Study Art in Paris

Curious to know more about art courses in Paris? Talk to our expert!

Are you looking for the perfect study-abroad destination to pursue art? Studying in France is an ideal choice for its unique blend of tradition, creativity, and strong academics. Among the many cities in France, Paris is emerging as a popular destination for an immersive art education.

With its rich artistic heritage and world-class museums, Paris is a popular choice for international students seeking an immersive art education. 

Surrounded by artistic innovation, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from the best and develop both theoretical and practical mastery over art.

In this article, we’ll take you through the enriching art education opportunities in Paris, the various courses available, and everything you need to know before you start on your academic journey.

Why study art in Paris?

Paris offers unparalleled opportunities to explore and learn diverse art forms. The city has been home to exceptional artists like Pablo Picasso and continues to attract art lovers and students from across the world, inspired by its rich art and cultural heritage. From traditional painting to contemporary digital art, Paris offers it all!

Studying in France is a rewarding experience, and Paris tops the list of destinations for studying art. The art education in Paris is designed to encourage you to push your boundaries through critical thinking and direct engagement with real-world art. You can visit famous galleries and fuel your artistic curiosity. Moreover, most institutions in Paris maintain an excellent student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalised attention to groom the artist in you. 

That’s not all. Paris is a popular destination for international students due to the affordable, easy application process and the exciting student life!

Best art schools in Paris for international students

Paris has several renowned art institutions that offer a rewarding student experience. From Paris College of Art to Parsons Paris, the city provides you with a wide range of options. 

Check out the list below for an overview of the best art schools in Paris.

Paris College of Art (École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts)

Founded in 1648, Paris College of Art is among the best art schools in Paris, with over 300 students and 100 faculty members. It provides high-level artistic education through more than 4 undergraduate programmes and 174 postgraduate programmes. The top courses include industrial design, fashion design, and graphic design.

Fee: Starts from EUR 27,000 per annum.

Spéos – International Photography School

Spéos International Photography School is one of the best art and photography schools in Paris, recognised globally for its excellence in photographic education. With small class sizes and expert faculty, the school offers immersive training in professional photography, photojournalism, and fashion photography.

Fee: Starts from EUR 15,750 per annum.

Parsons Paris

With a history that dates back to 1921, Parsons Paris is a renowned art school in Paris with more than 350 students. It offers a wide range of courses that provide the opportunity to interact with local artists and participate in exciting events. Top courses include fashion design, media, art, design and technology.

Fee: Starts from EUR 18,000 per annum.

École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD)

It was established in 1766 and is among the best art schools in Paris. The school played a key role in the Art Deco Design movement and follows the technique, culture, sensitivity, and intelligence in its academics. The top courses include industrial design, graphic design, and fashion design.

Fee: Starts from EUR 15,000 per annum.

The American University of Paris

Founded in 1962, the American University of Paris is a top art school with more than 1,100 students. It offers a transformative learning experience based on interdisciplinary teaching. The top courses include interior design, fashion design, animated film, graphic design, and illustration.

Fee: starts from EUR 17,792 per annum.

Eucole De Conde

With more than 16 campuses worldwide, Eucole De Conde is among the best art schools in Paris. It offers you a well-stocked library and advanced facilities, including an extensive campus near UNESCO headquarters. The top courses include interior design, fashion design, luxury design, and stenography.

Fee: Starts from 24,900 per annum.

Paris Diderot University

With a history that dates back to the 18th century, the university has emerged as a sought-after art institution in Paris. It’s a multidisciplinary university with close connections to several foreign universities. The top courses include performing arts, art, and design.

Fee: Starts from EUR 18,344 per annum.

Pierre Marie Curie University

A top art university in Paris, it has more than 18 campuses spread across France. The university attracts students from all over the world and is also among the best universities in France. Top courses include art, media, design, and architecture.

Fee: Starts from EUR 18,344 per annum.

Museums and art institutions

There is a wide array of museums and art institutions where you can learn more about art, understand diverse perspectives, and gain insights.

The popular ones include

• Musée du Louvre 
• Musée d'Orsay
• Musée Marmottan Monet
• Musée du Quai Branly
• École du Louvre
• IESA

Courses and specialisations 

Check out the list below for a broad overview of the courses and specialisations:

Fine arts courses

These include traditional disciplines such as painting and drawing with a focus on techniques and contemporary practices. You can also choose courses in printmaking and photography, and learn techniques in both digital and film photography.

