Europe is home to many long-established and highly ranked fashion schools. Getting the chance to attend any of these schools can be a valuable opportunity to develop your skills and portfolio. Today, we will discuss some of the best fashion schools in Europe.
Top Fashion Schools in Europe
1. Fashion Design Institut
Located in Düsseldorf, the Fashion Design Institut is one of the notable fashion schools in Europe. Founded in 2008, FDI offers training in fashion design, fashion journalism and styling, and fashion marketing/management. In the CEOWORLD Magazine Best Fashion Schools in the World Rankings 2026, Fashion Design Institut is ranked 10th globally.
The institute offers bachelor’s programs in fashion design, fashion journalism and styling, and fashion marketing/management. In these programs, students can improve their skills, develop their creativity, and build a foundation for work in the fashion industry.
2. Central Saint Martins
- Study Program
- Location: England | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
A college of the University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins is one of the most highly regarded fashion schools in Europe. UAL is ranked 2nd in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Art and Design, and Central Saint Martins is ranked 5th in the CEOWORLD Magazine Best Fashion Schools in the World Rankings 2026.
Central Saint Martins is home to a wide range of fashion courses. At the bachelor’s level, students can study pathways such as fashion design womenswear, menswear, knit, print, and communication, as well as fashion communication and journalism. Students who want to continue their education can choose postgraduate options such as MA Fashion, which includes pathways in womenswear, menswear, knitwear, and textiles for fashion.
London is one of the largest cities in the United Kingdom and is home to several major institutions for students interested in fashion. London Fashion Week also gives students and graduates opportunities to engage with the city’s fashion scene.
3. ESMOD Paris
- Study Program
- Location: France | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Founded in 1841, ESMOD is one of the oldest fashion schools in the world and describes itself as the first French fashion school dedicated to fashion design and fashion business. The ESMOD network includes schools in France and abroad, including Paris, Lyon, Dubai, and Tokyo.
This leading fashion school offers programs in fashion design and fashion business, including undergraduate-level programs and postgraduate programs. One example is the “Directeur de Création Mode et Industries Créatives” postgraduate degree, a two-year program taught in English or French.
ESMOD continues to rank highly among fashion schools. In the CEOWORLD Magazine Best Fashion Schools in the World Rankings 2026, ESMOD is ranked 6th globally.
4. Polimoda Fashion School
- Study Program
- Location: Italy | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
One of the leading fashion institutions in Europe, Polimoda Fashion School is home to many programs for prospective fashion students. Its undergraduate programs cover areas such as fashion design, fashion business, art direction, and fashion marketing management.
Located in Florence, one of Italy’s major fashion and design cities, Polimoda gives students the chance to study in a creative environment with strong links to the fashion industry. In the CEOWORLD Magazine Best Fashion Schools in the World Rankings 2026, Polimoda is ranked 8th globally.
5. Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp
- Study Program
- Location: Belgium | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
One of the oldest fine arts schools in Europe, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp traces its history back to 1663. Its Fashion Department was founded in 1963 and remains one of Europe’s well-known fashion departments. In the CEOWORLD Magazine Best Fashion Schools in the World Rankings 2026, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp is ranked 17th globally.
For prospective fashion students, the school offers study at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Students learn about fashion design, artistic research, and practical design work as they develop their creative identity and technical skills.
The city of Antwerp itself is well worth exploring. Rubens House, the Antwerp Zoo, and the Red Star Line Museum are all interesting sites located close to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
6. Istituto Marangoni
- Study Program
- Location: Italy | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Located in Milan, one of the fashion capitals of the world, Istituto Marangoni is home to a wide range of fashion courses. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Art and Design, Istituto Marangoni is ranked 45th worldwide.
Istituto Marangoni focuses on areas such as fashion design, fashion styling, fashion communication, and fashion business. Students can choose from bachelor’s, master’s, one-year, and other professional courses depending on their campus and academic goals. Students who complete these courses can develop their skills and knowledge of fashion while building a portfolio for future employers.
7. London College of Fashion
- Study Program
- Location: England | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
London College of Fashion is part of the University of the Arts London and is widely recognized for fashion design, media, and business education. In the CEOWORLD Magazine Best Fashion Schools in the World Rankings 2026, London College of Fashion is ranked 3rd globally.
The college was founded in 1906 and has been nurturing creative talent for more than a century. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, study abroad opportunities, and more than 120 fashion short courses in areas such as fashion design, fashion business, styling, and related fields.
8. Aalto University
Aalto University is a highly ranked Finnish university with strong recognition in art and design. Its best subject ranking is in Art and Design, where Aalto ranks 9th globally according to QS.
One of Aalto University’s six schools is the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture. The Fashion and Textile Design major is part of the Master’s Programme in Design, a two-year program that leads to a Master of Arts degree in Design and consists of 120 ECTS credits.
9. Royal College of Art
The School of Design at the Royal College of Art emphasizes innovative design and practical engagement with contemporary issues. The Royal College of Art is ranked number 1 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Art and Design, marking its 12th consecutive year in that position.
The RCA’s Fashion MA is a full-time, one-year, 180-credit program. The program encourages students to take a critical approach to fashion and to examine environmental, social, geopolitical, and economic challenges in the industry.
10. University of Westminster
When we talk about the fashion industry, success is often rooted in strong connections and practical experience. The University of Westminster offers undergraduate and postgraduate fashion courses and has strong industry connections through networking events, careers fairs, guest speakers, and internships with companies that have included Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Christian Dior, Adidas, Jeremy Scott, and Balenciaga.
The university teaches students through classroom learning, practical projects, industry input, and placement opportunities. This helps graduates develop both creative and professional skills for the fashion industry.
FAQS About Studying Fashion
Is Fashion a Marketable Course?
Yes. If you are passionate, skilled, and willing to build a strong portfolio, fashion can be a marketable field. Fashion connects design, communication, marketing, technology, sustainability, and business, so graduates can pursue many different career paths. Getting into prestigious fashion schools can be competitive, but a strong education, industry experience, and a clear creative identity can open many doors.
We hope that this article has helped you find a fashion school that best fits your needs. If you are interested in knowing more about topics like this, check out the Programs in Europe for International Students!
