Study Smart agency is the official accredited representative of Italian Universities and provides consultant support, help with admissions documents and applications free of charge.
Higher Education
in Italy
Why Study Fashion and Design in Italy?
Italy is more than a country - it's a global icon of fashion, design, and culture. From the historic ateliers of Florence to the high-fashion runways of Milan, Italy offers an unparalleled environment for aspiring designers and creative minds.
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You can choose from a variety of courses with different duration and specialization - starting from Short Courses, 1-Year Intensives, to 3-Year Bachelor's and 1-2 Year Master's programs.
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A Global Fashion Capital
Italy stands at the heart of the fashion world. With legendary brands like Gucci, Prada, and Versace calling it home, studying here means immersing yourself in the pulse of global fashion. Italian universities and academies are renowned for blending timeless craftsmanship with innovative thinking - giving you the tools to shape the future of design.
World-Class Education
Italian institutions offer specialized programs in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Fashion Marketing, and more. Whether you're interested in haute couture or sustainable design, you'll find world-class curricula taught by industry professionals and academics.
Courses are offered in English, and degrees from Italian universities are recognized across Europe and around the globe, giving you a competitive edge in your future career.
Hands-On Learning & Industry Connections
Education in Italy is deeply practical. You'll engage in hands-on workshops, portfolio development, internships with leading fashion houses, and real-world projects that prepare you for success. Many programs are connected directly to Milan Fashion Week and international design expos, giving you networking opportunities that can launch your career.
Live and Learn in Italy
Studying in Italy is not just about education - it's about living the culture. You’ll be surrounded by art, architecture, cuisine, and centuries of creative tradition. It’s a chance to grow as a designer and as a person in one of the world’s most inspiring settings.
How We Help
We specialize in helping U.S. and worldwide students apply to and enroll in Italy’s top Fashion and Design programs. From choosing the right school and program to preparing your application, getting a student visa and booking accommodation, we’re with you every step of the way - making your dream of studying design in Italy simple, exciting, and achievable.
Ready to begin your journey?
Let’s bring your creative future to life - in Italy.
Why Apply with International Education Consultant?
Welcome to Study Smart, your trusted partner for studying Fashion and Design in Italy. As an international education consulting agency, we specialize in guiding U.S. and worldwide students through every step of their academic journey - from choosing the right university to submitting applications, securing student visas, and arranging accommodation.
We are officially accredited representatives of top-ranked Italian universities that specialize in Fashion and Design and our services are completely free of charge.
Our experienced team offers personalized support to make your transition smooth, stress-free, and successful. We don’t just help you apply - we curate your experience, ensuring you're prepared, confident, and ready to thrive in Italy’s world-renowned design scene. Let us turn your creative dreams into a global reality.
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As trusted partners of universities, we’re here to guide you with reliable, insider knowledge and direct connections. When you work with us, you're not just getting advice - you’re getting support backed by the very universities you're applying to. You will be involved in every step of the admissions process and copied to all communication with schools. You will get direct messages from admissions team as well. For most programs, an individual meeting with university admissions team will be organized via zoom as part of the admissions process.
Your tuition fees remain exactly the same whether you apply on your own or with our help. All official tuition prices are publicly listed on the universities' websites, and students pay directly to the schools - not to us. There are no hidden costs, and no added fees for using our services.
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Our role is to make your journey as smooth as possible.
We help you choose the right program, gather and prepare your application documents, support your student visa process, and assist with finding and booking accommodation. Once you arrive in Italy, we continue to guide and curate your experience to help you settle in and succeed.
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As schools' official representatives, we guide international students through the process free of charge with the following steps:
STEP 1
We help you choose the perfect program for your goals among 100+ available programs in Fashion and Design
STEP 2
We prepare an application package for successful admission
STEP 3
Once the offer is issued and accepted, we apply for a student visa and assist with accommodation booking
STEP 4
After the student visa is successfully received, we provide pre-arrival instructions, help you register for classes and settle after arrival
Our schools
Istituto Marangoni
Domus Academy
NABA
Accademia del Lusso
ISTITUTO MARANGONI
Locations: Milan, Florence
​Haute-couture, boutique-style approach to teaching fashion and design. 100+ programs. Widely developed connections with industry experts, most famous alumni, best designers teach and employ, regular career fairs with world most famous fashion companies, state-of-the-art facilities. Ranked 5th in the world for Fashion and Design.
