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    Study dance abroad

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

    Find dance programs

    Explore dance programs abroad

    See other programs in dance

    Dance degrees abroad

    Dance programs allow students to study their passion and hone their craft. It’s a great course for students looking to break into the field of performing arts.

    Most dance programs are designed to improve your technique and performance. They’ll also encourage you to get creative with teaching and choreography and help you understand the science and theory behind movement. You’ll explore a range of dance styles and consider how they’ve been influenced by historical and cultural forces.

    Dance is a global art form and most countries and cultures have their own traditions. By studying abroad, you’ll adopt elements of style and technique and become a more versatile, creative, and original dancer and choreographer. You’ll meet international professionals, explore the world, and make lifelong friends.

    Dance program structure

    You can gain your dance education at both universities and specialist performing arts schools. Dance students will have a choice of various programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    A certificate of higher education is a one or two year course that will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of dance studies. The next level up is a two-year diploma of higher education where you’ll broaden your knowledge and research skills.

    At the bachelor’s level, you can elect to study either a BA or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) over three or four years. A BFA will require you to invest more hours and credit points into dance-specific modules compared to a regular BA.

    Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you might consider undertaking either a research-focused MA, or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), which is centered more around teaching. An MFA is the highest practical degree offered in dance. There are options to study a PhD in dance over four to seven years, but these are research projects with no practical element.

    Most undergraduate dance programs are taught predominantly through practical classes, but you’ll also have some lectures, workshops, and seminars. Assessment will take the form of practical exams and portfolios, essays, presentations, and reports.

    Core and elective dance modules vary widely between institutions, but here are some common areas of study:

    • Dance technique
    • Dance performance
    • Dance management
    • Principles of dance teaching and practice
    • Fundamentals of choreography
    • Dance in the community
    • Dance history
    • Cultural trends in dance
    Dance program structure

    You can gain your dance education at both universities and specialist performing arts schools. Dance students will have a choice of various programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

    A certificate of higher education is a one or two year course that will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of dance studies. The next level up is a two-year diploma of higher education where you’ll broaden your knowledge and research skills.

    At the bachelor’s level, you can elect to study either a BA or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) over three or four years. A BFA will require you to invest more hours and credit points into dance-specific modules compared to a regular BA.

    Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you might consider undertaking either a research-focused MA, or a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), which is centered more around teaching. An MFA is the highest practical degree offered in dance. There are options to study a PhD in dance over four to seven years, but these are research projects with no practical element.

    Most undergraduate dance programs are taught predominantly through practical classes, but you’ll also have some lectures, workshops, and seminars. Assessment will take the form of practical exams and portfolios, essays, presentations, and reports.

    Core and elective dance modules vary widely between institutions, but here are some common areas of study:

    • Dance technique
    • Dance performance
    • Dance management
    • Principles of dance teaching and practice
    • Fundamentals of choreography
    • Dance in the community
    • Dance history
    • Cultural trends in dance

    Best countries to study dance

    Best universities to study dance

    See all universities offering dance programs

    How to study dance 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

    Dance study abroad programs

    Dance undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in dance

    • false

      Dance Management - BSc Oklahoma City University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      27,276 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 27,276 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Dance Management
    • false

      Ballet - BFA University of Utah, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      36,857 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 36,857 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Ballet
    • false

      Dance, Emphasis in Dance Education - BA University of South Carolina, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      33,928 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,928 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Dance, Emphasis in Dance Education
    • false

      English Literature and Dance - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,294 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,300 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about English Literature and Dance
    • false

      Dance - BA American University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      50,542 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 50,542 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Dance
    See all bachelor's degrees in dance

    Associate in dance

    • false

      Dance - AA Laney College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      7,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

      Start date
      August, June, January
      Show program overview about Dance
    • false

      Dance - AA San Jose City College, USA
      • Blended learning

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,138 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,138 USD

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Dance
    See all associate degrees in dance

    Pathway in dance

    • false

      Dance (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,993 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Dance (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in dance

    Dance graduate programs

    Master's in dance

    • false

      Choreography by Independent Research - MSc (Research) University of Chichester, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      9,078 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,600 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Choreography by Independent Research
    • false

      Dance - MA Bath Spa University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      19,670 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP

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

      Dance - 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, January
      Show program overview about Dance
    • false

      Dance - MFA Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,118 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 25,118 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Dance
    • false

      Irish Dance Studies - MA University of Limerick, Ireland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      14,958 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,510 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Irish Dance Studies
    See all master's degrees in dance

    Doctorate in dance

    • false

      Dance - PhD University of Gloucestershire, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,601 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,250 GBP

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

      Dance, Theatre and Music - PhD University of Chichester, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,188 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,950 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Dance, Theatre and Music
    See all doctorates in dance

    Diploma in dance

    • false

      Contemporary Dance Performance - PGDip University of Chichester, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      11 months
      Annual tuition fee
      19,188 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,950 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Contemporary Dance Performance
    • false

      Dance – Performance - OCDip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,177 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Dance – Performance
    See all postgraduate diplomas in dance

    Future dance careers

    A dance degree is a stepping stone that will help you make your mark in the field of performing arts. Your knowledge of dance genres, history, and choreography will be invaluable if you choose to pursue any of the following careers:

    • Dancer
    • Choreographer
    • Dance teacher
    • Community arts worker
    • Theater director
    • Actor
    • Talent agent
    • Dance movement psychotherapist

    The field of performing arts is famously competitive. It’s a good idea to join your university’s dance society and undertake work experience with companies so that you’ll be a stand-out applicant.