Fashion is more than clothing; it’s a creative blend of art, culture, and innovation. Studying at the top universities for fashion design can help you master design skills, build industry connections, and launch a global career. These top institutions offer world-class training, internships, and exposure to fashion hubs like Paris, Milan, London, and New York.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best universities for fashion designing, their courses, fees, admission process, and career opportunities to help you choose the right path for your fashion journey.
Best Universities for Fashion Designing in the World
|
Institution |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London) |
London, UK |
World’s most prestigious fashion school; strong focus on creativity & experimentation |
|
Parsons School of Design (The New School) |
New York, USA |
Innovation-driven programs; strong industry ties; hosts NY Fashion Week showcases |
|
London College of Fashion |
London, UK |
Expertise in fashion business & technology; renowned for fashion journalism & marketing |
|
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) |
New York, USA |
Affordable public option with global recognition; hands-on industry training |
|
Polimoda |
Florence, Italy |
Close partnerships with Italian luxury brands; focus on craftsmanship & business |
|
Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts |
Antwerp, Belgium |
Avant-garde design; home of the “Antwerp Six”; highly influential |
|
Istituto Marangoni |
Milan, Italy |
Global luxury fashion focus; strong industry links; international campuses |
|
Bunka Fashion College |
Tokyo, Japan |
Asian fashion pioneer; technical excellence; respected worldwide |
|
ESMOD |
Paris, France |
Oldest fashion school; strong in pattern-making; global campuses |
|
Royal College of Art (RCA) |
London, UK |
Top art & design school; strong in postgrad fashion innovation |
Learn More About These Best Schools for Fashion Design
Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London)
Central Saint Martins (CSM), part of the University of the Arts London, is widely considered the most prestigious fashion school in the world. Known for its experimental and avant-garde approach, it has shaped iconic designers like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo, and John Galliano.
Popular Programs:
- BA (Hons) Fashion (various pathways: Women's Wear, Men's Wear, Knitwear, etc.)
- MA Fashion (Women's Wear, Men's Wear, Accessories, etc.)
- Short courses in Fashion Illustration & Portfolio Development
Why Choose CSM:
Cutting-edge creative freedom, global fashion network, exposure to London Fashion Week, and one of the strongest alumni networks in fashion.
Parsons School of Design (The New School)
Located in New York City, Parsons is a powerhouse for innovation and modern fashion education. The school is deeply connected to the industry, with frequent collaborations and exposure to New York Fashion Week. Alumni include Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, and many other top designers shaping today’s trends.
Popular Programs:
- BFA in Fashion Design
- MFA in Fashion Design & Society
- BBA in Strategic Design & Management
Why Choose Parsons:
Direct industry access in NYC, frequent collaborations with global brands, innovation-focused learning, and strong career placement in luxury and streetwear brands.
London College of Fashion
The London College of Fashion (LCF) is ideal for students who wish to delve into fashion beyond the realm of design. It offers world-class programs in styling, journalism, marketing, and emerging technologies, such as AR and VR, in the fashion industry. Its strong presence in the global fashion scene makes it a go-to for future innovators.
Popular Programs:
- BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology (Women's/Men's Wear)
- MA Fashion Design Management
- MA Fashion Journalism & Styling
Why Choose LCF:
Ideal for students who want to explore fashion beyond design, including marketing, styling, and emerging tech like AR/VR in fashion.
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
FIT in New York City is an affordable yet highly respected public institution with a hands-on approach to fashion education. Known for its strong industry connections, it is one of the top fashion design colleges in the world. Its practical curriculum and budget-friendly tuition attract aspiring designers worldwide.
Popular Programs:
- BFA Fashion Design
- AAS Fashion Business Management
- MFA Fashion Design or Global Fashion Management
Why Choose FIT:
Budget-friendly compared to other NYC schools, strong internship network, and excellent for students wanting practical, industry-focused training.
Polimoda
Situated in Florence, Polimoda is Italy’s gateway to the world of luxury fashion. Known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, design thinking, and business, it partners with top brands like Gucci, Prada, and Ferragamo. Studying here, students gain deep insight into luxury fashion management and design innovation.