ACCADEMIA DEL LUSSO
Locations: Milan, Rome
Boutique-style school focusing exclusively on luxury segment. Located on via Montenapoleone, the heart of fashion district in Milan. Outstanding support of international students and friendly, vibrant, dynamic atmosphere. Flexible, innovative, and unique programs' specializations, that are exclusively offered here and not found anywhere else.
ISTITUTO MARANGONI
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Established in 1935, Istituto Marangoni isn’t just a fashion and design school - it’s an international launchpad for creative careers. With a legacy that stretches across Milan, Florence, Paris, London, and beyond, it’s one of the most prestigious institutions in the world for fashion and design education.
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What Makes It Stand Out?
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Top 5 in the World for Fashion Design
Recognized globally as a leader in creative education, Istituto Marangoni ranks among the top 5 design schools worldwide, setting the gold standard in fashion training.
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Elite Network of Industry Insiders
Learn directly from the best. Courses are taught by renowned designers and working professionals who shape today’s industry - and often hire top students straight from class. The school has its mentor program, where world famous designers such as Olivier Rousteing (Balmain), Giambattista Valli (Giambattista Valli), Alessio Vannetti (Valentino) inspire and support students while helping them grow their skills.
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Legendary Alumni
Join the ranks of fashion royalty. Alumni include Domenico Dolce (Dolce & Gabbana), Franco Moschino (Moschino), Alessandro Sartori (Zegna), Rodolfo Paglialunga (Jil Sander), Alessandra Facchinetti (Tod’s), Julie de Libran (Sonia Rykiel) - proof that this school builds icons.
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91% Graduate Employment Rate
Real results, real careers. The vast majority of graduates find employment within 6 months - often with the very brands they admire.
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Top Fashion Houses
From Chanel to Valentino, students regularly meet and network with the world’s leading fashion companies through exclusive on-campus events.
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100+ Programs to Choose From
Whether your passion is fashion design, styling, business, luxury brand management, interior design, or visual merchandising - there’s a tailored path just for you.
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Cutting-Edge Facilities in Fashion Capitals
Study in Milan, Florence, Paris, or London in state-of-the-art design studios, digital labs, and creative spaces that mirror the industry’s best. Students of 3-Year Programs are allowed to freely transfer between European campuses.
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Global Community, Italian Craftsmanship
With students from over 100 countries and deep Italian design heritage, you’ll experience a unique blend of global inspiration and traditional excellence.​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Istituto Marangoni School of Fashion, Milan
Istituto Marangoni School of Design, Milan
Your dream school is closer than you think - and we're here to make it happen. As official representatives of Istituto Marangoni, we provide free, expert support to help you apply and succeed. Our team works directly with the school, so you get accurate advice, insider tips, and personal guidance every step of the way.
​NABA - Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
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Located in the cultural heart of Milan and Rome, NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti – is one of Europe’s leading art and design universities, internationally recognized for its cutting-edge programs and deep industry connections. With a future-focused curriculum and a legacy of excellence, NABA is where visionary talent becomes professional success.​​​
Why Choose NABA?
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#1 and Largest Private Art and Design Academy in Italy
NABA is ranked as Italy’s top private institution in the creative arts - offering internationally accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English.
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Study in Milan or Rome - Design Capitals of the World
Immerse yourself in the style, culture, and innovation of Italy’s most dynamic cities, surrounded by fashion houses, design studios, and artistic heritage.
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Creative Programs that Prepare You for Real Careers
Choose from a wide range of future-driven programs in Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Visual Arts, Communication, Media, and more.
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Learn from Industry Experts
Classes are led by top professionals - designers, artists, and creatives who are active in their fields and bring current industry trends straight into the classroom.
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Hands-On Projects & Internships
Collaborate with world-famous brands like Armani, Versace, Nike, and Vogue. Through real projects and internships, NABA turns learning into experience.
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Global Community & Creative Environment
Join a diverse, international student body in an inspiring, open-minded campus atmosphere that encourages experimentation and bold thinking.
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Excellent Career Outcomes
With dedicated career services, portfolio development, and strong ties to the design world, NABA graduates are ready to lead in the creative industries.
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Whether your dream is to become a designer, creative director, brand strategist, or visual artist - NABA gives you the skills, vision, and network to make it real.
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Get in touch with us for free expert help with your application, student visa, and relocation to Italy.
Domus Academy
Located in the heart of Milan - the capital of fashion, design, and creativity - Domus Academy is one of the most prestigious postgraduate design schools in the world. Known for blending Italian design heritage with cutting-edge innovation, it offers a truly future-facing education for international creatives.​
Why Choose Domus Academy?
