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Study painting abroad

: We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universities

The smart alternative to applying direct for painting degrees abroad and the easy way to find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations

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.

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

How we maximize your chance of studying painting abroad

  1. Programs matched to you

    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 only answer the same question once no matter how many programs you apply for

  3. Review, improve & submit

    We rigorously assess your application to ensure you have the best chance of getting admitted before we submit it

  4. Reminders & guidance

    Relax - never miss a deadline or request that could cost you an offer with clear, day-by-day updates on what needs to be done

Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

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
    Annual tuition fee
    31,200 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 31,200 USD

    Start date
    August, 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

    Fee in university's local currency 20,336 USD

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

    Art and Design: Drawing and Painting - BA/BFA Alma College, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    42,352 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 42,352 USD

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

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

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

    Fee in university's local currency 45,144 USD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Art, Painting and Drawing
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    Art: Drawing and Painting - BFA California State University, Long Beach, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,404 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,404 USD

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

Associate in painting

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

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    8,162 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 8,162 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    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

    Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

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

Certificate in painting

  • false

    Painting and Decoration - Cert Orange College, Australia

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    9,409 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,500 AUD

    Start date
    August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, June, July
    Show program overview about Painting and Decoration

Painting graduate programs

Master's in painting

  • false

    Fine Art (Painting) - MA Bath Spa University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    21,051 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,970 GBP

    Start date
    January
    Show program overview about Fine Art (Painting)
  • false

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

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    21,881 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 36,500 NZD

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

    Painting - MA Arts University Plymouth, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    20,468 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,500 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about MA Painting
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    Studio Arts: Painting - MA Marywood University, USA

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

    Fee in university's local currency 14,832 USD

    Start date
    August, January, June
    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
    22,601 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 37,701 NZD

    Start date
    February, July
    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.