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For artists who take their craft seriously, attending one of the best art schools in the world is no small feat. With renowned faculty, groundbreaking lectures, and access to high-quality materials, these institutions provide boundless opportunity to budding artists. These art programs can bolster careers, create valuable networks, and allow the much-needed time to focus on creation.

While there are many amazing art schools in the US, prestigious art schools are located across the globe. So, how can you tell which is the best art school in the world? Well, from England to Japan to Denmark, the best art schools in the world have a few qualities in common that make them such desirable programs.

These programs provide their students exposure, a strong sense of community and connections, access to top-notch equipment, excellent studio spaces, and faculty expertise. Plus, some of these art schools have produced internationally acclaimed artists. From our list, notable artists include Ridley Scott and Alan Rickman (Royal College of Art) and Dale Chihuly (Rhode Island School of Design). The alumni success speaks for itself.

When assembling this list, we paid specific attention to these factors. In addition, company partnerships, internship opportunities, and specialized curriculum also played a role in assembling these rankings.

So, without further ado, let’s sharpen our pencils, display our canvases, and get ready to review the 20 best art schools in the world.

The Best Art Schools in the World

1) 

• London, England

One of the best art schools in Europe, the Royal College of Art teaches multiple disciplines of art and design with specially designed programs. According to our rankings, this is considered the best art school in the world.

Through partnerships with industry leaders like Logitech, Cern, and Telefonica, students produce projects with a focus on interdisciplinary fields. Students can earn a Pre-Master’s or MA degree, participate in postgraduate research, or even take a short course.

Students can study either full- or part-time in a wide variety of . From fashion, graphic design, and textiles, to contemporary art, business, and communications, students can combine their love of art with other professional skillsets. The within the RCA focus on architecture, arts and humanities, communications, and design. There is even a computer science research center and robotics laboratory available for students.

2) 

• London, England

Made up of 6 colleges, there are 18 art and design subjects available. Students can study from a wide variety of courses to earn their BA. These majors include Fashion Design, Illustration, Architecture, Jewelry Design, Music Production, Service Design, and more. Not only do these programs all offer an Honors track but also students can earn a BSc in Creative Robotics and Data Science and AI.

The university’s location in London also helps to certify its status as one of the best art schools in Europe. With the city’s rich history of theatre and art, students are only steps away from experiencing world-class museums, neighborhoods, and galleries.

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3) 

• Providence, Rhode Island

Ranked highly for its programs in graphic design, printmaking, and painting and drawing, this school is widely regarded as one of the best art schools in the world. Students may earn a BA degree in Apparel Design, Furniture Design, Glass, Photography, Jewelry and Metalsmithing, and more.

As an , all first-year students follow the same studio curriculum to gain a foundational understanding in general design. This approach is called Experimental and Foundational Studies. After this curriculum is completed, students then study their specific fine arts discipline their sophomore year.

4) 

• New York, New York

Known as the Parsons School of Design, The New School offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree for students looking to gain a comprehensive background in their field. Beginning with a foundational , students then pair Core Studio courses with art and design history and theory to develop a useful interdisciplinary approach.

Because of its location in New York City, the university is close to well-known museums, galleries, and theatres, allowing for both inspiration and internship opportunities. Plus, students have the ability to connect with industry professionals through the Visiting Art Lecture Series.

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5) 

• Brooklyn, New York

Offering opportunities in many disciplines, students can study Creative Arts Therapy, Creative Enterprise Leadership, Digital Arts and Animation, Film, and Fine Arts in the School of Art. Through undergraduate study, students also have the chance to minor in several fine arts disciplines, such as Ceramics, Film, Museum and Gallery Practices, Photography, and Teaching Art and Design in NYC.

Within the , students can also study Fashion, Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Communications Design. Within the school’s immersive labs and studios, students will gain hands-on experience in their chosen discipline. These resources include a and other Production Labs and .

6) 

• Milan, Italy

Ranked as one of the best art schools in Europe, and the first in Italy, this institution is focused on innovation in the field of design. Plus, the university itself is also considered one of the highest ranked technical universities in Europe. With top-rated professors among , students can study Communication, Fashion, Interaction, Interior, and Product Design. These courses are offered both in Italian and English.

Milan is considered the fashion capital of Italy and is one of the world’s most well-known cities for trailblazing design. It makes sense that one of the best art schools in the world would be located in such a historic and vibrant city.

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7) 

• Chicago, Illinois

Known for its high distinction in animation and graphic design, this institute is home to acclaimed faculty and experimental courses. In addition, the school is also known for its history of producing influential artists and designers, such as !

Students can earn either a BA or a BFA, depending on their chosen major. The school also offers very specialized majors. For example, students can study courses and major in Art Therapy & Counseling, Books & Publishing, Community & Social Engagement, and Digital Imaging.

8) 

• Helsinki, Finland

Combining coursework with research, students gain a comprehensive education in the arts. Here, students can study design, fashion, games, media, architecture, film, art education, and more. Blending fine arts with urban planning and design, the program is also structured to allow for sustainable ideas.

While there is an emphasis on with over 23 programs, including two MSc programs, there are still plenty of undergraduate areas of study. Most, but not all, of the programs can be completed in English.

