Overview
ESAAA is a public art and design school in Annecy, in the Haute-Savoie region of France.
Its reception is based at the Marquisats site, on rue des Marquisats, and the school runs a public programme of lectures, concerts, workshops and performances, including an English Week and events linked to the Lyon contemporary art biennial. Students choose between two options, Art and Design.
Each option follows a five-year path made of ten semesters: a Licence cycle, called Licence Art or Licence In Vivo for Design, followed by a Master cycle, called Master Monstre for Art or Master Terrain for Design. Admission to the first year is selected through a competitive entrance exam, with applications submitted via the national Parcoursup platform; later years can be joined through an equivalence exam open to French and international students already in art higher education, who must show French comprehension at B2 level.
Since 2006 the school has hosted a research unit where artists, philosophers, designers, architects and historians collaborate on experimental projects, with current work exploring an ecology of the image through experimental and animation cinema.
The school also offers amateur practice courses alongside its degree programmes.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for ESAAA is listed below.
Academic Details
ESAAA's academic profile in numbers is listed below.
Degrees
Diplôme Supérieur de Recherche en Art (DSRA)
Other 2 programs
- Design
- Fine Arts
Faculties & Divisions
Browse ESAAA's faculties and divisions, along with the subjects they cover.
Art (Course/Programme) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
- Video
Design (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
Programs Offered
ESAAA's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.
5 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in France
Bachelor's Degree 2 programmes
Master's Degree 2 programmes
Scholarships in France
Financial-aid options for studying in France, applicable across institutions including ESAAA.
How to apply to ESAAA
A five-step guide to applying to ESAAA.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse ESAAA's 5 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at ESAAA typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
ESAAA processes applications through www.esaaa.fr. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by email at secretariat@esaaa.fr. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about ESAAA
Quick reference for ESAAA: founding, control type, and recognition status.
When was ESAAA founded?
ESAAA was established in 2011 (approximately 15 years ago).
What city is ESAAA in?
ESAAA operates from Annecy, France.
Is ESAAA public or private?
ESAAA is a public institution.
What qualification levels does ESAAA offer?
Programmes at ESAAA cover master's programmes.
Is ESAAA officially recognised?
ESAAA is accredited by Ministry of Culture.
What is ESAAA's official website?
The institution's website is www.esaaa.fr.
Top-Ranked Universities in France
National rankings in France often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Faculties at nearby universities
Also in Annecy: universities located close to ESAAA.
Where Else to Study Applied Design
Other institutions in France teaching Applied Design are listed below for comparison with ESAAA.
Universities Compared with ESAAA
Below are universities sometimes compared with ESAAA.
Studying in France: guides and resources
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