Filmmaking has long been considered an entertaining and thrilling yet competitive area of learning. Gravitating from the traditional media approaches, modern film courses are lucrative. This is due to the reason that they combine modern techniques along with extensive research. However, finding a suitable institute for a film major can be challenging.

Asia, since the early times, has been a major contributor to filmmaking. There has been a resurgence in Asian cinema recently, owing to filmmakers’ efforts from several different nations. The Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards are just a few of the prominent global film festivals where Asian films have received several accolades.

The cinema of Asia is vibrant and diverse, a reflection of the region’s heritage. Common topics in Asian cinema include racism, family dynamics, and personal discovery mostly. In this respect, many universities in Asia offer modern film courses, and we have discussed them in the article below.

Top Film Schools in Asia

Asia contains some of the most prestigious institutes. Some of the best film schools in Asia are elaborated as follows.

1. Beijing Film Academy

When it comes to film education in China, nothing compares to the Beijing Film Academy (BFA). It has been operating since 1950, and it has bachelor and master filmmaking courses. This includes subjects from directing, cinematography, editing, screenplay etc.

Both the academic and physical infrastructure of BFA are renowned for their brilliance. Famous Chinese filmmakers including Chen Kaige, Zhang Yimou, and Feng Xiaogang are among the school’s many accomplished alums.

BFA is a very selective institution with highly competitive admission criteria. As a 4-year undergraduate education, the Drama and Film-and-Television Literature course at the Beijing Film Academy includes a broad variety of areas.

These are relevant to drama and film-and-television literature. Literature for cinema and television as well as its history are covered in it. Literature for cinema and television as well as its theoretical and practical aspects are discussed.

2. Japan Institute of the Moving Image

The second institute we would like to recommend holds high prestige, as it was established by the filmmaker Shohei Imamura in 1975. Located in the bustling city of Kawasaki, Japan, it is a highly admired film school. Aspiring filmmakers may learn from their industry experts and use advanced gear. Some of Japan’s most acclaimed directors, such as Takashi Miike and Mamoru Hosoda, are among the institute’s recent graduates.

At JIMI, applicants can study filmmaking in a 4-year bachelor’s program. Through this, they can improve their skills in areas including directing, visuals, editing, producing, and animation. A solid grounding in filmmaking theory and technique is a primary goal of the course of study.

3. Tokyo University of the Arts

In terms of the arts, Tokyo University of the Arts is a vital contributor. Students get the opportunity to study with some of the top experts in their disciplines. They can gain the foundational knowledge they’ll need to become masters in their chosen areas.

Companies in the entertainment, media, publishing, and advertising sectors actively seek out TUA graduates. TUA provides digital media and film and media programs that combine tech and art. Interdisciplinary education is encouraged at TUA, encouraging students to engage with colleagues and try new creative forms.

Their Master’s in Film Production is a 2-year advanced course. Students here can work on feature films, documentaries, short films, and other projects. Their sound stages and curriculum are top-notch. To help students gain financial assistance, TUA brings MEXT Scholarships for international students.

4. City University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s City University (CityU) is rapidly expanding its international reputation as a premier institution. It is for career training and groundbreaking studies. The University is dedicated to fostering creativity and achieving the highest standards of quality. In QS World Rankings 2023, it holds the 70th position worldwide. It is AACSB-accredited.

The university offers many film courses at Bachelor’s and Master’s level. But its 2-year Master’s in Creative Media is highly sought after. The curriculum is humanities-oriented and helps in developing creative expertise in the film sector. It also has competitive admission criteria.

5. Sungkyunkwan University

The university was established in 1398, making it the oldest in Korea, in addition to being one of Asia’s best-known schools of learning. Graduate and undergraduate courses are available in the arts and humanities, the sciences, filmmaking, technology, and medicine at SKKU. Apart from being AACSB-accredited, it is ranked among the best 200 universities in the world.

