The Prep Class at a glance
Since the start of the 2017 academic year, the Prep Class has been supporting students in the transition from secondary school to higher education in the arts. Although it does not guarantee automatic entry into the first year of ESAD Orléans, the Prep Class offers its students the opportunity to pursue higher education in the creative arts by preparing for the entrance exams of the schools of their choice, in a privileged environment in Orléans.
Our admissions process values motivation and early artistic exploration. As such, our student body includes those with general baccalaureate, technical or vocational baccalaureate levels, regardless of their grades or the subjects chosen in their final two years of secondary school.
The ESAD Orléans Foundation Year is accredited by the Ministry of Culture.
The ESAD Prep Class is…
… 50 students per year and, since its creation in 2017, more than 250 students
… 94% progression to a higher education institution and 80% to a public art and design college (2023 figures)
… more than 40% of students receiving grants
… 30% of students changing career paths (after a first year of higher education)
An overview of the challenges of creativity
The PrepClass enables students, without any prior compulsory artistic training, to acquire the technical and theoretical skills essential for the entrance exams to higher education institutions, preparing students for careers in the arts. A cross-disciplinary, practice-based approach allows students to explore a wide range of artistic media, from drawing to sculpture and performance, whilst always keeping in mind the major challenges facing contemporary creation.
Follow the latest news from the Prep Class on Instagram @prepa_esadorleans
A year of career guidance
Enhanced by personalised support, the Prep Course’s teaching approach aims to help students clarify their educational path: within the diverse landscape of higher education in the arts—spanning public art colleges, the DNMADE, university courses and private institutions—significant time is devoted to identifying suitable courses that align with each student’s individual pathway. This period of training is also essential for challenging preconceptions about artistic creation and the institutions providing training in this sector, whilst reassuring students about the quality of career prospects and potential opportunities.
Artistic exploration and development
The Foundation Course aims to develop each student’s individuality and help them discover their area of expertise and artistic expression. In addition to technical training and the acquisition of artistic means of expression, this involves exploring contemporary artistic practices and supporting students in their ability to articulate and give shape to their creative direction.
Student commitment, assessment and entrance examination
The course demands an intensive workload and a high level of motivation. Students compile a diverse portfolio of personal work to ensure they are well prepared for the entrance exams. Two mid-term assessments and mock exams (oral and written) ensure they are as well prepared as possible for the entrance exams to higher education institutions. Their objective is clear: to pass the entrance exams for higher education institutions specialising in the creative arts. They commit to applying to at least four institutions to maximise their chances of success.
Student Handbook 2025–2026
This booklet contains a wealth of information for current and prospective students of the foundation course. Please feel free to have a look!
Livret de l’étudiant en prépa 2025-26Télécharger
The preparatory year
Resources
The Prep Class has two dedicated study rooms, as well as access to all the school’s technical workshops (prototyping, engraving, modelling, etc.). Students also have the same access to the library, photocopying facilities, the university canteen, etc. Students on the preparatory course benefit from close links with ESAD Orléans, its students and its teaching staff. They share in the school’s projects, passions and creative culture. The school covers part of the cost of teaching materials, but students’ personal supplies and tools are not included in the tuition fees.
Teaching Team
Comprising around twenty specialists from the field of higher education in the arts (painters, visual artists, sculptors, designers, architects, landscape architects, photographers, graphic designers, draughtsmen, computer graphics designers and developers), the teaching team works closely with the students. They are supported by the school’s workshop leaders. The programme coordinator is responsible for supporting students in developing their study projects.
Further education
Higher education institutions for art and design, which award five-year Master’s degrees, are the main choice for students. However, this year of guidance and support allows students to consider other courses in the creative sectors: the DNMADE and specialist schools in applied arts, design and landscape architecture, as well as short courses, technical courses and schools of film animation. It is also possible to apply to architecture schools and other public institutions under the Ministry of Culture (video, photography, film, etc.).
Practical Information
Language of instruction
French
Annual tuition fees
€1235 (€615 for scholarship holders)
Enrolment in a preparatory class confers student status, thereby entitling students to means-tested grants.
Admissions
Contact
Thomas Perrin
Preparatory class coordinator