Best Fashion Design Schools In The World

Have you ever wondered if fashion education is more than just creating clothes? It’s about creating art that inspires people to embrace their personality and creativity! Fashion education can influence the world’s perceptions as it is an essential part of the evolving industry.

Did you know that best fashion design schools in the world, such as Central Saint Martins in London and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, have produced some of the world’s most talented designers? 

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Designers like Stella McCartney and Calvin Klein, iconic in the fashion industry, have studied in these schools. It’s amazing how these institutions have contributed to the fashion industry.

Fashion Design schools have much to offer besides great education. Some offer scholarships, such as the Matches Fashion.com Scholarship and The H&M Sustainable Journalism Award, which can be incredibly helpful. They also provide valuable experience and a diverse range of courses. All of this is under the guidance of experienced professionals, too! It’s really an incredible platform for aspiring designers. 

A career in fashion design can be incredibly rewarding, financially and personally. Plus, it opens up job opportunities and global work experience! 

Are you interested in learning more? In this blog, we’ll explore the top fashion design schools in the world!

Why should you choose Fashion Designing?

If you have a strong passion for fashion and a desire to express your creative imagination, fashion design could be your perfect career path! Fashion design allows you to bring your unique vision to life and showcase your individuality. Various career paths in fashion design, such as fashion designer, merchandiser, stylist, and fashion journalist, offer exciting opportunities to make your mark in the competitive industry with the right knowledge, skills, and exposure. Therefore, it’s worth exploring what a career in fashion design has to offer.

Let’s examine why studying fashion design can be useful for your career. 

• Creativity: Fashion design is an amazing way to express your creativity. It allows you to showcase your unique ideas and bring them to life. You can let your imagination run wild and express your design style.
• Career opportunities: A degree in fashion design opens up so many doors for you within the industry. You can pursue careers as a fashion designer, stylist, fashion journalist, and more. With a degree in fashion design, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your passion for fashion in various exciting ways.
• Industry Recognition: Choosing the right school can make a big difference in today’s competitive world. It can open many doors for you, including job opportunities, internships, and career advancements. Graduating from a reputable school can be really helpful for your career, as it can increase your industry recognition.
• Global Exposure: When you enter the fashion industry, you are exposed to various cultures and fashion trends worldwide. This can help expand your creative mind and give you a global perspective on fashion. By gaining international exposure, you can unlock your full creative potential.
• Personal Growth: Fashion design can be challenging sometimes, but the reward is worth it. It takes you on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, helping you develop new skills and confidence. Plus, you can explore your creativity and think out of the box.

10 Best Fashion Design Schools in the World

The world of fashion design is highly competitive and demanding, requiring creativity, innovation, and technical skills. The 10 best fashion design schools in the world have the ability to impart skills through their rigorous and comprehensive fashion design programs. 

These schools offer a range of features, from modern facilities to industry connections and internships, helping students develop their unique voice and launching them into successful careers in the fashion industry. 

Whether it’s Central Saint Martins in London, Parsons School of Design in New York City, or Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, each of these schools has its own strengths and emphasis, catering to diverse interests and career paths in the world of fashion.

Here is a list of famous alumni who graduated from the world’s top fashion design schools and are now highly recognised in the industry.

Let’s discuss briefly the top 5 ranked fashion schools in the world:

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1. Central Saint Martins (London, UK), University of the Arts London:  

Central Saint Martins is a world-renowned arts and design school in London, UK. It is part of the University of the Arts London and is known for its innovative and boundary-pushing approach to art and design education. 

The school offers various courses, including fashion, fine arts, communication design, and more, each taught by renowned faculty members and industry experts. Central Saint Martins’ unique selling point lies in its emphasis on experimentation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning, which helps students develop a unique and diverse skill set. In previous years, Central Saint Martins was ranked the world’s second-best art and design school in the QS World University Rankings.

The following are the admission criteria for Undergraduate Programmes: 

• A BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) grades.
•  A UAL Extended Diploma.
• Access to a Higher Education Diploma equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points.
• A Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) with passing grades and equivalent EU/international qualifications, such as an International Baccalaureate Diploma (24 points). 
• Three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*–C).

The following are the admission criteria for Post Graduate Programmes: 

• You should have a strong academic background in Fashion Design, Knitwear or Printed Textiles to be eligible for admission.
•  Specifically, a first or upper-second-class honours degree is required.
•  The degree should have a strong fashion bias.
•  Alternatively, you can obtain equivalent qualifications from the EU or internationally.

Central Saint Martins sets high standards for admission, seeking talent with strong academic and creative backgrounds.

The list below mentions the specific details of Central Saint Martins (London, UK): 

2. Parsons School of Design (New York City, USA)

Parsons School of Design is a prestigious fashion design school located in New York City, USA. In previous years, QS World University Rankings ranked it #2 in the world for Art and Design. 

The school offers a wide range of programs in fashion design, including BFA, AAS, and MFA degrees. Parsons School of Design provides state-of-the-art facilities, industry connections, and an emphasis on sustainability in fashion design. With its top-notch faculty and comprehensive programs, the school provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the highly competitive fashion industry.

The following are the admission criteria for Undergraduate Programmes: 

• Completion of high school or equivalent education
• Submission of a portfolio highlighting creative work 
• You must write a personal statement or essay 
• You must provide letters of recommendation Submitting SAT or ACT scores (not mandatory, but recommended)

The following are the admission criteria for Post Graduate Programmes: 

• A degree in a relevant field at the undergraduate level 
• A portfolio showcasing exceptional skills and creativity 
• A personal statement or statement of purpose 
• Recommendation letters GRE or GMAT scores (depending on the program’s requirements)

Parsons School of Design offers a prestigious and comprehensive fashion design program, with admission criteria including a portfolio and personal statement.

