10 Best Art Schools In Italy For International Students: Art Scholarships In Italy

The 10 Best Art Schools in Italy for International Students, Art Scholarships In Italy

With the abundance of art and culture that Italy has to offer, it’s no surprise that many students want to study art in Italy. 

Art schools in Italy come in all shapes and sizes, with their locations ranging from major cities like Milan and Rome to small towns like Florence and Siena, so figuring out which school is best for you can be tricky. 

Fortunately, this list will help you with everything from finding the perfect school to where to live when you get there.

As an international student, choosing the right art school in Italy can be challenging. However, through careful research and planning, you can make sure your choice of art school best meets your needs and interests, while keeping your finances as low as possible. 

If you are an international student thinking about attending an art school in Italy, make sure to check out these 10 best art schools in Italy for international students as you read this article.

Listed below are the 10 Best Art Schools in Italy for International Students

• IED Venice European Institute of Design

• IED Milan European Institute of Design

• IED Como European Institute of Design

• St. Stephen’s School

• Summer School Florence University of Arts Florence Arts 

• Gentium Schola Opitergium (International School of Talents)

• The Renaissance International School

• H-FARM International School

• University of Bologna

• ISIA(Institute of Image Arts, Urbino)

Keep reading, so as to see the information about each of these universities listed above

Finding an art school in Italy for International Students.

You should choose your school based on what interests you. This is important because you will gain more from your studies if you love what you do. 

From our list of 10 best art schools in Italy for international students, pick one near where you want to live. 

Check out their location and curriculum, tuition fees, housing options, and what living expenses will be like. 

Be sure to check reviews of each school from other students so that it suits your needs. Remember that each course at every institution is different. 

Do not feel pressured into choosing a particular art school just because it is highly ranked or well known. Choose an art school that fits your personal goals.

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1. IED Venice European Institute of Design

Since 1995, IED has been a pioneer of graphic design education, nurturing talent from all over the world. 

With courses offered around Europe, IED caters to an international audience of students and produces work that reflects both global needs and modern design sensibilities. 

If you’re looking to learn more about graphic design, particularly as it applies to corporate branding and product design, IED Venice is one of our 10 best art schools in Italy for international students. 

IED offers full-time programs lasting four months or part-time programs that can be completed on weekends. The program costs €4,500 ($5,300) for tuition only; additional fees are required for accommodations and meals. 

Courses are taught in English by experienced designers and artists who want to share their knowledge with future generations. Coursework includes lectures, workshops, studio time, field trips, portfolio development and presentations. 

You will also have access to a library and computer lab, but students must provide their own laptops. In addition to your studies at IED, there are many other opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and study abroad programs. 

For example, if you complete two semesters at IED in Milan, you can apply for an internship at the Interbrand Milan office during your third semester. 

Internships are available year-round, even during summer break and vary in length from 3–12 weeks depending on your schedule.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

2. IED Milan European Institute of Design

The European Institute of Design (IED) is a private design institute founded by Achille Castiglioni and Paola Navone. IED Milan is located in Viale Umbria 35, Bresso, Milan. 

It offers Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees and an MBA program in four departments: Product Design; Communication Design; Fashion Design; Interaction Design. As of 2012-2013, it has around 400 students from all over the world enrolled on its various programs. 

It also offers continuing education courses to professionals interested in updating their skillset or pursuing an entirely new career path. 

Istituto Europeo di Design Milano was established in 1990 as a school specializing in fashion design and industrial design. 

In 1998, it became part of Laureate Education Inc., which today manages more than 70 educational institutions worldwide. Since 2000, IED Milano has been part of Gruppo GFG S.p.A., one of Italy’s leading fashion groups with interests ranging from ready-to-wear clothing to accessories, footwear, and jewelry. 

In 2004, IED Milano opened a second campus in Shanghai to cater to an increasing number of international students. Today, there are approximately 2,000 full-time students at both campuses. About 90% of them come from outside China and represent about 50 different nationalities. 

Currently, there are about 100 faculty members at IED Milano, 40% Italian, and 60% international who have all been carefully selected based on their experience and expertise in teaching within academia as well as within the industry.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

3. IED Como European Institute of Design

If you’re looking to study design, and learn skills from some of Europe’s most renowned designers, then IED Como European Institute of Design is an excellent choice. 

The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as short-term programs for those interested in honing their design skillset. 

With facilities that include state-of-the-art workshops, students at IED Como have access to tools and equipment that are often found only in professional studios. 

In addition to its rigorous academic program, IED Como also hosts a number of cultural events throughout each year; students can expect networking opportunities with top industry professionals during these events. There are many reasons why students choose to study abroad in Italy. 

For many, it’s about gaining a new perspective on life or taking advantage of what the country has to offer culturally. However, for those studying art, it might be about gaining exposure to Italian art history or learning more about one of Europe’s most acclaimed contemporary art scenes.

The requirements for applicants vary depending on the program chosen.

