20 Best Acting Schools In The World In 2023 | Amber
arrow
20 Best Acting Schools In The World In 2023
5 MIN

20 Best Acting Schools In The World In 2023

Education
5 MIN
|
Uploaded on
Jan 6, 2023
|
Last updated on
May 12, 2023
Uploaded on
Jan 6, 2023
|
Last updated on
May 12, 2023
Best acting schools in the world
Step into the limelight and Shine!
“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players”

If you’ve ever been called dramatic, emotional or even been labelled a diva, a career in acting may just be your calling. But being an actor isn't just as simple as memorising a few lines and faking tears. It takes years of hard work and dedication to hone your craft and truly master the art of performing - and we know exactly where you need to start. Here is a list of the 20 best acting schools in the world for you to start your journey. 

Courses, Eligibility and Admission Requirements For Best Acting Schools

Let’s dive into some of the most common courses, eligibility and admission requirements for getting admission into some of the best acting schools in the world. 

Courses

A Communications Degree is a wise option for those desiring to become actors or actresses. The communications degree covers all aspects right from writing, planning and then executing the idea. However, the communications degree gives an overview whereas there are degrees that help you major in specific subjects you are inclined towards. There are some of the other degree programs that can also be helpful for those interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts are: 

  • Drama
  • Film
  • Musical Theater
  • Costume Design
  • Stage Management
  • Screenwriting
  • Directing/Theater Production

Eligibility And Admission Requirements

  • Age: Most acting schools require that applicants be at least 18 years old.
  • Education: Many acting schools require that applicants have at least a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
  • Audition: Almost all acting schools require applicants to audition for admission. 
  • Application Materials: You will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
  • English Language Proficiency: For international students, most acting schools require English language proficiency, such as a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Best Acting Colleges in the World

Here is a list of the 20 best acting schools in the world for you to start your journey.

1. The Old Globe and the University of San Diego 

Location: San Francisco, USA

Fees: $40,000 - $45,000 

Duration: 2 years

Acceptance Rate: 2%

QS Rank: 53

This program by The Old Globe and the University of San Diego was founded in 1987 and was cited as one of the best acting schools in the world by The Hollywood Reporter. The Old Globe is an old theatre company that has partnered with USD and created an MFA program in acting led by renowned actor, choreographer and director Jesse Perez. The program is incredibly competitive, so you’ll need to bring your A-game if you want to get in. 

Popular courses: Bachelor of fine arts (BFA)

Scholarship Provided: The Craig Noel Scholarship

Notable alumni: Jim Parsons, most famous for his role as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, attended the program. 

2. California Institute of the Arts

Location: Valencia, USA

Fees: $35,000 - $60,000

Duration: 4 years 

Acceptance Rate: 29%

QS Rank: 48

Hot dog! If that particular phrase reminded you of a certain cartoon mouse, you might be interested to learn that CalArts was founded by the maker of the mouse - Walt Disney. Yes, that’s right, CalArts is the brainchild of the main man himself. It makes sense then that the Institute is home to not only one of the best acting schools in the world but also has great programs like intense BFA for anyone who is interested in getting a degree in fine arts. 

Popular courses: BFA/MFA in art, music , drama and dance

Scholarship Provided: Gary Katzenstein Scholarship

Notable alumni: Tim Burton from Batman, Alison Brie from Somebody I Used to Know,  and David Hasselhoff from Baywatch are some of the university’s most famous graduates. 

3. Carnegie Mellon School of Drama 

Location: Pittsburgh, USA

Fees: $40,000 - $50,000 

Duration: 4 years

Acceptance Rate: 4%

QS Rank: 52

The CMU School of drama has one of the best acting schools in the world. But don't worry, for those who do get accepted, the hard work definitely pays off! The program is known for its rigorous training and demanding workload, which means that CMU actors are some of the most well-prepared in the industry. Plus, with Pittsburgh's vibrant theatre scene just a stone's throw away, CMU actors have ample opportunity to put their skills to the test. Don't be surprised if you see a CMU actor on Broadway someday – they're that good!

Popular courses: Acting, Speech, Voice and Movement

Scholarship Provided: Bernard Davis Scholarship

Notable alumni: René Auberjonois from Star Trek, William Atherton from Die Hard and  Hale Appleman from the film Teeth. 