Its Bachelor of Cinematography is a 4-years bachelor’s degree ideal for international students. Basic concepts of photography and lighting can be taught to students. The fundamentals of photography, video, and filmmaking are all included here. In addition, investigate and get some experience with the general functioning of film and cameras.

6. National Taiwan University of Arts

Taiwan’s most prestigious public university, the National Taiwan University of Arts, was founded in 1955. It consistently ranks near the top on both national and international scales. It is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Republic of China (Taiwan).

Furthermore, it has made significant contributions to Taiwan’s socioeconomic growth ever since. Several international leaders and significant personalities, including filmmakers and, notable NTU alumni.

Filmmaking, screenwriting, technical film production, film history, and critical studies are only a few of the many available electives. Bachelors of filmmaking offers in-depth analysis and techniques regarding filmmaking.

7. LaSalle College of the Arts

Within the vibrant city of Singapore, LaSalle College of the Arts stands out as an epicenter of uniqueness and imagination. Aspiring creatives of every sort may refine their craft here. Here, students are encouraged to question standard practices and seek novel ways of exploration. The digital arts studio at LaSalle is among the most advanced in the world.

It gives students access to revolutionary tools and resources for their imaginative projects in the digital realm. The institute is leading in the film sector as it offers a 3-year full-time Bachelor in Film. This BA (Hons) Film program aims to help you become a filmmaker who can take a vision from script to screen. Throughout their time in school, students will be challenged to grow their technical and narrative arts skills.

8. University of the Philippines Diliman

Next on our list is an acclaimed institute known for its innovative education system and research. UPD, or UP Diliman as it is more often known, is the main campus of the University of the Philippines. This institution is the premier public research university in the nation. UPD has a diversified student population and a strong reputation for academic performance.

Among other courses, Its Film Institute offers a Bachelor’s in Film. It consists of courses such as Art & Social Practice, Philippine Cinema as Art Form, and Fundamentals in Acting among many others. All the courses are backed by extensive research and industry-standard techniques.

9. Seoul Institute of the Arts

The Seoul Institute of the Arts (SIA) is a top-rated private art school in Seoul, South Korea. It’s been around since 1962, and now it’s widely considered one of Asia’s top art universities. The SIA is a perfect environment for groundbreaking creativity. It is accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea.

The Film Program is one of its advanced programs which involves a blend of filmmaking studies with film theory. Students can participate in film projects during this course to have elaborate information on the areas of this course.

10. Chung-Ang University

For 100 years, Chung-Ang University (CAU) has been devoted to eminence in teaching and advanced study. It is ranked among the top 500 institutes in the world according to QS World Rankings 2023. Several prestigious research facilities may be found on the CAU campus.

These include the National Institute of Geological Sciences and the Marine Science Institute.CAU is a highly competitive institution. Nonetheless, CAU provides its approved students with a chance for a profound, exclusive education. Among the many courses it offers, it has a master’s and PhD in filmmaking major. One may get an MFA from the university’s Graduate School of Advanced Imaging Science.

Individual workshops in the first semester of the major in Film Production provide students the chance to reconsider their past preconceptions about how films should be viewed. Some of the topics covered include direction, shooting, editing, production, and sound design.

11. Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)

The next institute we recommend is India, which is a country known for its traditional history and contributions to the field of art. New storytellers continue to be trained at India’s Film and Television Institute. Those with a strong interest in the moving image arts and a desire to gain expertise through the creation of individual projects are encouraged to apply to this institute.

Faculty-student conferences are strongly encouraged for all students here. They may use it as a resource during their course to support learning and development. They offer a 3-year course in cinematography.

In addition to learning the technical aspects of cinematography, students at FTII also get an understanding of the field as a whole. This is while the students acquire well-rounded skills and an artistic sense. Cinematography students take a standard first-semester course that covers all areas of film production.