Popular Programs:
- Bachelor’s in Fashion Design, Fashion Business
- Master’s in Fashion Marketing & Luxury Business
- Short courses in Footwear Design & Trend Forecasting
Why Choose Polimoda:
Italian luxury industry access, small class sizes, and strong mentorship from top designers.
Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts
Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts is legendary for its avant-garde approach and artistic freedom. It’s the birthplace of the iconic “Antwerp Six,” designers who reshaped global fashion. One of the best colleges for fashion designing, it is ideal for those who want to make bold, creative statements and join Europe’s high-fashion art scene.
Popular Programs:
- Bachelor's in Fashion Design
- Master's in Fashion Design
Why Choose Antwerp:
Ideal for students seeking artistic freedom, conceptual design, and a highly creative European environment.
Istituto Marangoni
Istituto Marangoni is a prestigious international fashion and design school, widely recognised among the top 10 fashion designing colleges in the world. Founded in Milan, it now has campuses in global fashion capitals like Paris, London, Dubai, and Shanghai.
Popular Programs:
- Bachelor's in Fashion Design & Accessories
- Master's in Luxury Brand Management
- Master's in Fashion & Creative Direction
- Short courses in Styling, Marketing, and Fashion Business
Why Choose Istituto Marangoni:
Offers international campuses in key fashion hubs, strong industry partnerships with luxury brands, and programs that combine design, business, and creative direction.
Bunka Fashion College
Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College is Asia’s most iconic and best fashion college in the world. Known for its technical excellence and creative edge, it has produced pioneers like Kenzo Takada and Yohji Yamamoto. It blends Japanese precision with modern design trends, creating a unique learning experience.
Popular Programs:
- Bachelor's in Fashion Creation & Technology
- Advanced programs in Textile & Apparel Design
- Short courses in Japanese fashion culture
Why Choose Bunka:
Deep technical expertise, access to Japan’s unique fashion scene, and strong Asian & global brand connections.
ESMOD
Founded in 1841, ESMOD Paris is the world’s oldest fashion school and a leader in technical design education. It specialises in pattern-making and garment construction, giving students a strong foundation in fashion craft. Its history and technical rigour make it a trusted choice for aspiring designers.
Popular Programs:
- Bachelor's in Fashion Design & Creation
- MBA in Fashion Business
- Intensive pattern-making courses
Why Choose ESMOD:
Historic reputation, strong technical foundation, and multiple campuses worldwide (Paris, Dubai, Seoul).
Royal College of Art (RCA)
RCA in London is a postgraduate-only institution focusing on advanced art and design innovation. Its MA Fashion program is highly respected for pushing conceptual and experimental boundaries. RCA is ideal for those who already have a design background and want to innovate at the highest level.
Popular Programs:
- MA Fashion (Womenswear, Menswear, Knitwear, Accessories)
- MRes Design Pathways
Why Choose RCA:
Ideal for students with a fashion background who want to explore the boundaries of innovation and research.
Why Study Fashion Designing?
Fashion designing is no longer limited to sketching garments. It is a multidisciplinary field blending creativity, technology, marketing, and cultural studies. Choosing one of the best fashion universities in the world ensures:
- Creative Development – Students learn to translate imagination into wearable designs.
- Industry Exposure – Collaborations with global fashion brands during internships and shows.
- Global Careers – Alumni of top fashion design institutes in the world often go on to lead luxury fashion houses or start their own successful brands.
- Specialisation – From sustainable fashion to luxury branding, students can pursue tailored career paths.
Fee Structure at Top Fashion Designing Universities
|
Institution |
Fee |
|
Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London) |
£29,990 to £33,870 |
|
Parsons School of Design (The New School) |
$53,450 USD to $45,822 USD |
|
London College of Fashion |
£9,250 to £22,000 |
|
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) |
$21,692 USD to $23,586 USD |
|
Polimoda |
€18,000 to €28,000 |
|
Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts |
$1,090 USD approx. |
|
Istituto Marangoni |
£14,800 to £33,300 |
|
Bunka Fashion College |
$1,700 USD approx. |
|
ESMOD |
$18,504 USD |
|
Royal College of Art (RCA) |
£35,950 |
Application Process & Requirements
Getting into the best universities for fashion designing is competitive and requires strong preparation. While exact steps may vary by school and country, most institutions follow a similar process:
- Meet Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s Programs: Usually require completion of high school or equivalent (12 years of schooling).