4. Central School of Speech and Drama 

Location: London, England

Fees: £20,000 - £30,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 26%

QS Rank: 33

The Central School of Speech and Drama is a prestigious performing arts school home to one of the best acting schools in the world. The school is so good at producing talented performers that it's sometimes referred to as "British Hollywood." The alumni of this college read almost as a credits list for some of the most iconic movies and TV shows of all time, including Lord Of The Rings, Harry Potter & Game of Thrones. 

Popular courses: Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Acting

Scholarship Provided: BA Acting Scholarship

Notable alumni: Jason Isaacs from Peter Pan, Kit Harrington, the famous Jon Snow, Martin Freeman from the series Sherlock and Judi Dench from Skyfall. 

5. DePaul University's School of Theatre, Film, and Television 

Location: Chicago, USA

Fees: $35,000 - $40,000

Duration: 4 years

Acceptance Rate: 68%

QS Rank: 51

DePaul University's School of Theatre, Film, and Television is one of the top acting schools in the world. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the school has a long history of producing talented actors and actresses who have gone on to have successful careers in Hollywood and beyond. But DePaul's actors aren't just talented - they're also a quirky and creative bunch. It's not uncommon to see students rehearsing Shakespearean monologues in the campus coffee shop or performing impromptu sketches on the quad. The university has enrolled  more 22,000 students for various popular courses offered by the university. 

Popular courses: Cinematography, directing, editing and filmmaking.

Scholarship Provided: Merle Reskin Scholarship 

Notable alumni: Gillian Anderson from The X-Files, Judy Greer from 13 going on 30, and Joe Keery from Stranger things. 

Interested in filmmaking? Check out the 10 best film schools in NYC!

6. Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Location: London, England

Fees:  £20,000-£25,000

Duration: 4 years

Acceptance Rate:10%

QS Rank:

007’s alma mater! The Guildhall School of Music & Drama is widely regarded as one of the best colleges for acting in the world and comes under the top 10 schools for acting. Located in the heart of London, this prestigious institution has produced some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, but it's not just the famous alumni that make Guildhall special - it's also the rigorous training and diverse range of performance opportunities available to students. With top-notch facilities and world-class faculty, it's no wonder that Guildhall is considered one of the best acting schools in the world.

Popular Courses: BA Hons acting

Scholarship Provided: Guildhall School Scholarships 

Notable alumni: Daniel Craig from Skyfall, Ewan McGregor from Trainspotting, Orlando Bloom from Pirates of the Caribbean.

7. Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts 

Location: Woking, England

Fees:  £20,000-£25,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate:  NA

QS Rank: NA

The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts is one of the best acting colleges in the world, and it's no wonder why - this prestigious institution has been churning out talented performers for over 100 years. Located in England, (yes that’s right, don’t let the name fool you!)  the Italia Conti Academy is known for its rigorous training and diverse range of performance opportunities available to students. From stage to screen, Italia Conti graduates have gone on to have successful careers in the entertainment industry all over the world.

Popular courses: Diploma in Musical Theatre, BA Hons Dance

Scholarship Provided: Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Scholarship 

Notable alumni: Zaraah Abrahams, Tony Adams former footballer and actor, Brian Aherne from A night to remember and Gabrielle Anwar from the television series Sam Black. 

8. Juilliard School 

Location: NYC, USA

Fees: $50,000-$40,000

Duration: 4 years

Acceptance Rate: 7.4%

QS Rank:- NA

Sharpay Evans dream school - Juilliard is often cited as one of the best acting schools in the world and for good reason. One of the key reasons for Juilliard's success is its rigorous training program, which is designed to challenge and push students to their full potential. The school also has a strong focus on practical experience, with students getting the opportunity to perform in a variety of stage productions throughout their time at Juilliard. Additionally, the school's faculty is comprised of experienced professionals in the acting industry, who are able to provide valuable guidance and mentorship to students.

Popular courses: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Graduate Diploma

Scholarship Provided: The Kovner Fellowship 

Notable alumni: Viola Davis from The Woman King and Sara Ramirez from Grey’s Anatomy.

9. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts 

Location: London, England

Fees: £14,000-£20,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 75%

QS Rank: 3

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts 

Location: London, England

Fees: £14,000-£20,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 75%

QS Rank: 3

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) was a founding member of the Federation of Theater Schools and is the oldest specialist drama school in the British Isles. Professor Mark O'Thomas is the Principal of LAMDA; he took over for Director Sarah Frankcom in 2022. In 2018, Timothy West was replaced as the head of the Board of Trustees at LAMDA by Dr Strange himself -Benedict Cumberbatch. Graduates of LAMDA are incredibly successful, employed at places like The Royal National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Globe, and other theatres in London's West End.

Popular courses: Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Acting, Directing, Production and Technical Arts.

Scholarship Provided: Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship 

Notable alumni: David Abeles from Begin Again, James Bundy, and Brian Cox from The Face of Science . 

Mountview Academy of Theater Arts 

Location: London, England

Fees: £14,000-£22,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 75%

QS Rank: - NA

Mountview is home to one of the top acting schools in the world and would be a dream destination for any budding actor. The school has great resources for students to use, including 

two theatres, 23 acting and dancing studios, TV and radio suites, rehearsal rooms, conference rooms, and trendy on-campus bars and cafes. The university also has an impressive employment rate of over 90%, and over 70% of the area's theatre productions feature some Mountview alumni. 

Popular courses: BA Hons in stage management, acting and technical production

Scholarship Provided: The Richard Wilson Scholarship

Notable alumni: Maria Aberg, Emily Aboud, and Kelly Adams from the movie Bronson. 

National Institute of Dramatic Art 

Location: Kensington, Australia

Fees: AU$10,000-AU$20,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 100%

QS Rank:-

The first Australian school on the list; the National Institute of Dramatic Art is home to one of the best acting schools in the world. The institute was founded in 1958 and has established itself as one of the best institutions for students who wish to pursue performing arts. Apart from drama, the school has a range of other fields students can major in, including musical theatre, set design, makeup, direction and more. 

Popular courses: Acting, Design, Direction and Production

Scholarship Provided: The NIDA Foundation Scholarships

Notable alumni: Cate Blanchett from Tar, Mel Gibson from The Passion of the Christ, Judy Davis and Baz Luhrmann from Elvis.

Oxford School of Drama 

Location: Wootton, United Kingdom

Fees: £18,000 - £20,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 1%

QS Rank:21

The Oxford School of Drama is one the best acting school in the world, with courses accredited by renowned institutions such as Trinity College, London. The school is widely recognised by the industry as a major producer of quality talent, including not only actors but also writers, filmmakers and directors. The school also has a beautiful campus, with well-designed buildings and green spaces all around. 

Popular courses: Acting Courses

Scholarship Provided: The Oxford School of Drama Bursaries 

Notable alumni: Lizzie Annis from The Glass Menagerie, Ritu Arya from the Polite Society,  Luke Barnes and Lee Boardman from the Great Night Out

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Location: London, United Kingdom

Fees: £30,000 - £60,000 

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 0%

QS Rank: - 

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) is committed to ensuring they provide students with the best possible education in the dramatic arts. The academy is home to one of the best acting schools in the world and offers vocational training for different specialisations such as designing, stable managing, technical stagecraft and of course, acting. 

Popular courses: BA Hons in Acting,Technical Theatre, Stage Management and POst Graduate Diploma in Theatre Costume

Scholarship Provided: The Vanbrugh Theatre Scholarship 

Notable alumni:  Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Branagh from Hamlet and Tom Hiddleston from Loki. 

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Fees: £9,000 - £19,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 50%

QS Rank:

Established in 1847, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is one of the world’s top institutions for multidisciplinary specialisations in the arts, music, dance, drama and film. The institute has a range of graduate and postgraduate programs for students to choose from. Class sizes are small, ensuring that students get focused attention from the faculty and get the most out of their degrees. 

Popular courses: Music, Fine Art, Ballet and Art history

Scholarship Provided: The RCS Trust Scholarships 

Notable alumni: James McAvoy from Split, Richard Madden from Bodyguard and Colin Firth from  Bridget Jone’s Diary.  

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama 

Location: Cardiff, UK

Fees: £9,000-£15,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: NA

QS Rank: 1

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama was established in 1949 and is one of the best institutes for performing arts in Wales. Known only as the Welsh College of Music and Drama, it got its official “Royal” title in 2002 in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The school is primarily known for its outstanding achievements in teaching music and performing arts. The institute also prides itself on being an incredibly inclusive campus, stating that it is “a place for everyone.”

