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Study visual arts 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 visual arts programs abroad

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

Find other programs in visual arts

Visual Arts degrees abroad

Visual arts is a vast subject area that encompasses many creative disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and more. Programs are designed to prepare students for an array of exciting art-related careers.

As well as learning about visual art theory, processes, and history, you’ll develop your practical skills by experimenting with tools and mediums. By analyzing and interpreting the masterpieces of famous creators, you’ll become fluent at expressing meaning and concepts through your own work.

Despite being a global language, art is heavily influenced by social, cultural, and historical factors. Studying abroad is a terrific opportunity to understand, appreciate, and be inspired by different styles and methods of art. The experience will transform you into a more adventurous and versatile artist.

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

Visual Arts program structure

Bachelor’s degrees in visual arts are normally studied over three years, but they can last for four years if you complete an optional placement year. Placement years take place in the third year of your program and give you a useful insight into future career opportunities.

As the home of one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse art scenes, the US attracts plenty of international visual arts students. At the undergraduate level, you’ll likely study a four-year bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree. Unlike traditional American degrees, these programs have a more professional focus and include fewer general education classes.

Postgraduate study options are available if you’re looking to further enhance your knowledge and skills. MA programs require one year of full-time study, whereas master of fine arts (MFA) programs take between 18 and 24 months to finish.

You’ll spend lots of your time in studio-based lectures, tutorials, workshops, and critiques. Some universities also arrange field trips to art galleries and exhibitions, as well as guest presentations from field experts.

Since visual arts is such a far-reaching field, students usually choose to specialize in a particular branch of the subject. Most universities offer an array of elective modules so it’s easy to tailor your degree to your interests, but here are some of the core modules you can expect to encounter:

  • Understanding visual culture
  • Principles and theories of visual communication
  • Cultural, historical and contemporary influences on visual art
  • Fundamentals of drawing, color, and form
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Digital art forms
  • Graphics

Visual Arts study abroad programs

Visual arts undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in visual arts

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    Art BA - Visual Arts Management Track - BA University of Central Florida, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    22,468 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 22,468 USD

    Start date
    May, January, September
    Show program overview about Art BA – Visual Arts Management Track
  • false

    Art: Visual Arts - BA/BSc Middle Tennessee State University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    29,144 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 29,144 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Art: Visual Arts
  • false

    Art: Visual Arts - BA California State University, San Bernardino, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,041 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,041 USD

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about Art: Visual Arts
  • false

    Visual Arts: Digital Design - BFA University of Colorado Denver, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    31,092 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 31,092 USD

    Start date
    June, August, January
    Show program overview about Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Digital Design Emphasis
  • false

    Visual Arts - BFA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,118 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 23,224 CAD

    Start date
    May, September, January
    Show program overview about Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Arts

Diploma in visual arts

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    Visual Arts and Design - Dip Northwestern Polytechnic, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,912 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,805 CAD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Visual Arts and Design
  • false

    Visual Arts - Dip (Des) University of the Fraser Valley, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,534 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,718 CAD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Visual Arts diploma
  • false

    Visual Arts - Dip Camosun College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,712 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,890 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Visual Arts, Diploma

Certificate in visual arts

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    Visual Arts - Cert Yukon University, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    8,845 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 12,000 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Visual Arts

Visual arts graduate programs

Master's in visual arts

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    Graphic Design and Illustration Visual Arts - MFA Marywood University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,300 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,300 USD

    Start date
    June, August, January
    Show program overview about Graphic Design and Illustration Visual Arts
  • false

    Māori Visual Arts - MMVA Massey University, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    22,627 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 36,810 NZD

    Start date
    July, November, February
    Show program overview about Māori Visual Arts
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    Fine Arts Visual Arts - MFA University of Ottawa, Canada

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,469 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,630 CAD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Master of Fine Arts Visual Arts
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    Visual Arts - MVA KdG University of Applied Sciences, Belgium

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    7,675 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,102 EUR

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Master of Visual Arts
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    Visual Arts: Photography - MVA Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    18 months
    Annual tuition fee
    23,175 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 37,701 NZD

    Start date
    July
    Show program overview about Visual Arts: Photography

Diploma in visual arts

  • false

    Māori Visual Arts - PGDip Massey University, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    22,627 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 36,810 NZD

    Start date
    July, November, February
    Show program overview about Māori Visual Arts

Pathway in visual arts

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    Visual Arts - PGP KdG University of Applied Sciences, Belgium

    Program type
    Postgraduate pathway
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    7,675 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,102 EUR

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Premaster in Visual Arts

Future visual arts careers

Your creativity, communication skills, and eye for detail will open doors to countless career paths and opportunities. Employers in art, advertising, education, business, and more will be fighting to snap up your potential and talent.

You could apply your expertise to almost any sector you wish. The list below outlines some of the most common roles landed by graduates:

  • Graphic designer
  • Illustrator
  • Art therapist
  • Arts administrator
  • Exhibit designer
  • Photographer
  • Sculptor
  • Art director

Entering art competitions, showcasing your work at your exhibitions, and securing relevant work experience are just some of the ways you can attract the attention of recruiters. If you’re unsure of how to boost your employment prospects, most universities have a careers office you can speak to.