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Study film abroad

Find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations then apply with reduced application fees, a free assessment and access to a dedicated advisor.

Find your perfect film programs abroad

Find film programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Find other programs in film

Film degrees abroad

For international students, film degrees can provide insight into the world’s most successful visual industries. Whether you’re interested in studying film for the practical area of production, or the analytical side of film criticism, film qualifications are available across the globe in universities, colleges, and even specialist film schools.

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    Filter 10,000s of programs down to a shortlist perfect for you, where you have a strong chance of getting admitted

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    Complete our application form and enjoy reduced application fees and access to unique Studee scholarships for many universities

  3. We assess within 48hrs

    We complete an 85-point assessment within 2 business days, help you with improvements then submit to your university

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All our services are 100% free as we're funded by universities. You pay deposits and tuition fees directly to the university.

* Price based on similar application assessment services from other providers

Film program structure

Wherever you decide to study film abroad, you will have a selection of film modules to choose from, which defines your focus on the subject. Film studies modules require many different methods of assessment and ways of learning, including film screenings, lectures, dissertations, seminars, filming, and editing.

You may be required to watch many films in your spare time, which may sound easy but can take up hours of your free time. There will also be many opportunities at university to get involved with film societies, or student media groups to use your skills and knowledge.

Depending on the country you study in, a typical bachelor’s degree in film will take between three and four years, and a master’s degree will take one to two years to complete.

The program curriculum of a film degree would be split into years of study with each year having some compulsory modules, in addition to optional modules to choose from; they would typically focus on the following areas:

  • Sound and composition
  • Filming and editing
  • Culture and identity
  • Foreign language cinema
  • Genres of cinema
  • Film criticism

Why study film abroad

Studying film requires at least an interest in film, but it may be a particular career path that brings you to study it.

Choosing to study film abroad means you'll have a wide range of programs to choose from, and you could study in a country famous for cinema, or a specific style of film you are passionate about.

It will also give you a unique perspective on how another culture approaches film making that could help you stand out in a competitive market.

Where to study film abroad

Where you study film depends on a few factors and reasons why you are choosing to study it.

Most places in the world have educated notable directors, producers, and filmmakers, so you shouldn’t entirely rule out studying anywhere just because it isn’t known for film.

In all cases it is important to look at the exact details of a university or school’s programs in film to check what you’re interested in is covered.

Best countries to study film

There are many countries and areas with large film industries, making them some of the best countries to study film in. These include:

  • USA
  • UK
  • India
  • China
  • Japan
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain

Countries with large film industries can be good options for studying get practical experience through work experience, or even stay on in the country to look for work following completion of your degree.

Best universities to study film

There may be a particular director whose films you love, or a particular film academic whose work you admire. In both cases there will be specific universities that focus on relevant areas to these interests.

The university or film school you decide to apply to will also depend on how practical you want your studies to be. Traditional universities may focus on film in an academic sense, and not the process of making films, as a dedicated film school would.

See all universities offering film programs

Film study abroad programs

Film courses at all qualification levels are available across the world to international students. The country, language, and specific university you study in will affect the content of the program, including the types of films focused on and the methods of making them.

At bachelor’s level a film degree would typically sit under a Bachelor of Arts (BA) award, or within a bachelor’s in liberal arts as a major or minor. Master’s degrees in film can be either taught or research.

A doctorate or PhD program in film is likely to be research intensive, with a focus on a very specific aspect of cinema.

Film undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in film

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    Film & Visual Culture and Health & Wellbeing - BA Liverpool Hope University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,733 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film & Visual Culture and Health & Wellbeing
  • false

    Acting for Theatre, Film & Television - BFA Long Island University Brooklyn, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    35,736 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 35,736 USD

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Acting for Theatre, Film & Television
  • false

    Film - BA Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,076 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 28,621 NZD

    Start date
    February
    Show program overview about Film
  • false

    Art, Performance and Cinema Studies - BA/BA (Hons) Simon Fraser University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    35,177 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 47,386 CAD

    Start date
    May, September, January
    Show program overview about Art, Performance and Cinema Studies
  • false

    Film and Media Studies - BA Oglethorpe University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    39,300 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 39,300 USD

    Start date
    January, June, August
    Show program overview about Film and Media Studies

Associate in film

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    Acting for Film - AFA New York Film Academy, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    37,226 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 37,226 USD

    Start date
    January, May, August
    Show program overview about AFA Acting for Film
  • false

    Film, Television, and Electronic Media - ASc College of the Desert, USA
    • Blended learning

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,368 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,368 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Film, Television, and Electronic Media
  • false

    Film Production - AA Santa Monica College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,264 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,264 USD

    Start date
    January, February, June, August
    Show program overview about Film Production
  • false

