Dance is an art form that uses movement to express ideas, feelings, and experiences. Alongside books, archives, and documentaries, dance can help us learn about history, beliefs, and culture. It appears in many forms, from theatrical dance performed for an audience to participatory dance, where people are encouraged to dance together.
There are different types of dance, including modern, contemporary, ballet, ballroom, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and many more. If you enjoy dancing, you are probably aware that it is also physically demanding; it requires fitness, discipline, and perseverance.
Continue reading to learn more about some of the best countries to study dance.
Top Countries to Study Dance
1. United States of America
The United States has a long history of university-level dance education and is home to many established dance programs and conservatories.
English is the primary language of instruction in most programs. Campus life varies widely by institution: some students live in residence halls, while others live off campus, especially in large cities.
Program length and cost depend on the school. For example, Juilliard’s BFA in Dance is a four-year program, while NYU Tisch’s dance BFA follows an intensive three-year plus two-summer curriculum. International students on F-1 visas may generally work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session if they meet the required conditions.
The United States is a strong country to consider for dance because of schools such as The Juilliard School, New York University, Butler University, and Oklahoma City University.
2. Australia
Australia has a strong dance scene across ballet, contemporary dance, and performance training.
Australia is also an English-speaking country; however, campus life may differ from the US. Many students live off campus, while some institutions also offer residence or partner accommodation options.
Program structures vary by institution. The University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) is a three-year full-time, on-campus program, and Study Australia lists QUT’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) as a three-year full-time program. The Australian Ballet School’s full-time training pathway includes vocational and graduate diploma levels with separate entry and tuition requirements.
International students should check current course availability and fees directly with each institution. The Australian Government currently allows eligible student visa holders to work 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks.
The following are notable dance schools in Australia: Queensland University of Technology, University of Melbourne, Adelaide College of the Arts, The Australian Ballet School, and Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
3. England
England has a strong tradition of ballet, contemporary dance, and dance education, with both university programs and conservatoire-style training available.
Dance in England is commonly offered as a three-year undergraduate program, although course length and fees vary by provider. For example, Trinity Laban’s BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance is a three-year full-time program, and Royal Holloway lists 2026/27 international tuition for its Drama and Dance BA at £26,800 per year. International students on a UK Student visa may be permitted to work depending on their course and term-time conditions. The UK Graduate visa currently lasts two years for applications made on or before December 31, 2026, but it changes to 18 months for applications made on or after January 1, 2027; doctoral graduates can stay for three years.
Some institutions to consider include Royal Holloway, University of London, University of Central Lancashire, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
4. France
France is central to the history of ballet and continues to be a major destination for international students.
French is widely used in daily life and in many programs, so students should check each school’s language requirements before applying. Some arts applications may use CampusArt, while applicants from many countries must also complete the Études en France procedure.
Dance program length and tuition vary by institution and level, so students should not assume a single standard duration or fee range. At French public higher education institutions, 2025/26 annual registration fees are €2,895 for non-EU students at the licence level and €3,941 at the master’s level, while some students and programs have different fees or exemptions. Foreign students in France may work up to 964 hours per year, but part-time work should be treated as a secondary income source.
5. Russia
Russia is home to long-established ballet institutions, including the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and the Vaganova Ballet Academy.
Russian is especially important for ballet training in Russia, and programs may include Russian-language instruction. Students should verify the current language of instruction, visa requirements, and travel advisories before applying.
Program length and fees vary. Vaganova Ballet Academy lists its International Trainee Program as a 10-month program with a fee of USD $18,000 that includes on-site dormitory accommodation, meals, and an intensive Russian-language course. Bolshoi Ballet Academy states that international students are selected using video recordings, pay tuition in two installments, and must complete visa and medical insurance requirements. Since 2020, foreign students in Russia have generally not needed a separate work permit for eligible employment, but restrictions and documentation requirements remain. Schools to consider include The Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Vaganova Ballet Academy.
6. Germany
Germany is another excellent country to study dance, with dance programs ranging from conservatory-style training to university-level performance studies.
Language requirements vary by institution. Palucca University of Dance Dresden lists English as the main language for its BA Dance program, while other schools and preparatory programs may require German.
Dance program length and tuition vary. DAAD lists Palucca’s BA Dance as a full-time six-semester bachelor’s program, and Palucca states that it does not charge tuition for first-degree programs, although students pay semester fees. For visa purposes, students commonly need to show proof of funds of €11,904 for one year. Eligible non-EU students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year, or up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period.
These institutions offer dance-focused training or dance-related study options: Palucca University of Dance Dresden, Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts, The School of the Hamburg Ballet, and Iwanson International School for Contemporary Dance.
7. South Korea
South Korea offers dance training in areas such as Korean dance, ballet, contemporary dance, choreography, and dance theory.
To study in South Korea, students should check Korean or English proficiency requirements directly with each university and department. The Korean government’s Study in Korea portal notes that language requirements vary by institution and department; some Korean-taught programs require TOPIK scores, while English-taught programs may accept English proficiency tests.
Program structure and costs vary. Pusan National University’s Department of Dance requires 132 credits and includes Korean Dance, Ballet, and Modern Dance majors. Korea National University of Arts lists dance options, including Dance Performance, Dance Theory, Arts Management, and Choreography, and its dance application materials list foreign-language test certificates as applicable rather than a blanket TOPIK 3 requirement. International students on a D-2 visa must obtain permission from their university and immigration office before working part time, and working without permission is considered illegal.
South Korea is becoming well known for ballet and contemporary dance training. Schools to consider include Korea National University of Arts, Sungkyunkwan University, and Pusan National University.
We hope this article on the best countries to study dance was informative and insightful. If you are interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
