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International Art School from Turkey — Frequently Asked Questions

Da Vinci Academy | Istanbul
March 2, 2026 by
Da Vinci Akademi

Is it possible to go to an international art school from Turkey?

Yes — and it's much more accessible than you think. Da Vinci Academy students have been accepted into some of the world's most prestigious art and design schools, including UAL, Royal College of Art, UCL, Goldsmiths, NABA, SAIC, Pratt Institute, ESMOD, Istituto Marangoni, and Glasgow School of Art. With the right preparation and guidance, it is definitely possible to gain admission to these schools from Turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age do you need to be to apply for an international art school?

For most undergraduate programs, being a high school graduate is sufficient. Generally, students aged 17 to 19 apply. Some schools also accept mature students.

How long does it take to prepare a portfolio?

This completely depends on your current level and the schools you are targeting. Generally, 3 to 6 months is sufficient, but some students work for a year or longer. The earlier you start, the stronger your portfolio can be.

I have no art experience, can I apply?

Yes. Da Vinci Academy's Foundation program is designed specifically for such situations. You can start preparing your portfolio by learning basic drawing and design skills from scratch.

My English level is not sufficient, what should I do?

Most international art schools require an IELTS or TOEFL score. We recommend starting to prepare for the language exam during the application process. It is possible to prepare your portfolio alongside your language exam preparation.

Does online education really work?

Yes. Students who have benefited from Da Vinci Academy's online program have been accepted into prestigious schools such as UAL, Glasgow School of Art, and NABA. The same personalized guidance and instructor quality are offered in online education.

How much do art schools abroad cost?

There are significant differences depending on the school and country:

  • United Kingdom (UAL, Goldsmiths, etc.):Between £18,000 and £26,000 per year
  • USA (SAIC, Pratt, etc.):Between $45,000 and $55,000 per year
  • Italy (NABA, Marangoni, etc.):Between €12,000 and €20,000 per year
  • France (ESMOD, etc.):Between €8,000 and €15,000 per year

Scholarship opportunities can significantly reduce costs. More than one of our students has received scholarships from schools abroad.

Is it possible to get a scholarship?

Yes. UAL, NABA, Pratt, SAIC, and Marangoni offer merit-based scholarships to international students. More than one student from Da Vinci Academy has received a scholarship. A strong portfolio significantly increases your chances of getting a scholarship.

Which department should I choose?

This decision depends entirely on your interests, strengths, and career goals. At Da Vinci Academy, we also provide guidance on department selection. By participating in our free introductory meeting, we can evaluate together which department is suitable for you.

When should I start preparing my portfolio?

The earlier you start, the better. Ideally, we recommend starting 9 to 12 months before the application period. However, we have also prepared strong portfolios in as little as 3 to 4 months.

How does education work at Da Vinci Academy?

Education at Da Vinci Academy is completely personalized and based on one-on-one guidance. A special program is created according to the student's level, the schools and departments they aim for. Training is provided both online and at our studio in Istanbul.

Do you also help with the application process?

Yes. In addition to portfolio preparation, we provide support in writing artist statements and motivation letters, school selection, application strategy, and document preparation.

How many of your students have been accepted to schools abroad?

In 2024 and 2025, more than 53 of our students have been accepted to prestigious schools such as UAL, Royal College of Art, UCL, Goldsmiths, NABA, SAIC, Pratt, ESMOD, Marangoni, Glasgow School of Art, and many more.

Get in Touch with Da Vinci Academy

Contact us to answer your questions about applying to art schools abroad and to create a personalized program for you.

info@davinciakademi.com 

+90 212 708 63 51

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