NABA Admission Test: how it works

If you wish to enrol in one of NABA’s Undergraduate Courses, you will need to pass an admission test. You can take it either online or in personat one of our two campuses in Milan or Rome on the designated dates. 

The admission test is crucial as it allows the Academy’s Commission to evaluate key elements necessary for successfully completing your studies at NABA, such as your research abilities, your capacity to represent complex topics through non-verbal languages, and how you present yourself and your motivations. 

How does the NABA Undergraduate admission exam take place? It’s simple: the test consists of the project phase and the aptitude interview. 

Project phase 

Once you have registered, ten days before the exam date, you will receive an email with a topic related to your chosen course and will be asked to develop a project at home based on that subject. You are free to use any technique for this task: aim to deliver the best project you can, but don’t worry if the technique isn’t perfect. During the admission process, the idea behind the project is more important than the execution skills. 

Aptitude interview 

On the day of the exam, the committee will evaluate the work you have completed during the project phase, which must be presented in its original format, through an individual interview either online or in person. During the interview, you may also, if you wish, present additional work or a portfolio to allow the committee to assess your creative potential more thoroughly. In addition, you will need to submit a cover letter explaining your reasons for wanting to study at NABA and for choosing a specific course of study. The content of this letter will be discussed during the interview. 

How can you best prepare for the project phase of the NABA admission test? While the project you will need to complete varies greatly depending on the course you wish to attend, here are some general tips that can help in any case: 

• Read the instructions in the PDF we will send you several times: this will help you capture all the details and give you a clearer idea of how to proceed and organise your work. 

• Don’t let any doubts linger: If something in the project instructions is unclear, email us at ammissioni.milano@naba.it, and we will provide all the necessary clarifications. 

• Nourish your inspiration: Look for references that can help you in films, books, magazines, documentaries, comics, infographics, and so on. 

• Communicate your vision effectively, but don’t obsess over perfecting the details: as mentioned, we are more interested in your ideas and how you express them than in flawless execution. 

• Review your project with fresh eyes before presenting it at the aptitude interview: try to finish it early enough to allow for a careful review in the following days. 

How can you write the best cover letter? Here are the main points to keep in mind: 

• Express your enthusiasm for the studies you wish to pursue: start with an engaging introduction that reflects your passion and excitement for the subject you will study. Explain what led you to choose this field and how you have cultivated your interest over time. 

• Describe your academic and professional goals: explain how the academy can help you achieve your artistic and professional objectives, fostering your development and personal growth. 

• Include relevant experiences: share a brief account of your past experiences and personal projects demonstrating your commitment to the field of interest. These concrete examples will show your dedication and ability to seriously engage with what you are passionate about. 

• Close with gratitude: end the letter by reiterating your desire to be part of the academy and your belief that you will be a valuable addition to its community. Finally, thank the recipient for considering your application.