Top 10 Most Prestigious Fashion Schools Worldwide

The Fashion Institute of Technology, founded in 1944, is one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world. Located on Seventh Avenue, New York's fashion capital, the institute offers programs focused on internships and practical experience for students. The Fashion Institute of Technology offers degrees in fashion design, fine arts, graphic design, technology design, marketing, fashion marketing, and modeling. Renowned designers like Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera are among its successful alumni. The average tuition fee per year is around 13,000 USD.

The Fashion Institute of Technology is part of the State University of New York, located in New York City, USA. It offers a wide range of programs in fashion, design, art, and business, with over 10,000 students enrolled. The institute provides associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields such as accessory design, advertising design, communication design, computer animation, interactive media, architecture, fashion design, fine arts, graphic design, and jewelry design. SAT or ACT exams are required for admission. Keep in mind that many U.S. universities may use optional standardized tests for admissions.

Website: https://www.fitnyc.edu/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/FashionInstituteofTechnology

Kingston University, located in London, the fashion capital of the world, offers meticulously crafted programs across all aspects of fashion design. The university focuses on practical learning and has strong connections with major fashion brands like Zara, Brooks Brothers, Abercrombie & Fitch, Topshop, ASOS, H&M, and more. Renowned designers like Felipe Baptista, Glenda Bailey, and Sophie Hulme are proud alumni of Kingston. With tuition fees around 20,000 USD per year, Kingston University is a fantastic choice for aspiring fashion designers.

Kingston University is located by the Thames River, surrounded by shopping centers, restaurants, and vibrant student life. The university hosts over 21,600 students, with nearly 4,000 international students from 154 countries. Kingston has been ranked as one of the safest and most peaceful cities in London, and it is known for its excellent online learning system. Kingston University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses for both UK and international students, and it consistently ranks high in the QS World University Rankings.

Website: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/kingstonuni/

ESMOD International Fashion School is one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world. Established in 1841, it is the oldest fashion school in France and the first to teach fashion design globally. ESMOD is credited with inventing the tape measure and the mannequin, two significant contributions to the fashion industry.

With four campuses across France and 21 international locations, ESMOD offers programs in fashion design, apparel creation, brand design, and fashion business. Many renowned designers such as Damir Doma, Christophe Decarnin, Nina Garcia, Alexandre Vauthier, Suzy Menkes, Thierry Mugler, and Olivier Rousteing are alumni of this prestigious institution. Compared to other top fashion design academies worldwide, ESMOD offers relatively affordable tuition, with an annual fee of approximately $13,200.

ESMOD is ranked as the number one fashion school in France. It offers international internships and exchange opportunities in cities like Berlin, Beirut, Tokyo, Moscow, and Dubai. The school admits around 700 students annually to maintain high standards of education and practical experience. With around 1,500 students enrolled, including 500 in Fashion Business and 1,000 in Fashion Design, ESMOD boasts an impressive graduate network of over 10,000 alumni worldwide. On average, 400 students graduate each year, and they benefit from over 500 job offers and 15,000 internship opportunities annually. ESMOD's strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates makes it a leading choice for fashion education.

Website: https://www.esmod.com/en/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/esmodparis/

Istituto Marangoni is one of the most prestigious fashion institutions with multiple campuses around the world, including Milan (Italy), London (UK), Paris (France), and Shanghai (China). Known for producing world-renowned designers like Domenico Dolce and Franco Moschino, Istituto Marangoni offers a wide range of programs in fashion design, marketing, and branding. The school’s curriculum combines creative education with business insights, allowing students to connect their creativity with the fashion industry's commercial side. Around 90% of Istituto Marangoni graduates secure influential positions within the global fashion industry. Tuition fees range from $18,000 to $26,000 per year, making it an attractive option for fashion enthusiasts.

Each year, more than 2,000 students from over 90 countries attend Istituto Marangoni. Upon graduation, students receive a degree accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University, recognized worldwide. The institution also organizes internships with leading fashion companies, participation in design competitions, and fashion weeks, providing opportunities to meet influential figures in the fashion world.

In 2013, Istituto Marangoni received praise from the Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency for its excellent teaching standards and learning resources. With close ties to over 500 top fashion brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Chicco, and Givenchy, around 95% of graduates are employed by these companies annually. The school has fostered many prominent fashion designers such as Domenico Dolce (Dolce & Gabbana) and Franco Moschino (Moschino Cheap & Chic).

Website: https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/en/ab
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/istitutomarangoni

Fashion Design is one of the most effective and rapidly growing fields in France, catering to the demand for unique and stylish fashion trends among young people. France boasts a range of high-quality institutions offering fashion design programs, from public to private schools, at various levels from vocational training to postgraduate studies. Public institutions are relatively affordable, with fees ranging from 200 to 500 euros per year, though the number of students accepted is limited. On the other hand, private institutions charge higher fees, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 euros per year. However, students passionate about fashion can still pursue their dreams as the IFA University in Paris offers full scholarships for international students in the field of fashion design.

Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale is another prestigious fashion academy on the global map, renowned for producing iconic designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Gilles Rosier, Stéphane Rolland, Véronique Nichanian, Alexis Mabille, and many more. The school’s alumni list is a testament to its standing in the fashion world. With its affordable tuition fees of under 14,000 USD per year, Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale provides an incredible opportunity to study at one of the most celebrated fashion schools in the world.

