Meryl Streep, a Yale alum, once said, ‘Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different.’ Drama institutions are not just schools; they are the place where one can showcase their talents! So, forget the boring day job and get ready to explore the 25 best acting schools in the world. Who knows, maybe your name will be next on the list of Hollywood legends!
What are the Best Acting Schools in the World?
What if you get into one of the best acting schools in the world, like RADA, where legends like Ralph Fiennes were? We'll break down the unique features, locations, costs, and even the famous faces who walked these prestigious institutions.
1. Juilliard School
Location: New York
Fees: $50,000-$40,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 7.4%
World Rank: 1
Best Acting Courses: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Graduate Diploma
Scholarship Provided: The Kovner Fellowship
Want to be the next Robin Williams (Good Morning, Vietnam) or Jessica Chastain (Interstellar)? Juilliard, the best acting academy in the world, has over 800 students from all over the world, performing in hundreds of shows each year. There are also several film schools in New York. However, the acceptance rate is quite low. So, if you are looking for the best acting academy in the world with a higher acceptance rate, we have listed down more schools.
2. The Old Globe and the University of San Diego
Location: San Francisco
Fees: $40,000 - $45,000
Duration: 2 years
Acceptance Rate: 2%
World Rank: 8
Scholarship Provided: The Craig Noel Scholarship
This program, led by famous actor Jesse Perez, is one of the best acting schools in the world! They focus on classical theatre, training you in acting, voice, and movement. Plus, you get to work on productions at the famous Old Globe Theatre! Their grads have gone on to win awards, write plays, and even star in shows like ‘The Big Bang Theory’! Just be prepared to work hard – the Old Globe has high standards!
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3. California Institute of the Arts
Location: Valencia
Fees: $35,000 - $60,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 29%
World Rank: 17
Scholarship Provided: Gary Katzenstein Scholarship
CalArts, one of the best acting classes in the world, is known for its creativity! Here, artists of all kinds of actors, filmmakers, and dancers learn without limits. Remember Tim Burton's dark films like ‘Corpse Bride,’ and Alison Brie's hilarious characters like ‘Glow’? They are from this institution!
4. Carnegie Mellon School of Drama
Location: Pittsburgh
Fees: $40,000 - $50,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 4%
World Rank: 11
Scholarship Provided: Bernard Davis Scholarship
Want to be the next big star but also love fiddling with cameras or designing sets? CMU School of Drama might be your dream school! Known as one of the best acting programs in the world, they don't just train actors. Plus, they've launched the careers of tons of famous faces, such as René Auberjonois from 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,' and Hale Appleman from 'The Gilded Age.'
5. Central School of Speech and Drama
Location: London
Fees: £20,000 - £30,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 26%
World Rank: 15
Scholarship Provided: BA Acting Scholarship
Want to be the next stage or screen superstar? This prestigious school isn't just about acting – they offer training in directing, design, and more. Did we mention they gave out legends like Judi Dench from 'Philomena' and Andrew Garfield from 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'? If you're serious about acting, consider Central – one of the best acting schools in the world.
6. DePaul University School Of Theatre, Film, And Television
Location: Chicago
Fees: $35,000 - $40,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 68%
World Rank: 17
Scholarship Provided: Merle Reskin Scholarship
DePaul University lets you focus on a specific area, like directing or editing, and build a portfolio to impress casting agents. It was even ranked by industries like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety as one of the best acting schools in the world! You can work in a professional film facility used for major shows, so you'll be learning alongside real-life actors and directors. Some of the notable A-lister alumni include Narda E. Alcorn (The Lion King), and Scott Ellis (The Elephant Man).
7. Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Location: London
Fees: £20,000-£25,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate:10%
World Rank: 9
Scholarship Provided: Guildhall School Scholarships
Ranked amongst one of the best acting schools in the world by major publications – Complete University Guide 2024, Guildhall offers world-class training. The institution boasts renowned instructors and superstars like Daniel Craig (James Bond!), and Orlando Bloom (Lord of the Rings).
8. Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
Location:
Fees: £20,000-£25,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 30%
World Rank: 20
Scholarship Provided: Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Scholarship
This world-renowned Italia Conti drama school offers top-notch training in acting, dance, and singing. Their goal? To transform students into well-rounded performers ready to take on the world. Some of its famous alumni, like Russell Brand from Arthur and Naomi Campbell from American Horror Story, might just ring a bell! If you're looking for the best acting programs in the world, this could be your destination!
9. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts
Location: London
Fees: £14,000-£20,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 75%
World Rank: 6
Scholarship Provided: Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship
London Academy drama school has been around for ages (over 160 years!) and is known for being one of the best acting classes in the world, training top actors. Think of it as a Hollywood boot camp for famous faces! Benedict Cumberbatch, the guy from Sherlock and Doctor Strange has honed his craft here. They've also trained a whole bunch of other big names you've definitely seen in movies and TV shows.
10. Mountview Academy of Theater Arts
Location: London
Fees: £14,000-£22,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 75%
World Rank: 31
Scholarship Provided: The Richard Wilson Scholarship
One of the best acting classes in the world, Mountview Academy of Theater Arts, can be your future of creativity! Popular alumni include Kelly Adams from 'Death in Paradise,' and Lucy Anderson from ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. But they're not just about you in the spotlight! There are other film schools in the UK which you can checkout as per your budget and admission.
11. National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)
Location: Kensington
Fees: AU$10,000-AU$20,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 100%
World Rank: 14
Scholarship Provided: The NIDA Foundation Scholarships
Want to become the next big Aussie star? Look no further than NIDA, one of the best acting academies in the world! NIDA has been around since 1958, giving out famous faces you know and love, like Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth). Their practical training programs help aspiring actors hone their craft and launch stellar careers. So, if you're dreaming of the silver screen or the stage, NIDA could be your ticket to fame.
12. Oxford School of Drama
Location: Wootton
Fees: £18,000 - £20,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 1%
World Rank: 3
Scholarship Provided: The Oxford School of Drama Bursaries
Located in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, the Oxford School of Drama boasts stunning natural materials and gardens, fostering a magical connection between actors and their craft. Alumni like Claire Foy (The Crown) and Freddy Carter (Shadow and Bone) honed their skills here, and their accredited programs are recognized by industry leaders worldwide. If you're looking for the best acting programs in the world, this one might just be the perfect fit!
13. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
Location: London
Fees: £30,000 - £60,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 0%
World Rank: 5
Scholarship Provided: The Vanbrugh Theatre Scholarship
RADA, a powerhouse in drama training, has been shaping the careers of acting greats for years. Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Iain Glen (Game of Thrones), and Julian Glover (Game of Thrones) were a part of this institution! If these names ring a bell, then RADA might just be the favourite place for your epic acting journey. It's no wonder they're considered one of the best acting programs in the world!
14. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Location: Glasgow
Fees: £9,000 - £19,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 50%
World Rank: 6
Scholarship Provided: The RCS Trust Scholarships
RCS is a unique school that lets you train in all performing arts on one campus, creating a vibrant, supportive atmosphere. Hone your skills with over 600 performances a year, whether acting, designing sets, or filming. Plus, RCS boasts famous alumni like Tom Ellis (Lucifer), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones), and David Tennant (Doctor Who)! It's no wonder RCS is considered one of the best acting schools in the world.
15. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD)
Location: Cardiff
Fees: £9,000 - £15,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 45%
World Rank: 16
Scholarship Provided: The RWCMD Drama Scholarships
RWCMD is a top contender for the world's best acting schools and is a great place for your acting career! They train actors, musicians, and all sorts of creative folks from over 40 countries. Even famous actors like Eve Myles (Torchwood) and Tom Cullen (Weekend) were once at this university! So Welsh might just turn you into the next big thing!
16. Pace University: The Actors Studio
Location: New York City
Fees: $48,000 - $50,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 44%
World Rank: 45
Scholarship Provided: The Actors Studio MFA Scholarships
One of the best acting programs in the world, The Actors Studio has acting programs to delve deep into the 'actor's toolbox.' You'll master the craft, find your voice, and learn alongside talented classmates. By 3rd year, you'll be putting your skills to the test in full production. Who knows, you might be the next Bradley Cooper from 'A Star is Born' or Eisa Davis from ‘House of Cards’!
