Education
Purdue University Northwest: Rankings, Fees & Courses
June 11, 2025
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5 min read
Meryl Streep, a Yale alumna, 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, along with the best acting conservatory programs. Who knows, maybe your name will be next on the list of Hollywood legends!
25 Best Acting Schools in the World
Lights, camera, action! Want to step into the world of Hollywood or Bollywood glitz and glamour? Then, getting into the top acting schools in the world has to be your first step. So, grab your popcorn as we take you through the hallowed halls of some of the best acting schools in the world, where many iconic talents have been nurtured.
1. Juilliard School
Location: New York, US
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
Notable Alumni: Robin Williams, Kevin Spacey, & Jo Mei
Want to be the next Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting) or Jessica Chastain (Interstellar)? The Juilliard School, one of the best acting schools in the world, has over 800 students from all over the world who perform in hundreds of shows each year. Students are taught to bring vulnerability and empathy to the characters they play. The acting program offers training in movement, voice, the Alexander Technique, and other aspects of acting. There are many other film schools in New York that you can learn about. This is one of the best acting schools in the world with connections to Broadway and Hollywood.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (monologues and possibly a callback).
2. The Old Globe and the University of San Diego
Location: San Francisco, US
Fees: $40,000 - $45,000
Duration: 2 years
Acceptance Rate: 2%
World Rank: #8
Scholarship Provided: The Craig Noel Scholarship
Notable Alumni: William Anton, Gregg Barnes, & Robert Foxworth
This program, led by famous actor Jesse Perez, is available at 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! As one of the top drama schools in the world, this University is definitely the ultimate stairwell to a good acting gig. Additionally, the program at this best acting school in the world collaborates with The Old Globe, one of the most acclaimed regional theatres in the US.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required, including classical and contemporary monologues.
2. A bachelor’s degree in theatre or a related field is generally required for the MFA program.
3. California Institute of the Arts
Location: Santa Clarita, US
Fees: $35,000 - $60,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 29%
World Rank: #17
Scholarship Provided: Gary Katzenstein Scholarship
Notable Alumni: Tim Burton, Brad Bird, & John Lasseter
CalArts, one of the top acting schools in the world, is known for its creativity! Here, artists of all kinds, be they actors, filmmakers, or dancers, learn without limits. At California Institute of the Arts, you will gain an exceptional acting education with high-end practical learning and many good work opportunities. Remember Tim Burton's dark films like ‘Corpse Bride,’ and Alison Brie's hilarious characters like ‘Glow’? They are from this institution! Also, known for experimental arts education, this is one of the best acting schools in the world that has a strong connection to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (monologues).
2. High school diploma or equivalent for the BFA.
3. Prior acting experience is a plus for the MFA program.
4. Carnegie Mellon School of Drama
Location: Pittsburgh, US
Fees: $40,000 - $50,000
Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 4%
World Rank: #11
Scholarship Provided: Bernard Davis Scholarship
Notable Alumni: Holly Hunter, Paula Wigner, & Patrick Wilson
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 drama schools in the world, they don't just train actors but create artistic leaders of the future. Carnegie Mellon, one of the best acting schools in the world, combines different art forms with progressive theatre practice to explore the storytelling and entertainment possibilities. Plus, they've launched the careers of many famous faces, such as René Auberjonois from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Hale Appleman from The Gilded Age.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (monologues, movement component, and possibly a callback).
2. High school diploma for the BFA.
3. For MFA, a bachelor’s degree in drama or related experience is needed.
5. Central School of Speech and Drama
Location: London, UK
Fees: £20,000 - £30,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 26%
World Rank: #15
Scholarship Provided: BA Acting Scholarship
Notable Alumni: Rhys Anderson, Heather Smith, & Sean Laing
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. Founded in 1906, it is one of the best acting universities in the world. The school offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees in acting, actor training, applied theatre, theatre crafts, drama therapy, producing, scenography, and musical theatre. 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. In addition, as part of the University of London, this is one of the hardest acting schools to get into and boasts state-of-the-art facilities and strong links to the UK theatre industry.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required, including both classical and contemporary pieces.
2. High school diploma or equivalent for the BA.
3. Bachelor’s degree and experience for the MA program.
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
Notable Alumni: Daniel Willis, Narda E. Alcorn, & Scott Ellis
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. As one of the best colleges for acting, the alumni from here have certainly made a mark in the acting industry. Guildhall also has longstanding links to the UK’s West End and the broader European arts scene, as one of the best acting schools in the world.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (monologues and possibly a callback).
2. High school diploma for the BFA.
3. MFA candidates usually need a bachelor's degree in drama or a related field.
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
Alumni: Daniel Craig, Orlando Bloom, & Emma Naomi
Ranked amongst the best acting schools in the world by major publications—Complete University Guide 2024—Guildhall offers world-class training and education in drama and music. Join Guildhall and become part of a world-leading community of actors, performance makers, and production artists. The school features a Silk Street Theatre (a huge versatile space), Milton Court Theatre (a proscenium arch theatre), and Milton Court Studio Theatre. Gain insights on the fundamentals of acting like ensemble and autonomy, spontaneity and repetition, self-character, and play and presence.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required, focusing on monologues and improvisation.
