Currently (spring 2022) the PD has no legal status yet. However, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science will start the legislative procedure for the 3rd cycle in UAS (HBO). The Minister is positive about the development of the PD phase. The legislative process will take two years until the actual statutory regulation, which must be adopted by parliament. Until then, the PD-program is acknowledged as a relevant and desirable qualification by the 15 participating art and design schools. A further recognition by international art and design schools is in development and expected to be in place before the legal process is finalized.