Cookie policy

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee as outlined in our cookie policy.

Study painting 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 painting programs abroad

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

Find other programs in painting

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.

Why use Studee?

We maximize your chance of being admitted with our free, 48 hour fast-track assessment (worth $185*)
  1. Find your ideal program

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

  2. Apply online via Studee

    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

  4. University offer in 2-4 weeks

    We chase the university for your admission decision and keep you updated. We all celebrate your admission!

Carbon compensation - We'll plant trees in your name to compensate for the carbon generated by all your flights to and from university.

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

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

Degrees related to painting

Painting study abroad programs

Painting undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in painting

  • false

    Art: Painting - BFA Colorado State University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    33,973 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Art (B.F.A.) Major M Painting Concentration
  • false

    Art: Painting and Drawing: Tempe Campus - BFA Arizona State University (in partnership with Kaplan International), USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    32,760 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Art (Painting and Drawing)
  • false

    Art: Painting and Drawing - BFA Auburn University at Montgomery, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    32,246 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    June, August, January
    Show program overview about Art - Painting and Drawing
  • false

    Art: Painting and Drawing - BFA University of Hartford, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    45,144 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Art, Painting and Drawing
  • false

    Art: Drawing and Painting - BFA California State University, Long Beach, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,392 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Art: Drawing and Painting

Associate in painting

  • false

    Painting & Drawing - AA South Seattle College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,575 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    June, September, January, April
    Show program overview about Painting & Drawing

Painting graduate programs

Master's in painting

  • false

    Fine Arts: Painting - MFA University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    36,500 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

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

    MA Painting - MA Arts University Bournemouth, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,950 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    October, February
    Show program overview about MA Painting
  • false

    Painting - MA Arts University Plymouth, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    16,500 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about MA Painting
  • false

    Studio Arts: Painting - MA Marywood University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,832 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    June, August, January
    Show program overview about Studio Arts: Painting
  • false

    Visual Arts: Painting - MVA Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    37,701 NZD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    July, February
    Show program overview about Visual Arts: Painting

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.