Faa / Sweden?
Here’s why.
At The Florence Academy of Art / Sweden, we blend the rich traditions of classical realism, representational and figurative art with the unique cultural and practical benefits of studying in Scandinavia.
Located in Mölndal, near Gothenburg, the Swedish branch offers the same rigorous, atelier-style training found in our Florence and New Jersey campuses.
However, FAA/Sweden stands apart through its deep connection to the Nordic environment, and the opportunities it offers both local and international students.
Whether you’re looking to master techniques of realistic painting or to immerse yourself in an international artistic community, FAA/Sweden provides an unparalleled setting to refine your skills and grow as an artist.
Advantages for Swedish and Scandinavian Students
International Education, Close to Home. As a Scandinavian student, you’ll find yourself in a truly international study environment—right here in Sweden. FAA/Sweden attracts students from all continents, creating a vibrant and diverse artistic community. Our academy offers the best of both worlds: a small, genuine setting where every student is seen and valued, combined with the benefits of being part of an extensive international network. This unique blend ensures that while being a part of a close-knit community experience, you also gain exposure to global perspectives and opportunities that enrich your artistic journey.
Access to Financial Support. One of the key advantages for Swedish students is the financial accessibility of our programs. FAA/Sweden is officially recognized by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education and is eligible for CSN funding. This means that Swedish students can receive the same financial assistance (B1) as they would for university or college studies. Students from Norway, Denmark, and Finland can also apply for educational support from their respective countries, making it easier to pursue a world-class art education without financial strain.
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Instruction. With an intimate cohort of approximately 28 students, FAA/Sweden ensures that each individual receives personal attention and individualised mentorship. Our educational philosophy emphasizes challenging one another within a supportive and safe environment, fostering both technical mastery and personal artistic growth. We highly value individuality and are committed to nurturing each student’s unique artistic development. As highlighted in the article ”Craft, Clarity, Creation”, our approach focuses on providing clarity in instruction and encouraging the creative process, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to flourish as an artist.
International Education
Close to Home.
Access to Financial Support.
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Instruction.
…and for International Students?
A Global Academy in an Inspiring Scandinavian Landscape.
FAA/Sweden offers more than just a classical art education—it provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Scandinavia. Located in Mölndal, surrounded by serene forests and crystal-clear lakes, our campus is the perfect place to draw inspiration from nature. The unique Nordic light, celebrated by artists for its soft, diffused quality, creates an ideal environment for painting and drawing throughout the year. Sweden’s allemansrätt, or “right of public access,” allows you to explore vast landscapes freely, whether you’re hiking, sketching outdoors, or finding new subjects in untouched natural settings. Moreover, while Swedish is the national language, you’ll find that nearly everyone speaks fluent English, making it easy to navigate daily life and fully engage in both the academic and social aspects of your time here.
A Rich Artistic Heritage and Modern Scandinavian Design.
Studying in Sweden means becoming part of a culture that values both tradition and innovation. Scandinavia is renowned for its functional design ethos, which influences everything from architecture to everyday objects. This cultural appreciation for form and function creates a visually stimulating environment that naturally complements your artistic journey. Furthermore, Sweden boasts a rich history of 19th-century painters whose works gained international acclaim and continue to inspire artists today. Their legacy, combined with Sweden’s contemporary design culture, offers a unique fusion of classical and modern aesthetics that you’ll experience both inside and outside the studio. From Gothenburg Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm are a few hours by train away, making it an ideal location for exploring Scandinavian culture.
Streamlined Processes for a Smooth Transition.
FAA/Sweden operates with well-established and transparent procedures to ensure a smooth transition for international students. From the moment of acceptance, streamlined processes make it easy to handle essential administrative tasks, including securing your student residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). Since our programs are registered in Sweden as Art and Culture Education (Konst och Kultur Utbildning), the visa application process falls under the “Other studies” category, simplifying documentation and approval timelines. To ensure ample time for processing, we highly recommend applying for early acceptance. This proactive approach allows you to comfortably finalize your visa arrangements well in advance of the academic year, giving you peace of mind as you prepare for your studies in Sweden.
A School Built on
Trust and Transparency
01.
At The Florence Academy of Art in Sweden, we are committed to transparency and student-centered education. Our institution operates as a limited liability company with a special profit distribution limitation.
02.
This structure ensures that any surplus is reinvested directly into enhancing our educational programs, rather than being distributed to shareholders. As Academic Director Andreas Birath explains, this model serves as a “badge of trust”, reflecting our dedication to integrity and the continuous improvement of our students’ learning experience.
03.
Furthermore, The Florence Academy of Art is a branch of the International Academy of Fine Art, a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code since 2000. This status underscores our commitment to providing high-quality art education and our recognition as a nonprofit institution dedicated to the advancement of fine arts.
04.
By choosing to study with us, you are joining an institution that prioritizes educational excellence, ethical governance, and the fostering of artistic talent within a supportive and transparent framework.
A Community of Inclusivity and Equality
Choosing to study in Sweden means becoming part of a society renowned for its strong sense of community, transparency, and inclusivity. Sweden is globally recognized as a leader in gender equality, where the principle that everyone—regardless of gender—has the right to work, live, and thrive without fear of discrimination or violence is deeply ingrained in both policy and culture. But Sweden’s commitment to fairness extends beyond gender; it fosters an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and identities.
The Swedish education model emphasizes democratic values, openness, and equal opportunities, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. This culture of inclusivity is reflected in our studios, where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and collaboration is encouraged. Whether you are from Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas, you’ll find that Sweden’s commitment to fairness and transparency creates an ideal environment for both personal and artistic growth.
A Community of Inclusivity and Equality
Choosing to study in Sweden means becoming part of a society renowned for its strong sense of community, transparency, and inclusivity. Sweden is globally recognized as a leader in gender equality, where the principle that everyone—regardless of gender—has the right to work, live, and thrive without fear of discrimination or violence is deeply ingrained in both policy and culture. But Sweden’s commitment to fairness extends beyond gender; it fosters an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and identities.
The Swedish education model emphasizes democratic values, openness, and equal opportunities, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. This culture of inclusivity is reflected in our studios, where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and collaboration is encouraged. Whether you are from Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas, you’ll find that Sweden’s commitment to fairness and transparency creates an ideal environment for both personal and artistic growth.
Beyond the studio environment, Sweden’s broader society offers a safe, progressive, and environmentally conscious setting. The country consistently ranks among the highest globally for quality of life, sustainability, and social welfare, providing a stable and inspiring backdrop for creative exploration. By choosing FAA/Sweden, you’re not only receiving a world-class art education—you’re becoming part of a community that values inclusivity, equality, and the freedom to express yourself fully as an artist.
