If you’re thinking about studying art in college, experiencing it in another country can change the way you see both your work and the creative process. Pre-college art programs abroad allow high school students to study in a university setting, learn from practicing artists, and explore different artistic traditions before submitting college applications.

Imagine spending part of your summer working in university studios, developing your portfolio, visiting museums and galleries, experimenting with new materials, and discussing your work with faculty and students from around the world. Along the way, you’ll experience how art is taught at the university level while gaining inspiration from a different cultural and creative environment.

Why should you choose a pre-college art program abroad?

Pre-college programs are designed to introduce students to university life before they begin college. You’ll experience studio-based learning, receive feedback through critiques, and work on projects that reflect the expectations of an undergraduate art program. Studying abroad adds another dimension by exposing you to different artistic traditions, creative communities, and ways of thinking about art.

These programs also help students prepare for college applications. Whether you’re building a portfolio, exploring a future major, or deciding whether art is the right academic path, a university-hosted program abroad offers both practical experience and a clearer understanding of what studying art after high school can involve.

To help you find the right fit, we’ve put together a list of 15 pre-college art programs abroad for high schoolers!

For adjacent programs, consider the online architecture program.

Key takeaways

• OCAD U’s Pre-University Summer Intensive in Toronto costs CAD $4,700 without accommodation or CAD $7,150 with housing and meals, closely replicating the university’s first-year studio experience.
• Immerse Education’s Pre-College Art Programme spans six locations, including Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston, with small classes of seven to 10 students open to students aged 13 to 18.
• Parsons Paris’s Summer Pre-College costs $9,999 plus approximately $400 for art supplies and awards three college credits over a three-week program taught entirely in English.
• Franklin University Switzerland’s Art and Belonging program costs CHF 2,500 and awards three university credits, designed to be accessible regardless of prior art experience.
• UCL The Bartlett Summer School costs between £950 for five days and £2,500 for 15 days, giving students access to one of the world’s top-ranked architecture schools.
• Emily Carr University’s Summer Institute for Teens costs between CAD $2,513 and $3,121, depending on residency and registration timing, requiring 120 hours of intensive creative work over one month.
• Bauhaus-Universität Weimar’s Art & Senses program caps enrollment at just 20 participants for a four-week interdisciplinary program costing €950, or €750 for students and alumni.
• Program costs for pre-college art programs abroad range from £695 for the Courtauld Summer School’s one-week art history course to over $9,999 for Parsons Paris’s three-week studio intensive.

15 Pre-College Art Programs Abroad for High Schoolers

1. OCAD U Pre-University Summer Intensive

Location: Toronto, Canada
Cost: CAD $4,700 + 13% tax (without accommodation); CAD $7,150 + 13% tax (with accommodation and meal plan). An early bird discount of CAD $200 is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 6th – July 24th
Application Deadline: Early bird: March 1st (tentatively); Final: May 4th (tentatively)
Eligibility: High school students (domestic and international) who have completed Grade 10, are at least 16 years old, and are proficient in English

Designed for students preparing to apply to art and design schools, this three-week intensive lets you experience what the first year at OCAD University is like. You’ll spend your days working in professional studios alongside OCAD U faculty, creating a new body of work for your portfolio while participating in critiques, gallery visits, discussions, and hands-on projects.

The program emphasizes both creative experimentation and technical skill development, helping you strengthen your artistic practice in a university setting. By the end of the experience, you’ll have produced portfolio-ready work and gained a better understanding of post-secondary creative education.  

Why it stands out: The program closely replicates OCAD University’s first-year studio experience, giving you an authentic introduction to art school.

2. Immerse Education’s Fine & Digital Art Summer School

Location: University College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18

The Fine & Digital Art Summer School by Immerse Education is designed for students who want structured exposure to both traditional studio practice and contemporary digital creation before pursuing higher education in the arts. You explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media alongside digital art tools and software, building technical skills and visual thinking through studio sessions, art history discussions, and computer-based projects.

Guided by professional artists, the program combines individual mentorship, portfolio development, and expert critique to help you refine your artistic voice. Through its Career Insights Pathway, you also engage in workshops and exhibition visits that introduce you to the professional landscape of fine and digital art, offering a clearer understanding of creative career pathways.

Why it stands out: A balanced program that integrates classical fine art training with digital practice and portfolio-focused mentorship.

