Best Art Schools in the World for International Students in 2025

Are you planning to study art or design abroad in 2025? Well, choosing the right university can truly shape your future. Whether you’re into fashion, fine arts, architecture, or digital design, the world is full of brilliant art schools. They offer top-quality programs, global exposure, and strong industry links.

In this blog, we’ve listed the top art and design schools across the world. These universities don’t just teach you how to create. They teach you how to think, experiment, and lead in the creative world. And if you’re an international student, we’ve also highlighted key facts like tuition fees, acceptance rates, and campus vibes to help you decide which one is the right fit.

Royal College of Art- #1 Art & Design School in the World

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is truly one of a kind. It’s been ranked the #1 art and design university in the world by QS for several years in a row. What makes it even more unique? It’s the only university in the world that teaches only postgrad students in art and design. RCA has over 800 expert teachers and guest lecturers who are active artists and designers. The college has three campuses across London: South Kensington (next to the V&A Museum), Battersea (by the river), and White City (a growing creative hub in West London). 

Studying here isn’t easy. It is intense and very practical. The best part? RCA is also working hard to support students from all backgrounds. and has already given out over £500,000 in scholarships to help with tuition and living costs. Let’s take a quick look at the key facts of Royal College of Art: 

University of the Arts London – #2 for Art & Design Worldwide

If you are a creative person, University of the Arts London (UAL) is one of the best places to be. It’s made up of six top colleges. Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, and Chelsea College of Arts. With over 19,000 students from around the world, it offers various creative courses. In fact, UAL is ranked #2 in the world for Art & Design in 2025 by QS. The uni supports 800+ student-led projects every year.  

Plus, it partners with big names like Nike, BBC, and L’Oréal. It also runs Europe’s largest student fashion show. And is known for its work in sustainability, social activism, and even AI in design. Students from over 130 countries make up around 54% of the student body. Following are the key details of University of the Arts London: 

The New School (Parsons New York & Parsons Paris) – Ranked #3 in the World

Parsons School of Design, part of The New School, is one of the top art and design schools globally. It has two campuses. One in New York City’s Greenwich Village and another in Paris. Parsons is known for its strong focus on creativity, innovation, and social change. The environment is energetic. It is filled with student clubs, exhibitions, and design labs. 

It is also one of the design schools where you can study in both the US and Europe as part of the same degree. The school has produced some seriously big names in fashion and art. Whether you’re into fashion, architecture, product design, or the media, you’ll find tons of opportunities here. Following are the key details of The New School: 

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Ranked #4 in the World

RISD is one of the most respected design schools out there. It’s located in Providence, Rhode Island. RISD is known for its deep and practical studio culture. So, expect lots of time spent creating, experimenting, and learning through real practice. It’s a small school with a close-knit community, and it’s very selective.  

Still, if you’re serious about your art, this place delivers. It is also full of opportunities. It’s also one of the few schools that openly stepped back from national rankings to focus on what really matters. Following are the key details of Rhode Island School of Design: 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Ranked #5 in Art & Design

Most people know MIT as a tech and engineering place. but it also ranks #5 in the world for Art & Design, according to the 2024 QS rankings. Pretty cool, right? The school’s design programs are not just about sketching or painting. They are about using technology, science, and creativity to solve real-world problems. Students here get a lot of practical exposure through famous spaces like the MIT Media Lab and the List Visual Arts Center.  

It’s a high-pressure, high-reward environment. Students here love to build, invent, and collaborate. The best part? MIT has a huge financial aid program. Which means it’s need-blind for international students and offers generous scholarships. Following are the key details of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): 

Politecnico di Milano – Ranked #6 in Art & Design

When it comes to design, Politecnico di Milano is Italy’s best place. It’s currently ranked #6 in the world for Art & Design by QS. Located in Milan, this university mixes style with practicality. It’s known for producing some of the most influential architects, designers, and engineers in Europe. This college has strong focus on building industry connections. Students often work with real brands like Ferrari, Pirelli, and Prada through internships, live projects, and competitions.  

The design faculty offers a mix of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in interior design, communication design, fashion systems, and more. It has has over 48,000 students, and around 8,000 of them are international. The tuition is also very affordable compared to US or UK universities. Following are the key details of Politecnico di Milano: 

Conclusion

Studying art or design abroad is a big step. but if you choose the right place, it can be the start of an amazing journey. And while picking a university is one part of the plan, finding the right place to live is just as important. That’s where University Living can help.

We make it easy for international students to find safe, verified, and fully-furnished student accommodation near top art schools around the world. Ready to start your creative journey? Explore student housing with University Living and find your perfect place today.

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