Top 10 Best Film Schools in Europe in 2024
Photo by Ron Lach
Europe is a hub for cinematic excellence, boasting a rich history of film and cinematographic production. The continent’s schools have educated many of the world’s most influential filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, Susanne Bier, etc.
As you probably know, Europe also hosts some of the most renowned film festivals, making for quite a robust environment to pursue cinematography in.
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While there are no official rankings for the best film schools in Europe, several institutions consistently appear on league tables by, for example, QS or the Hollywood Reporter.
Here are some of the top universities and schools offering Film degrees or training courses:
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Performing Arts, Film and TV School (FAMU) | Czechia | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Catalyst Berlin | Germany | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Short courses |
| La Fémis | France | Workshops, Summer courses |
| Lodz Film School | Poland | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Macromedia University of Applied Sciences | Germany | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| MetFilm School (London, Berlin) | United Kingdom, Germany | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| National Film School of Denmark | Denmark | Bachelor’s |
| Falmouth University | United Kingdom | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Norwegian Film School | Norway | Master’s |
| Royal College of Art (RCA) | United Kingdom | Master’s |
Knowing what interests you the most in cinematography can help you choose an institution by browsing through degrees and specific courses.
There are many English-taught degrees related to Film & TV; some more practical, some more theory-focused.
Here are some examples:
Both film schools and universities offer valid paths to a career in Film. The most important factor, of course, is to acquire the skills you need for your future job.
Okay, once you’ve got this, it’s time to discuss the practical aspects of studying in Europe.
On average, tuition fees for Film degrees in Europe are between €10,000 and €20,000 a year for Bachelor’s degrees and between €15,000 and €25,000 for Master’s degrees.
These costs can vary depending on the subject, country, and level of study. Private universities’ tuition fees can go up to €30,000 or more.
It’s also important to consider the cost of living, as many top schools are located in expensive cities such as London, Milan, Berlin, and Copenhagen.
Additionally, you need to keep in mind the gear cost, which in Film is an essential part of studying. Good universities provide equipment to be borrowed for student use, but you still might need to invest in personal materials for practice.
The good news is that some tuition-free options or alternatives with low tuition fees exist in countries like Germany or Austria, especially for EU/EEA citizens. However, admission to tuition-free Film programs can be highly competitive.
If courses run in English, students are usually required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency.
The most common tests accepted are IELTS or TOEFL iBT; however, some universities might also accept Duolingo English Tests, Cambridge Certificates, or even completing a university-specific English test.
For example, at the Royal College of Art, if a student has yet to reach the required English language level to begin the program, the College offers an online Pre-Sessional course.
To get specific information, browse through the website of the institution you are interested in or contact their admissions office.
In addition to a high level of English, there are other standard admission requirements, such as a motivation letter, a CV, past grade reports, and references.
A film portfolio is not always required, but - as always in the art world - it does add value. Depending on the course you are applying to, it might be a video, a story, or even proof of participating in contests or being active in the industry.
The exact admission requirements vary, so it’s necessary to check the specific university or school application process. Some universities, like Lodz Film School, may require an entrance exam for international students.
Top Film institutions in Europe often provide state-of-the-art facilities to support student projects.
Here are things that you should look for when choosing where to study:
While a degree in Film & TV is most commonly associated with becoming a film director, it may also open the door to other career paths related to movie production, such as:
And it is also possible to pursue roles that are part of the film industry but without direct involvement in the filmmaking process, such as:
Once you know more or less what path you’re interested in, you can narrow down your search of institutions by picking between film schools and universities.
In conclusion, Europe offers a plethora of exceptional film schools that can ignite your creativity, hone your skills, and provide a solid foundation for a successful Film career.
Whether you choose a renowned institution with a long-standing reputation or a lesser-known gem with a unique approach, immersing yourself in Europe’s rich cinematic history and cultural diversity will kick-start your filmmaking journey.
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