Even before formal schools existed, the study and practice of art were popular activities. Many famous artists from ancient times did not receive formal education in the arts and became noted painters and sculptors through talent, practice, and mentorship.
Formal education in art developed from hands-on training under competent mentors and expanded into institutions that now combine studio practice, theory, critique, and professional preparation.
With increased demand, there are now many art schools worldwide. The schools below are well-known institutions in art and design; several also appear in major subject rankings, including the QS World University Rankings by Subject for Art & Design.
Top Art Schools in the World
1. The Rhode Island School of Design
Located in Providence, Rhode Island, the Rhode Island School of Design is one of the best-known specialist art and design schools. RISD offers undergraduate and graduate programs, and its Film/Animation/Video alumni have gone on to work through major studios such as Pixar and DreamWorks. Its Fleet Library also includes major art and design collections, including special collections with rare books, periodicals, and artists’ books.
RISD is a high-cost private institution. For 2026–27, RISD lists tuition at $66,460, with additional student activity and academic technology fees. Undergraduate study generally centers on a first-year studio foundation followed by a major in fine arts or design, while graduate program lengths vary by department.
2. California College of the Arts
- Study Program
- Location: USA | Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
California College of the Arts is an art and design college in San Francisco founded in 1907 by Frederick Meyer. CCA has offered undergraduate and graduate programs that combine theory with studio practice in fields such as fine arts, design, architecture, writing, and related creative disciplines.
Important update: CCA has announced that it will wind down current operations and close by the end of the 2026–2027 academic year as part of an agreement with Vanderbilt University. For 2026–27, CCA lists undergraduate tuition at $60,864, while graduate tuition ranges from $44,346 to $76,968, depending on the program. Students considering CCA should review the school’s transition and teach-out information before applying.
3. Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the largest art and design universities on this list. SCAD offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees across locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online through SCADnow.
The university enrolls more than 18,500 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. For 2026–27, SCAD lists tuition at $42,975 for undergraduates and $43,965 for graduate students, based on three quarters of full-time attendance. If you are looking for a large art and design university with a broad range of creative disciplines, SCAD may be worth considering.
4. University of the Arts London
Central Saint Martins at the University of the Arts London is a world-renowned arts and design college. UAL offers pre-degree, undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses across art, design, fashion, communication, media, and performing arts.
For 2026–27, UAL lists most full-time Home undergraduate tuition at £9,790, subject to UK government approval, or £9,535 if the increase is not approved. The 2026–27 international undergraduate fee for students starting in 2026 is £30,890 and may rise by up to 5% in later years. Tuition varies by level and course, so applicants should check the specific course page before applying.
5. Parsons School of Design at The New School
- Study Program
- Location: USA | Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Parsons School of Design at The New School, this Manhattan-based art and design school was founded in 1896 by William Merritt Chase. Parsons offers interdisciplinary programs across fashion, technology, urban design, fine art, management, and related fields.
For 2026–27, new undergraduate students in Parsons flat-rate programs are charged $31,174 per semester for 12–18 credits, or about $62,348 for two semesters before university fees and living costs. Graduate tuition varies by program, with some programs charged per credit and others charged at a full-time semester rate.
6. Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute was founded in 1887 by Charles Pratt. Located in Brooklyn, New York, Pratt offers undergraduate programs, graduate studies, continuing and professional studies, pre-college programs, and study abroad opportunities.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Pratt reported that it ranked No. 5 globally for Art & Design and No. 3 in the United States. For 2026–27, Pratt lists undergraduate tuition for 12–18 credits at $64,703 annually; graduate tuition is charged per credit and varies by school. If you are able to secure scholarships or financial aid, Pratt can be an excellent option to consider.
7. École des Beaux-Arts
- Study Program
- Location: France | Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s-level, Master’s-level, Doctoral training
The École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts, commonly known as Beaux-Arts de Paris, is one of France’s historic public art schools. Its main curriculum includes a first-cycle diploma at Bachelor’s level and the Diplôme National Supérieur d’Arts Plastiques at Master’s level, and the school also participates in SACRe/PSL doctoral training.
The official tuition fee for initial training in the 2025–2026 academic year is €458, plus €103 for the student life and campus contribution, regardless of nationality or country of origin. This makes Beaux-Arts de Paris far less expensive than many private art schools, although living costs in Paris and admission requirements still need careful planning.
If you want to be a painter, illustrator, designer, animator, or interdisciplinary artist, the best art schools can provide structured training, studio critique, professional networks, and access to creative communities. The right choice depends on your field, budget, location preferences, and whether the school’s current program offerings match your goals.
We hope this article on the best art schools in the world was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
