Los Angeles and New York City quickly jump to mind when most people are considering film schools. However, there are actually plenty of prestigious film schools abroad.
If studying abroad is something that has always enticed you, or if you are hoping to study film in your native country, consider pursuing a degree at an international film school. Not only will it give you the opportunity to experience new cultures and invigorate your storytelling with a fresh perspective, studying film internationally can often be more affordable than programs in the United States. Interested? Check out our list of the 12 best international film schools outside of the United States.
***To learn more about the following schools, make sure to reference our Film School Review System and the Application Tracker database.
- Australian Film, Television, and Radio School
Australian Film, Television, and Radio School
AFTRS's mission is to influence the progress of Australian media by helping artists develop their craft and ready them for a career after graduation.- Views: 9,793
- Reviews: 1
- Category: Australia
The Australian film industry is quite strong and internationally recognized, so studying abroad at one of the many Australian film schools is a great option for aspiring filmmakers. Considered to be one of the best, if not the best, film schools in Australia, AFTRS consistently ranks in the top 15 international film schools in the world. The school’s mission is to influence the progress of Australian media by helping Australian artists develop their craft and ready them for a career after graduation. Students can choose to pursue one of 14 disciplines at this Australian film school.
AFTRS offers an array of programs that include summer intensive courses, B.A. degrees, M.A. degrees, and postgraduate degrees.
Tuition (Australian dollars):
$43,000 - $52,000
Taught in English.
- Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Film Academy
BFA has recently gained recognition internationally as one of the finest film academies in the world.- Views: 6,326
- Category: China
Although there are few film schools in China, and BFA is the only higher-education film school in the country, it has recently gained recognition internationally as one of the finest film academies in the world. It has produced several famous Chinese film directors and is internationally recognized as one of the best film institutions in the world. Considering the market for film in China is expanding vastly, students studying at BFA have ample opportunity to become immersed in the Chinese film industry.
There are both three to four year Bachelor and non-degree programs available in film production.
Tuition (USD):
$45,513 for the four year Bachelor program
Taught in English.
- Centro de Capacitacion Cinemotografica
Centro de Capacitacion Cinemotografica
Located in the core of Mexico’s entertainment industry, CCC is a public institution that belongs to Mexico’s National Council for Culture and Arts.- Views: 3,928
- Category: Mexico
Located in Mexico City, the core of Mexico’s entertainment industry, CCC is a public institution that belongs to Mexico’s National Council for Culture and Arts. After being founded in 1970, the school named iconic Mexican filmmaker Luis Bunel as its honorary president. Each year, CCC accepts about 15 students in each field of study.
Students can either receive a licensure in cinematography (four year program) or complete a course in screenwriting or cinematic and audio production (two year program).
Tuition (USD):
$1,800 – $3,600
Taught in Spanish.
- Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia
Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia
Translated to “The Experimental Center of Cinematography”, the CSC is known for its research and experimentation within cinema.- Views: 5,533
- Category: Italy
Translated to “The Experimental Center of Cinematography”, the CSC is a national film school in Rome, Italy and is known for its research and experimentation within cinema. The school offers a variety of different fields of study that range from Directing to Animation to Photography. Only 6-8 students are accepted into each field per year, so admission is highly competitive.
Every program is three years long. Students must have a good grasp of Italian in order to be considered.
Tuition: €2,500 per year
Taught in English and Italian.
- FAMU
FAMU International
Based in Prague, Czech Republic, FAMU is a sector of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and is the fifth oldest film school in the world. The academy fully established itself in the 1960s and 1970s after graduating several successful Yugoslavian directors. It now has a very strong...- Views: 6,277
- Questions: 1
- Category: Czech Republic
Based in Prague, Czech Republic, FAMU is a sector of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and is the fifth oldest film school in the world. The academy fully established itself in the 1960s and 1970s after graduating several successful Yugoslavian directors. It now has a very strong international student body, although students who study in English have to pay tuition whereas students studying in Czech study for free.
FAMU offers two to three year long Master degree programs and one-year Intensive programs. Master’s programs include Directing, Editing, and Cinematography.
Tuition:
€12,000 - €20,000 per year for Master degree programs taught in English
Taught in Czech or in English.
- La Femis
Out of several film schools in France, La femis is considered by most to be the best. Based in Paris and known as the official film and television school of PSL Research University, La Femis is also easily one of the top film schools in Europe. The academy concentrates on pairing artistic expression with research, professional development, and training. Four-year programs and one-year continuing education programs are available.
Areas of study include Screenwriting, Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Sound Production, Editing, Production Design, Documentary, and Cinema Management.
Tuition:
Free for local students
International Students: €8,000 per year
Taught in French.