3. University of Edinburgh Pre-University: Design

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Cost: £5,250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 29th – July 10th
Application Deadline: May 19th
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 in their penultimate or final year of high school who meet the English language requirement (IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component or equivalent); open to international students

Two weeks of studio-based, residential coursework at the University of Edinburgh give you a direct introduction to creative practice at the design-school level. You’ll explore design thinking through workshops in image-making, typography, collage, photography, digital image manipulation, animation, and visual communication while learning to use professional tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.

The curriculum combines collaborative projects, independent creative work, tutorials, critiques, and one-on-one feedback to help you develop both technical skills and a distinctive personal portfolio. You’ll also experience studio culture firsthand through field trips and opportunities to engage with Edinburgh’s galleries, architecture, and creative community. 

Why it stands out: The program combines intensive studio practice with one-on-one mentorship and immersion in Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural landscape.

4. Franklin University Switzerland Pre-College: Art and Belonging

Location: Lugano, Switzerland
Cost: CHF 2,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 13-24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors aged 15-18 who have completed at least 10 years of schooling; proof of English proficiency required for non-native English speakers (TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 110); open to international students

This experiential studio course invites you to explore how creativity can foster connection, self-expression, and a deeper sense of belonging in an increasingly complex world. Over two weeks, you’ll create a personal body of artwork while participating in studio sessions, reflective journaling, group critiques, discussions, and hands-on projects guided by artist and educator Jen Berger.

The curriculum extends beyond the classroom through visits to museums, public art, historic landmarks, and cultural sites in Lugano, alongside excursions that encourage you to connect artistic practice with place and community. Rather than emphasizing technical mastery, the program focuses on creative exploration, collaboration, and thoughtful reflection, making it accessible to students regardless of prior art experience. You’ll also earn three university credits. 

Why it stands out: Art and Belonging emphasizes creativity as a tool for community, identity, and social impact while allowing students to earn three university credits in an inclusive, beginner-friendly environment.

5. Parsons Paris – Summer Pre-College

Location: Paris, France 
Cost: $9,999 (+ approximately $400 for art supplies)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 27th – July 18th
Application Deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students entering junior/senior year or recent graduates, ages 16-18; open to international students

The Summer Pre-College program at Parsons Paris is a three-week immersive design and fine arts experience for high school students interested in creative disciplines. Held at the Saint-Roch campus in central Paris, the program offers studio-based courses in areas such as painting, drawing, photography, fashion design, and portfolio preparation.

Taught entirely in English, you’ll engage with Parsons’ design-centred pedagogy while building practical and conceptual skills relevant to college-level art education. The program also provides 3 college credits, making it both an academic and pre-professional opportunity. With Paris itself serving as a cultural classroom, you’ll gain exposure to one of the world’s most influential art and fashion capitals.  

Why it stands out: It stands out for offering college credit, portfolio-focused studio training, and direct immersion in Paris’s global art and fashion scene through one of the world’s top design schools.  

6. The American University of Florence – Pre-College Summer Program

Location: Florence, Italy
Cost: €3,940 (3-week program); €4,820 (4-week program)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: 3-week sessions: July 1-16 or July 22nd – August 6th; 4-week sessions (with Cultural Introduction to Italy): June 22nd – July 16th or July 13th – August 6th; 6-week session: July 1st – August 6th
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (3-week program) or 2.85 (6-week program), English proficiency, and a completed application with transcripts, CV or statement of prior experience, and parent/guardian consent for minors; open to international students

Earning 6 college credits in three weeks, this program puts you in real university classrooms at the American University of Florence. You can choose between three-, four-, or six-week program options, with the four-week track beginning with a field-learning course that introduces you to Italy’s history and culture before continuing with college-level classes. The curriculum spans subjects such as art, fashion, photography, journalism, food, and sports, while field excursions, extracurricular activities, and cultural experiences help connect classroom learning with life in Florence.

Throughout the program, you’ll receive support from resident assistants and counselors while participating in supervised activities that encourage both academic and personal growth. By the end of the program, you’ll have earned college credits, experienced studying in Italy, and developed a deeper appreciation for Italian culture alongside peers from around the world.

Why it stands out: The program combines flexible college-credit coursework with an immersive cultural experience, while exploring Florence through excursions, field learning, and daily life in one of Europe’s most influential artistic cities.

