Top 10 Prestigious Fashion Design Schools Around the World

Founded in 1841, ESMOD is the oldest fashion academy in France, with over 170 years of experience. It continues to hold a prominent position as one of the top fashion institutions globally, as ranked by "Classement Mondiaux Fashionista" + CEOWORLD + B.O.F. Currently, ESMOD operates five campuses in major French cities: Bordeaux, Lyon, Paris, Rennes, and Roubaix.

ESMOD offers a 6-month preparatory program aimed at helping students confirm their passion for fashion and preparing them for future studies in fashion design or fashion business. Courses are available in both English and French, and are taught through lectures, research workshops, collaborative projects, and field visits. The program is led by experienced professors in the fashion industry.

Students will study various topics, including artistic expression techniques, style development, fashion models, and fashion culture. The program equips students with technical excellence in creating fashion collections and accessories for various fields, focusing on specific markets. This training combines both fashion design and personal style development, allowing students to express their creativity while learning technical skills such as pattern making, cutting, sewing, and stitching. The course also covers fashion sketching, illustration, model making, textile studies, fashion history, Photoshop, 3D modeling, and English. At the end of the program, students will design their own collection and present it before a panel of teachers and industry experts.

Website: https://www.esmod.com/en/

Studying fashion in France at Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne is considered one of the best options worldwide. With a highly selective acceptance rate, the school only admits around 200 students per year. The institution offers specialized fashion courses that provide each student with an opportunity to refine and perfect their skills. Surprisingly, the tuition fees are among the most affordable, priced under 300 million VND per year (approximately $14,000).

More like a training institution than a traditional educational one, Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne only accepts applicants who have already completed a prior fashion education program. Therefore, to study fashion at this school, you must first graduate from a design program.

The teaching approach at Ecole is different from that of other schools like ESMOD, as it focuses on practical training where instructors help students refine their knowledge and hone their skills to a professional level. Therefore, graduates from other design schools will have a higher chance of admission. Many renowned fashion industry names, such as Alexis Mabille, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Tomas Maier, Gustavo Lins, Jean Colonna, Jean-Louis Scherrer, Jens Laugesen, and Jérôme, have passed through this institution. Their success speaks volumes about the quality and reputation of the school.

If you wish to apply to Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale, in addition to your academic certificates, you must submit a portfolio of your design work and present your design concept, often through a video submission or online discussion. Applications are typically accepted from January, with deadlines for submission in February or March, and results are usually announced by April.

Website: https://www.ifmparis.fr/

Accademia Italiana Thailand is a fashion and design institute established in 2006 in the Watthana district of Bangkok. It is a branch of the renowned Accademia Italiana. At this fashion school, students are taught everything from the basics to more advanced fashion concepts, training them to become professional fashion designers. Students can specialize in different fashion segments based on their personal interests and career aspirations.

The school offers courses covering ready-to-wear, high fashion, and trend forecasting. Accademia Italiana is a true breeding ground for talent, with its key success factor being the integration of ideas, creativity, and innovation with the practical aspects of production. Students learn to predict trends, understand consumer needs, and anticipate industry demands.

The young designers from Accademia Italiana have numerous opportunities to collaborate with some of the most prestigious brands in the world, which highlights the value of the professional preparation they receive. From Cavalli to Prada, Gucci to Calvin Klein, Vivienne Westwood to Burberry, many young designers and photographers have been introduced into the industry working alongside these iconic names. Every year, students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical skills. The end-of-year events include fashion shows and exhibitions of graphic design, interior design, and industrial design works. Many graduates go on to create their own names or become freelance professionals. These young designers, including Eva Polenova, Dimitris Zoz, Aura Dajer, and Jean-Pierre Biasol, step boldly into the industry, relying on their skills and a bit of luck to make their mark.

Website: https://www.accademiaitaliana.com/

Korean fashion has gained immense popularity not only in Asia but also globally, thanks to its unique blend of boldness, modernity, and high practicality. Korean designs always maintain a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. With distinctive fashion elements, Korean designers are quick to embrace international trends while adding their own flair. One prominent institution that contributes to this is Ewha Womans University.

