The 5 Best Art Schools in Vietnam That We Verified for Creative Growth
Vietnam is experiencing a massive surge in creative energy, visible from the vibrant street art in District 1 to the sophisticated galleries tucked away in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
To help you navigate this expanding landscape, I have identified the best art schools in Vietnam, ranging from formal universities to intimate cultural workshops.
Career-focused designers often seek the rigor of degree programs here, while those needing a mental break discover meaningful escapes in local studios.
This guide moves beyond the brochures to highlight prestigious institutions and vocational hubs that truly deliver on their promises.
By focusing on environments that offer genuine skill refinement and cultural immersion, this list ensures you find a space that respects your time and artistic goals, regardless of your current experience level.
How much does attending art school cost in Vietnam?
Tuition fees for art education in Vietnam shift dramatically based on the institution’s focus and the level of certification provided.
Public universities, such as the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, remain highly accessible, with academic years typically costing between 15,000,000 VND and 25,000,000 VND, and many are now free.
In contrast, private vocational centers and international franchises demand a more significant financial commitment. Diploma courses in these modern hubs often range from 40,000,000 VND to 80,000,000 VND annually, depending on the course.
For casual learners, fees generally fall between 300,000 VND and 1,000,000 VND for single-session workshops, which function similarly to an upscale evening out, depending on the materials included.
Understanding these distinct price brackets helps you align your budget with the type of mentorship and facilities you actually need.
1. Vietnam University of Fine Arts
Website: https://mythuatvietnam.edu.vn/
Address: 42 Yết Kiêu, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
Contact: 844 3942 6972 | 38 263 861, 38 220 879 | [email protected] | mythuatvietnam.edu.vn
Hours: May Vary
For students dedicated to art history and classical training, this institution stands as the country’s most prestigious name. Its reputation rests on a disciplined academic approach that prioritizes foundational mastery over fleeting design trends.
Standing in the quiet courtyard, the campus carries a palpable weight of history that newer private centers cannot replicate. The French colonial architecture and shadowed corridors ground you in a legacy that predates modern design trends.
The University traces its roots back to the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine, founded in 1925 by French painter Victor Tardieu, whose statue still stands on campus.
They offer deep dives into painting, sculpture, and graphic design with a heavy emphasis on traditional techniques. This makes it an ideal destination for students who want a recognized degree and a disciplined environment rather than a quick creative fix.
However, because it is a state-run institution, be prepared for facilities that can feel a bit dated compared to modern private hubs. Additionally, the administrative processes can sometimes move slowly, requiring a bit of patience during enrollment.
Customer Reviews
Small but lovely campus
Small but lovely campus in the heart of the city
- Thanh Huong Le | Google Review
The leading school in the Indochina region in fine arts training
The predecessor of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts is the Indochina University of Fine Arts, the leading school in the Indochina region in fine arts training. The first principal of the school was a French painter, Victor Tardieu, in 1924. Currently, his statue is placed on campus in front of the principal’s office. There is also a lake with a statue of a goddess in the school. Along the school gate are statues of gods. The school has 5 buildings: the Painting House, the Graphics House, the Pedagogy House, the Sculpture House and the museum, where lacquer works of painters are displayed and there are also exhibitions of students.
- Nien Tran | Google Review (Translated From Vietnamese)
2. Global Art Vietnam (District 10)
Website: https://globalart.vn/
Address: 22 Nguyen Ngoc Loc Street, Dien Hong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 1900 1503 | [email protected]
Hours:
- Sat-Mon 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tues-Fri 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Varies By Location)
Global Art creates a fantastic foundation for younger students by moving away from rote copying.
Their syllabus moves beyond rote memorization, using step-by-step visualization techniques that help students grasp complex shapes.
It is an international franchise, which means the quality control is tight and the curriculum is standardized across its centers.
In this structured environment, children build confidence through consistent practice and clear, progressive milestones.
The programs are designed to be progressive, meaning your child builds skills step-by-step rather than jumping into the deep end.
However, because it is a large chain, some might find the approach a bit too formulaic compared to a free-flowing independent studio.
It is definitely more about building skills and discipline than raw, chaotic expression.
Customer Reviews
Friendly and professional teachers.
A place for children to create, learn and develop their aesthetic sense. Friendly and professional teachers. Well-structured curriculum, a system of competitions, and products branded Global Art.
- Hien Nguyen | Google Review (Translated From Vietnamese)
A place for children to learn and have fun through Art
Global Art is a place for children to learn and have fun through Art, a place for them to unleash their creativity
So fun. So attractive..