2. High school diploma or equivalent for the BA.
3. Bachelor’s degree for entry into the MA program.
8. Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
Location: Victoria Way, UK
Fees: £20,000-£25,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 30%
World Rank: #20
Scholarship Provided: Ian Fleming Musical Theatre Scholarship
Notable Alumni: Russell Brand, Richard Todd, & Julianne Hough
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. Students studying here will gain intensive practical training in acting, movement, voice, and singing. By combining technical classes, contextual practice, and project work, students can enhance their acting skills. The Italia Conti acceptance rate also doesn’t strike as an obstruction. If you're looking for the best acting programs in the world, this could be your destination!
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required, with focus on both classical and contemporary pieces.
2. High school diploma for the BA program.
3. Experience or equivalent prior training for the Diploma.
9. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA)
Location: London, UK
Fees: £14,000-£20,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 75%
World Rank: 6
Scholarship Provided: Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship
Notable Alumni: Colin Baker & Benedict Cumberbatch
London Academy drama school has been around for ages (over 160 years!) and is known for being one of the best acting schools in the world, training top actors. Think of it as a Hollywood boot camp for famous faces! At the London Academy, you can choose from a range of courses, including professional acting, foundation in stage and screen, directing, and musical theatre. It is also known as one of the best acting schools in Europe.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (classical and contemporary monologues).
2. High school diploma or equivalent for the BA.
3. Bachelor’s degree and substantial acting experience for the MA.
10. Mountview Academy of Theater Arts
Location: London, UK
Fees: £14,000-£22,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 75%
World Rank: #31
Scholarship Provided: The Richard Wilson Scholarship
Notable Alumni: Maria Aberg, Kelly Adams, & Glynis Barber
One of the best acting colleges in the world, Mountview Academy of Theater Arts, can be your future of creativity! With a keen focus on innovative practice, the school offers an array of courses like performance-actor musicianship, top-up technical production, and stage and production management. Popular alumni include Kelly Adams from 'Death in Paradise,' and Lucy Anderson from ‘Dear Evan Hansen.’ There are other film schools in the UK that you can check out as per your budget and admission.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (two monologues and possible improvisation).
2. High school diploma or equivalent for the BA.
3. Bachelor’s degree and acting experience for the MA program.
11. National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)
Location: Kensington, Australia
Fees: AU$10,000-AU$20,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 100%
World Rank: #14
Scholarship Provided: The NIDA Foundation Scholarships
Notable Alumni: Nicholas Lathouris & Mel Gibson
Want to become the next big Aussie star? Look no further than NIDA, one of the best acting schools 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). Students studying here receive a world-class education and the opportunity to international networks and industry leaders in theatre, dance, and opera. 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.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (two monologues and possible improvisation).
2. High school diploma or equivalent for the BFA.
3. Bachelor’s degree and acting experience for the MA program.
12. Oxford School of Drama
Location: Wootton, UK
Fees: £18,000 - £20,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 1%
World Rank: #3
Scholarship Provided: The Oxford School of Drama BursariesA
Notable Alumni: Luke Barnes, Lizzie Annis, & Ritu Arya
Next on our list of the best acting schools in the world is Oxford School of Drama. 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. The reason why the Oxford School of Drama acceptance rate is pretty competitive is cause it is one of the most prestigious acting schools. If you're looking for the best acting programs in the world, this one might just be the perfect fit!
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (monologues and improvisation).
2. High school diploma or equivalent for diploma programs.
3. No specific degree required, but strong acting ability must be demonstrated.
13. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
Location: London, UK
Fees: £30,000 - £60,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 0%
World Rank: 5
Scholarship Provided: The Vanbrugh Theatre Scholarship
Notable Alumni: Anthony Hopkins & Mike Leigh
One of the best drama schools in the world, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) offers exceptional vocational training for actors, stage managers, and stage managers. It offers courses like technical theatre and stage management, acting, and theatre lab. RADA, a powerhouse in drama training, has been shaping the careers of acting greats for years. Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Lain Glen (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 it's considered one of the top acting schools in the world!
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required (classical and contemporary pieces, and possible callback).
2. High school diploma for BA courses.
3. Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate diploma courses.
14. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Fees: £9,000 - £19,000
Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 50%
World Rank: #6
Scholarship Provided: The RCS Trust Scholarships
Notable Alumni: Ncuti Gatwa, Amy Conachan, & Sam Heughan
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (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.
Entry Requirements:
1. Audition required, including monologues and movement exercises.
2. High school diploma or equivalent for the BA.
3. Bachelor’s degree and acting experience for the MA.
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