- Lodz Film School
Lodz Film School
Located in Lodz, Poland, Lodz Film School was founded in 1948 and is one of the oldest film schools in the world.- Views: 5,066
- Category: Poland
Located in Lodz, Poland, Lodz Film School was founded in 1948 and is one of the oldest film schools in the world. The school is divided into four departments: Film and Television Directing, Direction of Photography and Television Production, Film Art Organization, and Acting. Foreign students who do not know Polish are required to complete a one-year Polish language course before beginning their studies.
All departments offer a five-year consolidated Masters program, aside from Film and TV Organization that offers a three-year Bachelors program and a two-year Masters program.
Tuition:
€31,000 - €62,000 for a 5 year consolidated Masters program
€8,000- €14,000 for the Film and Art Organization program
Taught in English.
- London Film School
London Film School - MA Filmmaking
For nearly 60 years the LFS has been the place for emerging creative talent to hone their craft, find their voice and engage directly with the...- Views: 9,594
- Questions: 1
- Category: United Kingdom
LFS is renowned for promoting innovation within its student body and is one of the most highly revered film schools in Europe. The academy, located in the heart of London, is one of three UK film schools and is a great place for students to make connections within the film industry and gain practical experience. In an effort to help students fully understand filmmaking, LFS trains students on a full range of filmmaking skills in their MA Filmmaking program. Students who are interested in screenwriting can pursue an MA in screenwriting. (LFS does not offer any specializations aside from screenwriting.)
LFS only offers two-year post-graduate programs and accepts about 250 students each year.
Programs include MA Filmmaking, MA Screenwriting, MA International Film Business, and PHD Film by Practice.
Tuition:
UK/EU/EEA students: £58,152 total
International students: £58,352 total (includes the visa administration fee)
Taught in English.
- National Film and Television School
National Film and Television School (NFTS) - Directing Fiction
The NFTS is second to none.- Views: 38,637
- Reviews: 5
- Questions: 2
- Category: United Kingdom
Having graduated several successful filmmakers, including eleven Oscar-winners, it’s no wonder why NFTS is often deemed one of the best film schools in England. Students have 24/7 access to the school’s industry-standard production facilities, which help prepare them for the film world after graduation. The school also boasts that it has more behind-the-camera courses than most film schools and provides exceptional hands-on experience.
NFTS offers two-year Masters, one-year Diplomas, and Certificates for a variety of specific disciplines.
Tuition:
UK/EU/EEA: £14,800/year for 2 year M.A. degree
International: £31,000/year for 2 year M.A. degree
Taught in English.
- Toronto Film School
Toronto Film School
Known as one of the top film schools in Canada with a focus on career-building, students at the Toronto Film School receive a Diploma after 1-2 years of study. This school is primarily geared towards those who have completed secondary school and are hoping to continue their studies.- Views: 7,471
- Category: Canada
Known as one of the top film schools in Canada with a focus on career-building, students at the Toronto Film School receive a Diploma after 1-2 years of study. This school is primarily geared towards those who have completed secondary school and are hoping to continue their studies.
Toronto Film School offers Diplomas for nine different fields that include Acting for Film, TV, and the Theater, Film Production, and Video Game Design and Animation. Programs are 12-18 months long.
Tuition (Canadian dollars):
18 months: $45,458 for Canadians, $63,916 for international students
12 months: $40,158 for Canadians, $58,616 for international students
Taught in English.
- University of Television & Film Munich
University of Television and Film in Munich
HFF Munich offers state-of-the-art facilities and a broad spectrum of courses.- Views: 7,156
- Questions: 1
- Category: Germany
Previously ranked as one of the top 15 schools in the world by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, HFF Munich offers state-of-the-art facilities and a broad spectrum of courses. Each area of study allows students to pursue sub-departments so that they can gain a deeper understanding of their specialization.
HFF Munich has five study programs: Feature Film and Television Feature, Film and Television Documentary, Production and Media Business, Screenplay, and Cinematography.
Tuition:
Public institutions in Germany are free for local and international students. Students should account for any potential visa and/or supplies costs.
Taught in German and English. Students must have a good command of German.
- Vancouver Film School
Vancouver Film School
Live and breathe filmmaking in an industry environment, where you’ll learn from the experts.- Views: 10,469
- Reviews: 1
- Category: Canada
Vancouver Film School offers a variety of programs in media-related subjects that range from Classical Animation to Film Production to Game Design. This Canadian film school is considered by many to have the best animation program in the world. Students must have graduated from high school or be at least 19 years old in order to apply for this program.
Students enroll in a one-year program and graduate with a diploma.
Tuition (Canadian dollars):
Canadians: $20,500 - $36,750
US Citizens: $30,500 - $53,250
Taught in English.
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