1) One-year basic programs:

TOEFL (450 points) certificate / IELTS 5.0 or equivalent

Certificate of secondary education

2) Undergraduate:

TOEFL (500 points) / IELTS 5.5 + 6.0 + Certificate of sufficient knowledge of the language to be studied (Italian, from advanced)

Secondary education certificate

Letter of Motivation

It is recommended that you provide a personal portfolio.

3) Master:

TOEFL (from 500 points, iBT version from 68) / IELTS 5.5 or higher or its equivalent

Personal portfolio (at least 10-15 design works with detailed descriptions and dates)

Personal Statement

It is preferable to have two years of work experience in the chosen specialty (in some cases, this can replace a bachelor’s degree).

Letter of motivation

4) Summer programs:

Advanced level of English.
A package of documents from entrants for the following year is accepted from December 1 to August 31. (minimum 3 months before the expected start of classes). The package should include the following:

Completed application form strictly in the form of the school

Passport and duplicate, four passport-size photographs

Certificate of Medical Fitness

A receipt for the educational course prepayment

Secondary education certificate

Certificate of sufficient English language proficiency + the language in which the studies will be conducted

Portfolio.

Applicants must also pass a telephone interview with an Institute representative so that he can be convinced of the level of the language.

Please keep in mind that all basic documents (certificates, medical certificates) must be translated and notarized into Italian. In the diploma and the certificate should be a list of studied disciplines, and the number of hours each.
A € 2500 registration fee is required.

Visit the official site of the school here

Best Art Schools In Italy

4. Summer School Florence University of Arts Florence Arts

Art is a long tradition in Florence, making it an ideal location to learn. The University of Arts school offers a top-ranked program that’s been training students since 1860. The University of Arts school has numerous locations throughout Florence and runs courses year-round, so you can enroll at any time during your stay, whether you’re taking art classes as part of your degree or just want to sharpen up your drawing skills. 

The program lasts for two years, with each semester lasting eight months. You can also choose from several different programs within arts: visual arts, music, dance and drama. 

You’ll study one subject per semester; there are no electives available. However, many programs will let you take additional classes outside of your major if you have enough credits left over after completing all required coursework. 

Tuition fees range from about $4,000 to $6,000 per semester depending on your nationality. Summer School Milan Politecnico di Milano PoliMilano: Milan is home to one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, Politecnico di Milano. This public university was founded in 1863 and now boasts more than 42,000 students across its nine schools.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

5. St. Stephen’s School

Located in Florence, Italy, St. Stephen’s School is one of Europe’s most prestigious art schools. 

At St. Stephen’s, students have access to a diverse array of academic programs including architecture, arts and humanities, engineering and sciences. The school offers degrees from bachelor’s to Ph.D with an excellent graduate employment rate upon graduation – 97% of graduates go on to pursue their chosen careers immediately after graduating. 

With alumni that include world-renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Michelangelo, it’s no wonder that St. Stephen’s School has consistently been ranked among the top art schools in Italy by international publications such as The Economist, Business Insider and Bloomberg Businessweek.

What makes St. Stephen’s truly unique is its student population: not only does it attract international students from over 50 countries, but also boasts an impressive 70% female student body (an incredible statistic given that many other art schools are male-dominated). 

Although tuition can be pricey at $30,000 USD per year (including room and board), those looking to earn their Master’s degree in any of St. Stephen’s seven artistic fields will find no better place than right here in Florence.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

6. Gentium Schola Opitergium (International School of Talents)

Gentium Schola is an international school of art and design, located in Opitergium, 20 minutes away from Padua. Opitergium was home to Vitruvius, who wrote De Architectura (which later influenced Leonardo da Vinci). 

The city is full of history and culture, making it a great place to study if you want to learn about Roman architecture. The courses are taught by professors with years of experience in their field. 

If you’re interested in studying abroad but aren’t sure where you want to go, consider studying at Gentium Schola.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

7. The Renaissance International School

The Renaissance International School of Arts and Design (RISD) is an art school that was established in 1877 and still attracts students from around the world. 

The US News and World Report named RISD as one of America’s best colleges, stating that 97% of students graduate with a degree within five years. 

They focus on fashion design, fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, painting and printmaking, photography, video game design and more. There are over 2,000 undergraduate students enrolled at RISD and almost 500 graduate students. 

There are three campuses: Providence; Rome; and San Francisco. In addition to providing high-quality education, they also offer study abroad opportunities for those who want to experience living in another country while pursuing their studies. 

Many famous artists have attended RISD including Andy Warhol; Jack Kerouac; Lee Bontecou; Norman Rockwell; David Hockney; Isamu Noguchi and many others. 

Other notable alumni include Steven Bochco, producer of Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue; Mike Kelley, an artist known for his drawings made out of stuffed animals; Aaron Koblin, an interactive artist who created Data Garden; Nathan Myhrvold, founder of Microsoft Research Labs and Bill Gates’ Chief Technology Officer.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

8. H-FARM International School

H-Farm is an international school dedicated to art, design and new technologies. The school offers a high-level education, run by a group of young teachers. 