Bunka Fashion College, established in 1923, is the first fashion school in Japan and one of the most prestigious fashion institutions in the world today. Bunka plays a crucial role in shaping fashion design education in Japan and has produced globally renowned designers such as Kenzo Takada, Chisato Tsumori, Hiroko Koshino, and Yohji Yamamoto. It is one of the few fashion academies in Asia to receive high acclaim internationally. With an average annual tuition ranging from 13,000 to 20,000 USD, it offers an affordable education in high-quality fashion training.

The college was founded by Isaburō Namiki in 1919 as a small sewing school for women called the Namiki Dressmaking School, during a time when European-style clothing for women was considered modern and reserved for wealthy families. In 1936, the school became Bunka Fashion College and began publishing So-en, Japan’s first fashion magazine. The school has evolved through three major stages: initially training individuals and families in dressmaking, then in the 1960s producing internationally renowned designers like Kenzo Takada (class of 1958) and Yohji Yamamoto, and since the 2000s, focusing on global fashion development with an emphasis on sustainability.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is one of the most prestigious fashion academies in the world and one of the largest fashion institutions globally. SCAD offers a variety of programs in fashion design, accessory design, fashion marketing, and fashion management. Every year, numerous exceptional student fashion collections are featured at New York Fashion Week. SCAD provides an inspiring and dynamic environment for students, with countless art exhibitions, festivals, seminars, presentations, and opportunities to collaborate with renowned fashion companies. Tuition at SCAD is approximately 30,000 USD per year.

SCAD is a university with four campuses, as well as online programs for students. Each campus offers a unique learning experience, allowing students to choose where and when they wish to study. Whether you seek inspiration in Lacoste or immerse yourself in the multicultural atmosphere of Hong Kong, SCAD offers a variety of options. Students can experience the fast-paced life of Atlanta or enjoy the distinctive charm of the Southern U.S. in Savannah. Online learning options allow students to study anywhere in the world. Regardless of the campus you attend, SCAD provides the opportunity to take a wide range of courses in general studies, major-specific subjects, and electives at its locations in Atlanta, Hong Kong, Savannah, and Lacoste.

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is not only recognized as one of the best cities for students but also as the fashion capital of the world. Among the many prestigious fashion design schools in the city, one that stands out is Central Saint Martins.

Central Saint Martins, part of the University of the Arts London (UAL), is located in the heart of London. It offers a wide range of programs, including fashion design, textiles, jewelry design, media arts, advertising, and contemporary arts. The academy boasts some of the most talented faculty in the world, including Professor Louise Wilson, a symbol of global fashion, and Louis Wilson, a legend in the fashion industry. The tuition fees at Central Saint Martins range from $20,000 to $25,000 annually, largely supported by government funding.

The University of the Arts London offers an extensive array of specialized courses in art, design, fashion, communication, and performing arts. Our graduates go on to shape industries and drive creative sectors globally. UAL ranks second in the world for Art and Design according to the QS World University Rankings 2019. The university comprises six renowned colleges: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion, and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL received an 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted in 2017 for its Foundation Art and Design programs.

UAL is home to 18,000 students from 130 countries and prides itself on a diverse and inclusive community. The university focuses on employability and career readiness, offering practical, real-world experience through its teaching programs. UAL actively supports students in securing opportunities in the creative industries and maintains strategic partnerships across sectors, businesses, and communities.

Website: https://www.arts.ac.uk/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/UniversityoftheArtsLondon

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is one of the most renowned fashion schools globally. It has produced legendary designers like Philip Treacy, Zandra Rhodes, Ossie Clark, Erdem Moralioglu, and Christopher Bailey.

RCA offers cutting-edge courses in fashion design, jewelry making, textiles, and other art disciplines. Students' work is frequently showcased at leading fashion events and in prestigious fashion houses across London. RCA students have opportunities to intern with top global brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Givenchy, and Burberry. Due to these remarkable opportunities, tuition fees at RCA are relatively high, at approximately $42,000 per year.

The institution’s Royal Charter, granted in 1967, emphasizes advancing knowledge and expertise in the arts through teaching, research, and collaboration with industries. According to recent data, 93% of RCA graduates secure relevant employment shortly after completing their studies, showcasing the school’s success.

RCA is proud of its distinguished alumni, including Sir James Dyson, Thomas Heatherwick, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Christopher Bailey, Len Deighton, Julien McDonald, Orla Kiely, Alison Jackson, Idris Khan, David Adjaye, AOC, Suzie Templeton, and Sir Ridley Scott, among many others.

Website: https://www.rca.ac.uk/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/RCA.London

Parsons The New School for Design in New York, USA is one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world, highly regarded in the global fashion industry for its exceptional faculty and unique curriculum.

Parsons has been the birthplace of renowned designers such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Alexander Wang. The school offers cutting-edge programs in fashion design, fashion studies, and fashion marketing. Students who graduate from Parsons gain significant advantages in their careers. However, tuition fees at Parsons are relatively high, averaging around $40,000 per year.

Founded in 1896 by William Merritt Chase, the institution aimed to explore personal artistic expression. It was the first of its kind in the country to offer programs in fashion design, advertising, interior design, and graphic design. Parsons offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including architecture, curatorial studies, textiles, design, and urban ecology. Its alumni have made significant contributions to their respective fields as fashion designers, photographers, entrepreneurs, illustrators, and artists.

The school is a member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design. Like most universities in New York City, Parsons' campus is spread across several buildings, with its main building located on 13th Street and 5th Avenue. Other facilities are shared with other colleges within The New School, but certain campuses are exclusively for Parsons. Parsons also operates a campus in Paris, located in the 1st Arrondissement, known as Parsons Paris.

Website: https://www.newschool.edu/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/thenewschool