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    Study painting abroad

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

    Find painting programs

    Explore painting programs abroad

    See 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.

    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
    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

    Best countries to study painting

    Best universities to study painting

    See all universities offering painting programs

    How to study painting 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

    Painting study abroad programs

    Painting undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in painting

    • false

      Art (Drawing and Painting) - BFA University of Southern Mississippi, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,770 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

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

      Art (Painting) - BFA Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      30,134 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

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

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

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      20,336 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, June, 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
      May, 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
      16,338 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Art: Drawing and Painting
    See all bachelor's degrees in painting

    Associate in painting

    • false

      Art: Drawing and Painting - AA San Jose City College, USA
      • Blended learning

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

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

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

      Painting & Drawing - AA South Seattle College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, June, January, April
      Show program overview about Painting & Drawing
    See all associate degrees in painting

    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.