The first year is open to anyone over the age of 17, outside of the Parcoursup platform, subject to availability. Without interview, competitive examination or academic record, the school welcomes all profiles. Without distinction of level, the school gives all students one year to acquire the method and to test their ability to continue their training at Penninghen.
HOW TO ENROLL IN THE FOUNDATION YEAR IN APPLIED ARTS AT PENNINGHEN ?
Registration for the first year at Penninghen is done outside of the Parcoursup platform and is not subject to any interview, competitive examination or study of academic records. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability (300 for the start of the school year in September 2025), provided you are at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma. The baccalauréat is a prerequisite for enrolment at Penninghen.
The application form can be downloaded or picked up from the school in October. It consists of a list of administrative documents to be provided, a form to be completed and the school's internal regulations. By submitting a complete application, you guarantee your place among the 300 first-year students.
WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION FORM CONSIST OF ?
The application form consists of a completed application form, a passport photo, a certificate of school attendance, a photocopy of your identity card and part of the tuition fees The completed application form should be sent or handed in to the secretary's office. On receipt, if places are still available, your enrolment will become effective and you will be considered a Penninghen student for the new school year.
This application constitutes your contract and commits you to the foundation year in applied arts.
Once the 8-day withdrawal period has passed, any fees incurred will not be reimbursed in the event of withdrawal.
By completing the enrolment form, you agree to abide by Penninghen's teaching regulations and methods.
DO YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DRAW TO GET INTO PENNINGHEN ?
It's not necessary to have a basic knowledge of drawing or to have trained in graphic arts to succeed in your first year. Drawing and composition, like all disciplines, can be learned and perfected through regular practice. Penninghen's demanding, supervised learning method enables beginners who have never practiced any artistic discipline to make rapid progress and discover their true talent for expression. On average, 50% of students who go on to the 2nd year did not know how to draw when they entered the first year.
WHAT ARE THE PROFILES OF PENNINGHEN STUDENTS ?
The vast majority of the school's students come from the general or STD2A (science and technology of design and applied arts) streams. The school also welcomes students from higher education courses, BTS, DUT, licentiates and masters. Personal commitment, general knowledge, curiosity, maturity, hard work and stamina are all essential assets for success at Penninghen. To enter Penninghen's art program, know-how is not the first quality required.
Although drawing, photography or any other artistic medium can be an advantage, it is neither compulsory nor recommended. Above all, the ability to observe, understand and immerse oneself in the surrounding world is expected. Penninghen is open to all, without competitive examination, and considers motivation and willingness to work to be essential criteria in making a choice.
FEES AND TUITION 2025/2026
For the start of the 2025 academic year, the application fee is €590, payable at the time of registration. First-year tuition is €10,990. If you still have questions about enrolment, please consult the FAQ "Enrolling at Penninghen"
