Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts

The Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), founded in 1937 as Lebanon’s first higher arts institution, now forms a key faculty of the University of Balamand. Split between its historic Sin el-Fil campus in Beirut and the Balamand site in Koura, the academy blends artistic heritage with contemporary innovation. Programs span architecture, visual arts, design, cinema, and fashion, with most courses delivered in French.

ALBA’s mission centers on polyvalence, creativity, and individualized guidance, reinforced by project-based learning. Its vision positions the school as a leader in regional artistic evolution, supported by accredited degrees, modern facilities, and a vibrant multicultural student community.

ALBA graduates benefit from a strong professional ecosystem, with many alumni occupying leading roles in architecture firms, creative agencies, and film studios worldwide. The academy’s training approach—grounded in practical studio work—ensures that students develop the versatility needed to excel in competitive creative markets.

Close ties with municipalities, cultural institutions, and industry professionals provide real project experience and direct mentorship. Collaborations in urban planning and heritage restoration reinforce ALBA’s influence in Lebanon’s design sectors while expanding opportunities for internships, networking, and long-term career placement in global creative industries.

ALBA stands out for its pioneering legacy and academically demanding programs, particularly in architecture, where long studio hours and selective evaluations ensure excellence. Students benefit from personalized mentorship led by professors and industry practitioners who foster independent thinking and artistic maturity.

The school’s dual-campus model, modern equipment, and international affiliations create a comprehensive learning ecosystem. With accredited degrees, scholarship opportunities, and a culture that prioritizes innovation and creative leadership, ALBA offers an exceptional pathway for students seeking distinguished careers in design, arts, architecture, and audiovisual production.

ALBA’s research and community projects shape Lebanon’s cultural and urban landscape. The school contributes to heritage preservation through partnerships with the Ministry of Culture and supports municipal planning initiatives that address sustainability, inclusive design, and evolving urban needs. Its interdisciplinary labs encourage explorations that merge architecture, cinema, and digital arts.

Innovation thrives through advanced media technologies, including VFX workstations, professional sound tools, and 2D/3D animation suites. These resources enable students to produce impactful projects while developing creative autonomy. Scholarships and community-driven initiatives further strengthen ALBA’s role as a catalyst for national artistic development.

What language are programs taught in? Most programs are delivered in French, with some English-taught tracks available at the Balamand campus. Students benefit from bilingual environments that support international accessibility.

How demanding is the Architecture program? The curriculum is intensive, with multi-year studio progression and strict evaluations. This rigor ensures that graduates achieve a high level of technical and conceptual mastery.

Are scholarships offered? Yes. Around 20% of students receive financial support, including tuition assistance and research grants, helping broaden access to ALBA’s competitive programs.

Admission relies on creative potential demonstrated through a portfolio, academic transcripts, and motivation statements. Bachelor’s applicants must hold a high school diploma, while master’s candidates require a relevant undergraduate degree. Application windows follow University of Balamand cycles, typically with fall deadlines in June.

Annual tuition averages $4,665 for both local and international students. Housing is available on the Balamand campus, offering modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and study areas. Sin el-Fil students typically live in Beirut. Applicants are advised to prepare strong portfolios and confirm language readiness.