France has a long-standing reputation for art and culture. Its museums, monuments, galleries, and schools make it an appealing destination for students interested in art and design.
French art and design education includes both public and private institutions. Students can explore disciplines such as fine arts, fashion, photography, communication, media, interior architecture, and design.
Here are some of the top art and design schools in France to consider.
Top Art Schools in France
1. Beaux-Arts de Paris
Beaux-Arts de Paris is a historic art school with a studio-based approach to artistic training. Its first cycle consists of three years of study and leads to an undergraduate degree. Its two-year second cycle prepares students for the Diplôme national supérieur d’arts plastiques (DNSAP), a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree that is awarded at the end of the fifth year.
The school also participates in the SACRe/PSL doctoral pathway, which supports artists developing research projects grounded in artistic practice. At its Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Saint-Ouen sites, students produce work across areas such as painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, video, ceramics, forging, modeling, and molding.
Beaux-Arts de Paris has an international student community. According to the school, international students account for 25% of its student body.
2. Paris College of Art
- Study Programs
- Degrees and Programs Offered: Certificates, BFA, MA, MFA
Paris College of Art’s academic programs began in 1981 under the name Parsons Paris. The school later became independent as Paris College of Art. It now offers undergraduate degrees in Communication Design, Fashion Design, Film Art, Fine Arts, Interior Design, and Photography.
Its graduate programs include Critical Fashion Practices, Design for Social Impact, Drawing, Fashion Film & Photography, Film Art, Interior Design, Photography & Image-making, and Transdisciplinary New Media. The school also offers certificate programs.
For 2026–2027, Paris College of Art lists full-time, in-person undergraduate tuition fees of €16,320 per semester. The school lists annual graduate tuition of €32,640 for international students and €16,320 for students from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
3. The New School Parsons Paris
Parsons Paris is part of The New School and combines a Paris-based learning environment with the academic resources of Parsons School of Design. Its Saint-Roch campus is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, with most creative resources, classrooms, and administrative offices at 45 rue Saint-Roch or nearby.
Its undergraduate programs include Art, Media, and Technology (BFA), Fashion Design (BFA), and Strategic Design and Management (BBA). Its graduate programs include Fashion Design and the Arts (MFA) and Fashion Studies (MA). The school also lists the Strategic Design for Global Leadership (MS) program, but it will not admit new students for the 2026–2027 academic year.
For new students in 2026–2027, full-time tuition fees for Parsons Paris BBA and BFA programs are $21,308 per semester. Graduate tuition is $1,676 per credit for the MA in Fashion Studies and $24,638 per semester for the MFA in Fashion Design and the Arts. Additional university fees apply.
4. École Camondo
- Study Program
- Qualification Offered: State-recognized Bac+5 diploma conferring a master’s grade
École Camondo was created in 1944 and offers a five-year program for future interior architects and designers. The program is organized into 10 semesters: a three-year first cycle and a two-year second cycle. It leads to a state-recognized Bac+5 diploma conferring a master’s grade and registered at RNCP level 7.
The school also offers Atelier Campus, a program that introduces students to traditional and contemporary craftsmanship applied to interior architecture and design. It includes practical learning experiences with workshops, companies, manufacturers, and cultural institutions.
For 2026, annual tuition fees for students with European Union citizenship are €9,450 for each of the first three years and €12,600 for each of the final two years. For students outside the European Union, annual tuition is €11,000 for each of the first three years and €14,500 for each of the final two years.
Notable alumni of École Camondo include Elisabeth Garouste, Jacques Grange, Pierre Paulin, Philippe Starck, and Jean-Michel Wilmotte.
5. Penninghen
- Study Program
- Degrees Offered: Master’s degrees in Interior Architecture, Communication, and Art Direction
Penninghen is a private higher education institution in Paris. The school was founded in 1968 and is located in premises associated with Académie Julian, which was established in 1868 as a private studio school for art students.
Penninghen’s five-year study structure begins with a common foundation year in applied arts. Students then specialize in Interior Architecture, Communication, or Art Direction for the following four years. The programs combine theoretical and practical courses, personal and group projects, and nine months of internships spread over four years.
The right school depends on your academic goals, preferred discipline, budget, language needs, and career plans. Review each school’s official program and admissions pages before applying, as tuition fees, entry requirements, and available programs can change.
Choosing a reputable school can help students develop a portfolio, learn from practitioners, and build professional connections. However, employment outcomes vary depending on the program, the student’s experience, and the wider job market.
We hope this article on art schools in France was informative and has helped point you in the right direction for your art education! If you are interested, check out Study in France and Available Programs for International Students!