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Globally Ranked
Recognized among the world’s top 3 design schools by Business of Fashion and FRAME Magazine.
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A Place for Envisioners
Supporting the next generation to be system game-changers and leaders of tomorrow, encouraging young talents to use imagination and creativity to shape the world and create the change.
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100% International & English-Taught
A global creative hub with students and faculty from over 50 countries - programs taught entirely in English.
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Exceptional Career Outcomes and Mandatory Guaranteed Placements and Internships
Thanks to personalized career coaching, 100% students take on placements during studies and 96% of Domus graduates find jobs in their field within a year of graduating.
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Graduates move on to fulfilling careers around the world
Their works got awarded in a wide array of international competitions: Wallpaper Magazine Design Awards, AD100, ELLE DECO Awards, Radical Innovation Awards, Compasso D'Oro, Good Design Awards, iF Design Awards, Red Dot Design Awards, and many others.
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Project-Based Learning with Top Brands
Learn by doing: every course includes hands-on projects with world-renowned companies like Gucci, Samsung, Adidas, Ferrari, and IKEA.
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Postgraduate Focus
Specialized Master’s and Professional Diploma programs in Fashion, Product Design, Interior Design, Interaction Design, Business, and Luxury Branding.
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Real-World Mentorship
Courses are co-designed with professionals - your mentors are not just teachers, but active leaders in fashion, tech, business, and design.
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Live & Learn in Milan
Domus places you at the center of Italy’s most innovative city, with direct access to design weeks, trade shows, fashion events, and global networking opportunities.
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Futuristic Campus & Creative Labs
Study in an inspiring campus filled with digital fabrication labs, multimedia studios, and collaborative workspaces.
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Your Creative Future Starts Here
At Domus Academy, you won’t just study design - you’ll live it, shape it, and launch your career with it.
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Apply with us for full, free support - from program selection and portfolio guidance to your visa and arrival in Milan.
Let us help you turn your creative passion into a career that travels the world.​​​
Accademia del Lusso
Located on Milan’s famous Via Montenapoleone, Accademia del Lusso places you at the heart of the international luxury fashion and design industry. Known for its focused, career-oriented programs, the academy prepares students to thrive in high-end fashion, luxury branding, and design innovation.
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Why Choose Accademia del Lusso?
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Specialized in Luxury Fashion & Design
The academy focuses exclusively on the luxury sector, offering highly targeted programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Business, Brand Management, Styling, and Visual Merchandising.
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Located on Milan’s Most Exclusive Fashion Street
Study steps away from the world’s top fashion houses - Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani - and immerse yourself in real industry culture daily.
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International, English-Taught Programs
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses are offered in English for global students seeking an immersive Italian fashion education.
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Strong Industry Connections
Courses are developed in collaboration with major luxury brands, and students regularly participate in internships, fashion shows, and company projects.
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Taught by Professionals
Faculty members are all active in the luxury sector - fashion buyers, art directors, stylists, brand managers, and more - bringing real-world knowledge to the classroom.
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Career-Focused Approach
The academy emphasizes practical learning and career readiness, with a personalized Career Office that helps students find work experience and job placements.
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Creative Labs & Design Studios
On-campus facilities include fully equipped fashion and styling studios, trend research labs, and digital design spaces to bring your ideas to life.
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Focus on Sustainability Programs integrate ethical fashion and responsible practices​​​
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Turn Your Passion for Luxury Into a Profession
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Join a community of dreamers, designers, and disruptors. With Accademia del Lusso, you don’t just learn fashion - you live it.
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Apply now and craft your future in the world of luxury.
We offer full, free support to help you apply, from choosing the right program to getting your student visa and settling in Milan.
Start your journey into the world of Italian luxury today.​​​​​​​​​​
How We Help You Get In
Your dream school is closer than you think—and we’re here to make it happen.
As official representatives of top Fashion&Design Italian schools, we provide free, expert support to help you apply and succeed. Our team works directly with the schools, so you get accurate advice, insider tips, and personal guidance every step of the way.​​​
Our Free Services Include:
01
PROGRAM MATCHING
&
APPLICATION SUPPORT
We help you choose the right course from over 100 programs based on your goals and creative vision. From portfolio to your personal statement, we guide you in crafting a strong, polished application that reflects your unique talent.
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STUDENT VISA ASSISTANCE
We apply for your long-term student visa and walk you through the entire process, ensuring you meet every requirement and deadline with confidence.
