In 1990 the Stadsacademie was renamed Academie Beeldende Kunsten Maastricht (Academy of Fine Arts Maastricht), as part of Maastricht University of Applied Sciences (which, at the start of this century, merged with Zuyd University of Applied Sciences). 1993 proved to be a game-changing year for the Academie Beeldende Kunsten Maastricht. Practical classes weren't introduced until the 1990s. The need for theoretical content deepened as well. First of all, instructor Gilbert de Bontridder played an important role in this; he edited the art-critical journal Het Bassin, among others. Later also through lecturer Erik J. de Jong, who addresses the debate around artistry as such in the social context. In particular, the relationship between 'artist-teacher' and 'student' is critically addressed. Visible results are the current lecoraten.

The individualization of western society eventually permeated through into art education, with classroom-based teaching making way for a focus on individual students and their role in society. In tandem, an international perspective crept in, a process that was accelerated by the Biennale of European art academies in 1993. Thanks in part to the availability of funding, German students also came to the academy in the ensuing decades.