Applied arts and design

Courses are offered in graphic design, interior design, fashion design, and more. Graphic design courses cover typography, branding, and visual communication. Interior design courses teach you space planning and design concepts, while fashion design courses equip you with skills in fashion theory and garment construction.

Digital arts

You can study animation, multimedia, film, and video production. Animation courses teach interactive media and 2D/3D animation design. Film and video production offers courses in cinematography, filmmaking, and editing.

Performing arts

You can learn theatre, dance, and music through courses in acting, music, and choreography.

Know more about art courses in Paris by talking to our experts!

How to apply for art courses in Paris

Before you apply, research the institutions and select your preferred course. Check the application deadlines for the same and prepare all the documents in advance.

• Access the online portal of the institution.
• Fill in the application form. 
• Check the entry requirements and submit the required documents.
• Track the status of your application. In some schools, you might need to attend an interview either in person or remotely.

Note: If you are a non-EU/EEA student, you have to complete a pre-registration process with the French Embassy.

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Scholarships and funding

Several scholarships are available to support your arts education in Paris. Below is a list of a few popular scholarships that you might find useful.

Harriet Hale Woolley Scholarship

It’s a private grant offered for students who are planning to enrol in advanced artistic studies in Paris. The scholarship has several advantages, like a stipend of GBP 10,000 per year, access to exhibition facilities, and more.

Higher Education Scholarship Test for Indian Students (HEST)

The scholarship is open to Indian nationals, and partial funding up to 3 lakhs is offered for each eligible student.

The Smooth Movers Scholarship 2025

This scholarship is available for the USA, Australia, Canada, and Europe. It provides partial funding for all subjects.

France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship Program

This scholarship is offered to the best international students by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEAE) and International Development. 

Education Future International Scholarship

This scholarship is open to Indian nationals. It is a partial funding scholarship.

Student life in Paris

Paris is a popular destination for international students like you who seek academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and a dynamic city life. With many prestigious academic institutions that offer world-class programmes, the city is an academic hub that attracts top talent from around the world. Moreover, its rich artistic heritage exposes you to famous museums, monuments, art galleries, music, and literature.

Being a well-connected city, Paris provides abundant opportunities for entertainment, from festivals and concerts to clubs and sports. Besides, the city offers you an affordable lifestyle. You can comfortably cover your living expenses within a monthly budget of GBP 1,300, while the tuition fee could range from GBP 1,500 to GBP 20,000 per year. 

Practical tips for prospective students

Before you start on your journey to Paris, it’s important to understand what to expect and how to prepare for your student life. Below are a few tips you should keep in mind:

• Arrange for your accommodation well in advance. You can choose an accommodation through your university or opt for a private service provider. Ensure that you have the address proof to open a bank account and to sign up for services.
• Plan your budget carefully. Even though Paris offers affordable living options, it’s advised to plan your budget so that your expenses stay under control. Prepare a budget that includes your rent, food, entertainment, and travel expenses.
• Once you arrive, make sure that you validate the visa at the earliest, possibly within three months of arriving.
• Plan your commute so that your travel in Paris stays within budget. You can register for an unlimited pass with public transport or subscribe to bike rentals like the Veligo bike rental system.

Career opportunities for art students in Paris

An arts degree from an institution in Paris equips you with a multitude of career opportunities. After graduation, many students continue to stay in Paris and explore the diverse jobs the city has to offer.

Given its rich artistic heritage, you’ll find plenty of museums, galleries, and other related institutions where art graduates are being hired. Apart from this, you can also consider joining creative roles in other sectors like fashion, design, education, and more. Some exciting career paths include artists, fashion designers, interior designers, art directors, and curators.

Final thoughts

If you have a passion for the arts and wish to pursue a career in the field, an arts course from Paris is an ideal choice. Paris offers world-class programmes, rewarding student life, and ample opportunities to explore arts and culture.

Moreover, the city boasts a rich artistic heritage and offers you a landscape filled with art, culture, museums, and galleries. An arts education from Paris is sure to push your creative talents to their maximum and ensure you a bright career.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I study art in Paris?

Yes, Paris is a great choice to study art due to its renowned history of art and culture. It’s home to many renowned artists and has many renowned institutions that offer programmes with unparalleled exposure to the best in the arts.

Is France a good place to study art?

France is a preferred choice among international students looking for a blend of academic excellence, practical exposure, and placements. There are many institutions in France offering intensive art education with prospects to explore real-world art and hone your skills.

How much does it cost to study art in France?

The cost of studying art in public universities in France ranges from GBP 170 to GBP 240. In private universities, the cost can range between GBP 6,500 and GBP 10,000.