World University Rankings for Performing Arts

Rank University Country Website Score
1 Royal College of Music United Kingdom https://www.rcm.ac.uk 54.0
2 Royal Academy of Music United Kingdom https://www.ram.ac.uk 52.5
3 Guildhall School of Music and Drama United Kingdom https://www.gsmd.ac.uk 52.3
4 University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna Austria https://www.mdw.ac.at 52.0
5 The Juilliard School United States https://www.juilliard.edu 50.8
6 Royal Conservatoire of Scotland United Kingdom https://www.rcs.ac.uk 50.5
7 California Institute of the Arts United States https://calarts.edu 50.3
8 Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) United Kingdom https://www.rncm.ac.uk 50.1
9 New York University (NYU) United States https://www.nyu.edu 50.0
10 The Gnesin Russian Academy of Music Russia https://gnesin-academy.ru 49.9
11 Moscow Conservatory Russia http://www.mosconsv.ru 49.4
12 Curtis Institute of Music United States https://www.curtis.edu 49.3
13 Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki Finland https://www.uniarts.fi/en/units/sibelius-academy 49.1
14 Royal Holloway, University of London United Kingdom https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk 49.0
15 University of Cambridge United Kingdom https://www.cam.ac.uk 47.6
16 University of Rochester United States https://www.rochester.edu 47.4
17 The Royal Danish Academy of Music Denmark https://www.dkdm.dk/en 47.2
18 Harvard University United States https://www.harvard.edu 47.1
19 University of Oxford United Kingdom https://www.ox.ac.uk 47.0
20 McGill University Canada https://www.mcgill.ca 45.9
21 Norwegian Academy of Music Norway https://nmh.no/en 45.4
22 Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music Hungary https://uni.lisztacademy.hu 45.3
23 Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique et de Danse de Lyon France https://www.cnsmd-lyon.fr 45.1
24 Hochschule fur Musik und Theater Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Leipzig Germany https://www.hmt-leipzig.de 45.0
25 St. Petersburg State Conservatory Russia http://istud.conservatory.ru 43.2
26 Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance United Kingdom https://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk 43.1
27 Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Hong Kong https://www.hkapa.edu 43.0
28 Columbia University United States https://www.columbia.edu 40.9
29 Yale University United States https://www.yale.edu 40.5
30 National School of Drama, New Delhi India https://nsd.gov.in/delhi 40.1
31 Shanghai Conservatory of Music China https://en.shcmusic.edu.cn 40.0
32 University of Huddersfield United Kingdom https://www.hud.ac.uk 38.8
33 University Mozarteum Salzburg Austria https://www.moz.ac.at/en 38.5
34 Zurich University of the Arts Switzerland https://www.zhdk.ch/en 38.2
35 Mannheim University of Music and Performing Arts Germany https://www.hfm-berlin.de 38.0
36 Royal Central School of Speech and Drama United Kingdom https://www.cssd.ac.uk 37.9
37 Stanford University United States https://www.stanford.edu 37.6
38 Northwestern University United States https://www.northwestern.edu 37.3
40 Film and Television Institute of India, Pune (FTII, Pune) India https://www.ftii.ac.in 37.0
41 National University of Singapore (NUS) Singapore https://nus.edu.sg 35.1
42 UCSI University Malaysia https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my 35.0
43 University of Southern California United States https://www.usc.edu 34.6
44 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor United States https://umich.edu 34.3
45 The American Musical and Dramatic Academy United States https://www.amda.edu 34.0
46 University of Toronto Canada https://www.utoronto.ca 33.1
47 Goldsmiths, University of London United Kingdom https://www.gold.ac.uk 33.0
48 Chopin University of Music Poland https://chopin.edu.pl/university/about-the-umfc 30.4
49 University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) United States https://www.berkeley.edu 30.1
50 University of Birmingham United Kingdom https://www.birmingham.ac.uk 30.0
University Ranking Methodology
The image showcases the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, a historic and elegant yellow building with classical architectural elements is ranking at the 4th position of the World University Rankings for Performing Arts.

Why Choosing the Right & Best Colleges for Performing Arts Matters?

When pursuing a career in the performing arts, such as music, theatre, or dance, choosing the best performing arts colleges is crucial. The institutions listed in this university ranking by Academic Block offer top-tier training, high-tech facilities, and experienced faculty who nurture creativity and technical skills. Whether you aim to excel in acting, dance, music, or theater production, enrolling in one of these top-ranked performing arts colleges ensures that you gain industry-relevant expertise in your field.

Attending top universities for performing arts provides access to intensive practical learning, professional networking opportunities, and real-life practical experiences. These universities often collaborate with renowned artists and production houses, that give students a direct exposure to the industry. In addition, they also provide trailblazing theaters, sound studios, and rehearsal spaces, that make there learning immersive and practical.

The best performing arts universities offer a wide range of degrees, including Bachelor’s and master’s programs in theater, dance, music, film, and performing arts management. Students can specialize in areas like choreography, screen acting, stage direction or vocal performance. These programs are designed to refine talent while engaging students with the theoretical knowledge needed for success in the entertainment industry.

Choosing from the best performing arts colleges in the world ensures a well-rounded education, career opportunities around the globe, and a strong artistic foundation. Start your journey in one of the top colleges for performing arts and turn your passion into a thriving profession. Please note that you can sort this table according to subjects and country to find the best university that matches your academic interests and location preferences.