The list below mentions the specific details of the Parsons School Of Design (New York City, US):

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3. Fashion Institute of Technology (New York City, USA) 

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a premier public college of art, design, business, and technology located in New York City, USA. The college is renowned for its fashion and design programs and has been consistently ranked among the top fashion schools in the world. 

In the last few years, FIT has been ranked #5  in the world by QS World University Rankings for Fashion & Textiles,  making it one of the leading fashion schools globally. The college offers various programs, including advertising, fashion design, graphic design, interior design, and more.

FIT  has industry connections that offer students unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience with leading fashion and design firms. The college boasts leading-edge facilities, including a museum, a library, a fitness centre, and residence halls, making it an ideal destination for students pursuing a career in fashion and design.

The following are the admission criteria for Undergraduate Programmes: 

• Admissions Essay 
• Completion of high school or equivalent education
• Portfolio of your creative work 
• English Proficiency Score 
• SAT and ACT Scores

The following are the admission criteria for Post Graduate Programmes: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field 
• Portfolio demonstrating advanced skills and creativity
• Personal statement or statement of purpose 
• Letters of recommendation 
• GRE or GMAT scores (some programs may require) 

FIT is a top-ranked fashion school offering multiple programs. Admission criteria include essays, portfolios, and test scores.

The list below mentions the specific details of the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York City, USA) : 

4. London College of Fashion (London, UK)

London College of Fashion, located in London, UK, is a world-renowned institution for fashion education and research. In the last few years, it has been ranked in the top 50 fashion schools in the world by QS World University Rankings, making it a highly respected and excellent destination for students from around the globe. 

The college boasts numerous courses in fashion design, communication, business, and technology and is known for its innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research. Its unique selling point lies in its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. 

In addition to its academic offerings, the college provides various facilities, including design studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces, to help students bring their creative visions to life.

The following are the admission criteria for Undergraduate Programmes: 

• You must possess one of the following full level 3 qualifications: 
• Two or more A Levels with a total of 112 UCAS tariff points (preferred subjects include Art, Design, English and Maths) 
•  Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design 
•  Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects Art & Design) – Merit at UAL Extended Diploma 
•  Access Diploma or 112 new UCAS tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma – 112 new UCAS tariff points from a combination of the above qualifications or an equivalent full Level 3 qualification 
•  Equivalent EU or non-EU qualifications such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points minimum 
•  You must have three GCSE passes at grades A or C, 9-4.

The following are the admission criteria for Post Graduate Programmes: 

•  An Honours degree with at least 2.1 or above in a related discipline is required for admission.
• Students with a degree in another subject may also be considered based on the strength of their application.
• Relevant and quantitative experience may also be considered for admission.
• It is important to note that all classes are conducted in English.
• The minimum level of English proficiency required by the University for this course is IELTS 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each section.

London College of Fashion sets high admission criteria for Undergraduate and postgraduate programs to ensure quality education.

The list below mentions the specific details of the London College of Fashion (London, UK):

5. The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (Los Angeles, UK)

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) is a remarkable fashion design school located in Los Angeles, California. The institution offers a range of programs in fashion design, fashion merchandising, graphic design, interior design, and entertainment. FIDM has a strong reputation for preparing students for careers in the fashion industry, and its alumni include prominent fashion designers. 

With sophisticated facilities and a focus on hands-on experience, FIDM ensures that its students are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the industry. The institution has been ranked #25 by QS World University Rankings for Art and Design in the previous years. 

The following are the admission criteria for Undergraduate Programmes: 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• English language proficiency for international students can be demonstrated through TOEFL or IELTS scores. 

The following are the admission criteria for Post Graduate Programmes:

• Students must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field is a must 
• A portfolio that showcases advanced skills and creativity 
• English language proficiency requirement: TOEFL and IELTS scores (for international students)

At FIDM, creativity is key! Along with a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree, applicants must showcase their advanced skills and artistic flair through a portfolio. International students are also required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through TOEFL.

The list below mentions the specific details of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising ( Los Angeles, UK):

Average Salary of a Fashion Designer

The fashion industry has a global presence, with fashion designers earning varying salaries across countries. For instance, in India, a fashion designer’s average salary is INR 40L. However, fashion designers can earn much higher salaries in fashion capitals like Paris INR 57L and New York INR 74L. 

Various factors, including location, experience, type of fashion, and brand or company, influence the salary of a fashion designer. Factors such as 

• Where do you work?
• How much experience do you have?
• Whether you design haute couture for the runway?
• Create designs for a high-street brand, 
• Whether you work for a high-end brand

Considering these factors when considering your earning potential as a fashion designer is important.

Here is a table highlighting the average salary of a Fashion Designer in some of the top countries. 

Final Thoughts: 

In this blog, we learned about the best fashion design schools in the world, as well as about their requirements and fees. 

When pursuing a degree in fashion design, a reputable institution can provide you with various opportunities. 

Fashion design schools such as Central Saint Martins in London, Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp in Belgium and Parsons School of Design In New York City have produced some of the most named fashion designers in the world. 

These schools have produced some of the most prominent fashion designers in history. In addition to providing top-tier education, these schools offer a wide range of courses, professional guidance, and scholarships to help students succeed in their careers. However, it’s important to remember that salaries for fashion designers can vary depending on factors such as country, location, experience, and type of fashion industry.

Do you need help in selecting your fashion college? Don’t worry. Download our app to get guidance from our expert counsellors. 

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