This article is a comprehensive guide of best best art schools in Europe.However, the survey concludes that Europe is home to 55 top art universities, with more than half (28) located in the United Kingdom.
On the list are also Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Finland, in descending order.
Art Studies in Europe
In Europe, the three primary forms of fine art are painting, sculpture, and architecture. They are sometimes referred to as the “major arts,” whereas “minor arts” refers to genres of commercial or decorative art.
European art is divided into a number of stylistic periods that historically overlapped as many styles flourished in various fields.
Classical, Byzantine, Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Modern, Postmodern, and New European Painting are the periods.
Europe has been a haven for both the arts and artists throughout the ages. In addition to its sparkling coastlines, magnificent mountains, elegant cities, and ancient landmarks, it is regarded as a continent that is apotheotic for expansion. It enables the most brilliant brains to express themselves and produce an illusionistic resemblance.
The evidence is in its past habitats. Michelangelo, Rubens, Picasso, etc. Numerous art enthusiasts migrate to this country to establish a firm foundation for a prosperous profession.
Familiarize yourself with a new perspective on values, foreign languages, and culture in the globe. Enrolling in an art course in a place renowned for the arts, such as London, Berlin, Paris, or other locations in Europe, will excite your creative enthusiasm and help you find or develop new passions.
List of the Best Art Schools in Europe
The following is a list of best art schools in Europe:
- National School of Fine Arts
- Oslo National Academy of Arts
- Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
- Parsons School of Arts Design
- Aalto School of Arts
- The Royal College of Art (RCA)
- Design Academy Eindhoven
- University of the Arts London (UAL)
- Zurich University of the Arts
- Berlin University of Arts
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- LMU Munich
- University of Edinburgh
- University College London
- Politecnico di Milano
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- University of Durham
- Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University
Top 20 Best Art Schools in Europe
1. National School of Fine Art
Best Art Schools in Europe
National School of Fine Arts, also known as École Nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Beaux-Arts de Paris, is a French art school located in Paris that is affiliated with the PSL Research University. Since its founding in 1817, the school has enrolled more than 500 students.
According to the CWUR Center for World University Rankings, National School of Fine Arts ranks 69th in France and 1527th worldwide. Also, it is recognized as one of the most well-known art schools in France and is constantly ranked as one of the best institutions in the nation for studying Fine arts.
University courses include Printmaking, Painting, Communication Design, Composition, Sketching and Drawing, Modeling and Sculpture, 2D Art and Design, Visual Arts and Processes, and Illustration.
National School of Fine Arts is the only graduate school that offers Diplomas, Certificates, and Master’s degrees in Fine Arts and allied disciplines. The institution also provides a range of professional programs.
In addition, the five-year program, which culminates in a certificate that has been accepted as a Master’s degree since 2012, teaches the fundamentals of artistic expression.
Beaux-Arts de Paris is currently home to 550 students, of which 20% are international. Only 10% of those who took the school’s entrance exam were accepted, and 50 students per year are given the opportunity to study abroad.
2. Oslo National Academy of Arts
Best Art Schools in Europe
The Oslo National Academy of the Arts is a college that was founded in 1996 in Oslo, Norway. Bloomberg Businessweek named Oslo National Academy of the Arts as one of the 60 finest design programs in the world.
With more than 550 students and 200 faculty and staff, Oslo National Academy of the Arts is Norway’s largest arts-focused higher education institution.
15% of the student population is international.
The University of Oslo was ranked as the 90th best university in the world. It is one of the two public institutions of higher education in Norway that offers instruction in the visual arts, design, and performing arts.
The institution offers a bachelor’s degree in three years, a master’s degree in two years, and a year of study. It is taught in the fields of visual arts, crafts, design, theater, dance, and opera.
There are now 24 study programs offered by the Academy, which are divided into six departments: Design, Art and Craft, The Academy of Fine Art, The Academy of Dance, The Academy of Opera, and The Academy of Theatre.
Bachelor’s studies at KHiO are relatively inexpensive, costing only $1,000 each year. A master’s degree will cost $1,000 per year.
3. Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts
Best Art Schools in Europe
On March 31, 1754, the Royal Danish Academy of Portraiture, Sculpture, and Architecture was established in Copenhagen. In 1754, the Academy was renamed the Royal Danish Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture.
The School of Visual Arts of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts is a public institution of higher education.
located in the city of Copenhagen in an urban setting.
In 15 academic disciplines, the Danish Academy of Fine Arts was placed 11th in Denmark and 4355th in the World 2022 rankings. Additionally, it is among the finest art schools in Europe.
The university is quite small, with fewer than 250 students. They provide courses and programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of academic disciplines.
This 266-year-old Danish institution of higher education has a specific admissions strategy based on entrance exams. In addition to academic and non-academic facilities and services, such as a library, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services, they offer these to students.
In Denmark, citizens of non-EU/EEA nations and the United Kingdom (after Brexit) are compelled to pay tuition fees at higher education institutions.
Citizens from the Nordic nations and the European Union are exempt from tuition fees ranging between $7,640 and $8,640 every semester.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss candidates possessing a permanent Danish residence status or a provisional Danish residence card for permanent residency will not be required to pay tuition fees.
4. Parsons School of Arts Design
Best Art Schools in Europe
The school for ministers was established in 1896.
William Merritt Chase, a painter, founded Parsons School of Design in 1896 under the name The Chase School. In 1911, Parsons was appointed director of the institution, a position he held until his death in 1930.
In 1941, the institution was renamed the Parsons School of Design.
Academic affiliations of Parsons School of Design include the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). In 2021, Parsons School of Design is rated third in the QS World University Rankings by subject.
The Parsons School of Design’s innovative approach to design education has revolutionized creativity, culture, and business for more than a century. Today, it is the leading university in the world. For the fifth consecutive year, Parsons has been ranked the greatest art and design school in the United States and third best in the world.
All applicants, including international and transfer students, are considered for merit-based scholarships based on artistic and/or intellectual competence.
The scholarship consists of the Full Bright fellowship, the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Programme inlays Scholarships, etc.
5. Aalto School of Arts
Best Art Schools in Europe
The Aalto school of arts, design, and architecture is a Finnish public university. It was founded in 2010. With around 2,458 students, it is the second-largest university in Finland.
The Aalto school of arts was ranked sixth in the art and design field. Aalto Department of Architectural is the top-ranked architecture school in Finland and ranks 42nd in the world (QS 2021).
Aalto school of arts projects have been nominated for national and international honors, including the Finlandia Prize (2018) and the ArchDaily Building of the Year award (2018).
Regarding Finland’s high scores in international education comparisons, Aalto University’s exceptional global rating is not an exception.
Aalto is a fantastic alternative for international students because to its unique combination of technology, design, and business courses, most of which are taught in English.
In addition, degree programs are organized into five departments, including Architecture, art, design, cinema, television, and media.
If you are a citizen of a member state of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you are exempt from paying tuition fees for degree courses.
In addition, Non-EU/EEA citizens are required to pay tuition for bachelor’s or master’s degree programs taught in English.
Non-EU/EEA citizens must pay tuition for bachelor’s and master’s programs taught in English. No fees are associated with doctoral programs. The annual tuition ranges from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the programs offered.
6. Royal Art College
Best Art Schools in Europe
The Royal College of Art (RCA) is a public research institution founded in 1837 in London, United Kingdom. It is the only art and design graduate institution in the United Kingdom. This prestigious art school offers postgraduate degrees in art and design to over 2,300 students from over 60 nations.
In 2011, the RCA topped a list of UK graduate art schools issued by Modern Painters magazine based on a survey of art industry professionals.
The Royal College of Art is, year after year, the best university in the world for art and design. According to the 2016 QS World Institution Rankings, the RCA is the world’s leading university for Art & Design, as it leads 200 of the world’s best universities for studying art and design. Additionally, it is the finest art school in Europe.
These short courses reflect an advanced level of instruction and are designed for graduate or undergraduate students preparing for Master’s study.
In addition, RCA provides a Graduate Diploma pre-masters conversion program, as well as MA, MRes, MPhil, and Ph.D. degrees in twenty-eight subject areas, which are organized among four schools: architecture, arts & humanities, communication, and design.