17. NYU: Tisch School of the Arts
Location: New York City
Fees: $50,000 - $60,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 19% - 35%
World Rank: 3
Scholarship Provided: The Tisch School of the Arts Scholarship
Attending one of the best acting programs in the world isn't just about the classes. It's more than out! However, Tisch has over 45,000 strong alumni, getting prepared to start their acting careers. These successful graduates are out there making their mark on the world, from famous actors like Deborah Aquila (casting director for ‘Twilight’) to Broadway veterans like Hilary Austin.
18. UCLA: School of Theatre, Film and Television
Location: Los Angeles
Fees: $15,000 - $40,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 14%
World Rank: 15
Scholarship Provided: The UCLA TFT Dean's Scholarships
Want to be the next James Dean from 'Rebel Without a Cause,' or David Koepp from 'Jurassic Park'? UCLA isn't just another acting class. They combine live performance, film, and digital arts to create amazing programs that are more than just education – they're experiences. As one of the world's best acting schools, they'll help you become an exceptional storyteller!
19. USC School of Dramatic Arts, Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles
Fees: $50,000 - $55,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 25.6%
World Rank: 13
Scholarship Provided: The USC School of Dramatic Arts Merit Scholarships
USC isn't your average acting school. It believes in nurturing unique talents, the kind who dream of reshaping entertainment. Being one of the best acting programs in the world, it helps students discover their artistic voices through a mix of different disciplines and hands-on learning. Hollywood superstars like Grant Heslov from 'Good Night, and Good Luck' and Devin Kelley from 'Frequency' are notable alumni.
20. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale
Location: New Haven
Fees: Tuition-free
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: NA
World Rank: 25
Scholarship Provided: The Yale Drama Series Scholarships
Yale Drama School is not only one of the best acting programs in the world, but thanks to a huge donation, full-time students get a free ride. This means that the tuition fee is completely FREE! Plus, there are several notable alumni present in Yale, like Derek McLane (Production Designer) and Andrew Burnap (Snow White) walked these halls before hitting the big time.
21. University of North Carolina School of The Arts (UNCSA)
Location: Winston-Salem
Fees: $25,000 - $35,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 30%
World Rank: 3
For over 50 years, UNCSA has been an institute for brilliant artists like Anthony Mackie (Captain America's Falcon), and Brett Gelman (Stranger Things). If you're serious about acting and want to be one of the future stars, UNCSA might just be the right place. It's no wonder why it consistently ranks among the best drama schools in the world!
22. University of California
Location: San Diego
Fees: $12,000 - $20,000
Duration: 2 years
Acceptance Rate: 34%
World Rank: 4
Scholarship Provided: San Diego Foundation Scholarships
Want to join the ranks of Hollywood stars like Benicio del Toro (Traffic) and Milana Vayntrub (This Is Us)? The University of California isn't just one of the top 20 research institutions globally; it's also a place for future stars. You might be a rising star winning a Grammy (and maybe even an Oscar, who knows?). It is, after all, one of the best acting programs in the world!
23. Brown University: Theatre Arts and Performance Studies (TAPS)
Location: Providence
Fees: $60,000 - $70,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 5.5%
World Rank: 73
Scholarship Provided: Tuition waived for all MFA students
TAPS provides one of the best acting courses in the world. It's a vibrant hub for anyone passionate about performance! And guess who honed their craft at TAPS? Yep, Jada Pinkett Smith from 'The Matrix Reloaded,' and Brett Gelman from 'Stranger Things'!
24. Case Western Reserve University
Location: Cleveland
Fees: $60,000 - $70,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 30%
World Rank: 15
Scholarship Provided: 4 full-tuition scholarships
Known as one of the best acting colleges in the world, Case throws you headfirst into the world of acting! They offer everything from acting itself to costume design, letting you explore all aspects of putting on a show. Who knows, you might even become the next big star – just like their alumni Elizabeth Davis, who scored Tony nominations!
25. Columbia University School of the Arts
Location: New York
Fees: $60,000 - $70,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
World Rank: 11
Scholarship Provided: Financial aid available
Columbia University is a top contender for the title of best acting school in the world. It offers a buffet of options, from film to writing, with both Master's and Bachelor's degrees. Not only that, but its alumni include stars like James Franco (127 Hours) and Hari Nef (You).
Wrap Up
That was our list of the 25 best acting schools in the world. So what are you waiting for? Pick your favourite and start your application today! We hope you’ve found this blog helpful, and we wish you all the best!