- Master’s Programs: Require a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or a related field (design, textiles, fine arts, etc.).
- Build a Creative Portfolio
- The portfolio is the most important part of your application.
- Include original sketches, garment photos, mood boards, fabric experiments, or other creative projects.
- Show your personal style, storytelling ability, and technical understanding.
- Entrance Tests or Interviews
- Some schools (e.g., NIFT, NID, FIT) may have design aptitude tests.
- Many top global universities invite students for an interview or portfolio review to understand their creative vision.
- English Language Proficiency
- If applying to programs taught in English, you’ll usually need IELTS (6.0–7.0), TOEFL iBT (80–100), or Duolingo scores.
- Some European and Asian schools may also require language skills in their native language (Italian, French, Japanese).
- Statement of Purpose & Recommendations
- Write a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your design goals and why you’re applying.
- Submit recommendation letters from teachers or professionals who know your work.
- Application Timeline
- Many universities open applications 8–12 months before the program start date.
- Early submission is advised as popular schools fill spots quickly.
Career Opportunities After Fashion Designing
Graduates from the best schools for fashion design have diverse career paths:
- Fashion Designer – Working with global luxury houses or launching personal brands.
- Fashion Stylist – Styling for celebrities, magazines, or advertising.
- Textile Designer – Innovating fabrics and sustainable materials.
- Fashion Buyer/Merchandiser – Deciding what collections enter retail spaces.
- Fashion Journalist/Editor – Writing for global magazines like Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar.
Notable Fashion / Design Scholarships
Pursuing studies at the top fashion designing colleges in the world can be expensive, but scholarships are available to make it accessible to all. Here are some of the scholarships available to students across the world:
- Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) – One of the largest U.S.-based scholarships supporting fashion design, merchandising, and business students with significant financial awards.
- CFDA Scholarship Fund – Prestigious U.S. scholarship for undergraduate and early graduate students in fashion design programs.
- Istituto Marangoni Scholarships – Offers generous merit and talent-based scholarships for students at its global campuses (Milan, Paris, London, Dubai, Mumbai).
- UAL (University of the Arts London) International Scholarships – Provides partial or full funding for international students applying to Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, and other UAL colleges.
- Polimoda Scholarships – Competitive scholarships for talented students with strong portfolios, covering partial tuition fees for programs in Florence, Italy.
The list is not limited to these. Here are a few other notable scholarships you can look forward to:
- International Fashion Academy (IFA Paris) Scholarships
- Haute Future Fashion Academy Scholarships (Italy)
- United States Fashion & Textile Scholarships
- Fulbright Scholarships (USA) and more.
How to Choose the Right Universities in Fashion Design?
Choosing from the top fashion designing institutes in the world can feel overwhelming. Each university has its own strengths, teaching style, and career pathways. Here’s how to decide what fits you best:
Program Focus
Some schools, such as the Royal College of Art (RCA), are postgraduate-only, while others, like Parsons and Central Saint Martins, offer both undergraduate and postgraduate options. Select a program level that aligns with your career stage.
Educational Philosophy
Fashion schools differ in their creative approach. CSM encourages bold experimentation and conceptual thinking, while FIT and Polimoda focus on practical, industry-ready training.
Location & Industry Connections
Fashion thrives in major hubs like Paris, Milan, London, New York, and Tokyo. Studying in these cities gives you exposure to global brands, international fashion weeks, and valuable networking opportunities.
Specialisations
Look for schools that match your interests, such as luxury fashion, sustainable design, textile innovation, fashion business, or marketing.
Alumni Network
A strong alumni community can help you break into top brands or build your own label. It can open doors to internships, collaborations, and top-tier jobs. Check where graduates are working today.
Facilities & Exposure
The best universities for fashion design offer world-class resources like professional-grade studios, pattern-making labs, textile innovation centres, and live runway shows. Many also have partnerships with luxury brands and organise global internships.
Final Thoughts
Fashion design is a creative and fast-growing field where the right education can shape your career. Studying at the best universities for fashion designing helps you master skills, gain global exposure, and connect with top industry names.
Whether you dream of launching your own label, working for a leading fashion house, or exploring areas like styling, textile innovation, or fashion business, the right university can be your gateway to the global fashion industry.
