Europe is home to many of the oldest and greatest fashion schools in the world. Getting the chance to attend any of these schools would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a great time to develop one’s skills and portfolio. Today, we will discuss some of the best fashion schools in Europe.
Is Fashion a Marketable Course?
Absolutely! If you are passionate and know what it is you are doing then fashion is highly marketable. In today’s world where expression through various media is highly encouraged and applauded, fashion is easily a fast-growing and high-return industry. Getting into prestigious fashion schools is a dream for many, making it a competitive field to venture into, but one that can open many doors once you find your footing. While we do not have available fashion courses on our website at this time, you can browse through our available courses to see what other programs are available to you or match your interests. You can also check out our available courses in Europe if your interest is exclusively in pursuing your education in Europe.
Top Fashion Schools in Europe
1. Fashion Design Institut, Germany
Located in the city of Dusseldorf, the Fashion Design Institut is one of the best fashion schools in Europe. Founded in 2008, the FDI has become one of the most highly regarded. As of today, it is the 37th best fashion school in the world, according to Business of Fashion.
The institute offers several interesting bachelor programs, including fashion design, fashion journalism, and fashion marketing/management. In these programs, students will improve their skills and develop their creativity in one of the most innovative environments in Europe.
2. Central Saint Martins, UK
A subsidiary of the University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins is one of the most highly regarded fashion universities in Europe. As part of the UAL, Central Saint Martins is ranked by QS as the 2nd best university for art students in the world.
Considered a top fashion institution in Europe, Central Saint Martins is home to a huge array of fashion courses. Just some of the courses available at a bachelor’s level include fashion print, fashion design, and fashion journalism. Students that want to continue their education at the college have several master’s specializations to choose from. These include disciplines such as womenswear, textiles, and knitwear.
The city of London, the largest in the UK, is home to several great institutions for students interested in fashion. As well as these, the London Fashion Week provides students the unique chance to engage with the forefront of the art world.
3. ESMOD Paris, France
Founded in 1841, ESMOD Paris is one of the oldest and most widely spread fashion universities in the world. With branches located in Lyon, Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo, ESMOD Paris is easily one of the most international universities.
This leading fashion school has a small number of high-quality courses. Just a few of these include the fashion designer undergraduate program and the creative director post-graduate program.
ESMOD Paris’ reputation is second to none. The university currently ranks above the vast majority of fashion colleges in the world. As of today, CEOWorld ranks the college as the 17th best in the world for fashion students.
4. Polimoda Fashion School, Italy
One of the leading fashion institutions in Europe, Polimoda Fashion School is home to a number of excellent programs for prospective fashion students. Just a few of these include bachelor’s degrees in product management, fashion art direction, and fashion design.
Located in one of the fashion hubs of the world, Florence, students have the chance to study with some of the best designers working today. While studying at the school, students should take the time to explore the city to find inspiration. The Florence Fashion Tour, for example, will give students the chance to explore some of the most important fashion sites in the city.
5. Swiss Mode, Switzerland
Located in the scenic town of Montreux, Swiss Mode is regarded as one of the best fashion schools in Europe.
The school is home to some excellent bachelor’s programs for students interested in studying fashion. The college’s main programs are bachelor’s degrees in fashion, textiles, and digital design. These programs help students develop their knowledge of the fashion industry and the skills they will need to excel.
The town of Montreux is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland and is home to several incredible sites. Just a few of these include Crêtes Castle, the expansive Lake Geneva, and the Caux Palace Hotel.
6. Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Belgium
One of the oldest fine art schools in the world, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts at Antwerp has a history dating back to 1663. It is also known as one of the best in the world. According to the Time Higher Education rankings, the Royal Academy is the 4th best fashion school – a clear demonstration of the school’s quality.
For prospective students of fashion, the school is a great place to develop one’s skills. The school offers a degree at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Students taking part will learn about theories of art and fashion design, as well as several practical classes where students can demonstrate what they have learned.
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.
7. Istituto Marangoni, Italy
Located in one of the fashion capitals of the world in Milan, the Istituto Marangoni is home to some of the best fashion courses. As of today, Istituto is ranked as the 7th best fashion college on the planet, according to Ceoworld.
The Istituto Marangoni focuses on three main areas of study; fashion design, fashion styling, and fashion business. In each of these fields, students can choose from a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Students who complete these courses will not only develop their skills and knowledge of fashion but will also have built up a portfolio that they can show to future employers.
