Fashion has numerous real-world applications and employment opportunities. Although it is a continuously changing field that can be competitive, there will always be a need for specialists. You could be one of them!
For those aspiring to join the professional world of fashion, Italy is one of the first countries that comes to mind. After all, it is brimming with talented artists and designers students can learn from. Thus, if you want to study fashion in this country, here are the five finest fashion schools in Italy.
Why is Italy Considered One of the Best Countries to Study Fashion?
Based on the old proverb, “Speak English, drive German, and dress Italian,” Italy has always been famous for its exquisite workmanship, distinctive designs, and tailoring techniques. The country is extremely passionate about preserving such tradition and fame, which is one of the reasons it welcomes a large number of international students to study fashion each year. As a result, it is understandable that foreigners who are enthusiastic about fashion would choose Italy as one of the best destinations for studying and pursuing the profession.
How Much Does it Cost to Study Fashion in Italy?
The cost of studying fashion design in Italy varies by program and school. The annual tuition rate for undergraduate programs at fashion schools in Italy goes between €17,000 and €27,000, while Master’s degrees cost between €19,000 and €35,000.
For a specific example, let’s consider Istituto Marangoni, a top fashion school in Milan, Italy. It is ranked 51–100 in QS and has an average tuition expense of €30,000 for fashion courses.
Thus, depending on the university you choose, studying fashion in Italy could be expensive. Therefore, you should budget your financial resources before submitting your applications.
Top Italian Universities to Study Fashion
Exploring the most prestigious and top-rated fashion schools in Italy may leave you puzzled because there are so many institutions that offer fashion courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For your benefit and convenience, we have narrowed down the best Italian fashion schools.
1. Polimoda
- University Website: Polimoda
- Fashion Program Link: Fashion Programs
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Short Courses
Situated in the heart of one of the most significant production districts in Italy, Polimoda represents top-tier fashion education. It offers fashion design degree programs to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. Furthermore, it offers a few short courses on fashion portfolios, textiles, fabrics, and other subjects to inspire learners’ creativity.
In Polimoda, the next generation of fashion professionals receives one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary training tailored to impart the knowledge and vision required to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
2. Domus Academy
Domus Academy is a private institution in Milan, Italy, that was founded in 1982. It is revered as one of the top design schools in Italy for postgraduates, yet it also offers professional courses in industrial design, fashion design, design management, and other subjects.
The academy has produced many prominent alumni, including Anton Storey, who worked for a variety of designers and companies like Neil Barrett, Giorgio Armani, and Puma after gaining his master’s degree from the institution. When you graduate, you may be able to experience Storey’s – and other academy alumni – amazing fashion journey. That’s because every student gets the opportunity to meet brands, excellent designers, and luxury products and gather some valuable experiences they can use for future projects or careers.
3. Accademia Costume & Moda
Rosana Pistolese founded Accademia Costume & Moda in 1964 in Rome. Since then, the academy has been focused on training professionals in fashion, costume, and communication. Such is the quality of its education that it is regarded as a center of excellence in certain fashion fields.
It is also notable that the school has excellent industry connections. For instance, it has over 150 partners assisting in students’ learning through seminars, sponsorship, and, most crucially, industry-linked projects. Thus, it is a smart move to apply and be considered a part of this well-connected institution.
4. Istituto Marangoni
Founded in 1935, the Istituto Marangoni is a well-known private institution for fashion and design. Its headquarters are in Milan, which is in northern Italy, but it has also branched out to France, the UK, China, India, and the US.
Being part of Istituto Marangoni means being involved with the school’s talent acquisition and special initiatives, which have an emphasis on employer branding and connecting with the locals, foreign students, and alumni. With such an active community, it makes sense that this institute should be at the top of the list for international students interested in pursuing a fashion career.
5. Istituto Europeo Di Design (IED)
The Istituto Europeo di Design, also called IED, is one of Italy’s best private academies for design and fashion. The school was established by Francesco Morelli in 1966. It carries out all its activities through its four departments, which are management, visual communication, fashion, and design. There are roughly 10,000 students enrolled annually, spread out over nine campuses.
Undergraduate and graduate students worldwide can take different fashion courses at IED. This variety allows local and international students to explore their potential in several well-liked courses, such as Fashion Business, Jewellery Designing, and Fashion Marketing and Communication.
Through these prestigious Italian fashion schools and other similar institutions, Italy has earned its place among the top nations for fashion and design. In its culture and society, fashion takes center stage. Thus, choosing Italy for future studies would provide you and other aspiring fashion professionals with the best fashion guidance.
We hope this article about Italy’s best fashion schools is beneficial in jumpstarting your fashion and design career. If you’re serious about taking your step in that journey, check out our 20 Best Scholarships in Italy page!