Student info

Class Structure & Academic Commitment
Studies at FAA Sweden follow a rigorous atelier methodology, where students work from life under northern light. Training demands full-time commitment, with scheduled classes from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Evening lectures, technical demonstrations, and art history seminars supplement the curriculum.

Core Artistic Training: Drawing & Painting
The three year program in Drawing and Painting is designed for students willing to dedicate themselves fully to their artistic development. Students at all levels spend 3–8 hours per day working from live models, refining their observational and technical skills. Poses range from short two-hour studies to extended four-to-five-week poses, allowing for fully developed drawings or paintings. Intermediate and Advanced painting students work from the portrait model for a portion of the second and third year. Evening life drawing classes further reinforce technique and precision.
Read more: curriculum

Assessment & Advancement
At the end of each term, students receive comprehensive individual critiques, evaluating their technical execution and observational accuracy, while also providing guidance on how to refine their approach in the next trimester. Personalized goals are outlined to help students navigate the next stage of their education with focus and clarity.

As part of this assessment, students receive a numerical evaluation on a scale of one to three in five areas—attendance, performance, effort, attitude, and progress. Advancement to the next term is determined by faculty review, ensuring that each student moves forward with a solid foundation.

The rate at which students progress through the Drawing and Painting Program varies by individual, and normally requires a minimum of three years to complete. Program faculty may concur to waive specific exercises thereby allowing a student to fulfill graduation requirements without completing all of the curriculum’s exercises. This decision will be based on the performance of the individual student and will be monitored closely by the faculty to ascertain that the student has understood the concepts and is able produce work at the standards required by they program.

Conversely, if a student fails to meet the goals and requirements of certain projects, they may be asked to repeat the exercise until approved. This may result in the student falling behind schedule. FAA /Sweden students who are behind schedule are eligible for the catch-up sessions. These sessions are free of charge, scheduled during breaks, and includes intense instruction during a two week period.

A Community of 28 Artists
FAA Sweden offers an intimate and structured learning environment for 28 students, fostering mentorship, artistic clarity, and technical precision. The school attracts a global student body from Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Small class sizes ensure close and individualised guidance, and students benefit from peer learning.

Tradition & Innovation in Artistic Training
Rooted in historical atelier practices, FAA Sweden emphasizes craftsmanship, intellectual engagement, and personal artistic expression. The academy cultivates a collaborative atmosphere where students challenge themselves and one another, striving toward artistic mastery.

Application & Portfolio Requirements
Admission is based on a portfolio review of five recent works in drawing, painting, or sculpture. Selection criteria include the applicant’s ability to observe and represent form, light, and proportion from life. Prior training in academic drawing may allow placement at an intermediate level, determined by faculty assessment.
Read more: admission

International Students & Visa Requirements
FAA Sweden welcomes students from around the world. Non-EU students may require a student residence permit, which must be obtained through their local Swedish embassy or consulate. The academy provides necessary documentation upon acceptance. To ensure a smooth transition, non-EU students are encouraged to apply early for sufficient visa processing time. Since the program is classified as “Art and Culture Education” (Konst- och kulturutbildning) in Sweden, students should apply under the “Other Studies” category when submitting their visa applications.

Scholarships & Financial Support
FAA Sweden is recognized by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för Yrkeshögskolan) and approved for CSN financial aid. Swedish students may receive study assistance under B1 classification, equivalent to university-level funding. Students from Norway, Denmark, and Finland can apply for funding in their respective countries. Students in their second or third year may apply for merit scholarships, awarded annually.

Accreditation & Certification
FAA/Sweden is accredited by:

• The Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education (Myndigheten för Yrkeshögskolan, KK0117).
• The Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT), recognizing the program as equivalent to Norwegian accredited higher vocational education.
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• The International Academy of Fine Art, a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

Certificate Program
The Florence Academy of Art (FAA) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), allowing students in full-time programs and workshops to earn U.S. college credit. Upon successful completion of the full-time Painting Program, students receive a university-level Certificate, requiring 147 units under the academy’s quarter system. Graduates can request transcripts for credit transfers to universities worldwide, either directly for U.S. students or through national recognition procedures for international students.

The Certificate can serve as credit towards an undergraduate degree or as proof of expertise for professional purposes. Students aiming for a BA or BFA must complete general education or residency requirements at a degree-granting institution. Non-U.S. students must follow their home country’s process to validate the Certificate for academic or professional use.

Professional Artists & Educators
Approximately 70% of graduates establish careers as professional artists, exhibiting internationally, participating in prestigious competitions, and securing gallery representation. Around 30% pursue careers in education, with many founding their own atelier-style schools or teaching in accredited institutions.

Alumni Engagement
FAA/Sweden supports its alumni throughout their artistic careers by offering lifelong access to the academy’s facilities, including studios and model rooms, free of charge. This open-door policy not only provides practical resources but also fosters a thriving community where current students and graduates connect, mentor, and inspire each other. By allowing alumni to continue their artistic development within the academy, FAA/Sweden strengthens its commitment to craftsmanship and the ongoing growth of its artists, ensuring that they remain part of a dynamic, supportive network long after graduation.
Read more: Alumni