7. UCL The Bartlett Summer School (16–18 Year Olds)

Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Cost: £950 (5-day), £1,800 (10-day), £2,500 (15-day)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 5-day: July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, or August 3-7; 10-day: August 3-14; 15-day: July 6-24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until places are filled
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 with an interest in architecture and design; no prior academic background in architecture required; open to international students

At one of the world’s top-ranked architecture schools, this program immerses 16-to 18-year-olds in architectural thinking and studio practice before they’ve even applied to university. Through collaborative design exercises, model-making, drawing workshops, site visits, talks from experts, and access to The Bartlett’s specialist workshops and facilities, you’ll explore how architects respond creatively to the built environment.

Depending on the course length, you’ll also develop an individual research project with personalized tutor guidance while building a portfolio informed by your experiences across London. Small-group teaching, peer critiques, and a final exhibition recreate the collaborative atmosphere of an architecture studio, giving you a realistic preview of university-level learning. 

Why it stands out: This gives high school students direct access to one of the world’s most prestigious architecture schools, with opportunities to use professional workshops, explore London’s architectural landmarks, and learn through the same studio-based approach used in The Bartlett’s undergraduate programs. 

8. University for the Creative Arts – International Summer School 

Location: Farnham, United Kingdom  
Cost: £2,690 (Early Bird: £2,420) 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 13-24 (Program 1) or August 3-14 (Program 2) 
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: Students aged 16-25 (with some restrictions for ages 16-17); open to international students

Young creatives spend two intensive weeks at University for the Creative Arts, building both a stronger portfolio and a clearer view of the UK’s creative industries. Based at the Farnham campus, you’ll choose from specialised tracks such as architecture, illustration, fashion, graphic design, photography, film, and portfolio development.

You’ll work closely with industry-connected faculty and technical staff to create a unique project, culminating in a curated exhibition and an official UCA certificate. The program also includes cultural day trips to London, Brighton, and Oxford, blending studio practice with broader creative and cultural exposure. Accommodation, meals, and social programming are included, creating a structured residential experience. 

Why it stands out: It stands out for its wide range of specialised creative tracks, industry-focused mentorship, and portfolio-driven outcomes, all within a university environment connected to the UK’s creative sector. 

9. UAL International Summer School for 16 to 18 Year Olds

Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Cost: £3,670
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 27th – August 14th
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spaces are filled
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 with an interest in art and design; no formal entry requirements. Applicants should be proficient in English (approximately IELTS 4.5 for practical courses); open to international students

This three-week summer school offers an immersive introduction to art and design in the creative environment of the University of the Arts London. Structured to mirror an art and design foundation course, you’ll explore research, idea generation, drawing, sketching, mark-making, design, and 2D and 3D collage while developing work for a portfolio.

The program encourages experimentation, collaboration, and creative risk-taking through tutor-led projects inspired by London’s diverse artistic and cultural landscape. Throughout the course, you’ll receive guidance from experienced UAL tutors, participate in discussions with fellow students, and build confidence in communicating your ideas through visual practice.

Why it stands out: It stands out for its unmatched breadth of creative disciplines and access to multiple world-class art colleges in London, allowing students to customise a highly specialised and portfolio-focused summer experience.  

10. IE University Pre-Design

Location: Madrid & Segovia, Spain
Cost: €5,900
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 5-17
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students graduating in 2026 or 2027 who are under 18 at the start of the program; no prior design experience required; open to international students

Created for students who want to explore architecture, design, and fashion before choosing a university major, this immersive two-week program combines creative exploration with professional studio practice. You’ll learn design thinking, visual communication, technical drawing, prototyping, and portfolio development through workshops, lectures, and hands-on projects led by IE University faculty. The first week builds core creative skills in Madrid before you specialize in architecture, design, or fashion during an intensive studio experience in Segovia.

The program concludes with an interdisciplinary team project and professional-style exhibition, giving you the opportunity to present portfolio-ready work while receiving feedback from experienced designers. By the end of the program, you’ll have developed foundational design skills, greater confidence in your creative abilities, and a clearer understanding of whether a future in design is the right fit for you.

Why it stands out: Its combination of state-of-the-art creative labs, professional faculty, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a final exhibition provides students with an authentic preview of studying at a leading design school while producing portfolio-ready work. 

