Where to Study Design in Europe: Top 5 Universities for Future Designers

Europe is one of the world’s leading regions for higher education — and design is no exception. Milan, Paris, Berlin, and other major European cities are widely recognized as global hubs for creative industries, attracting ambitious, creative students from all over the world. What makes them stand out is not only their rich cultural life, but also the real career opportunities they offer after graduation.

In this article, we explore the key advantages of studying design in Europe, take a closer look at today’s most in-demand design fields, explain the main requirements for international students, and introduce five of the best design schools in Europe for future designers.

Contents:

• Why Europe is one of the best regions to study design
• The most in-demand design specializations
• Requirements for international students
• Top design schools in Europe

Why Europe Is One of the Best Regions to Study Design

Italy, France, or Germany — whichever country you choose, each offers international applicants a wide range of opportunities for education, internships, and future careers with prestigious companies.

History and cultural influence

For decades, Europe has set the standard in the world of design. Italian fashion and French haute couture need no introduction, while a more “modern” but equally influential example is German industrial design, known for its functionality and technological precision. It was the German architect and designer Peter Behrens who, in the early 20th century, laid the foundations of this approach — one that remains highly relevant and in demand today.

Cultural life in European cities is vibrant and intense: major exhibitions, art festivals, fashion weeks, and design weeks take place year-round. It’s hard to imagine a more inspiring environment for students pursuing creative fields.

Quality of education

European design schools consistently rank among the best in the world. For example, Italy’s Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) and Istituto Marangoni in Milan are both listed in the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Art & Design. Many of Europe’s leading design programs have existed for decades — and instead of becoming outdated, they continue to evolve alongside the industry, adapting to new technologies, formats, and professional demands.

Diversity of programs

Europe offers an impressive range of design programs — from landscape and interior design to product design, graphic design, and UX/UI (we break down the differences between these fields in the next section). Many programs are taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international students without requiring fluency in the local language.

Strong industry connections

One of the key advantages of European design education is its close connection to the professional world. For example, Italy’s Domus Academy collaborates with global brands such as Giorgio Armani, Versace, Swarovski, and others. Design programs often include internships, company-based projects, and participation in major creative events like fashion and design weeks. As a result, students begin building professional portfolios while still studying, significantly improving their chances of employment after graduation.

International environment and exchange programs

European universities actively collaborate with one another and frequently participate in exchange programs such as Erasmus+. These opportunities allow students to spend a semester or complete an internship at a partner institution in another country — gaining valuable international experience and building a network of professional and academic connections that can shape their future careers.

The Most In-Demand Design Fields

Below, we take a closer look at the key design disciplines that are currently in high demand in Europe and worldwide.

1. Graphic Design

Graphic design focuses on visual communication in a static format. The goal is to convey ideas and meaning through images, typography, color, and composition. Graphic designers are responsible for creating logos and brand identities, posters and advertising visuals, packaging, book and magazine layouts, and complete visual systems for brands, institutions, and cultural projects.

2. Fashion Design

Fashion design is one of the most competitive creative fields, especially in Italy and France. Today’s fashion designer does far more than create clothing and accessories — they also work with innovative materials and digital tools, such as 3D modeling and virtual prototyping. European fashion programs place strong emphasis on concept development, craftsmanship, and understanding how the global fashion industry operates.

3. Interior Design

Interior designers create functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces where people live, work, and interact. This includes residential interiors, offices, exhibition spaces, hotels, restaurants, and retail environments. Their role is not only to make spaces visually appealing, but also to ensure they are safe, comfortable, and practical, taking into account lighting, materials, ergonomics, and user behavior.

4. Landscape Design

Landscape designers focus on the planning and design of outdoor environments, such as parks, waterfronts, campuses, and public or recreational spaces. This field is closely connected to architecture, urban planning, and environmental design, which is why landscape designers often collaborate with architects, engineers, municipalities, and environmental organizations on large-scale projects.

5. Product & Industrial Design

Product and industrial designers develop physical objects used in everyday life — from household appliances and furniture to lighting, transportation, and consumer products. Students learn how to design products from concept to prototype, with a strong focus on user experience. Programs typically include courses in manufacturing technologies as well as digital tools such as 3D modeling and prototyping.

