Where to Study Filmmaking Abroad

Dreaming of being the next Kathryn Bigelow or Ken Burns? From environmental documentaries to cinematic sagas, filmmaking covers an expansive breadth of disciplines that transcend cultural boundaries.

By studying filmmaking abroad, you’ll learn to look at the world through different lenses, which will ultimately boost your creative thinking skills along the way.

Talk about new perspectives!

Plus, studying abroad opens new doors to experiment with a diverse range of high-quality equipment, and it gives you the opportunity to network with international filmmakers.

With most filmmaking study abroad programs, you’ll be immersed in a multicultural environment, and you may even learn a new language along the way. You can find programs that run for just a few weeks in the summer, all the way to a full filmmaking or film studies degree!

Not sure where to study filmmaking? If you’re looking for the best country for film studies, start here to streamline your journey to the director’s chair.

Is it possible to study filmmaking abroad?

So…where can I study abroad for film? Turns out it’s possible to study filmmaking abroad on every continent on Earth—even Antarctica! Many programs allow you to “get a close-up” in one specific area or explore multiple concentrations, whether that be in writing, editing, managing, producing, and more. You can create all types of films in a safe environment, make mistakes, and learn from professionals.

With the vast majority of programs available, you can graduate in as little as a year to two years. And don’t worry, you’ll find many are available in English, even in countries with additional official languages.

It’s also an opportunity to create a unique portfolio reel that will come in handy for film competitions or future jobs. And who knows? Your experiences could inspire new stories!

In addition, as the world continues to globalize, your education abroad will make you a more competitive contender in the industry overall. So why not explore the best countries for film studies?

Where can I study abroad for film?

1. United Kingdom

Will you capture the magnificence of the UK?

• Why? The United Kingdom tops the list as the best country for film studies thanks to its reputable film schools and award-winning alumni. From directing and producing to scriptwriting and editing, you can learn just about every aspect of filmmaking in affordable film schools for international students like with the University of Sunderland, which also offers a variety of media programs. You can even hear from the masters in guest lectures here too. Plus, you’re just a hop, skip, and jump to magnificent castles and neighboring countries.
• Recommended program: Affordable Study in England at the University of Sunderland

2. France

• Why? As the birthplace of film, and home to one the world’s most prestigious film institutes, Le Fémis, France often ranks as the best country for film studies on many lists too. France provides exceptional studio facilities where students can create their own films in an environment that encourages experimentation and challenging the status quo. Many programs are available in the summer, so it allows you a chance to learn from world-famous film festivals while also gaining credits toward your degree.

3. USA

Let’s face it: This one is a no-brainer.

• Why? With Hollywood at the heart of filmmaking, the USA often sits pretty as the best country to study for film studies (if money is no object). And if California’s on your mind, look no further than UCLA or USC to learn from the best while surrounded by the best in the entertainment industry. Both NYU and Boston University also offer stellar film schools with internship opportunities to help you get hands-on experience behind the scenes.
• Recommended program: Abbey Road Programs - Filmmaking in Santa Barbara, CA

4. Italy

• Why? Filmmaking programs in Italy blend together the beauty of culture and innovative technologies in new ways. Whether you’re exploring Rome’s historic monuments or experiencing Florence’s vibrant atmosphere, Italy will sweep you away with its cinematic settings—it’s no wonder that many of Shakespeare’s plays take place in this beautiful country. You can immerse yourself in just about any and every aspect of filmmaking in Italy with its variety of programs, such as scriptwriting, editing, and production.
• Recommended program: Florence University of the Arts Study Abroad Programs

5. Australia

You won’t be want for inspo in Oz!

• Why? Study filmmaking abroad in Australia and you’ll find a vast number of available programs thanks to its many prestigious universities. In fact, you can even find summer school programs where you can learn from award-winning filmmakers. Plus, as Oz attracts students from all over the world, you can immerse yourself in a multicultural environment. From its cosmopolitan cities to its adventurous rural outbacks, you’ll find plenty of state-of-the-art equipment and top-notch teachers in the Land Down Under.
• Recommended program: Sydney Film Festival and Internship Program

6. New Zealand

• Why? New Zealand offers S-tier universities with excellent filmmaking programs, such as the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington. With its world-class film industry, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with production equipment on sets and maybe even visit Weta Workshop, one of the world’s top FX houses. Home to cinematic sagas like The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, come see why the land of Kiwis attracts talent from all over the world.
• Recommended program: IES Abroad - Film Production

7. India

If you want to study filmmaking outside of the West, you *need* to consider India.

• Why? India excels as a filmmaking epicenter, producing nearly 2,000 films a year. With Bollywood as its powerhouse, India is another one of the best countries for film studies. University filmmaking programs in India will give you an opportunity to explore traditional methods, contemporary teachings, and a colorful culture. The country displays stark socioeconomic contrasts, sustainability initiatives, and multicultural environments—all ideal for documentary filmmaking.
• Recommended program: IFSA in India

8. Czech Republic

• Why? You’ll find many affordable film schools available for international students in the Czech Republic (and yes, in English too). Prague is also home to one of the most prestigious film schools in the world, the Film and Television School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU). You’ll also have the opportunity to hear guest lectures from professional filmmakers and even learn to produce and direct from them.
• Recommended program: CIEE Film Studies in Prague

9. Germany

If you didn’t think Germany was someplace to study filmmaking abroad, think again!

• Why? From analyzing scripts to motivating actors, you can learn all the facets of filmmaking in Germany—and in English, too. The country hosts many prominent universities that create hundreds of feature films every year and enter them in international festivals. Berlin in particular offers leading educational institutions like Macromedia University, University of Europe for Applied Sciences, and the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (DFFB), but you’ll find many others in Munich and Cologne.

10. Spain

• Why? Spain bursts at the seams with gorgeous cities, from Madrid to Barcelona, that offer excellent filmmaking programs for international students. This country paves the way as a top destination for producers thanks to its ideal climate and stunning landscapes, and it continues to nurture new opportunities for films. Here you can explore audiovisual creativity skills while learning to work with others from a variety of backgrounds on projects.
• Recommended program: CEA Study Abroad in Seville, Spain

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Did you find YOUR best country for film studies?

Go abroad to jumpstart your career in filmmaking!

Whether you’re looking for a filmmaking study abroad program that excels in creating shorts or blockbusters, there’s one out there for you that’s ready for you to give it a shot. Still not sure where to study filmmaking? Not a problem! Multi-country filmmaking programs are also available that allow students to study in multiple cities.

As the film industry continues to evolve, learning abroad is an excellent way to learn how to adapt with it. Broaden your horizons with a filmmaking program abroad!

This article was written with help from the University of Sunderland. Located in Sunderland, United Kingdom, additional campuses operate in both London and Hong Kong. International students make up 36% of the student body at University of Sunderland, with over 150 nationalities represented.