Best Art Schools in the World: Universities & Courses

Imagine you’re at the Oscars, watching the world’s greatest filmmakers receive accolades for their artistic vision and craftsmanship or presenting your work at the Cannes festival. Sounds fascinating, right? Behind each success story is a foundation built on exceptional education, where raw talent is honed into brilliance. 

To achieve this dream of yours, choosing the best art schools in the world becomes more crucial than ever. 

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The QS World University Rankings feature 93 European art and design schools, with 5 of them placed in the global top 10. With so many prestigious institutions available, selecting the right one requires careful consideration of each school’s unique strengths and offerings. 

Here’s an overview table focusing on the key aspects you’ll study further in the blog.

Choosing the Right School for Pursuing Art and Design

Art and design schools offer specialised training that is essential for developing the skills necessary to succeed in the creative industries. The right institution can provide access to advanced resources, industry connections, and experienced faculty, all of which are vital for encouraging creativity and innovation. 

Now that you understand the importance of selecting the right institution explore the best art colleges in the world and what they offer.

Also Read: Best Fashion Design Schools In The World

10 Best Art Schools in the World

Did you know that MENA (Middle-East and North Africa) Arts and Creative Education Market size is estimated to reach USD 19.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9% during the forecast period 2024-2030?

Attending one of the best art schools in the world can significantly boost your career prospects as these institutions offer exceptional training, access to advanced resources, and networking opportunities.

Here is a list of the 10 best art schools in the world.

Here is a more detailed insight into each university, along with some of the notable graduates.

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1. Royal College of Art

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is recognised as one of the best art schools in the world. It has been ranked number one in the QS World University Rankings for Art and Design 2024, a testament to its exceptional quality of education. 

Established in 1837, the RCA has a long history of encouraging creative talent and is known for its innovative approaches to art and design.

Notable Alumni

The RCA has produced numerous influential artists and designers, some of whom have been listed below.

• David Hockney: Renowned painter and printmaker.
• Tracey Emin: Famous for her provocative art installations.
• James Dyson: Inventor and founder of Dyson Ltd.
  

2. University of the Arts London (UAL)

Ranked 2nd in the QS World University Rankings for Art and Design 2024, the University of the Arts London is one of the best art universities in the world and the largest European arts and design university. 

UAL comprises six different colleges, each offering a range of specialised courses in disciplines such as graphic design, fashion, and painting. 

Notable Alumni

UAL has nurtured many successful artists and designers, such as the ones listed below.

• Alexander McQueen: Iconic fashion designer.
• Anish Kapoor: Acclaimed sculptor and Turner Prize winner.
• Phoebe Philo: Influential fashion designer.
  

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3. Parsons, The New School for Design

Located in New York City, Parsons is one of the best art colleges in the world, renowned for its excellent research labs and practical training opportunities. 

The school is known for its strong instructor-student rapport, which promotes a collaborative learning environment. Parsons offers a wide range of courses like architectural design, Fashion studies, etc, allowing you to gain hands-on experience and develop your skills under the guidance of industry professionals.

Notable Alumni

Parsons has produced numerous influential figures in the arts, including the following.

• Marc Jacobs: Renowned fashion designer and former creative director at Louis Vuitton.
• Donna Karan: Founder of DKNY and influential fashion designer.
• Tom Ford: Esteemed fashion designer and film director.
  

4. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is one of the top-ranked universities for art and design, offering programs in ten creative areas. Courses include industrial design, printmaking, art education, and sculpture, providing you with a well-rounded education in the arts.

Notable Alumni

RISD has produced many prominent artists and designers. Below are some of the notable alumni.

1. James Franco: Actor and multimedia artist.
2. Jenny Holzer: Conceptual artist known for her text-based works.
3. David Byrne: Musician and artist.

5. Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milanois one of the top-ranked art schools in the world, specialising in research-driven education. The school offers various courses like architecture, fashion, and design, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

Notable Alumni

Politecnico di Milano has produced many successful artists and designers, including the following.

4. Renzo Piano: Celebrated architect known for the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
5. Aldo Rossi: Influential architect and theorist.
6. Giorgio Armani: Renowned fashion designer and founder of Armani.

Also Read: Politecnico di Milano Scholarship for International Students

6. The Design Academy Eindhoven

Located in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the Design Academy Eindhoven is known as one of the best art academies in the world for its emphasis on educational innovation. 

The academy offers courses in graphic design, fashion, art, and architecture, encouraging you to think creatively and challenge traditional design norms. Its focus on experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration makes it a standout choice for aspiring designers.

Notable Alumni

The academy has produced many leading designers, including the following.