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ACCOMMODATION GUIDANCE
Need help finding housing in Milan, Florence, or Rome? We’ll help you explore safe, student-friendly options.
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ARRIVAL & ORIENTATION SUPPORT
Once you’re admitted, we stay by your side - helping you prepare, settle in, and thrive in your new creative home.
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AND THE
BEST PART?
You pay the same tuition as students who apply on their own. All fees are paid directly to schools as listed on their official websites, and our support remains 100% free.
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Ready to Start Your Journey?
We’re here to turn your passion into a profession.
Book a free consultation to learn how we can help you get accepted to your dream program.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to study at top Fashion & Design academies and universities in Italy?
Long-term courses: 1-year tuition for international students is between 12,500 EUR to 38,500 EUR depending on school and program level. Short courses are between 2000 EUR to 4300 EUR.
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When is the start date of courses?
It varies. Most long-term courses have intakes in September/October and January/February. Short-term courses are available in summer, winter, and fall, and exact dates vary every year. Please consult us for specific course.
How much is the accommodation in Milan/Florence/Rome and general cost of living?
Apartments and student residences prices vary between 150-600 EUR per week. Groceries cost around 400 EUR a month. Transportation is around 100 EUR per month. If needed, we will help you find and book appropriate accommodation for your budget.
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Can I work during full-time studies?
​Yes, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week during your full-time studies on your student visa.
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Are there internships built in the study programs?
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Some programs and schools offer built-in internship, which is mandatory. Others let the student decide on the need for internship and help find one through a designated career centre. For Bachelor's Degrees, there may be a "sandwich year", a year of work between your 2nd and 3rd year. For Master's Degrees, there may be 12-week internship at the end of the program. For 1-year Intensives, there may be a 3-months summer internship.
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Can I stay in Italy after graduation to work and live?
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Yes, you can stay in Italy after you graduate, but this will require you to obtain a new residence permit or a work visa. If you have not found a job before you graduate, you can apply for Temporary Residence Permit to look for work (Permesso di Attesa Occupazione), which allows you to stay in Italy for a year to look for work. Once you have found a job, you can apply for a regular work residence permit. After you have found a job with an Italian employer, you can apply for a work visa. In this case, the employer will have to apply for a work visa for you. If you have enrolled in a Master's program in Italy, you can stay in Italy for a year after you graduate to look for work.
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What is the procedure to get a student visa to Italy? Is it hard?
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Our visa support department carefully guides you through the visa process. We gather and prepare necessary documents from school (visa letters, invitations, accommodation and payment confirmations), register you as a new student on unified Italian student portal https://www.universitaly.it/ (this is required by the government), as well as ask you to prepare certain documents from your side (your passport, proof of previous education history, personal statement, international student insurance, passport size photos, application form, bank statement with required minimum amount for the duration of the study - the amount is set by Italian government and is now around 6100 EUR per year excluding accommodation).
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We verify your documents for accuracy and form a package. Then we fill out the application form for you on the website of the Consulate of Italy or a designated Italian visa centre in your country, book an appointment for you to visit the centre and submit the documents. At the Consulate, they will take your fingerprints (standard European Union procedure requirement) and take your original documents or certified copies. It will take 2-4 weeks to issue your Student Visa Type D for long-term studies. You will be invited to collect your passport with a visa sticker attached inside to one of the pages at the same visa centre or have it delivered to your home.
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What is the procedure after arrival to Italy for registering with Italian authorities and getting your permit set up?
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Once you arrive to Italy and check in your student residence or private accommodation, usually the next working day you should go to your University and register as a new student. There, they will give you a letter with which you should go to the local department of internal affairs (police) and apply for "Permesso di soggiorno" (Residence Permit). It might take several weeks for them to issue one to you, that's alright. Permesso is a plastic card with your details and individual number. It substitutes your visa, which will expire, and you can travel in and out of Italy by showing this card and your passport at the customs. Permesso will allow you to have an individual tax number. It is sometimes required when buying a local cell phone plan or booking private long-term accommodation. Also, it allows you to have internships, work and pay taxes.
Study Smart Agency are experts with 10+ years of experience in enrolling students in Universities in Italy and across the world. If you're looking to relocate, get a long-term visa in Europe, Asia or anywhere else, we are here to help. Our partnerships extend to many Universities across the world, and we can always provide valuable expertise regarding international education and relocation.
Request a free enquiry today. We will be happy to answer all your questions and provide detailed advice.​​​​​