Founded in 1967, Ewha is a prestigious all-women's university located in Seoul, and it holds the title of the largest women's university in the world. The university is renowned for its programs in fashion design, fashion show production, apparel design, styling, fashion photography, and accessory design. Established by American missionary Mary F. Scranton, Ewha is one of Korea's most respected institutions, with many influential women among its alumni.

Among the university's graduates are 15 of Korea's 32 female ministers (46.8%) and 17 of the 40 female members of Korea’s 17th National Assembly (42.5%). Notable alumni include Han Myeong-suk (South Korea's first female Prime Minister) and various First Ladies of South Korea, including Lee Soon-ja, Kim Yoon-ok, and Son Myung-soon. Additionally, figures like Lee Myung-hee (Chairperson of Shinsegae Group) and Hyun Jeong-eun (Chairperson of Hyundai Group) are among the university's distinguished graduates.

Students at Ewha Womans University are encouraged to explore their potential in the fashion industry, helping them choose the right fashion niche for their talents. The university's Fashion Design and Apparel & Fashion departments offer three main disciplines: Design, Textile Arts, and Fashion Design. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of students, and the curriculum follows international standards.

Website: http://www.ewha.ac.kr/ewha/index.do

RMIT University is Australia's largest multi-disciplinary institution, renowned for producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers. Located in Melbourne, the university educates over 72,000 students, including 28,000 international students from more than 100 countries worldwide. RMIT is a global leader in technology, design, and business education.

As one of Australia's founding universities, RMIT has earned an international reputation for excellence in vocational and professional education, applied research, and industry engagement. The university is globally recognized in the fields of Art & Design, Architecture, Education, Engineering, Development, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business and Management, as well as Media and Communications studies.

RMIT is particularly famous for its Fashion Design programs, including trend forecasting, styling, and fashion blogging. The university provides extensive support to its graduates, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the workforce. The School of Design and Social Context (DSC) integrates arts, media, design, education, humanities, real estate, and social sciences. Programs are designed to foster student creativity and engagement with new cultural and intellectual pursuits. Each course is tailored to meet individual, professional, and career needs, with a focus on academic achievement and career outcomes. Graduates often find themselves working with leading global fashion brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, Viktor & Rolf, and Vivienne Westwood. This connection with top industry names gives RMIT fashion students a significant edge in the competitive fashion industry.

Website: https://www.rmit.edu.au/

Istituto Marangoni is a renowned private fashion and design school based in Milan, Italy, with additional campuses in Florence, London, Paris, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Mumbai, and Miami. Founded in 1935 in the fashion capital of Milan, the London campus opened in 2002.

Ranked as one of the top 10 fashion schools worldwide, Istituto Marangoni welcomes over 2,000 students annually from more than 90 countries. Upon graduation, students receive a degree accredited by Manchester Metropolitan University, recognized internationally. During their studies, students have opportunities to intern with leading fashion houses, participate in design competitions, and attend prestigious fashion weeks, where they meet celebrated designers and icons.

Attending Istituto Marangoni means becoming part of a truly global student community, learning from diverse cultures and perspectives. The school operates three distinguished campuses in the world's fashion capitals: Milan, at the heart of the famous fashion district, Paris, near the Trocadéro on Raymond Poincaré Avenue, and London, in the vibrant East End. Through specialized courses in fashion and design, Istituto Marangoni offers its students a unique chance to immerse themselves in European fashion and creativity, gaining insight from these three influential cities.

Website: https://www.istitutomarangoni.com/

Founded in 1863, Politecnico di Milano is the largest technical university in Italy and the oldest university in Milan. It specializes in design and architecture, while also gaining a reputation for excellence in engineering. Nestled in the stylish environment of Italy, students here have easy access to Milan's vibrant fashion scene and artistic urban landscapes—an ideal setting to inspire their designs.

