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Top scholarships to study filmmaking as an international student
Find out here about the scholarships available to study filmmaking as international student, their requirements, deadlines, and more.
Choosing to study filmmaking as an international student is an incredible opportunity to enrich your professional path and accelerate your career through the connections that come with an education abroad. However, tuition and living costs at top-tier universities can be quite high, which is why many students look for scholarships to study film overseas.
In this article we’ll explore some of the best scholarships to study filmmaking abroad, along with their deadlines and requirements. Studying film is a wonderful way to connect through the art of cinema, a space that brings to life countless stories that inspire and transform society. These scholarships can cover tuition, housing, personal expenses and even travel. And when you are studying in another country, staying connected is essential, whether it is to share your projects, join video calls or upload your work on time. That is where Holafly’s global plans can make a big difference, especially if you will be traveling between countries or need reliable internet from the first day.
How much does it cost to study film abroad?
The cost of studying film abroad can vary greatly depending on the country, the school, and your lifestyle. To give you a general idea, here’s an estimated range that takes into account tuition, housing, transportation, and basic monthly expenses.
- United States (NYU Tisch, UCLA, etc.): Between $30,000 and $60,000 per year. In cities such as Los Angeles or New York, rent can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per month.
- Canada (Vancouver Film School, Toronto Film School): Between $13,000-29,000 per year. Accommodation ranges from 700 to 1,500 dollars per month.
- United Kingdom (London Film School, MetFilm): Between $20,000 and $40,000 per year. Living in London can cost between $1,200 and $2,400 per month.
- France (La Fémis, EICAR): There are public universities with very affordable tuition, around $540 a year, if you qualify as a European resident or receive a scholarship. Monthly living expenses usually range between $750 and $1,300.
- Germany (DFFB, HFF Munich): Many public film schools do not charge tuition. You only pay a small administrative fee each semester, usually between $215 and $430. The average cost of living is around $920 to $1,300 per month.
Don’t forget to add health insurance, your visa if needed, materials for your projects, and of course, internet access. That’s why an international travel eSIM like Holafly’s can be so useful, giving you unlimited data for as long as you need it.
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The best scholarships to study filmmaking as international student
La Fémis Summer School – Paris, France
- This intensive 4 to 8 week program at one of Europe’s most prestigious film schools provides hands-on training in directing, producing, and screenwriting.
- General requirements: Previous experience in film or related studies, intermediate English or basic French, work portfolio.
- Coverage and benefits: Accommodation in Paris, free or discounted tuition, access to equipment and editing rooms.
- Type of studies offered: Intensive summer course.
- Aimed at: Students and emerging filmmakers from countries outside Europe, aged 22 to 35.
- How to apply: Through the official La Fémis website.
- Opening date: February.
- Closing date: April.
DAAD – Scholarships for artistic studies (film) – Germany
- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for postgraduate studies in art and film at German universities.
- General requirements: Recent university degree (no more than six years old), creative portfolio, basic knowledge of German or English, and a motivation letter.
- Coverage and benefits: $1,100 per month, health insurance, travel expenses, and partial or full tuition coverage.
- Type of studies offered: Master’s degrees and specializations in film schools.
- Aimed at: People from developing countries, especially young artistic talents.
- How to apply: On the DAAD scholarship portal.
- Opening date: Between August and September.
- Closing date: October or November.
Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
- A global scholarship program from the UK government for pursuing a master’s degree at any university in the United Kingdom, including creative fields such as film and television.
- General requirements: University degree, at least two years of work experience (including volunteer work or creative projects), and a strong command of English.
- Coverage and benefits: Full tuition, monthly living expenses, airfare, visa, and networking events.
- Type of studies offered: One-year master’s degree.
- Aimed at: Emerging leaders from over 160 countries. There is no age limit, but it is ideally suited to young people.
- How to apply: Through chevening.org.
- Opening date: August.
- Closing date: November.
VanArts – International Student Scholarships – Vancouver, Canada
- A private Canadian school focused on film, animation, acting, and digital production. It offers partial scholarships for outstanding international students.
