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 performing arts abroad

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

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

Find your perfect performing arts programs abroad

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

Find other programs in performing arts

Performing Arts degrees abroad

Performing arts is a creative subject that spans several disciplines, including drama, dance, and music. Programs are designed to equip students with the training, experience, and connections they’ll need to stand out in an increasingly competitive global industry.

As a performing arts student, you’ll develop a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the field. As well as honing your acting techniques, fine-tuning your singing voice, and perfecting your dance skills, you’ll work behind the scenes in areas like choreography, set design, and stage management.

By earning your degree abroad, you’ll see how different countries and cultures use the performing arts to express and reflect their identities. You’ll practice new methods and techniques that will transform you into a more versatile and experienced performer. As well as gaining an invaluable global perspective on the subject, you’ll travel the world, make new friends, and have the adventure of a lifetime.

Performing Arts program structure

There are plenty of options when it comes to studying performing arts. Undergraduate degrees are usually studied as a BA or a bachelor of performing arts (BPA). There is very little difference between the two programs and they’re both studied over three or four years.

If you decide to study your bachelor’s in the US, you’ll choose between a BA and a bachelor of fine arts (BFA). Whereas BFA programs have an intensive performing arts focus, a BA will involve studying more liberal arts modules. All US undergraduate programs last a minimum of four years.

If you’re still eager to learn more after completing your bachelor’s, you can enroll in an MA or master of fine arts (MFA) program. Whilst MA programs are research-based, MFA courses focus on professional artistic practice and teaching.

It’s possible to study a PhD in performing arts, but it’s important to remember that there will be no practical element involved. This qualification can take anywhere between four and seven years to complete.

Most undergraduate performing arts programs blend theory and practice, so you’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, practical classes, seminars, and workshops. Although assessment methods will vary from module to module, you can expect to encounter written exams, practical assessments, essays, presentations, and portfolios.

The exact content of performing arts programs will differ slightly according to the interests and expertise of university faculty around the world. However, most programs will cover these fundamentals:

  • Theater, history, and culture
  • Stage design
  • Modes of acting
  • Music theory
  • Musical performance
  • Dance techniques
  • Choreography
  • Introduction to directing

Types of performing arts degrees

How we maximize your chance of studying performing arts 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.

Performing Arts study abroad programs

Performing arts undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in performing arts

  • false

    Comedy Arts - BFA DePaul University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    40,551 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 40,551 USD

    Start date
    September, January, March
    Show program overview about Comedy Arts
  • false

    Interdisciplinary Studies: Writing and Performing Arts - BIS Louisiana State University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    28,700 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 28,700 USD

    Start date
    January, May
    Show program overview about Interdisciplinary Studies - Writing and Performing Arts
  • false

    Performing Arts - BA University of Limerick, Ireland

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    18,549 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,200 EUR

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Performing Arts
  • false

    Performing Arts & Screen Acting - BA TAI School of the Arts, Spain

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,125 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,960 EUR

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Performing Arts & Screen Acting
  • false

    Performing Arts Management  - BA 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 Performing Arts Management 

Diploma in performing arts

  • false

    Comedy: Writing and Performance - UGDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,334 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,412 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Comedy: Writing and Performance
  • false

    Technical Production for the Performing Arts Industry - AdvDip Sheridan College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,331 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,487 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Technical Production for the Performing Arts Industry

Certificate in performing arts

  • false

    Performing Arts Fundamentals - Cert Centennial College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    12,285 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,704 CAD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Performing Arts Fundamentals
  • false

    Performing Arts Preparation - Cert Sheridan College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    14,382 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,557 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Performing Arts Preparation

Pathway in performing arts

  • false

    Performing Arts (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,453 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,700 GBP

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Performing Arts (Foundation)

Future performing arts careers

Thanks to your degree in performing arts, you’ll be equipped with the confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills needed to excel in a fiercely competitive industry.

Here are some of the most popular career options pursued by performing arts graduates:

  • Actor
  • Musician
  • Professional dancer
  • Dramatherapist
  • Community arts worker
  • Stage manager
  • Director
  • Talent agent

Apart from charisma and talent, employers are always looking for evidence of experience and passion. So, getting involved in your university’s performing arts societies, joining the local theater group, and undertaking work experience with industry professionals will help kickstart your career.