Popular courses: BA Hons in Acting and Musical Theatre

Scholarship Provided: The RWCMD Drama Scholarships

Notable alumni: Lucy Gaskell from Cutting It, Paul Hilton, the famous Lady Macbeth and Anthony Hopkins from Hannibal. 

Pace University: The Actors Studio 

Location: New York City, USA

Fees: $48,000 - $50,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 44%

QS Rank: 337

In 2006, Pace University partnered up with The Actors Studio in NYC to come up with a three-year MFA course in theatre arts. This course includes three major specialisations, which are playwriting, directing and acting. This venture has become very popular among drama students, and the Actors Studio Drama School is now regarded as one of the best acting schools in the world. 

Popular courses: MFA in Acting, Directing and Playwriting.

Scholarship Provided: The Actors Studio MFA Scholarships

Notable alumni: Bradley Cooper from A star is Born, Eisa Davis from House of Cards and Richard Kuranda. 

NYU: Tisch School of the Arts 

Location: New York City, USA

Fees: $50,000 - $60,000

Duration: 4 years

Acceptance Rate: 19% - 35%

QS Rank: 43

You can’t talk about the best drama schools in the world without mentioning the Tisch School of Arts’s drama program. NYU’s Arts school is well known for having some of the best arts programs in the world. The school offers students graduate and undergraduate courses in drama and performing arts. The School's unique studio system allows students to get a well-rounded education, fully preparing them for working within the industry.

Popular courses: BA, BFA and MFA

Scholarship Provided: The Tisch School of the Arts Scholarship

Notable alumni: Trazana Beverley, Barry Bostwick and Sterling K. Brown Randall Pearson in This Is Us. 

UCLA: School of Theatre, Film and Television

Location: Los Angeles, USA

Fees: $15,000 - $40,000 

Duration: 4 years

Acceptance Rate: 14%

QS Rank: 63

UCLA is not only one of the best universities in the US, but they are often cited as having one of the best drama school in the world. By virtue of its close proximity to  Hollywood, students at UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television can get a peek into the industry while they are pursuing their education by just stepping outside of their campus. 

Popular courses: Screenwriting and Filmmaking

Scholarship Provided: The UCLA TFT Dean's Scholarships 

Notable alumni: James Franco from Spiderman, Ben Stiller from Night at the Museum and Mayim Bialik

USC School of Dramatic Arts

Location: Los Angeles

Fees: $50,000 - $55,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 25.6%

QS Rank: 701

The USC School for Dramatic Arts has been in operation for over 75 years and over the years it has developed one of the top acting schools in the world. The school takes a unique approach to teaching the art of acting by taking an entrepreneurial approach to the subject, using interdisciplinary courses to give students a better overview of the way the industry works. 

Popular courses: BFA and BA in Theatre

Scholarship Provided: The USC School of Dramatic Arts Merit Scholarships

Notable alumni: Shiri Appleby and husband-wife duo Patrick J Adams  (Mike Ross from Suits) and Troian Bellisario (Spencer Hastings from Pretty Little Liars

David Geffen School of Drama at Yale

Location: New Haven, USA

Fees: Tuition-free 

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: NA

QS Rank: 25

Yale’s drama school is not only one of the best acting schools in the country but also one of the most sought after and for a good reason. Following a VERY generous donation of $150 million by the David Geffen Foundation, the Yale School of Drama announced that it would be going tuition free! No, you didn’t read that wrong. The School of Drama has proclaimed that students can now study here free of tuition. This is the second program at Yale that has gone tuition-free, following the Yale School of Music that did the same in 2005. 

Popular courses: Acting, Design, Playwriting and Directing

Scholarship Provided: The Yale Drama Series Scholarships 

Notable alumni: Angela Bassett from Black Panther, Patricia Clarkson from Sharp Objects and Kate Burton from The Scandal. 

That was our list of the top 20 acting schools in the world. So what are you waiting for? Pick your favourite and start your application today! You can also participate in the various thetre groups in these universities and execute whatever you learn in the classroom on the stage. Acting is an art form that requires an incredible amount of dedication and hard work, and you should be proud to embark on your journey to pursue it. We hope you’ve found this blog helpful, and we wish you all the best!

