Study painting abroad

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

Explore painting programs abroad

Painting degrees abroad

Painting programs allow students to transform their passion for art into a professional qualification. You’ll graduate with the conceptual and creative expertise needed to triumph in the international art scene.

Alongside applying theories of color, proportion, and perspective to the work of esteemed artists, you’ll be encouraged to express your own ideas and visions through painting. Experimenting with different canvases and types of paint will allow you to develop a unique and individualized style.

There are many good reasons to study painting abroad, including having the opportunity to visit some of the world’s most famous paintings and galleries. Immersing yourself in new cultural surroundings will help you gain an appreciation for the inspiration behind such masterpieces, and will spark your own creativity.

Painting program structure

Bachelor’s degrees in painting are studied over a minimum period of three years, but longer BA courses lasting four years are more common. Many students complete an optional placement year or year abroad to gather more experience and skill.

The US is home to some of the world’s most fascinating art galleries and museums, so it’s a popular study abroad destination. At the undergraduate level, students are likely to take a four-year bachelor of fine arts (BFA). BFAs have a more intensive focus and include fewer liberal arts modules compared to traditional US bachelor’s programs.

If you’re keen to further brush up on your painting expertise, you can choose to pursue a postgraduate qualification. MA degrees normally require one-year of full-time study, whereas master of fine arts (MFA) programs typically last for two years.

Doctorate degrees in painting are only offered at a limited number of universities. If you do manage to track one down, you can expect to add a further four or five years to your studies.

You’ll spend most of your time in studio-based lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and critiques. Assessment methods include presentations, exhibitions, critical reflections, project work, and essays.

Most painting programs are highly-flexible, giving you the chance to choose elective modules that match your interests. However, you’ll still be expected to take core units in the following areas:

Drawing principles
Painting fundamentals
Studio practice
Methods and materials
Theories and practices of painting
Understanding visual culture
Critical and contextual studies

Best countries to study painting

- USA
- New Zealand
- UK

Best universities to study painting

See all universities offering painting programs

How to study painting abroad

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Painting study abroad programs

Painting undergraduate programs

Painting graduate programs

Future painting careers

Most painting graduates combine their love of art with a fulfilling and enjoyable career. Your vision, artistry, and expressiveness will make you a standout candidate for roles in galleries, education, cultural departments, and the media.

Here are some of the most popular career paths amongst graduates:

Painter
Fine artist
Art journalist
Art gallery curator
Graphic designer
Illustrator
Printmaker
Art therapist

If you’re hoping to establish yourself as a respected creator, it’s important to get your name out there. Catch the eye of art dealers, talent scouts, and recruiters by entering your work into lots of exhibitions and competitions.

It’s also worth talking to your university’s career service about the benefits of completing internships and placements.

Study painting abroad

Explore painting programs abroad

Bachelor's programs inpainting

Master's programs inpainting

PhD programs inpainting

Painting degrees abroad

Painting program structure

Best countries to study painting

Best universities to study painting

How to study painting abroad

University & program search

Application guidance

Visa & travel advice

Painting study abroad programs

Painting undergraduate programs

Painting graduate programs

Degrees related to painting

Alternative creative arts & design degrees

Future painting careers

Bachelor's programs in
painting

Master's programs in
painting

PhD programs in
painting