Top 6 Best Film Schools in the World (2024)

best film schools in the world

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In this article, we break down the application process for some of the best film schools in the world.

Firstly, while it may be true that film school is not a requirement, there are many pros to attending a professional program.

For instance, they can provide equipment and work experience. On the whole, the best film schools in the world are costly. However, many also offer scholarship plans, for example, the National Film and Television School.  

Best Film Schools in The World

1. American Film Institute  

best film schools in the world

The American Film Institute is the number one film school in the US. It is a specialist school, that is to say, it offers classes in specific disciplines. At this time, it teaches six film production courses.

Each course is two years of full-time study in Los Angeles. The deadline is December every year, and classes begin in September. 

However, since it’s one of the best film schools in the world, it’s also the most competitive institution. The success rate is close to 1%, and its admission requirements are complex.

Apply

Firstly, you need to pay a submission fee of $90 and write a personal statement. Then include a resume and two letters of recommendation.

Additional requirements

  • 10-minute clip from a film you have directed
  • Make a 5-minute film on a topic given to you by AFI
  • Copy of the script you wrote for your 5-minute film
  • Written descriptions on why you made the above films

2. University of Southern California 

USC logo

If you wish to study in LA but want an all-round filmmaking course, then there is the University of Southern California. They are also classed as one of the best film schools in the world.

For example, the film and television program which teaches all aspects of filmmaking from script to editing. There are autumn and spring submission dates every year.

Apply

To apply each applicant needs a personal statement as well as three letters of recommendation.

Additional requirements

  • Writing example – a script or feature-length treatment
  • Media example – a short film or a photograph series 
  • Portfolio with film links, photographs or short stories 
  • A written description of a past collaborative project
  • Video introduction, 30-60 seconds of you on camera

3. National Film & Television School 

national film and television school logo

The national film and television school is the UK’s best film school. The school is based in Beaconsfield and has a range of subjects.

In addition to this, each subject has a part-time diploma and full-time Masters classes.

Most importantly, you also don’t need a degree to study at the National Film, and Television School, they prefer on set work experience. Also, the school has short courses year-round. 

Apply

The application process and deadlines are different with each subject. For example, the directing fiction deadline is the 6th of May.

To apply you need to pay a £60 fee and a £500 deposit.

Additional requirements

  • Short 15-minute film you have directed
  • Treatment for a short or feature-length film

4. London Film School 

LFS logo

If you want to study in the UK, but want an all-round filmmaking course, there is the London Film School. Also classed as one of the best film schools in the world, the intuition is in central London. They have four courses to choose from and all classes are two years of full-time study. 

Apply

To apply, you must have a degree or proven work experience in the industry. There are three intakes for students every year in January, May and September, the next deadline being 26th February

For example, MA filmmaking teaches a wide range of topics. It aims for each student to work on at least 10 productions during the 2-year course.

To apply, you need to pay a £50 fee, including a resume, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a passport photo.

Additional requirements

  • Original script for a 3-minute film
  • Short film example, or photography project 

5. New York Film Academy

New York Film Academy logo

The New York Film Academy is a central new york-based film school. They have both bachelors and MA courses available that last for one or two years. You can apply in December and August every year.

Apply 

For example, if you apply for an MFA in Filmmaking there is a $75 fee and a $500 deposit. Each application must include previous education certificates, a personal statement and two letters of recommendation.

Additional requirements

  • Writing example – script, short story or treatment
  • Visual example – any mixed media or a 3-10 minute film

6. Centro de Capacitacion Cinematographic

best film schools

Lastly, the Centro de Capacitacion Cinematographic is in central Mexico City is a historic film school and one of the best in the world. The tuition is only a fifth of attending the AFI, but the catch is all classes are taught in Spanish.

Students apply in August and September every year with classes starting in January

Apply

The application begins with an online exam. All students must upload copies of past education results, a passport photograph and resume.

Also, each student must write a letter about why they want to attend.

The entrance exam has an $860-$1440 deposit fee.

Additional requirements

  • Face to face interview and will ask to see
  • Film and scriptwriting examples.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, this is a shortened list of the best film schools in the world however there are loads more out there. Also, many of them teach in languages other than English. 

So how do you choose the best film school for your career? Well, you can start by categorizing them by which do the best courses for your chosen department.

Finally, there might be reasons to decide that film school isn’t for you, yet you still want to work in film. Don’t worry, check out our article on how to get into the film industry.

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