12. Korean Academy of Film Arts

The Korean Academy of Film Arts is a destination for film enthusiasts. Here, aspiring filmmakers may refine their skills in a progressive setting with the guidance of industry experts. Students are shaped into future cinematic artists by KAFA’s demanding curriculum.

Evidence of the school’s superiority may be seen in its extensive network of successful graduates. Notable South Korean filmmakers who have graduated from here include Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook, and Lee Chang-dong.

KAFA is an institute where creative visions are created. Among many other areas of study, it brings a Bachelor’s in Cinematography for international students. The Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) offers an intensive and thorough Bachelor of Arts in Cinematography degree to individuals interested in working in the film and television business.

Students engage in practical activities and projects while also studying cinema’s extensive history and underlying concepts. Faculty at the top of their fields teach in the cinematography department at KAFA.

13. Whistling Woods International Film School

Often referred to as the “film factory of India,” WWI is an important center for budding filmmakers from all around the globe. The courses offered here are meant to train students for the dynamic nature of the film business. There is an emphasis on both classic and modern techniques of filming.

Its intensive educational courses at WWI include all areas of filmmaking, from directing and cinematography to editing and production design. The institute specializes in filmmaking and offers undergraduate as well as graduate programs.

Whistling Woods International Film School’s M.A. in Filmmaking program is a 2-year, 4-semester long course of study. It’s the first step to a career in filmmaking. Different tracks focus on different topics throughout the curriculum.

When a student enrolls in WWI’s M.A. Filmmaking program, they can expect to learn about each component of the filmmaking process. Everything from the conceptualization of a story to the technical elements of filmmaking and editing is discussed.

14. SAE Institute Indonesia

Next on our list is the world-recognized SAE Institute of Indonesia, known for its high-quality education system. The institute is widely regarded for its high global ranking and collaboration with many international corporations. Among its offered courses to international students, its Bachelors in Film takes the top position.

To educate students for professions in the film and television business, SAE Institute Indonesia offers a 3-year Bachelor of Film degree. Everything from scriptwriting to editing is included in the course.

In addition to theoretical instruction, students engage in a wide range of practical tasks during the duration of the program. Feature-length films, documentaries, and shorter forms all fall under this category. In addition, students may get internships at some of the industry’s top film and TV studios through this.

15. Multimedia University

Our last recommendation is the first and only private institution in Malaysia, Multimedia Institution. It has a unique position in Malaysian history. Established in 1997, it has quickly been recognized as a top institution of higher education in Malaysia and Asia.

It comes among the top 1000–1200 institutions of the world according to QS World Rankings 2023. MMU offers a Bachelor of Cinematic Arts (Honors) degree that may be completed in 3 years. In doing so, it adopts an integrated perspective of the “script-to-screen” production process.

FAQS About Studying Film Studies

Is a Film Degree in Asia Worth Pursuing?

Asia is one of the most culturally diverse areas, with many known filmmakers originating from here. A film degree from various higher-learning universities in Asia offers rewarding careers as a production assistant, production coordinator, script reader, director, cinematographer, and director along with others.

Along with this, Asian educational institutions also offer scholarship opportunities to international individuals in their filmmaking courses. This aids them in completing their course of study easily.

 

From learning the fundamentals of discussing a concept. MQA recognizes MMU’s BFA in Filmmaking as meeting the standards for accreditation in Malaysia. They also offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships to international students.

 

Asia has long been known as the epicenter of the film industry because of its rich culture. Several top film schools in Asia offer several undergraduate and graduate courses in film. We hope this article was of maximum help to you.

 

We hope that this article on the best film schools in Asia was informative. Visit the Asia Scholarships Page to find out more about universities and scholarships in Asia!

Best Schools in Asia Asia Film Studies

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hi! I am Hyun, and I am the founder at Global Scholarships. I've received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College and a $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for my undergraduate degree and was offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. You can read more about my scholarship journey here. If you are interested, you can follow me on Linkedin where I regularly write about scholarships. I also provide consulting services as well, and you can check the consulting services page for more information.

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