NABA undergraduate admission test: what is its purpose?
If you wish to enrol in one of NABA’s Undergraduate Programmes, you will need to pass an admission test. The test can be taken either online or on campus, in Milan or Rome, on the scheduled dates.
The admission test is important because it enables the Academy’s Commission to assess key elements for successfully completing your studies at NABA, including your research skills, your ability to represent complex subjects through non-verbal languages, and the way you present yourself and your motivations.
NABA undergraduate admission test: how does it work?
How does the NABA Undergraduate admission test work? The process is simple: the test consists of a project phase and an aptitude interview.
Project phase
Once you have registered, you will receive an email ten days before the test date with a topic related to your chosen programme. You will then be asked to develop a project at home based on that topic. You may use any technique you wish: aim to produce the best project you can, but do not worry if the technique is not perfect. During the admission process, the idea behind the project is more important than technical execution.
Aptitude interview
On the day of the test, your project-phase work must be presented in its original format and will be assessed during an individual interview, either online or on campus. During the interview, you may also present additional work or a portfolio, should you wish to do so, allowing NABA to assess your creative potential more fully. You will also be asked to submit a motivation letter explaining why you wish to study at NABA and why you have chosen your specific programme. The content of this letter will be discussed during the interview.
Characteristics of the project phase for the NABA admission exam
The project phase, which is the first step of the admission test, varies according to your chosen area of study, and the proposed themes are updated regularly. In general, the following tasks are required for admission to the different Bachelor of Arts programmes:
- Fashion Design: creation of a moodboard;
- Set Design: design of an installation;
- Creative Technologies: development of a game concept or a digital visual project;
- Film and Animation: creation of a concept for a short film, animation or documentary;
- Graphic Design and Art Direction: creation of the visual world for a publishing product;
- Design: analysis and development of an object;
- Comics and Visual Storytelling: writing of a plot for a comic strip to be illustrated;
- Painting and Visual Arts: development of a visual artwork.
Useful tips for the project phase of the admission test
How can you best prepare for the project phase of the NABA admission test? Although the project you will be asked to complete varies greatly depending on the programme you wish to attend, the following general tips may be useful in every case:
- Read the instructions in the PDF we will send you several times: this will help you notice every detail, gain a clearer understanding of what is required, and organise your work more effectively.
- Do not leave any doubts unresolved: if anything in the project instructions is unclear, email us at ammissioni.milano@naba.it and we will provide all the necessary clarifications.
- Feed your inspiration: look for references that may support your work in films, books, magazines, documentaries, comics, infographics and other visual or narrative sources.
- Communicate your vision clearly, but do not focus too much on perfecting every detail: 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 complete it early enough to allow time for a careful review in the following days.
Useful tips for writing the cover letter
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.
When to take the admission exam: test calendar, locations, and results
You can find the calendar of admission test dates for upcoming programmes on the NABA website at: www.naba.it/en/admissions-ba-programmes/admission-test.
You can register for the test up to three days before your chosen session. If you take the test on campus, the location must correspond to the campus where you wish to study. If you are unable to attend on the scheduled dates, you can call 0297372106 to arrange an alternative date for the NABA admission test.
The results will be sent to the email address provided in your application within three working days of the test.
What happens if you do not pass the admission exam
If you do not pass the admission test, do not worry: you can take it again in one of the following sessions, unless you took the test during the final session in September. Please note that improvement tests are not permitted: once you have been admitted, you cannot retake the test.
How to register for the admission test to enrol in one of NABA's Bachelor of Arts programme
You can register for the admission test in two ways:
- Online: by clicking on “Discover more” on the NABA homepage.
- By email: by sending the application form and payment receipt to the Admissions Office of the campus where you wish to study: ammissioni.milano@naba.it or ammissioni.roma@naba.it. The admission test fee is €90.00 if the test is taken online, while the test is free of charge if taken on campus. Payment can be made by bank transfer, indicating your full name in the payment reference and attaching the receipt to your application.