In addition, the RCA provides year-round Summer school and Executive education courses.
English for academic purposes (EAP) courses are also available to applicants who need to improve their academic English proficiency in order to meet the college’s admissions requirements.
A bachelor’s degree at RCA will cost a student $20,000 per year in tuition fees, and a master’s degree at RCA will cost a student $20,000 per year in tuition fees.
7. Design Academy of Eindhoven
Best Art Schools in Europe
Art, architecture, and design are taught at the Design Academy Eindhoven in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The academy was founded in 1947 and was formerly known as Academie voor Industrile Vorming (AIVE).
In 2022, the QS World University Ranking rated the Design Academy Eindhoven ninth in the art and design topic area, and it is widely regarded as one of the world’s top design institutions.
DAE offers a vast array of courses. Currently, DAE offers three levels of education: the foundation year, the Master’s degree, and the bachelor’s degree.
In addition, the Master’s degree provides five programs: contextual design, information design, social design, and environmental design. Geo-design, and critical inquiry lab.
Bachelor’s degrees are divided into eight categories, including art, architecture, fashion design, graphic design, and industrial design.
Design Academy Eindhoven participates in the Holland Scholarship, which is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands and DAE. Holland Scholarship recipients receive a partial scholarship for their first year of study at Design Academy Eindhoven.
In addition, the scholarship includes a one-time payment of € 5,000 for the first year of study. Please note that this award is designed to support living expenses and not tuition fees.
Students are also encouraged to participate in the school’s Readerships programs, which frequently involve partnerships with academic institutions, businesses, and government agencies.
A year of bachelor’s degree study will cost approximately $10,000. A master’s degree in DAE will cost a student a large amount per year, approximately $10,000 USD.
8. University of the Arts London
Best Art Schools in Europe
According to the QS World University Rankings for Art & Design in 2022, University of the Arts London (UAL) has been constantly placed second in the world. It is home to more than 18,000 students from more than 130 nations.
UAL was established in 1986, became a university in 2003, and adopted its current name in 2004. University of the Arts London (UAL) is the largest public arts and design university in Europe.
For Art and Design research (A&D), UAL is one of the largest performing specialists in art and the leading university for practice.
In addition, UAL is comprised of six prestigious arts, design, fashion, and media Colleges founded in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; and its new Institute is breaking new ground.
They provide pre-degree and degree programs in photography, interior design, product design, graphics, and fine art, among others. In addition, they provide online courses in a variety of fields, including Art, Design, Fashion, Communication, and the performing arts.
As one of the greatest institutions in Europe, UAL offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards made possible by the generous gifts of individuals, corporations, and philanthropic organizations, in addition to University money.
Pre-sessional English classes provide overseas students with the greatest possible preparation for their studies at University of the Arts London. If they wish to improve their reading or writing skills, students can also study while pursuing their chosen degree.
Each of these courses is intended to prepare and integrate new students to life in the United Kingdom and their university courses, while the in-sessional courses are intended to provide ongoing support and assistance.
9. Zurich University of the Arts
Best Art Schools in Europe
Zurich University of the Arts is the largest art school in Switzerland, with roughly 2,500 students and 650 faculty members. After the merger of Zurich’s School of Art and Design and School of Music, Drama, and Dance in 2007, the university was founded in 2007.
Zurich University of the Arts is one of the most prestigious and top arts universities in Europe. The University of Zurich ranks 64th on the list of Best Global Universities.
As one of the best universities in Switzerland, the German-speaking world, and Europe in general, the University of Zurich offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, further education of degrees in art, design, music, art, and dance, and Ph.D. programs in collaboration with various international Art Universities. The University of Zurich is an active participant in research, particularly creative research and design research.
In addition, the university consists of five departments: Performing Arts and Film, Fine Arts, Cultural Analysis, and Music.
Bachelor’s degree tuition at the University of Zurich is $1,500 each year. The university also offers master’s programs for an annual cost of $1,452.
Despite the low cost of tuition, the university provides students with financial aid in the form of scholarships.