1. Maarten Baas: Known for his unconventional design approach.
2. Hella Jongerius: Innovative industrial designer.
3. Piet Hein Eek: Renowned for sustainable furniture design.

7. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

Founded in 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is widely regarded as one of the top art universities in the world. SAIC offers unique courses in sculpture, film, ceramics, and textile arts, attracting students from around the world. 

Its innovative curriculum and commitment to encouraging artistic talent have earned it a reputation as a leader in art education.

Notable Alumni

SAIC boasts a distinguished list of alumni, some of whom have been listed below.

• Georgia O’Keeffe: Renowned painter known for her modernist works.
• Jeff Koons: Famous for his innovative and often controversial sculptures.
• Cindy Sherman: Pioneering photographer and filmmaker.

8. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Founded in 1551, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) is recognised as one of the best art schools in the world, with a significant place in Mexican art and design education. 

Known for its creative environment and impressive museum, UNAM is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 8%. This prestigious institution provides you with a rich cultural backdrop to enhance your artistic studies.

Notable Alumni

UNAM has produced many notable figures in the arts, some of whom have been listed below.

• Diego Rivera: Influential Mexican painter and muralist.
• Frida Kahlo: Iconic painter known for her self-portraits.
• Gabriel Orozco: Contemporary artist with international acclaim.

9. The University of the Arts in Berlin (UdK Berlin)

One of the largest European universities, UdK Berlin, was founded in 1696 and provides high-quality education in design, fine arts, and architecture. The university benefits from Berlin’s lively artistic and cultural environment, offering you access to a dynamic community of artists and designers.

Notable Alumni

UdK Berlin has produced numerous influential artists and designers. Check out some of them below.

• George Grosz: Influential painter and caricaturist.
• Kurt Weill: Celebrated composer.
• Rebecca Horn: Renowned for her installation and performance art.

10. The École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD)

ENSAD is one of the best art academies in the world. The school offers courses in photography, video, stage design, animated film, object design, and clothing design. Its comprehensive curriculum and strong industry connections provide students with a solid foundation for a successful career in the arts.

Notable Alumni

ENSAD has a long list of distinguished alumni, some of whom have been listed below.

• Jean-Paul Gaultier: Influential fashion designer.
• Philippe Starck: Renowned designer known for his wide range of designs.
• Christian Boltanski: Celebrated artist known for installations and photography.

Having explored the universities, take a look at the basic admission requirements for the top art schools.

Also Read: 6 Art Scholarships For Indian Students To Study Abroad

Admission Requirements to Enrol in the Best Art Schools in the World

Did you know that the acceptance rate for the Royal College of Art stands at 27.2%? This showcases that admission to the best art schools in the world is highly competitive, with each institution seeking candidates who demonstrate exceptional talent and a strong commitment to their craft. 

Here are some of the basic admission requirements you can expect.

1. Portfolio Submission: This should include a diverse range of pieces that highlight your skills, creativity, and artistic vision. 
2. Academic Transcripts: Schools will typically ask for transcripts from your previous education to assess your overall academic performance.
3. Personal Statement or SOP: You are required to write a personal statement or SOP that explains your motivation for pursuing art and design, your influences, and your future goals.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Many institutions ask for letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or professionals who can attest to your artistic abilities and character. 
5. Interview or Audition: This allows the admission committee to assess your communication skills and gain a better understanding of your personality and artistic approach.
6. English Language Proficiency: For international students, demonstrating proficiency in English is usually required. Tests like the TOEFL or IELTS are commonly accepted to ensure you can effectively engage with the curriculum.

Here is a table of average English proficiency scores you will require to be enrolled in the top-ranked art schools in the world.

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Career Opportunities After Graduating from Best Art Schools in the World 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the arts is projected to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032, reflecting the demand for creative professionals. 

The best art colleges in the world provide you with industry connections through internships, networking events, and collaborations with leading companies. 

Here is a list of average salaries of the following job profiles in the US and the UK.

By choosing the right institution, you will gain access to valuable resources and networks that support your transition from education to professional practice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right art and design school is an important step in launching a successful career in the creative industries. The best art schools in the world, such as the Royal College of Art and the University of Arts London, offer exceptional training and networking opportunities, providing you with the skills and connections necessary to thrive in your chosen fields. 

With average fees ranging from INR 16.7L to INR 37.7L (USD 20,000 – USD 45,000) for undergraduate courses and INR 17L to INR 51L (USD 20,262 – USD 60,760) for postgraduate courses, each institution highlighted in this guide offers a unique approach to art and design education. Want more tailored advice on selecting the perfect art school for your passion and get expert help with your application? Connect with Leap Scholar to begin your creative journey today!

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