Study painting abroad
An in-depth guide to studying painting as an international student.
Explore painting programs abroad
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Master's programs in
paintingNo programs listed
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PhD programs in
paintingNo programs listed
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
Alternative art degrees
How to study painting abroad
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Painting study abroad programs
Painting undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in painting
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Art (Painting) - BFA Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,134 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Art Studio - Painting/Drawing - BFA University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Studio Art/ Painting and Drawing - BFA Louisiana State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 28,700 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Studio Art - Painting - BFA Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,929 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Art (Drawing and Painting) - BFA University of Southern Mississippi, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 10,770 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Associate in painting
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Art: Drawing and Painting - AA San Jose City College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 8,138 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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.
