Apply now
To apply follow the steps below :
- Select the program and campus
- Tell us more about you
- Upload a copy of your last degree (for BA and MFA applications only)
- Upload your ID and personal statement
- Pay the application fees
- Book an interview (for BA and MFA applications only)
If you need assistance applying for a degree program, please write to [email protected]
If you need assistance applying for a summer program, please write to [email protected]
Questions?
What makes ESRA international different ?
ESRA is often seen as a practical, industry-focused training ground. It can be a strong choice if you want to learn by doing and build technical skills quickly.
Unlike other theory-heavy programs, ESRA pushes students into practical work quickly: shooting, editing, sound design, and production exercises start early and keep ramping up. By the time students graduate, they usually have a substantial portfolio and transition smoothly from school to professional productions.
Third year majors offer distinct paths like directing, cinematography, production, and sound engineering, so students can focus deeply on one craft rather than staying broad. Compared to some art-oriented schools, ESRA places a big emphasis on mastering equipment and industry-standard workflows: cameras, lighting rigs, editing software, and sound systems.
The curriculum is designed to mirror real production environments. Group projects simulate actual film crews, and there’s a focus on deadlines, roles, and collaboration.
With campuses in cities like Paris, Nice, and Brussels, ESRA has a wider geographic presence than many niche film schools, which can help with networking and internships.
With over 15 000 alumni, ESRA stands out for its strong network. Internships and industry connections are part of the path.
ESRA ranks third after more competitive French public schools, as the #1 private school in France, ESRA is generally considered more accessible in terms of admissions.
Last but not least, ESRA is known for its stong international presence. Campuses in NYC and Brussels, international programs, multiple partnerships and Erasmus+ accreditation contribute to truly preparing students for a very international futire in filmmaking.
Are ESRA diplomas recognized by the French government ?
Yes, all the initial Programs offered by ESRA are recognized by the French Ministry of Education and Research at Bac+3 level for ESRA Cinéma, ESRA Son and ESRA Animation, and at Bac+5 level for DHEC Scénario & Réalisation and DHEC Production.
How do I get into the school ?
Are you applying for a degree granting program such as the Filmmaking Bachelor or MFA? You must submit an application through our contact form here, then choose your exam date and take the tests.
Admissions committees meet every month. If you are accepted, you can pre-register as early as November.
does Esra offer scholarships?
ESRA grants over 100,000 euros in scholarships and welcomes over 25% of scholarship holders each year. Students are also eligible for CROUS grants, as the degree is recognized by the French government, and for housing subsidies.
Prices for each degree are indicated in the brochures.
What equipment is available on campus?
Each ESRA campus has post-production and multi-station rooms equipped with powerful computers and the latest software, whether for film, sound or animation. In addition, each campus has an equipment room containing a range of cameras, from HD Nikon and Canon to Sony FS7 and F55, and each school has an ARRI ALEXA 35 camera and numerous camera accessories, monitors and so on. They also have a wide range of microphones, recorders, plug-ins and laptops available to students all year round. This is one of the school's strong points.
Start your journey today
Imagine having the combined knowledge of an entire professional film crew, anytime you needed it.
- Join international film enthusiasts
- Study in major film capitals
- Benefit from ESRA's worldwide recognition
- Learn with state of the art equipment
- Benefit from ESRA's expert teaching staff
- Build your portfolio with short films
...and much more. Unlock the complete ecosystem designed to build your film career.
Turn the ordinary into something remarkable. Notice every subtle detail. And carry your vision through with unwavering discipline.
What our alumni are saying...
These filmmakers were once where you are: skilled and ambitious, but looking for the path forward. Hear in their own words how the right school and a dedicated community made all the difference.
With great emotion, I remember myself in the first year at ESRA, working on my first projects and meeting such talented people. The student union also contributed so much to us. Thank you to the entire teaching team who always supported my professional project and to all the people who pushed me to be better.
Laurie Cauffet
ESRA filmmaking 2024
Thank you to this incredible graduating class, to Jennifer, to Mr. Bonnot, and to the teachers for their support. We grew together throughout this adventure. I am proud of what we have accomplished. I hope we will meet again in the future, united by our shared passion.
Léa Hué
ESRA filmmaking 2024
ESRA is, above all, about encounters, people who lent me a hand and helped me carry LED panels! It's quite curious to think that chance encounters shape a destiny, especially when you have a taste for cinema and doing things well. I found my path thanks to ESRA.
Romain Guimmara
ESRA filmmaking 2021
I've tried numerous online learning platforms, but none compare to this LMS site. The courses are top-notch, instructors engaging, and the platform is incredibly user-friendly. I've expanded my skills and knowledge.
Julian Ranaivo
ESRA filmmaking 2022
Three years rich in human and professional experience. I had the chance to work with wonderful people and to be well supported. We experienced a real group adventure, with intense projects. Thank you to ESRA and to all those who crossed my path.
Emilien Lelabourier
ESRA filmmaking 2024
Thanks to you, I have grown. I understood who I am. Understood what I wanted to be. All of this allowed me to write my film, "Cette Nuit à Offeu," which would be nothing today without the prodigious advice of some, and the immense will that you all demonstrated during its selection.
François Gaudière
ESRA filmmaking 2024
These years at ISTS have been an exciting immersion. We collaborated, learned, and shared powerful moments. Thank you to everyone I worked with. I found more than just classmates; I found true friends. I am proud of this collective journey.
Mathias Baillou
ESRA filmmaking 2022
One of my fondest memories of ESRA is the equipment available and the fact that I was able to do live TV, which gave me the impression of working for an international channel. It was an experience that taught me how to manage my career as a live TV producer, and how to manage a team of 80 people.
Maxence Carion
ESRA filmmaking Director
The school allowed me to familiarize myself with professional equipment that is difficult to access outside of a specialized environment. I benefited from both theoretical and practical instruction, supervised by professors and speakers from the industry, in conditions close to the professional world. This training also offered me the opportunity to explore different audiovisual professions, which helped me refine my career choices.
Nathan Hourbeigt
ESRA filmmaking 2024