With three of the world’s four fashion capitals—London, Milan, and Paris—situated in Europe, it is no surprise that the continent remains the premier destination for aspiring designers pursuing a career in fashion.
But which institutions truly lead the pack? Let’s explore the top-rated fashion design schools in Europe, curated based on the latest official university rankings.
Best fashion design schools in Europe - 2021 Ranking by CEOWORLD Magazine
- , the UK
- - Alto University, Finland
- , the UK
- Istituto Marangoni International, Italy
- School of Design at , the UK
- Fashion Design Institut, Germany
- Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Belgium
- Polimoda, Italy
- , the UK
- ESMOD Paris, France
To develop their rigorous ranking, the experts at CEOWORLD Magazine evaluate institutions using key performance metrics and industry-focused criteria, such as:
- Global reputation and influence
- Feedback from recruiters
- Admission requirements
- Academic experience
- Data from over 40,000 students, 50,000 industry professionals, and 30,000 recruiters
Best fashion design schools in Europe - Ranking by Business Of Fashion (BoF)
- School of Arts, Design, and Architecture - Aalto University, Finland
- , Italy
- Central Saint Martins, the UK
- , Italy
- ESMOD International, France
- Institut Français de la Mode, France
- Istituto Marangoni International, Italy
- London College of Fashion, the UK
- Polimoda, Italy
- Royal College of Art, the UK
How does The Business of Fashion compile its annual graduate fashion design ranking? They utilize comprehensive quality indicators and direct feedback from key industry sources:
- Global influence
- Learning experience
- Long-term value
- Surveys completed by students
- Feedback from industry professionals
- Feedback from the BoF Education Council
The Business of Fashion also publishes other valuable resources, such as their undergraduate fashion design school rankings, which you can explore on their official website to find the right degree program.
Beyond the rankings, we highly recommend considering these renowned universities that offer exceptional degree programs in Fashion Design:
- , Italy
- , the UK
- , Sweden
Student reviews of the best fashion design schools in Europe
While university rankings are an excellent starting point for your research, they are only one piece of the puzzle. Student reviews offer invaluable insights into the academic culture, campus life, and the professional preparation you can expect from each school.
Take a look at these testimonials from graduates of some of the best European fashion design universities:
Royal College of Art
“The faculty is incredible, featuring experts from around the globe. Studying here is a true investment in your future, both academically and socially. The school promotes interdisciplinary research and encourages unconventional approaches, resulting in a deeply enriching learning experience.”
University for the Creative Arts
“I absolutely loved my time at university. Being surrounded by a community of creative, like-minded peers while receiving mentorship from industry professionals was invaluable—it’s exactly why I plan to pursue further studies in the field.”
Now, we want to hear from you! Which fashion design university is at the top of your list, and what excites you most about the prospect of studying in Europe? Share this article on social media and join the conversation!
If you are looking for flexibility, be sure to explore distance learning and online certification options, which allow you to gain industry skills at your own pace from anywhere in the world.