- General requirements: Portfolio, motivation letter, interview, basic level of English.
- Coverage and benefits: Scholarships ranging from $730 to $72,000, depending on the program.
- Type of studies offered: One-year diplomas in film production, directing, screenwriting, and editing.
- Aimed at: International students with proven talent, with no age limit.
- How to apply: Directly at vanarts.com.
- Opening date: January and September (depending on the beginning of the course).
- Closing date: Variable, depending on intake.
K’Arts Art Major Asian Scholarship – Seoul, South Korea
- Scholarship to study film and other arts at the Korea National University of Arts (K’Arts), one of the most prestigious universities in Asia.
- General requirements: Citizenship of an Asian or developing country, strong academic record, basic knowledge of English or Korean, and an artistic portfolio.
- Coverage and benefits: Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, medical insurance, and Korean language course.
- Type of studies offered: Undergraduate and graduate.
- Target audience: Talented young artists from countries outside South Korea.
- How to apply: On the official K’Arts website.
- Opening date: April.
- Closing date: June.
Australia Awards – Australia
- Scholarships offered by the Australian government for postgraduate studies in any field, including film, audiovisual production, and digital media.
- General requirements: University degree, relevant work experience, advanced English (IELTS), and citizenship of an eligible country (Latin America is included in some application cycles).
- Coverage and benefits: Tuition, travel expenses, monthly stipend, medical insurance, introductory courses, academic support.
- Type of studies offered: Master’s degrees and specialization courses.
- Aimed at: Professionals with leadership potential, especially in creative fields.
- How to apply: On the official Australia Awards website.
- Opening date: February.
- Closing date: April.
Tips for obtaining scholarships to study film abroad
Build a portfolio that tells a story (your story)
In the world of film your portfolio speaks louder than anything else. While grades matter in many fields, what counts here is your ability to tell a story with images and sound. You do not need fancy equipment or a studio just create something genuine and well put together. Include anything that shows your voice whether it is short films, reels, documentaries, music videos or even thoughtfully made TikToks. The key is to highlight your perspective, your sensitivity and your unique style.
Take advantage of student festivals and local events
Selection committees want to see that you are already engaged in the audiovisual world. Getting one of your short films into a festival, even a local one, makes a big difference. You can also apply to film residencies, workshops, or programs for young filmmakers. All of this shows initiative, commitment, and artistic potential. In many cases these achievements carry more weight than grades.
Ask for recommendation letters from people in the field, not just teachers
If you can get a recommendation letter from someone with experience in the film or media industry, even better. It could be a director, a producer, a film professor, or someone you’ve worked with on set or on an independent project. What matters is that they describe who you are as a creator, how you collaborate, and how you handle challenges. That letter can truly make a difference.
In your cover letter, talk about the “why” rather than the “what”
Don’t repeat your résumé or list your achievements. Use your motivation letter to share why you want to tell stories, what themes move you, and how this program or scholarship will help you grow as a filmmaker. This is your chance to inspire, persuade, and connect. Film scholarships look for creativity, not academic perfection.
Show that you will continue to contribute to cinema in your country or region
Programs like Fulbright or DAAD really appreciate applicants who plan to bring their knowledge back home and help their country’s film scene grow. Try to show that your goal is not only to study abroad, but to return with new tools to teach, direct, produce, or open doors for others. Think about the impact you want to make and how you’ll pass on what you learn.
Frequently asked questions about scholarships to study film abroad
Yes, many scholarships accept applicants from other fields as long as they can show genuine interest, relevant experience, and a strong portfolio in film or media.
In most cases, yes. Even if it’s a theoretical master’s degree, they really value practical experience and your vision as a creator.
Whether it’s a short film, a music video, a documentary, or something more experimental, what really matters is showing that you can tell a story and handle the craft behind it.
Yes. Broad scholarship programs like Chevening, Fulbright, or the Australia Awards also accept applications for creative fields, as long as you meet the requirements of the specific degree you’re applying to.
Most programs open between February and September and close between May and November. It’s a good idea to have your portfolio and documents ready at least three months in advance.
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