Zurich is one of the top Swiss towns for higher education, and the campuses are generally excellent. The classrooms have gymnasiums, business centers, libraries, art studios, bars, and everything else a student might possibly need.
10. Berlin University of Art
Best Art Schools in Europe
Art University of Berlin is located in Berlin. It is a public school for art and design. The university is renowned for being one of the largest and most diverse institutions of higher education.
As was previously said, Berlin University of the Arts is one of the largest art schools in the world. It contains four colleges that specialize in Fine Arts, Architecture, Media and Design, Music, and the Performing Arts.
This university offers more than seventy degree programs in the arts and allied disciplines and is regarded as one of the top universities in Europe.
In addition, it is one of the few art schools with university rank. The university is also unique in that, with the exception of the master’s degree in advanced education, it does not charge students tuition. The university’s students only pay 552 USD every month.
However, the University awards no direct scholarships to students in their first year. The Berlin University of the Arts provides overseas students in Germany with grants and scholarships for unique initiatives.
They are offered through several organizations, such as the DAAD, which provides funding to international students applying to the College of Music. Students who qualify receive monthly grants of $7,000 USD.
In the last months before graduation, the DAAD provides international students with study completion scholarships of up to $9,000 USD.
11. Goldsmiths, University of London
Best Art Schools in Europe
Goldsmiths, one of the most prestigious art schools in the United Kingdom, offers possibly the greatest diversity of arts programs in all of Europe. Creative writing, theater, design, and academic languages are exclusive to the college. In addition to this extensive selection of courses, the institution offers them at all levels, from bachelor’s to doctoral.
This distinguished art school boasts one of London’s most bustling campuses. With 35 student-run groups and 18 sports clubs, Goldsmiths offers a wide variety of opportunities for involvement.
12. University of Oxford
Best Art Schools in Europe
If not the globe, the University of Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe. Founded in the 11th century by a group of eager scholars, the educational opportunities here are as rich in history as their origins.
According to Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, the University of Oxford is the finest in the world and fourth for Arts and Humanities. Its fine art school, The Ruskin School of Art, is a prestigious art institution in the United Kingdom that offers a variety of courses and degrees, including the newly-introduced DPhil program.
It is renowned for its modern approach to art and its research-driven culture. Oscar Wilde, Erwin Schrodinger, and Edward Heath are among the notable alumni. As a matter of fact, the university boasts more Nobel laureates than scientists. It comes as no surprise that the University of Oxford has joined the ranks of Europe’s finest art institutions.
13. University of Cambridge
Best Art Schools in Europe
With a mission to strengthen society via teaching and research, Cambridge University is an academic center. It is the third oldest university in the world and a marvel of architecture. The institution provides 30 undergraduate courses in approximately sixty-five disciplines, including Architecture, Arts, and Art History. It is home to nearly 23,000 students from 140 countries, making it a multicultural and nonreligious place to learn.
In addition to academics, sports and extracurricular activities are regarded equally significant. There are 80 sports clubs and other student organizations at the university. With museums, language centers, and about 100 libraries, Cambridge University is an academic powerhouse. Times Higher Education ranks it as the third best university for Arts and Humanities, and justly so.
14. LMU Munich
Best Art Schools in Europe
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is a major institution of higher education in Germany. Its Academy of Fine Arts, which considers itself a “experimental laboratory,” provides education and research possibilities of the highest caliber. There are courses in Sculpture, Scenography, and Art Education. LMU, established in 1472, is the sixth-oldest university in Germany.
The university’s library contains over 140,000 volumes, 1700 audio-visual material, and 100 periodicals, allowing students to expand their knowledge and develop their skills.
In addition, it provides workshops on lithography, new media, and typography. LMU, as the 18th best institution for Arts and Humanities by Times Higher Education, helps students develop the abilities necessary to achieve their objectives.
15. University of Edinburgh
Best Art Schools in Europe
The University of Edinburgh, which was founded in 1538 and its Faculty of arts was created in 1708, is one of Scotland’s four oldest universities. It has greatly contributed to establishing Edinburgh as an academic hub.
The university provides courses such as landscape architecture, performance costumes, and even Art History. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it is the tenth best university for Arts and is among the top 30 universities in the world.