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9) 

• Eindhoven, Netherlands

With a focus on diversity and the need to reform social structures and systems, this school is a leader in the field of design. The undergraduate level offers a four-year program, with a specialized for prospective students who “feel they lack skills and content to put together an effective portfolio.”

This completion of this course allows students admission assessment for the bachelor’s degree course at the university.

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10) 

• Glasgow, Scotland

Across four specialist schools, there are 17 available for prospective students at this institution, one of the best art schools in Europe. These four schools include: the Mackintosh School of Architecture, School of Design, School of Fine Art and the School of Innovation and Technology, and The Glasgow School of Art.

In each of these programs, students have access to a wide variety of labs and resources to complete their projects. These resources include 3D Making facilities, Architecture Workshops, Photography and Printmaking spaces, and more. The school offers a studio-based to learning and is partnered with other academic institutions and research partners in the community.

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11) 

• Beijing, China

This university is the only of higher education for the fine arts in the country. With fourteen specialty schools and departments, students can study oil painting, printmaking, mural painting, sculpture, and more. Additionally, specialized secondary and college certificate programs can also be completed.

Students can also enroll in the School of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, specific to the region.

12) 

• Paris, France

Combining studio learning, technical courses, and the history of art, students have a complete foundational background of their discipline. The Department of Artistic Practice actually hosts over 34 studios, which can be used for workshopping and experimental purposes, and may also be transformed into gallery spaces. In this , studies are organized by year and follow the same pattern.

The campus also has a rich architectural history, with most buildings dating back between the 17^th and 19^th centuries. Since Paris is the hub for many breathtaking museums, fashion icons, and holy sites, it makes sense why this is one the best art schools in Europe.

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13) 

• Valencia, California

Liberal arts education and studio practice go hand-in-hand in this BFA program. With help from the School of Critical Studies, students learn how to become more critical thinkers, while engaging with projects that contribute to a larger social context and innovation. Students can take courses and major in Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theatre.

Cal Institute of the Arts is also home to many renowned faculty. For example, faculty have been presented with prestigious awards, such as the Rabkin Prize.

14) 

• Pasadena, California

The Art Center offers in the fields of Creative Direction, Illustration, Product Design, Film, Spatial Experience Design, Transpiration Design, and more. Plus, for those seeking , the college offers hundreds of non-degree courses. The college is also involved with the surrounding community to expand its impact.

If students are undecided about which field of study they want to pursue, they can join the program to experience a wide range of subjects within their first two terms.

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15) 

• Copenhagen, Denmark

At the undergraduate level, there are many for students to choose from. For art-seeking majors, these courses include Fashion, Visual Game and Media Design, and Art and Architecture. There are also more specialized bachelor’s programs, mostly relating to architecture, urbanism, and landscape design and conservation.

However, prospective students should be aware that most courses are taught in Danish. However, certain master’s programs are offered in English.

16) 

• Melbourne, Australia

One of the best art schools in the world, this institute is the only on our list located in Australia. With alumni continuing on to win prizes, like the Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize and other impressive fellowships, it’s no wonder this school has solidified itself as a renowned program.

For full-time students, the can be completed in three years. Certain studio specializations include Ceramics, Drawing, Print, Video and Sound, and Sculpture. Most of the degree is spent learning in immersive studio spaces with the opportunity to also supplement learning with intensified face-to-face instruction.

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17) 

• Berlin, Germany

With many options, students who want to specialize in a specific musical discipline will most likely find their desired program here. With courses in Composition, Conducting, Music Therapy, Musical/Show, and Sound Engineering, students will gain a comprehensive education. Plus, students can also take courses in visual communication, stage design, and creative writing for the stage.

There are four colleges, including Fine Arts, Architecture, Media and Design, Music, and Preforming Arts. There are also specialized university centers for students studying dance and jazz.

18) 

• Tokyo, Japan

This university is spread throughout four campuses, with the majority of its courses and facilities taking place in the Ueno Park location. In 1949 when the school was first founded, it held ten departments. Now, there are 14 departments, which include opportunity for study in painting, sculpture, crafts, design, art history, and more.

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19) 

• Cambridge, Massachusetts

While many may first think of MIT as a STEM-focused school, its arts program is just as impressive. With many cross-disciplinary classes, arts at MIT are all about imaginative problem-solving. This makes sense, since MIT offers course offerings, combining technology and creative expression.

There are 17 majors and minors offered by the School of Humanities. These courses include Music and Theatre Arts, Architecture and Urbanism and allow students to take advantage of the .

20) 

• Delft, Netherlands

Combining art and technology is the goal of this program. Students can study the basics of and . Within these programs, students learn more about how artworks are formed through better understanding objects through the lens of cultural heritage. In fact, many pieces of artwork include layered objects.

Best Art Schools in the World – In Review

In art, there are many disciplines to choose from. While some may think of drawing or painting, there are also opportunities in graphic design, fashion design, filmmaking, interior design, and more. From the best art schools in Europe to the U.S., any art school in the world will offer a variety of majors and practices for its students to explore. Allowing ample time and space to dedicate to your specific craft.

Whether you are looking for a school close to home or across an ocean, the best schools for studying art are located all around the world. Located on stunning campuses, in bustling communities, and near local galleries and theatres, each of these schools offers top-rated and worthwhile programs for its students.

Additional Resources

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• Career Assessment to find out if Art is the right field for you