Top 10 Best Acting Schools in Europe in 2026
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The journey to becoming an accomplished actor often begins with the right education.
Choosing the best acting school can be a challenging task, especially given the dynamic nature of this type of institutions. The quality of an acting programme often depends directly on its professors, which can change over time, affecting the university’s reputation and the education provided.
In Europe, many acting schools consistently rank among the best in the world, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, a strong emphasis on the arts, and access to a diverse range of traditions and methodologies.
Whether you’re aspiring to tread the boards of London’s West End, the stages of Paris, or the alternative theatre scenes of Berlin, Europe’s acting schools offer endless opportunities. Let’s have a look together!
Study Acting: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
For students aspiring to excel in acting, Europe offers prestigious drama schools with a rich history in performing arts. While there’s no official ranking, this list combines institutions featured in different official websites and those with distinguished alumni.
Most top universities and academies are based in London and Berlin.
Students should use this guide as a starting point to find a school that best fits their career goals and educational needs. To do your own research, consider visiting rankings such as the Hollywood Reporter, QS and THE.
| University | Country | Degrees | Alumni |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU) | Prague, Czechia | 1 Bachelor, 1 Master | Martin Finger, Magdaléna Borová |
| Catalyst – Institute for Creative Arts and Technology | Berlin, Germany | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Short courses | Giulio Brizzi, Benjamin Bishop |
| Guildhall School of Music & Drama | London, United Kingdom | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Short courses, Summer School | Daniel Craig, Lily James, Michaela Coel |
| London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art | London, United Kingdom | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Short courses | Brian Cox, Benedict Cumberbatch, Nikki Amuka-Bird |
| Macromedia University of Applied Sciences | Berlin, Germany | 1 Bachelor of Arts | Florian Frowein, Laura Wontorra |
| Manchester School of Theater | Manchester, United Kingdom | 2 Bachelor’s, 1 Master’s degree | Yasmin Mwanza, Assad Zaman, Elliot Knight |
| MetFilm School | London, United Kingdom and Berlin, Germany | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Short courses | Tunde Aladese |
| Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) | London, United Kingdom | Courses | Alan Rickman, Gemma Arterton, Sean Bean, Anthony Hopkins |
| Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama | Cardiff, United Kingdom | Courses | Anthony Hopkins, Aneurin Barnard, Rob Brydon |
| The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art | Dublin, Ireland | 3 Bachelor’s, 3 Master’s, Short courses | Paul Mescal, Danielle Galligan, Kwaku Fortune |
And if you’d like to widen your research a little bit, you can learn about the top Film Schools in our article here.
In addition to acting, there are various other English-taught degrees related to performing arts. Some are theory-focused while others emphasise a more practical approach.
These include:
Study Acting in Europe: Find Bachelors & Masters
On average, tuition fees for acting degrees in Europe range from €5,000 to €15,000 annually for Bachelor’s programmes. For those seeking advanced education, Master’s degrees can cost between €10,000 and €20,000 per year.
These fees can vary widely depending on the institution and the specific programme.
Recognizing the financial challenges many students face, several universities offer a variety of funding options. For example, Macromedia provides extensive information on their fee structures and scholarships on their website.
Students can also consider researcing loans, grants, and part-time job opportunities, which can significantly offset the cost of tuition.
It’s important to note that an acting career can be challenging and competitive. Success in this field often requires not only talent and training but also resilience and dedication.
Before committing to the financial investment of an acting degree, make sure to be certain that this is the right path for you. Rejection and criticism are very frequent, so always try asking first to your family and close friends for support. The insights and constructive feedback from those who know you best can be invaluable.
Prospective actors should also consider the demands and uncertainties of this career and ensure they are driven by a true passion for the craft.
Admission requirements typically include:
a motivation letter,
CV,
past grade reports,
references,
sometimes a video audition or interview.
Previous acting experience is not always necessary, but remember to gather as much experience in your portfolio as possible before you graduate since it is crucial for finding jobs and further career development.
Study.eu Tip: The exact admission requirements vary, so once you pick a university, make sure to check their guidelines thoroughly. In case you might have some questions, it’s usually possible to contact the university’s Admission office and they’ll assist you in your applicaiton process.
Yes, for English-taught courses, students are usually required to provide evidence of their English proficiency. If a video audition is required, that might be enough for the university to evaluate your skills.
Otherwise, and if English is not your native tongue, you might have to prove your level with a test certificate. The most common tests accepted are IELTS or TOEFL iBT, but some universities might also accept alternative tests such as Duolingo, Cambridge Certificates, etc.
In the context of the global entertainment industry, English proficiency opens up additional opportunities for actors to engage with a broader audience and collaborate on an international scale. A good level of English will always be crucial for actors due to its prevalence in scripts, communication on set, and networking.
Top acting institutions in Europe are known for their state-of-the-art facilities, which are key in providing a realistic and professional environment for students.
These facilities play a significant role in your education, allowing you to gain hands-on experience with the tools and settings you’ll encounter in your acting career.
Key facilities to look for:
Students uncertain about a direct acting career can consider broader undergraduate degrees like:
Remember, after choosing a more general degree for you Bachelor, you can usually specialise in acting during your Master.
Aspiring actors considering a career in Europe’s unique film and theatre scene must carefully choose their educational path.
When thinking about starting an acting degree, weigh the costs against the potential benefits.
While the financial aspect is important, the value of quality education, networking opportunities, and skill development cannot be understated. Carefully research and choose a programme that aligns with your career goals and financial situation.
With the right school, degree, and a passion for acting, the stage is set for success!
What else is left to say?
Lights, camera, action! Find your degree today 🎥
236 Acting, Theatre & Dance Programmes in Europe