    Film, Television and Electronic Media - AA Cuesta College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,650 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,650 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Film, Television and Electronic Media
  • false

    Film, Television and Electronic Media (for Transfer) - ASc Berkeley City College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,740 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,740 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Film, Television and Electronic Media (for Transfer)

Diploma in film

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    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
    12,446 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,803 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Acting for Film and Television
  • false

    Writing for Film and TV - Dip Toronto Film School, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    28,127 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 37,942 CAD

    Start date
    January, April, July, October
    Show program overview about Writing for Film and TV Diploma
  • false

    Film (Melbourne Campus) - DipHE AIT Academy of Interactive Technology, Australia
    • Blended learning

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    10,327 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,050 AUD

    Start date
    February, May, September
    Show program overview about Diploma of Film
  • false

    Film & Television Production (Montreal Campus) - Dip Trebas Institute, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    10,837 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,630 CAD

    Start date
    January, May
    Show program overview about Film & Television Production (Montreal Campus)
  • false

    Film and Video Production - Dip Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,794 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,935 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film and Video Production

Certificate in film

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    Film Arts - Cert Langara College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    16,917 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 22,838 CAD

    Start date
    January
    Show program overview about Film Arts
  • false

    Film Production Management - Cert College of the Desert, USA
    • Blended learning

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    7,368 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,368 USD

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

    Music Production for Film, TV and Games - Cert HE The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    17,440 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,750 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Music Production for Film, TV and Games
  • false

    Television and Film Post-Production - Cert College of the North Atlantic, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    7,056 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,488 CAD

    Start date
    January, May, September
    Show program overview about Television and Film Post-Production

Pathway in film

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    Film and Media, International Year One - UGP University of Sussex, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    23,731 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,200 GBP

    Start date
    November, January, September
    Show program overview about Film and Media - International Year One

Film graduate programs

Master's in film

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    Arts (Thesis): Cinema Studies - MA (Thesis) University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,092 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 32,000 NZD

    Start date
    November, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Show program overview about Arts (Thesis): Cinema Studies
  • false

    Documentary Film Production - MA London Metropolitan University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    22,798 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 18,150 GBP

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Documentary Film Production - MA
  • false

    Film - MA Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    13,525 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 22,670 NZD

    Start date
    January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
    Show program overview about Film
  • false

    Film - MFA Miami International University of Art & Design, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    29,475 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 29,475 USD

    Start date
    January, April, July, October
    Show program overview about Film
  • false

    Film & Media Arts: Games and Interactivity - MFA American University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    34,596 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 34,596 USD

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Film & Media Arts: Games and Interactivity

Doctorate in film

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    Cinema Studies - PhD University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    4,235 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,099 NZD

    Start date
    November, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
    Show program overview about Cinema Studies
  • false

    Film, Media and Communication - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    6 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,337 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 8,150 GBP

    Start date
    February, October
    Show program overview about Film, Media and Communication

Diploma in film

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    Arts: Cinema Studies - PGDipArts University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    16,228 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 27,200 NZD

    Start date
    January, February
    Show program overview about Arts: Cinema Studies
  • false

    Digital Film and Media Production (Exchange District Campus) - PGDip Red River College Polytechnic, Canada
    • Blended learning

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    13,018 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,541 CAD

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about Digital Film and Media Production

Certificate in film

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    Advanced Television and Film - PGCert Sheridan College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    24,374 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 32,905 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Advanced Television and Film
  • false

    Film and Television: Business - OCGCert Centennial College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    12,868 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,303 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film and Television - Business
  • false

    Film and Multiplatform Storytelling - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    13,702 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 18,498 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Film and Multiplatform Storytelling
  • false

    Visual Effects for Film & Television - OCGCert Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    18,752 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 25,329 CAD

    Start date
    May, September, January
    Show program overview about Visual Effects for Film & Television

Entry requirements to study film abroad

As it’s unlikely you would have studied film specifically at high school level, university’s and film schools won’t need a specific score for a film class for admission to a bachelor’s, but may want you to show you have experience with media and/or art.

At master’s and doctorate levels, the admission process may need you to prove you have sufficient practical or academic experience with cinema.

Studying film abroad will require an admission process that is set by the specific university for the exact program want to study. Every institution will want you to have passion and an interest in film, but you may also need to provide the university with the following:

  • Academic transcripts
  • An English language proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS)
  • Proof of finances
  • References
  • CV
  • Personal statement

Future film careers

Film degrees have a wide range of careers associated with them, as well as transferable skills that are useful in other industries. You’ll have a good ability to analyse and organize following a film studies course.

Common film degree jobs include:

  • Journalist
  • Camera operator
  • Producer
  • Director
  • Broadcast engineer