Learn how to make (almost) anything - in twenty weeks! That is at the core of Fab Academy, the yearly worldwide education trajectory for curious makers. Since the start of Fab Academy in 2008, Waag Futurelab has been one of its nodes, which means our Fablab is one of the now tens of places throughout the world that host Fab Academy.
Fab Academy is based on the concept of distributed learning. Led by MIT's Neil Gershenfeld, you will follow weekly classes, simultaneously with all the other Fab Academy students in all Fablabs throughout the world. Next to this, you will work on weekly assignments with your own group, which then will be reviewed during weekly review sessions with all students. In twenty weeks, you will also work towards your own final project, in which you can demonstrate and deepen your newly found digital fabrication skills and your creativity. At Waag's Fablab, you will have access to all the tools and knowledge needed to be able to make (almost) anything.
Fab Academy: for who?
Fab Academy is meant for anyone who wants to learn all skills needed to work with digital production. To participate in the programme, basic knowledge of computer use is required. Please note that if you have a low to medium proficiency in 2D and 3D modelling, digital fabrication, electronics programming and web design and development, the course should be considered a full-time dedication program. Fab Academy consists of a weekly 2-3 hrs class, an evaluation and a few hours of work per week in the Fab Lab. The Academy consists of partial certificates, which together with your final project lead up to your Fab Academy diploma.
How to participate?
Being able to physically visit the Waag is a requirement for Fab Academy. Classes will be taught in English. To enter, fill in the application form on the Fab Academy website. At the end of the school year, during the final weeks, all graduates organise an end presentation for their projects. Reviews will take in autumn. Fab Academy 2027 starts mid January 2027 and takes five months.
Experiences of former participants
- My Experience & Projects from Studying at Fab Academy and Learning How to be a Maker by 2021 graduate Nadieh Bremer
- A crash course in digital fabrication 2019 Elektor Magazine by 2020 graduate Tessel Renzenbrink
Practical information
In order to attend Fab Academy, an (almost) fulltime dedication of your time is requested. Classes start mid January 2027. Check out the website to get more information.
You are also invited to join the graduation of our 2026 students, which simultaneously serves as an information evening and the official kickoff for the upcoming cycle, taking place on Thursday, September 17, at 19:00 hrs at Waag Futurelab, Nieuwmarkt 4, Amsterdam.
The costs of Fab Academy can be found under Tuition Fees.
All information and documentation on Fab Academy 2026 and all previous years can be found on the Fab Academy website. For now, Waag is the only location in the Netherlands where Fab Academy can be attended. But there are many locations in the whole world that also host Fab Academy!
Any questions?
Do you have any questions about joining Fab Academy? Check out their FAQ, or reach out to Waag's Fab Lab lead Henk Buursen: henk [at] waag [dot] org.
