your original diploma and grades list of your high school diploma, so Fontys can evaluate these.
Minimum level of foreign diploma’s:
- Belgium: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with a transcript (after 7 years BSO or after 6 years ASO/TSO/KSO).
- Germany: Fachhochschulreife or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife.
- France: Baccalaureat
- Other nationalities: check if your diploma will be sufficient through this Nuffic website.
NOTE: you do not need to apply for a diploma evaluation with Nuffic yourself. Fontys will arrange this and you will be informed about it. The diploma evaluation may take 2 weeks.
Talented prospective students with a different education have to take a test to prove capability of studying at a higher professional education level.
As a non-EU/EEA student, the Netherlands will require an Entry Visa* (MVV) and a Residence Permit. Fontys will apply on behalf of its students for these documents. We recommend you start the process early, i.e. approximately three months before you plan to enter the Netherlands.
*except nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA and Vatican City State.
As a prospective Bachelor's student you must have a diploma of higher secondary education that is equivalent to Dutch standards.
For Dutch students: VWO-, HAVO- or MBO 4-diploma (your diploma will be verified via Studielink).
Non-Dutch students: once admitted after the audition you will be asked to send a certified copy of your original diploma and grades list of your high school diploma, so Fontys can evaluate these.
Minimum level of foreign diploma’s:
- Belgium: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with a transcript (after 7 years BSO or after 6 years ASO/TSO/KSO).
- Germany: Fachhochschulreife or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife.
- France: Baccalaureat
- Other nationalities: check if your diploma will be sufficient through this Nuffic website.
NOTE: you do not need to apply for a diploma evaluation with Nuffic yourself. Fontys will arrange this and you will be informed about it. The diploma evaluation may take 2 weeks.
Talented prospective students with a different education have to take a test to prove capability of studying at a higher professional education level.
For the English taught programmes, the minimum English language proficiency required. As an applicant with a Dutch MBO-4, HAVO- or VWO-diploma you can be exempted from submitting the language proficiency test.
As a prospective Bachelor's student you must have a diploma of higher secondary education that is equivalent to Dutch standards.
For Dutch students: VWO-, HAVO- or MBO 4-diploma (your diploma will be verified via Studielink).
Non-Dutch students: once admitted after the audition you will be asked to send a certified copy of your original diploma and grades list of your high school diploma, so Fontys can evaluate these.
Minimum level of foreign diploma’s:
- Belgium: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with a transcript (after 7 years BSO or after 6 years ASO/TSO/KSO).
- Germany: Fachhochschulreife or Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife.
- France: Baccalaureat
- Other nationalities: check if your diploma will be sufficient through this Nuffic website.
NOTE: you do not need to apply for a diploma evaluation with Nuffic yourself. Fontys will arrange this and you will be informed about it. The diploma evaluation may take 2 weeks.
Talented prospective students with a different education have to take a test to prove capability of studying at a higher professional education level.
Sign up for one of our events. There's no better way to find out if this study programme is right for you! Visit a webinar from the comfort of your home or meet us live on campus. Whichever you choose, we hope to meet you soon.
Having trouble making up your mind about your future studies? Or maybe you've already decided? Either way, we invite you to experience it firsthand at our Open Day. Step onto our campus and get a real taste of what your chosen study programme could be like. Our students and teachers will be your guides, ready to show you around.
Mark your calendar for our upcoming Open Days in January 2024:
Do you want to be a part of it? Simply share your details, and you'll be among the first to receive updates.
Meet the student
Would you like to have a conversation with students? Are you curious about their experiences? What do they like most about the programme, what do they find difficult? What is it like to study in The Netherlands and at Fontys?
Then sign up for 'Meet the student' by sending an e-mail to fhkcircus@fontys.nl.
In this video, Rika, Ricky, Johannes, and Leire will answer several questions.
1. When did you start practicing circus? (14:56)
2. Why did you decide to study circus? (21:00)
3. What happens if you get injured? (26:26)
4. Is the body shape important? (30:28)
5. What does a normal day look like? (32:25)
6. Are apartments expensive? And do you work next to your studies? (37:53)
7. Can you explain the relationship with your classmates? How do you work together for example? (41:41)
8. Can you tell a little bit about the international circus life as a student? (45:23)
9. Was it hard to study in the beginning because of the language (academically)? (47:28)
10. What is your favorite subject at the academy? (49:57)
11. Do you listen to music while training? (52:20)
12. What are your dreams for the future? (53:28)
Enjoy watching!