Fashion is an engaging field and a global industry. Students interested in fashion can compare degree programs, specialized courses, campus locations, and current tuition information before choosing where to study abroad.
Do you want to specialize in fashion and the creative arts? Below is a list of seven countries with established fashion schools and programs to consider.
Top Countries to Study Fashion
1. United States of America
The United States is home to a wide range of universities and schools offering fashion-related programs. New York City is one major destination for students interested in fashion design, business, and related creative fields.
In New York City, students can study at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), which offers Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree programs in Fashion Design. The Museum at FIT has a permanent collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories. FIT states that more than 10% of its students come from outside the United States. Its published Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 tuition page lists international tuition at the out-of-state rate: $8,235 per semester for associate-level programs and $10,846 per semester for baccalaureate-level programs, before applicable fees.
Parsons School of Design at The New School offers programs across art and design, including the BFA in Fashion Design. For new undergraduate students in the 2026–2027 academic year, full-time tuition at Parsons is $31,174 per semester for 12–18 credits, before applicable fees.
2. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is another strong option for students who want to study fashion abroad. London is home to universities and specialist arts institutions offering programs in fashion design, fashion business, communication, and related creative fields.
The London College of Fashion (LCF) is part of the University of the Arts London (UAL). LCF offers undergraduate, postgraduate, short-course, and study-abroad opportunities across fashion-related subjects. For international students starting a standard UAL undergraduate course in 2026, tuition is £30,890 for the 2026–2027 academic year. UAL notes that tuition may increase by up to 5% in later years of a student’s course.
Kingston University London also offers fashion-related study options. Central Saint Martins, another UAL college, is based in King’s Cross and offers study-abroad opportunities. Its current course portfolio includes subjects such as ceramic design and product and industrial design. The college has also published commitments related to the climate and biodiversity emergency.
3. Italy
Italy is a strong option for students with a passion for craftsmanship, design, and luxury fashion. Milan is a prominent fashion center, while other Italian cities also offer opportunities to study the creative arts and fashion business.
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) and Istituto Marangoni are among the institutions offering fashion-related programs in Italy. NABA’s Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design is a three-year, 180-CFA program offered in Milan and Rome, with Italian- and English-language options. Istituto Marangoni offers fashion design, fashion business, and fashion communication courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and short-course levels. Its current website highlights schools in Milano, Firenze, Paris, London, Dubai, and Riyadh.
Istituto Marangoni’s fees vary by campus, course, and intake. For example, its Fashion Design & Accessories course in Milano lists a non-EU fee of €25,800 for the 2026 intake, plus an annual enrollment fee of €4,000. Students should check the page for their selected course before applying.
4. France
France is closely associated with haute couture, and Paris remains an important destination for students interested in fashion design and fashion business.
ESMOD France states that it has operated since 1841 and describes itself as the first French fashion school dedicated to Fashion Design and Fashion Business. Its current website lists bachelor’s and postgraduate programs in these areas. IFA Paris also offers a Bachelor Fashion Design program. The IFA Paris program is available in Paris and Istanbul, can be studied fully in French or English, and has a duration of three years with 180 ECTS credits. Students should consult each school’s official tuition page for the fees that apply to their selected program and intake.
5. Japan
Japan is another option for students looking for specialized fashion education. Its fashion culture offers students the opportunity to study in an environment shaped by a wide range of styles and creative influences.
Bunka Fashion College and UEDA College of Fashion offer specialized fashion programs. Bunka traces its beginnings to 1919 and states that it was approved as Japan’s first dressmaking school in 1923. Its campus is in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with convenient access to areas such as Shibuya. Its departments cover fashion creation, fashion technology, fashion marketing and distribution, and fashion accessories and textiles. Bunka states that approximately 20% of its students were international students as of October 2023. Its international application page requires sufficient Japanese-language ability and lists JLPT N2 or an EJU Japanese score of 200 or higher among the ways applicants can demonstrate proficiency.
6. India
India is known for its textiles, craftsmanship, and varied apparel traditions. Students interested in fashion can explore programs covering design, technology, management, and related creative fields.
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) operates campuses across India. Its regular programs include undergraduate and postgraduate options such as Fashion Design and Apparel Production. NIFT also offers doctoral study through its head office in Delhi and continuing education programs designed for aspiring and working professionals. Because fees can vary by admission cycle and program, applicants should check NIFT’s current admissions materials rather than rely on a converted US-dollar range.
In addition, Sharda University offers a four-year undergraduate fashion design program intended to develop creativity and innovation across fashion design and marketing practice.
7. Belgium
Concluding our list of countries to consider for fashion study is Belgium. It is one of the European destinations international students can explore for fashion-related study. Antwerp is associated with avant-garde design and is home to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp.
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp offers a fashion program covering subjects such as fashion graphics, coupe, modeling, and knitting. Applicants to the bachelor’s program must meet the enrollment conditions and pass an entrance exam. Prospective students should check the Academy’s current registration page for the documents, language requirements, and fees that apply to their situation.
The United International Business School website also lists a Bachelor in Fashion & Design that can be studied in Antwerp, as well as other European cities.
We hope this article on the best countries to study fashion was informative and insightful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