- Bội Bội | Google Review (Translated From Vietnamese)
3. Lacquer School Tay Ho
Website: https://lacquertuan.com/
Address: No. 24, Alley 127/32, Lane 127, Lạc Long Quân Str., Tây Hồ, Hanoi
Contact: 086 7355 003 (Ms. Như, in Vietnamese & English, Zalo & WhatsApp) | [email protected]
Hours:
- Sat-Mon 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM,
- Tues-Fri 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Workshops here immerse you immediately in the intricate process of lacquer painting, one of Vietnam’s most distinct art forms.
When I took a workshop here, I was surprised by how intricate and patient the process of lacquer painting actually is. It really gave me a newfound respect for the local artisans.
Instructors dismantle complex traditional techniques, turning them into manageable steps that beginners can navigate in a single afternoon.
This makes them a fantastic choice for adults or travelers who want a hands-on cultural experience rather than a semester-long commitment.
You get to work with real materials and walk away with a piece of art that you created yourself.
Prospective students should note that the curriculum focuses strictly on lacquer techniques rather than general illustration. Those seeking foundational drawing or sketching lessons will find the specialized instruction here too narrow for their broad requirements.
Customer Reviews
Best introduction to lacquer technique
Amazing experience at the Lacquer school, and the best introduction to lacquer technique I had in Vietnam ! The teachers are very talented artists, and it’s so nice to discover their paintings. The perfect way to take home a great handmade souvenir!
- kathy malou | Google Review
Super fun!
I enjoyed the class a lot!! It was a little intimidating seeing all of the expert’s art around the studio, but it was great running into regulars of the studio and seeing them pick up finished pieces. It’s a very accessible art form and you have plenty of options to choose from. You can make a small painting, coaster, or earrings. The store was easy to find when using the correct address. There’s a lacquer school sign outside. The instructors are incredibly hospitable and we learned about the lacquer art process, the lacquer art materials, and also about Vietnam history/culture. Super fun!
- Phoebe C | Google Review
4. Nitya Art And Music Academy
Website: https://www.nityaartmusicschool.com/
Address: Block A0108, Ministry of Public Security Apartment Building, 50 Street No. 3, An Khanh Ward, Thu Duc City
Contact: 0705 287 577 | [email protected]
Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Nitya brings visual arts and music under one roof, creating a community hub in Thu Duc where piano scales drift into painting studios.
Located in Thu Duc, it attracts a diverse mix of locals and expats who want a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere to explore their talents.
Families often choose this spot to let children explore multiple disciplines without commuting between different centers. The vibe is warm and welcoming, encouraging students to learn at their own pace.
However, the location might be a bit of a trek if you are living deep in the city center or District 1, making it less convenient for those without personal transport.
Customer Reviews
Comfortable environment for children and adults
If you would like to invest your kiddos for future, this school is a right place with variety of ranges in art and music. Great customer service, nice staffs, well-equipped classroom with comfortable environment for children and adults.
- Anh Dao | Google Review
A great place for kids to engage in artistic activities
Led by a talented lady who is passionate about art herself, the school is such a great place for kids to engage in artistic activities and develop their potential.
- Nhien Le | Google Review
5. Arena Multimedia
Website: https://www.arena-multimedia.vn/
Address:
- (Nguyễn Đình Chiểu): 212-214 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, P. Xuân Hoà
- (Hồ Văn Huê): 43R/12 Hồ Văn Huê, P. Đức Nhuận
- (Tân Bình): Số 6 Tân Kỳ Tân Quý (gần Etown), P. Tân Bình
- (Phú Lâm): 136 Lê Tuấn Mậu (CV Phú Lâm), P. Phú Lâm
Contact: [email protected] (All Locations)
- (Nguyễn Đình Chiểu): 1800 1525
- (Hồ Văn Huê): 1800 6325
- (Tân Bình): 1800 2074
- (Phú Lâm): 1800 2046
Hours: Mon-Sat 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Students aiming for the digital design industry often look to Arena Multimedia for its focus on employability.
Unlike the traditional fine arts schools that focus on history and manual techniques, their curriculum is laser-focused on employability, covering graphic design, 3D animation, and filmmaking.
The curriculum prioritizes agency workflows over general theory, pushing students to master the software and deadlines they will face in actual studios.
It’s fast-paced and modern, making it a top pick for career changers or students who want to bypass general theory and get straight to work building a portfolio.
Given the significant tuition and intense pace, enrollment functions best as a deliberate career investment.
The program demands a commitment level similar to a full-time job, filtering out casual learners in favor of those ready for professional rigor.
Customer Reviews
Comfortable learning environment
Good training quality, comfortable learning environment and fully equipped with learning tools. Teachers are very enthusiastic and lovely ❤️.
- Nguyễn Thị My | Google Review (Translated From Vietnamese)
I really like a dynamic and creative environment
Arena is a dynamic learning environment with many activities that provide knowledge and share useful experiences with students. I really like a dynamic and creative environment like Arena.
- Hân Ngọc | Google Review