11. Emily Carr University of Art + Design – Summer Institute for Teens (SIT) 

Location: Vancouver, Canada 
Cost: CAD $2,513 – $3,121 (depending on domestic/international and early-bird registration)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified 
Dates: June 29th – July 24th
Application Deadline: Typically opens annually 
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18; open to international students

The Summer Institute for Teens (SIT) at Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a one-month immersive pre-university art and design program for high school students. You’ll enrol in one of nine studio-based disciplines and complete 120 hours of intensive creative work, developing technical, conceptual, and portfolio-ready projects. Designed to mirror the structure of post-secondary art education, the program emphasises studio critique, collaboration, and independent creative exploration while providing access to ECU’s professional facilities and equipment.

You’ll also engage in guest talks, off-campus visits, and public exhibitions of your final work, giving you a strong sense of what art school life entails. The program culminates in a Certificate of Completion, making it a good academic and portfolio-building opportunity. 

Why it stands out: It stands out for offering a true pre-university studio experience at Canada’s top-ranked art and design school, with intensive portfolio development and a public exhibition in just one month. 

12. University of Westminster Imagine Architecture: Introductory Summer School

Location: London, England, UK
Cost: Varies by program length
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: 5-day or 10-day summer program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until places are filled
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 currently studying at school or college (GCSE, A-level, or BTEC); parent/guardian consent required; open to international students

In this program, you’ll work through a university-style design brief using drawing, model-making, photography, and creative problem-solving while receiving feedback from experienced architecture and interior architecture tutors. The curriculum also includes visits to London’s buildings and exhibitions, access to the university’s Fabrication Lab, portfolio development, and guidance on writing a strong personal statement.

Students choosing the 10-day option have additional time to refine their projects, experiment with digital tools, and receive more personalized mentorship. By the end of the program, you’ll have a stronger portfolio, a clearer understanding of architecture as a field of study, and firsthand experience of learning in one of London’s leading schools of architecture.

Why it stands out: The program stands out for combining portfolio development, personal statement guidance, and studio-based architectural training in one experience, making it especially valuable for students preparing university applications. 

13. Wells Cathedral School International Vocal Summer School

Location: Wells, England, UK
Cost: £1,195 (residential); £955 (day program, including lunch and dinner)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: August 9-15
Application Deadline: May 6th (for senior applicants submitting performance videos); early booking discount available until January 31st
Eligibility: Singers aged 12-19 with a minimum Grade 6 standard (ABRSM, Trinity, or equivalent). Applicants aged 16-19 should submit a video audition if they wish to be considered for principal roles in opera scenes; open to international students

Designed for aspiring classical singers, this week-long intensive helps you build the technical, musical, and dramatic skills needed for solo vocal performance. You’ll participate in masterclasses, individual singing and acting lessons, language coaching, chorus rehearsals, workshops, and Q&A sessions led by Wells Cathedral School faculty and guest professors from leading UK conservatoires.

Throughout the program, you’ll rehearse song repertoire and, for older participants, perform scenes from early opera or operetta while receiving personalized feedback from expert tutors. The experience culminates in a public concert and staged opera scenes at Cedars Hall, giving you valuable performance experience in a professional venue.

Why it stands out: The program combines conservatoire-style vocal training with extensive performance opportunities, including a public concert and opera scenes, giving students direct access to renowned vocal coaches and guest faculty from leading UK music schools.

14. Bauhaus-Universität Weimar – Art & Senses 

Location: Weimar, Germany 
Cost: €950 (€750 for students/alumni)  
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 20 participants
Dates: Program: July 6th – July 31st (4 weeks); Classes Begin: July 7th; Final Exhibition: July 31st; Residential Program Ends: August 15-29
Application Deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Open to all interested applicants (CV + motivation letter required); open to international students

Sensory perception drives this four-week interdisciplinary program at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, where sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell all become material for experimental art-making. You’ll engage in collaborative and individual creative projects that challenge traditional definitions of art, emphasising narrative, research, and sensory-based experimentation.

The program includes excursions, museum access, and community events, offering both academic and cultural immersion in Weimar, a city deeply tied to the Bauhaus legacy. With only 20 participants selected, the course offers an intimate, highly interactive environment. It is ideal for those and creatives interested in interdisciplinary art, design, and experimental thinking.  

Why it stands out: It stands out for its highly experimental, sensory-driven approach to creativity, making it uniquely accessible to artists and non-artists alike while rooted in the historic Bauhaus tradition.  

