Cookie policy

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee as outlined in our cookie policy.

Home

    Study fashion design abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying fashion design as an international student.

    Find fashion design programs

    Explore fashion design programs abroad

    See other programs in fashion design

    Fashion design degrees abroad

    Fashion design programs are ideal for students hoping to blend their passion for fashion with a fulfilling career. You’ll develop the theoretical, practical and professional skills needed to make your mark in this global industry.

    You’ll explore every stage of the fashion design process, from market research, sketching and fabric sourcing, to garment cutting, construction and distribution. You’ll experiment with different colors, patterns, and textures until you find your own style. As well as delving into the history of fashion, you’ll examine current trends and consider the challenges faced by today’s designers.

    Fashion is an industry that thrives off international collaboration and inspiration. Designers are constantly pushing each other to establish new trends and keep up with market demand. Not only is studying abroad a priceless chance to network with international designers, but it’s also a great way to see how fashions vary between cultures and countries.

    Fashion design program structure

    Although most bachelor’s degrees in fashion design require at least three years of full-time study, many integrate an optional placement year. Completing a placement year is one of the best ways to build professional connections and boost your employability.

    If you’re hoping to study in the US, remember that most universities follow the liberal arts model. This means that your BA will last four years and you’ll only declare a major in fashion design after finishing your second year of general education.

    With a fashion design major in your pocket, you might want to narrow your focus and gain a postgraduate degree. Master’s degrees are normally studied over one or two years, with PhDs taking several years on top of this.

    You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and studio-based workshops. Assessment methods will vary depending on the modules you select, but you’ll probably complete portfolios, essays, research projects, presentations and fashion shows.

    Every university’s fashion design program will differ slightly. However, most will ensure that you acquire a sound understanding of the following fundamentals:

    • Fashion design in practice
    • Fashion history and theory
    • Design concepts and contexts
    • Capturing the market
    • Design cultures
    • Capturing the market
    • Sketching and illustration
    • Computer-aided design and manufacture

    Best countries to study fashion design

    Best universities to study fashion design

    See all universities offering fashion design programs

    How to study fashion design abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
    Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

    Start your search Get free advice

    Fashion design study abroad programs

    Fashion design undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in fashion design

    • false

      Design: Fashion Design - BDes (Hons) Massey University, New Zealand

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,450 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,630 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Design: Fashion Design
    • false

      Family and Consumer Science: Fashion Design - BA California State University, Long Beach, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,338 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,338 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Family and Consumer Science: Fashion Design
    • false

      Fashion (Design Technology) - BA RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      23,269 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,680 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Fashion (Design Technology)
    • false

      Fashion Design - BDes Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,302 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 34,851 NZD

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Fashion Design
    • false

      Fashion Design - BA (Hons) Buckinghamshire New University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,381 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,500 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Fashion Design
    See all bachelor's degrees in fashion design

    Associate in fashion design

    • false

      Fashion Design and Technology - AA RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,859 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,760 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Fashion Design and Technology
    See all associate degrees in fashion design

    Fashion design graduate programs

    Master's in fashion design

    • false

      Design: Fashion Design - MDes Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      26,289 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 37,701 NZD

      Start date
      January, February
      Show program overview about Design: Fashion Design
    • false

      Fashion (Design) - by coursework - MA RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,974 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 32,640 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Fashion (Design) - by coursework
    See all master's degrees in fashion design

    Diploma in fashion design

    • false

      Design: Fashion Design - GradDip Massey University, New Zealand

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      23,450 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,630 NZD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Design: Fashion Design
    • false

      Fashion Design - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      20 months
      Annual tuition fee
      13,532 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,884 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Fashion Design
    See all postgraduate diplomas in fashion design

    Future fashion design careers

    A degree in fashion design can open up several exciting and lucrative employment opportunities. Your creative flair, industry knowledge, and practical expertise will make you the perfect fit for positions in fashion houses, design agencies, retail stores and manufacturers.

    Fashion design graduates go on to land roles like:

    • Fashion designer
    • Fashion merchandiser
    • Fashion buyer
    • Fashion journalist
    • Stylist
    • Product manager
    • Clothing technologist
    • Fashion illustrator

    The fashion world is fiercely competitive so it’s important to get as much experience under your belt as possible. Applying for relevant internships, entering undergraduate design competitions and volunteering at local fashion events is a great way to improve your resume.