With a sunny climate for most of the year, Milan offers not only stunning landmarks and rich cultural spaces but also world-class cuisine. The city boasts an extensive transportation network, including three international airports, and despite its urban character, it also features numerous regional parks. In the CENSIS-Repubblica University rankings for 2014-2015, Politecnico di Milano was ranked as one of the best universities in Italy for Engineering. QS World University Rankings 2018 placed it as the 17th best technical university globally, 5th in Design, 9th in Architecture, 9th in Civil and Structural Engineering, and 17th in Engineering and Technology.

Studying here offers students opportunities to immerse themselves in the real-world fashion industry, while also specializing in diverse areas of fashion. Additionally, students can expand their knowledge by exploring graphic design and art, further enriching their future careers. With students from over 100 countries, Politecnico di Milano offers programs taught in English. Famous alumni include fashion designer Gianfranco Ferré, architect Giò Ponti, and chemist Giulio Natta, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963 after studying chemical engineering at the university.

Website: https://www.polimi.it/en

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private, non-profit, four-year university established in 1978, with campuses in Atlanta, Hong Kong, Lacoste (France), Savannah, and an online program. Each campus offers tailored programs that align with the cultural environment of the city they are based in.

With over 13,000 students from across the U.S. and around the world, SCAD welcomes international students, who make up about 14% of its student population. SCAD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, as well as other regional and professional accrediting bodies. It is one of the largest fashion schools in the world. Here, students specialize in accessory design, fashion management, and men's fashion. Recently, SCAD has partnered with ELLE to showcase the works of outstanding students at New York Fashion Week.

Students can enroll at any time and from anywhere during their course. They can find inspiration in Lacoste, immerse themselves in the Asian atmosphere at the Hong Kong campus, enjoy the dynamic energy of Atlanta, or experience the southern hospitality of Savannah. Each campus offers a unique program that complements the cultural vibe of its location. With a faculty of over 700 members, all holding globally recognized advanced degrees, SCAD offers more than 40 degree programs and 60 minors. The university boasts 8 art exhibition centers in Savannah, 4 in Atlanta, and 2 in Lacoste. The acceptance rate is 69%, and the average GPA of graduates is 3.47. SCAD offers four intake periods per year, in September, January, March, and June, with September being the main intake month.

Website: https://www.scad.edu/

Kingston University London (KUL) is a public research university located in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, South West London, UK. The university is known for its strong programs in arts, design, fashion, science, engineering, and business. It gained university status in 1992, previously known as Kingston Polytechnic. Kingston University has four campuses in Kingston and Roehampton.

The university is a member of the MBA Association, the European University Association, and the Commonwealth Universities Association. Kingston offers 26 art-related degree programs, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration available through distance learning, and nine specialized bachelor's programs in Professional Studies, including International Product Development, Textile Production and Development, Entertainment Design & Decoration, Film & Television Costume Design, Footwear Design, and Digital Communications.

Ranked 4th and 5th among the best fashion schools globally by Fashionista and Ceoworld, Kingston University attracts a lot of attention from fashion students worldwide. It is a popular choice for students from all over the globe. The university provides numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programs for both UK and international students. Kingston University takes pride in conducting high-quality research in various fields, which consistently places it in the QS World University Rankings with a high standing.

Website: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/

University of the Arts London (UAL) is a globally renowned institution comprising six prestigious colleges specializing in art, design, fashion, communication, and performing arts. Founded in 1989, UAL was formed by the merger of two prominent schools: the Central School of Art and the Saint Martin's School of Art.

Today, UAL is recognized worldwide as a leader in teaching and research across the creative disciplines. It is the largest art and design university in Europe, with nearly 19,000 students, including about 4,000 international students from 114 countries. Notable alumni include world-famous designers such as Stella McCartney, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Phoebe Philo, and Paul Smith.

UAL offers a variety of unique programs that nurture creative talent from around the world. It has been ranked as one of the best modern universities in the UK by The Sunday Times University Guide. The university is highly praised for its teaching quality and research in art and design-related fields, with over 50% of its research recognized as world-leading. UAL has earned numerous prestigious awards for excellence in both the UK and globally. The university has 11 student accommodations, including traditional and modern dorms, with a total of 1,700 rooms to meet student housing needs. Tuition fees range from $20,000 to $25,000 per year.

Website: https://www.arts.ac.uk/