Edinburgh offers a thriving student community and a wealth of inspiration. One of Europe’s finest art schools is the ideal place to explore your potential while having the time of your life.
16. University College London
Best Art Schools in Europe
UCL is historically notable being the first university to be founded in London and to accept students of all faiths. According to the QS World University Rankings, it is the eleventh finest Art university; its reputation speaks for itself.
It provides over 400 undergraduate degrees and is home to 42,000 students from 150 nations. It is located in Bloomsbury, in the renowned city of London. It is no surprise that it is renowned as London’s worldwide university. Its art school, the Slade School of Fine Art, is renowned for its academic quality and is one of the best art institutions in Europe.
It is essential to the development of contemporary art. 30 Nobel laureates were educated at UCL, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to high-quality education.
17. Politecnico di Milano
Best Art Schools in Europe
Milan’s Polytechnic University is the largest and oldest technical university in Italy. It was founded in 1863 and houses more than 47,000 pupils. According to the QS rankings, it is the third best university in Europe and the sixth top university in the world for design, making it a popular option for students who seek to study in a competitive atmosphere.
The institution has six locations and provides several courses, including 25 undergraduate and more than 45 graduate-level programs. Nobel laureate Guilio Natta and architects Renzo Piano and Aldo Rossi are notable alumni.
18. Humboldt University of Berlin
Best Art Schools in Europe
Berlin’s Humboldt University is a leading institution in Germany. Several notable discoveries by students and teachers, including Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Hermann von Helmholtz, to name a few, have been attributed to it. The university has produced more than fifty Nobel Prize winners. Its scholarly renown stretches back numerous generations.
Established in 1810, it is one of Berlin’s oldest institutions and has been designated by the German Universities Excellence Initiative as a “excellence university.” These courses are offered as either single or combined degrees. Times Higher Education ranks the university among the top 30 best institutions for Arts and Humanities.
19. University of Durham
Best Art Schools in Europe
The University of Durham is a famous institution in the north of England that was established in 1832 by a parliamentary act. It is ranked among the top 50 universities in 12 disciplines by the QS World University Rankings and is placed sixth by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings position the University of Durham as the 26th top institution for Arts and Humanities.
It provides a wide range of degrees, including visual arts and film, liberal arts and visual cultures, making it one of Europe’s leading art schools. The university also offers a wide variety of degrees, including BA, BSc, MA, LLM, and MD. Over 200 student organizations and state-of-the-art sports facilities contribute to the university’s emphasis on student development.
20. Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University
PSL is a university with an emphasis on research located in the picturesque city of Paris. Times Higher Education ranks it as the nineteenth best institution for Arts & Humanities and among the top 50 universities in the world. With over 2000 researchers and 140 laboratories, this university is the best venue to discover new possibilities.
Over 17,000 students are currently enrolled at this institution, which was recently designated as a university. It provides several courses in the Arts, Design, and Theater, and it has recently been designated as a university.
PSL is an academic institution with students who are dedicated and enthusiastic about their topic of study. It enables them to expand their knowledge and make significant contributions to science, history, and the arts.
FAQs About Best Art Schools in Europe
What is the most affordable art school in Europe?
With a monthly tuition of 550 USD, the University of Berlin, which is one of the greatest art schools in Europe, is also one of the most affordable.
Why do I need to study in Europe?
Europe is one of the most stimulating continents to study in the globe. Numerous European nations provide outstanding opportunities for living, traveling, and working. Due to its well-earned reputation as a center of intellectual achievement, Europe can be an extremely tempting location for students.
What is the hardest art school to get into?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
What is the hardest art school to get into? Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the hardest art and design school with the lowest acceptance rate in the world.
Which country is best for art?
Italy has produced some of the most recognized pieces of art in the world's history of civilization. A few examples include the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum in Rome, and Italy's Capitoline Museum. Famous artists and scientists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael were born in the country.
Which country has artist visa?
The artist visa, is a special residence permit (a subcategory of the freelance visa, §21), which only can be obtained in Berlin. If you live in another city in Germany, you would have to apply for the “regular” freelance visa.
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