How to Choose the Right Art & Design School: US vs UK vs Asia Pacific
With so many art institutes and design schools around the world, choosing which city or country to study in can feel overwhelming. Many aspiring art students often wonder:
“Which schools or countries suit my major best?”
“What’s the vibe like at each school?”
As someone who has studied art and design across North America, Europe, and Asia for over 12 years, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. So today, I’d like to share how to find an art school that truly fits you — along with a full overview of the strengths and weaknesses of different study destinations.
Before we dive in, one thing I want to emphasize: Don’t follow trends blindly.
There’s no “best” school — only the one that’s best for you.
🇺🇸 United States
The U.S. is home to some of the world’s top art institutions, with over 1,400 universities and 300 dedicated art schools — that’s nearly 2,000 options for art students!
In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, 27 U.S. universities ranked among the global top 100. And in the 2022 QS Art & Design rankings, 22 schools made the list.
Overall, American art schools tend to have a strong professional and commercial focus, helping students build solid foundations for future creative careers.
Key Advantages
Cultural inclusivity & rich resources: The U.S. provides an academic and social environment that is welcoming for international students.
Scholarship opportunities: Many schools offer generous scholarships, which can help reduce financial burdens.
Strong academic reputation: High-ranking institutions provide exceptional educational resources and solid career foundations.
Key Disadvantages
Higher tuition compared to the UK or Asia
Higher cost of living
Top Art Schools & Recommended Majors
Parsons School of Design
Recommended Majors: Fashion Design | Interior Design | Illustration | Graphic DesignRhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Recommended Majors: Architecture | Interior DesignFashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York
Recommended Majors: Fashion Design | Accessory DesignSchool of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
Recommended Majors: Interior Design | Fine Arts | PhotographyNew York University (NYU)
Recommended Majors: Digital Media | Film ProductionYale University
Recommended Majors: Architecture | Graphic Design | Photography | Musical TheatreHarvard University
Recommended Majors: Architecture | Industrial Design
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
The U.K. is world-renowned for its elite art schools, including the University of the Arts London (UAL) and the Royal College of Art (RCA).
Currently, there are 164 universities in the U.K. offering postgraduate-level programs, with 3,574 master’s degrees in art-related fields — spanning over 140 specializations in art and design.
Compared to the U.S., British art schools place more emphasis on creative freedom and conceptual exploration. Studying there encourages bold, imaginative thinking. London, with its deep cultural heritage and thriving art scene, offers endless inspiration — a city where history and innovation coexist beautifully.
Key Advantages
Shorter program duration: Undergraduate programs are typically 3 years, and master’s programs 1 year, providing a highly efficient and dynamic learning experience.
Focus on creativity: Schools encourage innovation and a freer, more flexible learning atmosphere.
Post-study work options: Graduates can stay in the U.K. for up to 2 years on a work visa, offering more opportunities for those wishing to continue their careers there.
Lower tuition than the U.S.
Key Disadvantages
Weather can be cold and overcast
Top Art Schools & Recommended Majors
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Recommended Majors: Fashion & Textile Design | Fine Arts | Fashion Management | Graphic Design | Media | Illustration | Interior DesignRoyal College of Art (RCA)
Recommended Majors: Fashion & Textile Design | Fine Arts | Fashion Management | Graphic Design | Media | Illustration | Interior DesignUniversity College London (UCL)
Recommended Majors: ArchitectureArchitectural Association School of Architecture (AA)
Recommended Majors: ArchitectureGlasgow School of Art
Recommended Majors: Graphic Design | Interior Design | Illustration
🇸🇬 Singapore
When it comes to studying art in Asia, Singapore is definitely worth considering.
It has become a top destination for Chinese students (and beyond!) for good reason — offering:
Lower language barriers
Affordable tuition
High-quality education
A safe, multicultural environment
And globally recognized qualifications
Although Singapore is a relatively young nation, it holds deep respect for tradition. The coexistence of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures creates a rich tapestry of influences, offering young artists endless sources of inspiration.
Each year, Singapore hosts some of the largest and most frequent art exhibitions and performances in Asia — ranking 5th globally — giving students fantastic opportunities to engage with the international art scene.
Key Advantages
Lower language barrier for international students
More cost-effective tuition compared to the U.S. and U.K.
Safe and stable social environment
Key Disadvantages
Art scene is not as prominent or historically rich as in Europe or the U.S.
No distinct seasons — it’s hot year-round
Art schools are less internationally recognized compared to Western institutions
Top Schools
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
LASALLE College of the Arts
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
🇦🇺 Australia
In recent years, Australia has become an increasingly popular destination for students pursuing art and design studies. Obtaining a design degree in Australia not only provides strong career prospects but also opens doors to a diverse range of design fields.
Various design careers are highly sought-after in Australia. According to labor market insights:
Fashion, industrial, and jewelry design are expected to grow 28.4% between 2021 and 2026.
Graphic designers, web designers, and illustrators are projected to grow 21.7%.
Interior designers are also in high demand, with growth expected to reach 19.1%.
These figures highlight the attractiveness of design degrees in Australia and reflect a thriving design industry, offering students a wide range of career opportunities and promising professional development.
Top Art & Design Schools
Australian National University (ANU)
University of Melbourne
University of Sydney
RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)
Every student’s journey is unique, and the right guidance can make all the difference. If you want in-depth advice tailored to your goals and portfolio, book a consultation with us today — we’ll help you find your ideal art school!