15. The Courtauld Summer School – The Rise and Fall of the ‘High Renaissance’

Location: London, England, UK
Cost: £695
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: June 22-26
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until places are filled
Eligibility: Open to adult learners; no formal prerequisites specified; open to international students

This intensive one-week art history course examines the emergence, influence, and legacy of the Italian High Renaissance through expert lectures and firsthand study of major artworks. You’ll explore the work of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael while considering how the idea of a “High Renaissance” was created, challenged, and reinterpreted over time.

Classroom sessions are complemented by guided visits to London’s leading cultural institutions, including the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Royal Academy, allowing you to analyze artworks in person. Taught by Renaissance specialist Dr. Michael Douglas-Scott, the course combines historical context, critical discussion, and object-based learning in a small-group setting.

Why it stands out: The course combines expert-led seminars with direct study of world-famous artworks in London’s leading museums, offering an immersive art history experience that goes well beyond the classroom.

Frequently asked questions: Pre-college art programs abroad for high schoolers

Are pre-college art programs abroad open to international students?

Yes, nearly every program in this list explicitly welcomes international students, including OCAD U’s Pre-University Summer Intensive, Parsons Paris, and UCL The Bartlett Summer School. Immerse Education’s Pre-College Art Programme is also open globally to students aged 13 to 18 across six locations. A few programs, like the University for the Creative Arts’ International Summer School, have some age-based restrictions for younger applicants within the 16 to 17 range, so check eligibility details closely.

How much do pre-college art programs abroad cost?

Costs vary enormously by program length and destination. Shorter courses, like the Courtauld Summer School at £695 for one week, sit at the lower end, while longer, more comprehensive programs like Parsons Paris cost $9,999 for three weeks. Mid-range options include the University of Edinburgh’s Design program at £5,250 and IE University’s Pre-Design program at €5,900. Financial aid is available for several programs, including Immerse Education’s Pre-College Art Programme.

Do pre-college art programs abroad award college credit?

Some do, though it’s not universal. Parsons Paris awards three college credits, Franklin University Switzerland’s Art and Belonging program awards three university credits, and the American University of Florence awards up to six college credits depending on program length. Other programs, like OCAD U’s Pre-University Summer Intensive and UCL The Bartlett Summer School, provide a certificate of completion rather than transferable credit. Confirm credit policies directly with each program, since even similarly structured studio programs handle this differently.

What is the difference between a general art program and a specialized track like architecture or fashion abroad?

General art programs, like UAL’s International Summer School or the University for the Creative Arts’ International Summer School, let you explore multiple creative disciplines, such as illustration, photography, and graphic design, within one program. Specialized tracks, like UCL The Bartlett’s architecture-focused program or Parsons Paris’s fashion design courses, instead have you focus deeply on one field from the start. If you’re still deciding on a creative direction, a general program offers more breadth; if you already know your focus, a specialized track offers deeper technical training.

How selective are pre-college art programs abroad?

Selectivity ranges from highly competitive to open enrollment. UCL The Bartlett Summer School and OCAD U’s Pre-University Summer Intensive are described as competitive or selective, admitting a limited cohort each session. Others, like the Courtauld Summer School, are described as moderately selective with fewer formal prerequisites. Regardless of selectivity, meeting English proficiency requirements, which apply across nearly every program on this list, matters as much as your artistic portfolio.

Is Immerse Education a good option for exploring art abroad?

Immerse Education’s Pre-College Art Programme is a strong choice if you want flexibility in location alongside a genuine university experience, spanning six cities including Oxford, Cambridge, and Toronto. The two week program places you in small groups of seven to 10 students, guided by tutors from top universities, where you’ll work on a personal project and receive written feedback. With financial aid available and multiple rolling cohorts throughout the summer, it also offers more scheduling flexibility than many single-session programs listed here.

Explore Where Your Artistic Skills Could Lead

Studying art abroad can sharpen your technique, expand your perspective, and show how culture, place, and collaboration influence creative work.

The 15 pre-college art programs abroad for high schoolers featured here offer routes into fine art, design, architecture, fashion, photography, and portfolio development.

By comparing cost, location, teaching style, specialism, and college credit, you can choose an experience that matches your ambitions and strengthens your next steps.

Ready to take your creativity beyond familiar surroundings? Browse our Study Abroad blogs for destination insights, cultural guidance, and practical advice to help you plan an inspiring international learning experience with greater confidence.