It organizes workshops on contemporary art and culture; it also has its own publishing house. It’s located in Milan, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. 

Since 2007, more than 500 students from 60 different countries have attended courses at H-Farm. 

One year of study costs around $11,000. Most courses are taught in English but some classes are offered in Italian or German as well. 

Scholarships are available for international students who need financial assistance to attend classes at H-Farm.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

9. University of Bologna

Europe’s oldest university was founded in 1088. The University of Bologna is famous for medicine, engineering and art. In addition to being an important academic center, it is also a dynamic city with a lively cultural scene. 

With three main campuses (Palazzo Poggi, Palazzo Albertoni Spinola and Palazzo Garagnani) and 13 affiliated schools, it hosts approximately 70,000 students each year. This makes it one of Italy’s largest universities. 

One unique feature about Bologna is that while many other Italian universities are divided into faculties, or departments, as they are known in North America, at Bologna, there are no departments, only separate schools within which you can major or minor. 

There are 19 such schools offering courses in law, economics, political science, literature and languages. 

For international students looking to study art history, Bologna offers two options: a five-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree; or a two-year program leading to either an advanced diploma or master’s degree. 

While most courses offered by individual schools require proficiency in Italian, some programs offer English-language instruction depending on your level of proficiency.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

10. ISIA(Institute of Image Arts, Urbino)

As one of Italy’s most prestigious design schools, ISIA offers international students a truly unique experience. 

The school is based in Urbino, a beautifully preserved medieval city that dates back to Roman times. 

The small town has been named by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, so there’s no shortage of culture or artistic inspiration here. 

This picturesque location will help you become immersed in your study and provide ample networking opportunities with fellow art students from around the world. 

ISIA also offers an excellent curriculum taught by some of Italy’s best designers and artists. You can choose between three different majors: Industrial Design, Visual Communication Design, and Interior Architecture & Design. 

Each major comes with its own specific set of courses but all students take part in both academic studies and practical training throughout their four years at ISIA.

For more information and admission processes, visit the official website of the school

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Reasons to Study Art in Italy

World Capital of Arts! It’s no secret that Italy is a country rich with beautiful landscapes, excellent culture and wonderful history. 

The students who study there get an opportunity to learn and experience every corner of history and art. 

So, if you want to enrich your life with art and history, then come to Italy. There are many art schools located here that welcome international students from all over the world.

FAQ: 10 Best Art Schools in Italy for International Students

Can I study in Italy without knowing Italian?

Yes, you can study art in Italy without knowing Italian. Some schools will have an all-English curriculum while others are bilingual.

How can I study in Italy for free?

As an international student studying abroad, you’ll want to do everything possible to cut down on your expenses. 

Many art schools offer grants and scholarships for students; if you plan ahead and apply early, you could be able to go to school free of charge. 

There are also many affordable opportunities that will allow you to study in Rome or Venice without breaking your bank account. 

Is Italy safe for female students?

With alarming frequency, female students in international programs are falling victim to sexual harassment and assault. 

In fact, when it comes to safety issues, female students make up two-thirds of all international program student reports. 

The most common types of crimes against female students involve sexual assault or rape. So is Italy safe for female students? The short answer is yes.

If you take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Read on to learn more about how to stay safe while studying abroad in Italy.

Is Italy a good place to study art?

It might come as a surprise, but Italy is a great place to study art. With cheap tuition and schools located throughout major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice, it’s easy to live cheaply while studying at one of these excellent institutions.

How much does it cost to study art in Italy?

The best art schools in Italy are quite expensive. Most of them charge tuition between €4,000 and €15,000 per year. 

This doesn’t include living expenses like rent, food and entertainment. 

During your study abroad experience you will spend around €500 to €1,500 a month on these necessities depending on where you live. 

While at school many students receive scholarships or financial aid that helps offset some of their expenses; however, a good portion of the cost must be paid by individual students and families.

Your largest expense while abroad in Italy could be your tuition, depending on the school you choose and whether it’s through an Italian university or a private program. You could enroll at the University of Pisa for $2,710, but opt for CET’s Art and Italian Studies program in Siena and you could be paying $19,990 for tuition alone.

You may think you have to spend a fortune on art school, but that’s not always true. While you won’t find many programs without tuition fees, many low-cost art schools exist, and are packed with just as much creativity and quality as their more expensive peers. 

Whether you’re looking to study painting or architecture abroad, these affordable art schools offer quality education while helping you save money at home.

Conclusion: 10 Best Art Schools in Italy for International Students

Tips from current students and alumni

Once you’ve decided which school to apply to, get feedback from current students and alumni about their experience. 

This can help you understand how things work on campus (e.g., what resources are available, what kind of support they offer), which can make adjusting to life abroad easier. It also gives you a chance to ask questions directly before committing. 

In addition, if you know someone who is already studying at one of these schools, reach out and ask them about their experience. It will give you a better idea of what it’s like living there day-to-day.

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