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    Study acting abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying acting as an international student.

    Find acting programs

    Explore acting programs abroad

    See other programs in acting

    Acting degrees abroad

    A degree in acting will prepare you for a future as an actor on screen, stage or any other media. It’s the ideal choice for students with a passion for performing, and many acting programs cover other performing arts like singing and dancing.

    The approaches to acting and theater are different all over the world, so choosing to study abroad is a great way to gain a new perspective on the subject. There are hundreds of universities, colleges and drama schools that offer acting programs available all over the world.

    Studying acting abroad is also a great way to broaden your personal horizons by experiencing a new culture, improving your language skills and making friends from all over the world.

    Acting program structure

    You can study for a degree in acting at bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. At undergraduate level you can study for a BA in acting, or in some countries including the US and Canada you can study a BFA (bachelor of fine arts).

    Most undergraduate degrees take up to four years to complete, and a master’s will be studied over one or two years. If you want to study a research or teaching-led doctorate in acting, this can take up to five years to complete depending on the program you choose.

    The content and structure of each acting program will vary based on the university and country you study in. Some acting degrees incorporate other elements of drama or theater production, so it’s important you check the program curriculum before you apply.

    Acting programs are usually taught using a combination of teacher-led classes, practical workshops and some lectures. You’ll often get the opportunity to make important industry connections and perform in front of agents and casting professionals.

    Assessments take place through examinations, both written and practical, coursework and written reports. Many programs include a final year performance or showcase that will be assessed.

    Modules and subject areas you might find on an acting program include:

    • Acting theory
    • Movement
    • Improvisation
    • Voice and vocal production
    • Music and singing
    • Rehearsal skills
    • Stage combat
    • Theater history
    • Showcase
    Acting program structure

    You can study for a degree in acting at bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. At undergraduate level you can study for a BA in acting, or in some countries including the US and Canada you can study a BFA (bachelor of fine arts).

    Most undergraduate degrees take up to four years to complete, and a master’s will be studied over one or two years. If you want to study a research or teaching-led doctorate in acting, this can take up to five years to complete depending on the program you choose.

    The content and structure of each acting program will vary based on the university and country you study in. Some acting degrees incorporate other elements of drama or theater production, so it’s important you check the program curriculum before you apply.

    Acting programs are usually taught using a combination of teacher-led classes, practical workshops and some lectures. You’ll often get the opportunity to make important industry connections and perform in front of agents and casting professionals.

    Assessments take place through examinations, both written and practical, coursework and written reports. Many programs include a final year performance or showcase that will be assessed.

    Modules and subject areas you might find on an acting program include:

    • Acting theory
    • Movement
    • Improvisation
    • Voice and vocal production
    • Music and singing
    • Rehearsal skills
    • Stage combat
    • Theater history
    • Showcase

    Best countries to study acting

    Best universities to study acting

    See all universities offering acting programs

    How to study acting abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

    Start your search Get free advice

    Acting study abroad programs

    Acting undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in acting

    • false

      Acting - BFA Trinity Western University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,799 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,260 CAD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Acting
    • false

      Acting - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      20,646 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,925 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Acting
    • false

      Acting for Contemporary & Devised Performance - BA (Hons) University of Northampton, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,845 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,900 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Acting for Contemporary & Devised Performance
    • false

      Acting - BFA DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      41,814 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 41,814 USD

      Start date
      -
      Show program overview about Acting
    • false

      Acting - BFA University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,800 USD

      Start date
      May, August, January
      Show program overview about Acting
    See all bachelor's degrees in acting

    Diploma in acting

    • false

      Acting and Theatre - UGDip Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,693 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 20,609 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Acting and Theatre
    • false

      Acting for Film and Television - UGDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      12,323 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,412 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Acting for Film and Television
    See all undergraduate diplomas in acting

    Acting graduate programs

    Master's in acting

    • false

      Acting - MFA DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      27,680 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 27,680 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Acting
    • false

      Actors Studio Drama School - Acting, Directing and Playwriting - MFA Pace University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      44,714 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 44,714 USD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Actors Studio Drama School - Acting, Directing and Playwriting
    • false

      Classical Acting - MA Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      20,847 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,070 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Classical Acting
    • false

      Theatre Arts/Acting/Directing - MFA Long Island University Post, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      44,100 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 44,100 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Theatre Arts/Acting/Directing
    • false

      Theatre Arts: Acting - MFA California State University, Long Beach, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,604 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,604 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Theatre Arts: Acting
    See all master's degrees in acting

    Future acting careers

    The dream and ambition of many acting students is to become a professional actor on stage or screen. However, that is not the only career path available - some of the most popular roles for acting graduates include:

    • Stage actor
    • Screen actor
    • Musical theater performer
    • Acting coach/teacher
    • Drama therapist
    • Theater director
    • Arts administrator

    There are many other jobs you could pursue after you have completed your acting degree, both inside and outside of the performing arts area.

    Many programs are designed to help you get work as an actor by helping you connect with useful contacts, preparing you for auditions and helping you build a professional showreel.