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) was a founding member of the Federation of Theater Schools and is the oldest specialist drama school in the British Isles. Professor Mark O'Thomas is the Principal of LAMDA; he took over for Director Sarah Frankcom in 2022. In 2018, Timothy West was replaced as the head of the Board of Trustees at LAMDA by Dr Strange himself -Benedict Cumberbatch. Graduates of LAMDA are incredibly successful, employed at places like The Royal National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Globe, and other theatres in London's West End.

Popular courses: Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Acting, Directing, Production and Technical Arts.

Scholarship Provided: Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship 

Notable alumni: David Abeles from Begin Again, James Bundy, and Brian Cox from The Face of Science . 

10. Mountview Academy of Theater Arts 

Location: London, England

Fees: £14,000-£22,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 75%

QS Rank: - NA

Mountview is home to one of the top acting schools in the world and would be a dream destination for any budding actor. The school has great resources for students to use, including 

two theatres, 23 acting and dancing studios, TV and radio suites, rehearsal rooms, conference rooms, and trendy on-campus bars and cafes. The university also has an impressive employment rate of over 90%, and over 70% of the area's theatre productions feature some Mountview alumni. 

Popular courses: BA Hons in stage management, acting and technical production

Scholarship Provided: The Richard Wilson Scholarship

Notable alumni: Maria Aberg, Emily Aboud, and Kelly Adams from the movie Bronson. 

11. National Institute of Dramatic Art 

Location: Kensington, Australia

Fees: AU$10,000-AU$20,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 100%

QS Rank: NA

The first Australian school on the list; the National Institute of Dramatic Art is home to one of the best acting schools in the world. The institute was founded in 1958 and has established itself as one of the best institutions for students who wish to pursue performing arts. Apart from drama, the school has a range of other fields students can major in, including musical theatre, set design, makeup, direction and more. 

Popular courses: Acting, Design, Direction and Production

Scholarship Provided: The NIDA Foundation Scholarships

Notable alumni: Cate Blanchett from Tar, Mel Gibson from The Passion of the Christ, Judy Davis and Baz Luhrmann from Elvis.

12. Oxford School of Drama 

Location: Wootton, United Kingdom

Fees: £18,000 - £20,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 1%

QS Rank: 21

The Oxford School of Drama is one the best acting school in the world, with courses accredited by renowned institutions such as Trinity College, London. The school is widely recognised by the industry as a major producer of quality talent, including not only actors but also writers, filmmakers and directors. The school also has a beautiful campus, with well-designed buildings and green spaces all around. 

Popular courses: Acting Courses

Scholarship Provided: The Oxford School of Drama Bursaries 

Notable alumni: Lizzie Annis from The Glass Menagerie, Ritu Arya from the Polite Society,  Luke Barnes and Lee Boardman from the Great Night Out

13. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Location: London, United Kingdom

Fees: £30,000 - £60,000 

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 0%

QS Rank: NA

The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) is committed to ensuring they provide students with the best possible education in the dramatic arts. The academy is home to one of the best acting schools in the world and offers vocational training for different specialisations such as designing, stable managing, technical stagecraft and of course, acting. 

Popular courses: BA Hons in Acting,Technical Theatre, Stage Management and POst Graduate Diploma in Theatre Costume

Scholarship Provided: The Vanbrugh Theatre Scholarship 

Notable alumni:  Anthony Hopkins, Kenneth Branagh from Hamlet and Tom Hiddleston from Loki. 

14. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Fees: £9,000 - £19,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 50%

QS Rank:

Established in 1847, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is one of the world’s top institutions for multidisciplinary specialisations in the arts, music, dance, drama and film. The institute has a range of graduate and postgraduate programs for students to choose from. Class sizes are small, ensuring that students get focused attention from the faculty and get the most out of their degrees. 

Popular courses: Music, Fine Art, Ballet and Art history

Scholarship Provided: The RCS Trust Scholarships 

Notable alumni: James McAvoy from Split, Richard Madden from Bodyguard and Colin Firth from  Bridget Jone’s Diary.  

15. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama 

Location: Cardiff, UK

Fees: £9,000-£15,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: NA

QS Rank: 1

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama was established in 1949 and is one of the best institutes for performing arts in Wales. Known only as the Welsh College of Music and Drama, it got its official “Royal” title in 2002 in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The school is primarily known for its outstanding achievements in teaching music and performing arts. The institute also prides itself on being an incredibly inclusive campus, stating that it is “a place for everyone.”

