Last fall I applied to the Graphic Design program at Valencia Modern Art Institute, and now I’ve been studying here near the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia for almost a year. Since I’ve seen quite a few people asking about this school on forums, I’d like to share my authentic experience today, hoping it will help everyone.
About the Institute and Application
Valencia Modern Art Institute is located in the city center area with very convenient transportation. The school isn’t particularly large, but the facilities are quite comprehensive. For the application, you need to submit a portfolio—I prepared about 15 works including hand drawings, digital designs, and photography. The interview was conducted via video at the City of Arts and Sciences, where the interviewer mainly asked about my understanding of modern art and future career plans. The entire application process took about two months, which is relatively quick compared to other art institutes.
Curriculum and Learning Experience
The institute’s course schedule is quite flexible. Besides mandatory theoretical classes, there are many practical workshops to choose from. This semester I’m taking Digital Media, Color Theory, and Art History. My favorite is the Digital Media class, where the teacher guides us through projects using the latest design software and frequently invites industry designers to give lectures.
Here’s an overview of my course schedule this semester:
| Course Name | Weekly Hours | Credits |
|---|
| Digital Media Design | 6 hours | 8 |
| Color Theory and Application | 4 hours | 6 |
| Modern Art History | 3 hours | 4 |
| Free Workshop | 2 hours | 2 |
Tuition and Living Costs
Regarding tuition, it’s about 7,500 euros per year, which is cheaper than art institutes in Madrid or Barcelona. The school doesn’t have dormitories, so I rent a single room nearby for 450 euros per month. Valencia’s cost of living is relatively reasonable—including rent, food, and transportation, you’ll need about 900 to 1,000 euros per month.
The school library has a decent collection of art books, and I can usually find the reference materials I need. I was previously worried the resources wouldn’t be sufficient, but in actual use, there’s absolutely no problem. Plus, the student ID gives free entry to several major museums in the city, which is very practical for art students.
Overall, if you’re interested in modern art and don’t have an especially large budget, Valencia Modern Art Institute at the City of Arts and Sciences is worth considering. The school also has a nice international atmosphere—my class has students from Italy, France, and Germany, and we often work on projects together, learning different artistic perspectives from each other. Feel free to leave comments below if you have any questions, and I’ll reply when I see them.
