Throughout human history, textiles have played a significant role in social and economic development. From everyday clothing to technical fabrics and luxurious haute couture, the field supports major fashion, manufacturing, and design industries. As technology becomes more integrated with textile engineering and production, students also need to understand sustainability, materials science, and new manufacturing methods.
An excellent way to learn more about textiles is to study them abroad. Some countries offer particularly strong academic programs, practical training opportunities, and connections to established textile industries. The following destinations are among the best countries to consider for studying textiles abroad:
Top Countries to Study Textile
1. Malaysia
Malaysia is among the countries worth considering for textile studies. The Malaysian Institute of Art offers a Diploma in Textile and Fashion Design, while the Design Technology program at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak includes textile and fashion design in its curriculum.
Malaysia also invests substantially in education. According to the latest available World Bank data, government expenditure on education represented approximately 3.5% of the country’s gross domestic product in 2023.
Education Malaysia Global Services reports that more than 137,000 international students currently choose Malaysia as a study destination. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is also one of the country’s main centers for higher education.
Affordability is another reason international students consider Malaysia. Accommodation costs depend on the city and type of housing, but education and everyday living expenses can be comparatively affordable. You can also explore cheap universities for international students in Malaysia.
2. France
France is known for its fashion culture, and internationally used terms such as haute couture and prêt-à-porter come from French. Textiles remain an important field within fashion, product development, manufacturing, and design.
France’s textile history began well before the 17th century. Silk weaving was established in the country by at least the 15th century. During the reign of Louis XIV, Jean-Baptiste Colbert promoted and organized domestic luxury manufacturing, including the production of high-quality fabrics and silk. France later became associated with influential designers such as Coco Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior.
France has consequently become a popular destination for aspiring fashion and textile professionals. Paris College of Art offers a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design that includes textile design methods. LISAA offers a three-year Bachelor in Fashion Design with specializations that may include knitwear and sustainable textile design. École Conte offers a three-year bachelor’s program for textile and fashion product creators and designers.
Depending on the institution and program, students may participate in workshops, practical projects, industry placements, and classes taught by active professionals. Applicants should review each program’s curriculum because the type and amount of practical training vary.
3. China
China is another strong destination for studying textiles abroad. Wuhan Textile University offers programs in areas such as textile engineering and nonwoven materials and engineering. Donghua University’s College of Textiles covers textile engineering, textile materials and design, digital textiles, nonwovens, and related fields. Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology also offers programs in fashion, materials, design, and engineering.
Students concerned about financing can explore China as a study destination and search for university scholarships and Chinese Government Scholarships. Scholarship coverage varies. Some full scholarships may include a tuition waiver, university accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend, while other awards provide only partial funding. Students should check the official conditions for each scholarship before applying.
Language requirements also depend on the program. Chinese-taught programs commonly require an appropriate HSK score, while some universities offer English-taught textile programs that require proof of English proficiency. Students can learn more about language tests for studying in China, but they should confirm the current requirements on the university’s official admissions page.
China remains central to the global textile industry. The World Trade Organization’s 2024 sector profile identifies China as the world’s largest producer and exporter of textiles and clothing. It also reports that China accounted for more than 40% of the value added in global textile and clothing exports in 2022.
4. India
India has one of the world’s largest textile and apparel sectors. Indian government sources identify it as the world’s sixth-largest textile and apparel exporter in 2024, with approximately 4.1% of global trade. Textile, apparel, and handicraft exports reached approximately US$37.8 billion during the 2024–2025 financial year.
The sector directly employs more than 45 million people. Government initiatives such as the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel scheme, the National Technical Textiles Mission, and production-linked incentives are intended to support manufacturing, investment, research, and workforce development.
Students in India can choose from textile engineering, textile technology, fashion design, apparel design, and merchandising programs. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral study in textile-related fields. Kumaraguru College of Technology offers programs such as a four-year Bachelor of Technology in Textile Technology, while MIT World Peace University offers a four-year Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Apparel Design.
Living costs in India vary considerably by city, housing type, and lifestyle. Students should compare estimated study and living costs in India with those in European countries and the United States before preparing a budget. Student discounts may also be available for transportation, cultural attractions, and other services.
Outside the classroom, students can experience India’s varied landscapes, from the Himalayas to deserts and coastal regions. The country’s languages, traditions, arts, and long history can also provide valuable cultural experiences during an international education.
5. Denmark
Denmark is another country worth considering for textile and fashion studies. Danish design education commonly combines creative practice, materials research, sustainability, and collaboration with companies or other external partners.
Design School Kolding offers separate three-year bachelor’s study areas in Fashion Design and Textile Design. Textile Design students work with materials, color, knitting, weaving, and printing, while Fashion Design students explore clothing, form, sustainability, and product development. The bachelor’s programs are taught primarily in Danish, so applicants must meet the school’s Danish-language requirements.
The Royal Danish Academy offers the two-year, English-taught master’s specialization Fashion, Clothing and Textiles – New Landscapes for Change. The program considers how fashion, clothing, and textile design can address environmental and social challenges through research and tangible design proposals.
The language of instruction in Denmark varies by institution and program. Although Design School Kolding’s bachelor’s programs are primarily taught in Danish, Denmark offers more than 500 English-taught higher education programs nationally. Students should check the language requirements for their chosen course.
We hope this article on the best countries to study textiles was informative and insightful. For more information about studying abroad, see the Available Programs for International Students.
