Europe is home to specialist arts institutions and comprehensive universities with strong arts, design, and humanities programs. Program availability and degree levels vary by institution, so prospective students should review the linked official program pages before applying. Let’s take a look at the some of the best art schools in Europe.
Top Art Schools in Europe
1. Zurich University of the Arts
- Study Program
- Location: Switzerland | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, doctoral opportunities through partnerships
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) offers bachelor’s and master’s programs across art, design, music, performing arts, film, and related fields. Some doctoral opportunities are offered through partnerships with other institutions, so applicants should review the relevant department page for the current pathway.
2. Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research study across areas including art, design, creative writing, media, music, and theater. Prospective students should use the course finder to compare the available programs and award levels.
3. Oslo National Academy of the Arts
Located in Norway’s capital, the Oslo National Academy of the Arts offers bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as a three-year, full-time Ph.D. in Artistic Research. Its subject areas include art and craft, dance, design, fine art, opera, and theater.
The academy participates in Erasmus+, Nordplus, and bilateral exchange agreements.
4. Royal College of Art
Founded in 1837 as the Government School of Design, the Royal College of Art (RCA) is a postgraduate institution specializing in art and design. Its programs include Graduate Diploma, master’s, MPhil, and Ph.D. pathways.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Art & Design, the RCA ranked first globally.
5. Design Academy Eindhoven
Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE) traces its history to a predecessor institution founded in 1947. Its four-year bachelor’s program is structured around Fundamentals, Studios, and Reflections. DAE also offers five full-time, two-year master’s programs.
6. University of the Arts London
The University of the Arts London (UAL) offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees across a broad range of creative disciplines.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Art & Design, UAL ranked second globally.
7. Aalto University
Aalto University‘s School of Arts, Design and Architecture offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral study across areas such as art and media, design, film and television, fashion, architecture, and related fields.
8. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford‘s Ruskin School of Art offers a three-year BFA, an MFA, and a DPhil in Fine Art. The Ruskin combines studio practice with critical and research-led approaches to contemporary art.
9. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a comprehensive university rather than a specialist studio-art school. Students interested in visual culture can explore its History of Art BA, relevant MPhil study, and Ph.D. pathway.
10. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) is a comprehensive university. Its Faculty of History and the Arts offers arts-related bachelor’s and master’s pathways, including art history, art and multimedia, musicology, and theater studies. Doctoral opportunities are also available in humanities subjects.
The Academy of Fine Arts Munich is a separate institution. Its fine arts, art education, and interior architecture programs should not be attributed to LMU Munich.
The institutions discussed above include specialist art and design schools as well as comprehensive universities with relevant arts and humanities pathways. Prospective students should review the linked official pages to confirm the available programs, entry requirements, and award levels before applying. Make sure to also check out the Programs in Europe for International Students to learn more.