In conclusion, there are many excellent schools in Europe for students interested in studying fashion. All of the schools discussed above will give students the chance to lay the foundations for their future careers in fashion.
8. London College of Fashion, UK
The London College of Fashion is one of six colleges under the umbrella of the University of the Arts London and it stands out in performance. It is known to be among the best colleges when it comes to art and has built a strong reputation as one of the best fashion design schools in Europe.
The college has a rich history, reaching back to more than a decade ago, teaching countless students from all over the world about fashion, be it design, curation, or even the business aspect of art. They have quite an array for their students to choose from, offering 60-degree programs and 165 short courses in fashion studies.
9. Aalto University, Finland
In the Nordic countries, Aalto is one of the largest universities and is globally recognized to be among the most prestigious.
One of Aalto University’s six schools is the School of Arts, Design, and Architecture, which started operating in 2012. Its vision is to use arts and design for the betterment of society, not just in the university, but in the real world as well.
10. Royal College of Art, UK
The School of Design at the Royal College of Art incorporates beautiful ideas with practicality, with its direction towards innovative design, which not only makes the world more beautiful but also easier to live in.
As previously stated, the school’s innovative vision is applied to all its programs. Their graduate degrees in fashion give students further exposure to the industries they have chosen, as well as better-honed skills to create new and better designs for our world’s future.
11. University of Westminster, UK
When we talk about the fashion industry, success here is rooted in good connections. What the University of Westminster has is 183 of these good connections, ready to employ, develop, and train their students in different fields. This reinforces its position as one of Europe’s best schools for fashion.
Much like any good university, they remain up to date, teaching their students practicality and relevance in the ever-changing world. This includes methods such as mentorship, and placement learning, as well as the classic method of classroom teaching, but with additional input from employers. This means that the graduates are not only book smart but also practical and critical in tackling the problems they are to face.
12. Accademia Costume & Moda, Italy
Among the truly elite fashion schools, Accademia Costume & Moda stands out. With a pattern of excellence and consistency, the academy boasts international recognition and has become the go-to when it comes to studying fashion and design.
This academy is bold and unafraid of exploring the uncharted to produce like no other. The faculty tries to build a culture of craftsmanship, giving their students the edge when it comes to the world of fashion.
13. Domus Academy, Italy
The Domus Academy sits comfortably at the top of university rankings, placing among the top 3 Italian design schools. Despite being already among the best, what the academy wants is to inspire change for a better future for all.
The academy uses unorthodox methods to develop the students’ many talents, nurturing each one to be ready for all scenarios once they graduate. As proof of the quality of their graduates, they boast a rich internship experience courtesy of their global network of alumni.
14. Institut Francais de la Mode, France
Institut Francais de la Mode is actually a product of two well-known fashion schools and is making its mark on the world stage. With a very rich history in fashion education, it’s no surprise why it is included in every list of the best schools to learn fashion in Europe.
The institute wishes to be a leader when it comes to producing experts in the world of fashion and design, with the French culture in mind where design and beauty take precedence. The institute also anticipates how the future will unfold, providing its students with an education that is modern and useful for the ever-changing world around them.
15. Istituto Europeo di Design, Italy
Diverse and specialized: this is what education at the Istituto Europeo di Design is. Being among the leading industries in Italy, fashion is an important part of Italian culture, which is why IED’s School of Fashion collaborates with the professionals in the industry to improve their education system even further. Its unique educational system proves useful when its students bloom into full-blown artists and designers, equipped with skills essential to conquer the fashion world by storm.
16. University of South Wales, UK
If you are looking for a university that will help launch your fashion career, look no further than the UK-leading University of South Wales. The university gives its students a unique sendoff, with the opportunity to showcase their work at the British Fashion Week in their final year. As to where the university’s confidence is rooted, it is because they expose their students to working with big fashion brands, sometimes getting them internships from brands such as Ralph Lauren or L’Oreal. By the time the students graduate, they are already experts in the trade.
17. University of Boras, Sweden
Part of the University of Boras is the Swedish School of Textiles. As one of Europe’s top universities that teaches fashion, this school not only focuses on design but also incorporates concepts of business and technology into the art of fashion. The combination of real-world skills and creativity makes their graduates stand out from any crowd like a designer’s signature work.
The university is the only one in Sweden that could award a doctoral degree in the field of fashion, which is ideal for those who seek to develop their talents to their peak. Should you choose to hone your passion in fashion arts, the University of Boras is there for you, from your bachelor’s degree and beyond.
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!
