28 February 2025 Redazione WAI
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Most Prestigious Art Schools in Italy

Italy is a country so rich in art and history that it’s hard to imagine a more suitable place to study fine arts.

Globally renowned for its food, fashion and art, Italy has a long-standing tradition of great architecture, decoration, and artistic masterpieces that began during the Renaissance and has continued to thrive. It’s no surprise that Italian academies are among the best fine art schools in the world. Let’s explore some of the best places to study fine arts in Italy for international students.

Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze

It’s only fitting that Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is home to one of Italy’s top art academies: the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze.

Founded in 1563, under the name of “Accademia del disegno”, this academy is one of the oldest in the country and has welcomed some of Italy’s most renowned artists. Here, students can choose from a variety of fine arts disciplines, including painting, sculpture, art graphics, decoration, and scenography.

Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera (Milan)

If you’ve visited Milan, you might have been to the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses masterpieces by artists such as Andrea Mantegna, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Modigliani. Studying at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera offers the unique opportunity to be surrounded by these powerful artworks.

The academy’s undergraduate programs include painting, sculpture, printmaking, decoration, scenography, artistic design for business, and new technologies of art. One of the most popular postgraduate degrees is restoration.

Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia

Originally known as the "Veneta Accademia di Pittura, Scultura e Architettura," the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia is one of the most prestigious art universities in Italy. Studying here means immersing yourself in a city where art is present at every corner. Students also have the unique opportunity to engage with the Venice Biennale, the world’s oldest international contemporary art exhibition.

In addition to traditional courses in painting, sculpture and art graphics, the academy offers a program in new technologies of art, preparing students for future jobs. Possible career paths include: art direction, graphic, web and exhibition design, video production, industrial design, game design, and more.

Accademia di Belle Arti di Urbino

Located in the birthplace of Raphael, one of the great masters of the Renaissance, the Accademia di Belle Arti di Urbino is among Italy’s finest art academies.

This academy is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, incorporating various visual disciplines and fostering a contemporary artistic perspective.

Accademia di Belle Arti di Napoli

Founded in 1752, the Accademia di Belle Arti di Napoli is renowned for its emphasis on classical art and its dedication to preserving Italy’s artistic traditions.

Students can choose from disciplines such as painting, sculpture, graphics, scenography, and photography. Naples’ rich cultural heritage and dynamic street life provide an inspiring setting for artistic exploration.

Many of the academies mentioned have their own galleries showcasing works from distinguished students and masters of the past. These include the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, and the Academy of Fine Arts of Naples, which features both an art gallery and a plaster cast collection.

Studying Fine Arts in Italy: what you need to know

Art academies in Italy offer education at the same level as universities, with a slightly different naming system for degrees. The "Laurea Triennale" corresponds to a first-level diploma, while the "Laurea Magistrale" is equivalent to a second-level diploma.

Most Italian academies and universities require an entrance exam, a pre-registration on the Universitaly portal, and a certification of Italian language proficiency. All non-EU students will have to apply for a visa to study in Italy.If you're planning to study fine arts in Italy, here’s a guide to help you navigate the necessary steps.

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