Popular courses: BA Hons in Acting and Musical Theatre

Scholarship Provided: The RWCMD Drama Scholarships

Notable alumni: Lucy Gaskell from Cutting It, Paul Hilton, the famous Lady Macbeth and Anthony Hopkins from Hannibal. 

16. Pace University: The Actors Studio 

Location: New York City, USA

Fees: $48,000 - $50,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 44%

QS Rank: 337

In 2006, Pace University partnered up with The Actors Studio in NYC to come up with a three-year MFA course in theatre arts. This course includes three major specialisations, which are playwriting, directing and acting. This venture has become very popular among drama students, and the Actors Studio Drama School is now regarded as one of the best acting schools in the world. 

Popular courses: MFA in Acting, Directing and Playwriting.

Scholarship Provided: The Actors Studio MFA Scholarships

Notable alumni: Bradley Cooper from A star is Born, Eisa Davis from House of Cards and Richard Kuranda. 

17. NYU: Tisch School of the Arts 

Location: New York City, USA

Fees: $50,000 - $60,000

Duration: 4 years

Acceptance Rate: 19% - 35%

QS Rank: 43

You can’t talk about the best drama schools in the world without mentioning the Tisch School of Arts’s drama program. NYU’s Arts school is well known for having some of the best arts programs in the world. The school offers students graduate and undergraduate courses in drama and performing arts. The School's unique studio system allows students to get a well-rounded education, fully preparing them for working within the industry.

Popular courses: BA, BFA and MFA

Scholarship Provided: The Tisch School of the Arts Scholarship

Notable alumni: Trazana Beverley, Barry Bostwick and Sterling K. Brown Randall Pearson in This Is Us. 

18. UCLA: School of Theatre, Film and Television

Location: Los Angeles, USA

Fees: $15,000 - $40,000 

Duration: 4 years

Acceptance Rate: 14%

QS Rank: 63

UCLA is not only one of the best universities in the US, but they are often cited as having one of the best drama school in the world. By virtue of its close proximity to  Hollywood, students at UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film and Television can get a peek into the industry while they are pursuing their education by just stepping outside of their campus. 

Popular courses: Screenwriting and Filmmaking

Scholarship Provided: The UCLA TFT Dean's Scholarships 

Notable alumni: James Franco from Spiderman, Ben Stiller from Night at the Museum and Mayim Bialik

19. USC School of Dramatic Arts

Location: Los Angeles

Fees: $50,000 - $55,000

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: 25.6%

QS Rank: 701

The USC School for Dramatic Arts has been in operation for over 75 years and over the years it has developed one of the top acting schools in the world. The school takes a unique approach to teaching the art of acting by taking an entrepreneurial approach to the subject, using interdisciplinary courses to give students a better overview of the way the industry works. 

Popular courses: BFA and BA in Theatre

Scholarship Provided: The USC School of Dramatic Arts Merit Scholarships

Notable alumni: Shiri Appleby and husband-wife duo Patrick J Adams  (Mike Ross from Suits) and Troian Bellisario (Spencer Hastings from Pretty Little Liars

20. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale

Location: New Haven, USA

Fees: Tuition-free 

Duration: 3 years

Acceptance Rate: NA

QS Rank: 25

Yale’s drama school is not only one of the best acting schools in the country but also one of the most sought after and for a good reason. Following a VERY generous donation of $150 million by the David Geffen Foundation, the Yale School of Drama announced that it would be going tuition free! No, you didn’t read that wrong. The School of Drama has proclaimed that students can now study here free of tuition. This is the second program at Yale that has gone tuition-free, following the Yale School of Music that did the same in 2005. 

Popular courses: Acting, Design, Playwriting and Directing

Scholarship Provided: The Yale Drama Series Scholarships 

Notable alumni: Angela Bassett from Black Panther, Patricia Clarkson from Sharp Objects and Kate Burton from The Scandal. 

That was our list of the top 20 acting schools in the world. So what are you waiting for? Pick your favourite and start your application today! You can also participate in the various thetre groups in these universities and execute whatever you learn in the classroom on the stage. Acting is an art form that requires an incredible amount of dedication and hard work, and you should be proud to embark on your journey to pursue it. We hope you’ve found this blog helpful, and we wish you all the best!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is the best for studying acting?

What is the most successful acting school?

What acting school do most actors go to?

What do actors usually major in?

Are acting schools worth it?

cta