6. UX/UI & Digital Design

Digital designers create digital products and user interfaces that people interact with every day: websites, mobile apps, and online services. They are responsible for how a product works, how intuitive it feels, and how users move through it. UX/UI and digital design are among the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields today — not only in Europe, but globally.

Requirements for International Students and Preparing for Admission

To become a design student in Europe, you’ll need strong academic credentials, a solid command of the language of instruction, a creative portfolio, and the required application documents. Each university sets its own specific requirements for applicants, so it’s important to check the official website of the school you’re interested in well in advance.

Below, we outline the key requirements that most European design schools expect from international applicants.

Academic Documents

To apply for a bachelor’s or master’s program in Europe, international students typically need:

• Completed education equivalent to the host country’s requirements. For example, if you graduated after 11 years of school instead of the required 12, you may need to take a preparatory course to “make up” the missing year.
• Translated and certified copies of your documents (diplomas and transcripts), which are submitted along with your application.

Language Requirements

Many design programs in Europe are tailored for international students and are therefore taught in English. Schools generally accept the following standard language tests:

• IELTS Academic — usually 6.0+ for undergraduate programs (B2 on the CEFR scale)
• TOEFL iBT — typically 60–80 points or higher
• Duolingo English Test — around 100–120 points
• Cambridge English B2 or above

If you have previously studied in an English-language program, the university may waive the language test requirement if you can provide the relevant certificate.

If your program is taught in the local language, you will need a certification of proficiency: for example, DELF/DALF for French, TestDaF/DSH for German, and so on.

Portfolio

A portfolio is a must when applying to creative programs. Universities typically evaluate:

• The quality of your projects
• Variety of techniques and materials used
• Your ability to solve visual and conceptual problems
• Originality of thought

Tip: start preparing your portfolio well in advance, focusing on quality over quantity. Depending on the program, universities may request projects in digital form (e.g., PDF), print, or both.

Additional Requirements

Most design schools also expect:

• Statement of Purpose (Motivation Letter): explain why you chose this field and this specific program.
• Resume (CV): a brief overview of your experience, skills, courses, and projects.
• Letters of Recommendation: from teachers or employers.
• In some cases, schools may require interviews or creative assessments.

Overview of the Top 5 Design Schools in Europe

If you want to pursue a career as a designer in Europe, consider the following schools:

• Domus Academy
• Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA)
• Istituto Marangoni
• IED Europe
• Mediadesign University (MDH)

Domus Academy

Domus Academy is a private design school founded in 1982 in Milan, a global hub for fashion and creative professions. The academy quickly earned an international reputation thanks to its “learning by designing” approach, which combines research with hands-on projects. This method develops interdisciplinary thinking, a crucial skill for modern designers.

The campus is located in the picturesque Navigli district, an inspiring environment filled with art galleries, design studios, vintage markets, and brand stores.

The academy offers bachelor’s (Bachelor of Arts) and master’s programs (Master of Arts, Masters), as well as short-term and advanced courses in English. Study areas range from architectural design, fashion, UX/UI, product design, interior design to innovation and brand management. Domus Academy is also known for a high graduate employment rate and excellent international career opportunities.

For students applying to master’s programs in 2026, the academy offers scholarships of up to €8,000. The application deadline is March 13, 2026.

Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA)

Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) is the largest private academy of art and design in Italy, founded in 1980. The school has campuses in Milan and Rome, and in the 2026/27 academic year, a third international campus will open in London.

NABA is widely recognized as one of Italy’s top art schools. For five consecutive years, it has been ranked among the world’s top 100 art and design schools (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Art & Design).

The academy offers three-year bachelor programs, two-year master programs, and one-year academic master courses in popular fields such as Graphic Design & Art Direction, Fashion Design, Interior & Product Design, Creative Technologies, Film & Animation, Painting & Visual Arts, and more. Programs are offered in both English and Italian, and the curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning: students work on real projects, collaborate with industry partners, and gain experience that international employers value. Around 87% of NABA graduates find employment within a year of graduation.

Istituto Marangoni

Istituto Marangoni is one of the world’s most prestigious private schools for fashion, design, and creative industries. Founded in 1935 in Milan, Italy, the school has grown from a local design institution into a global network with campuses in Paris, London, Florence, Dubai, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Today, it brings together thousands of students from 107 countries.

The school offers a wide range of programs — from bachelor’s and master’s degrees to intensive and short courses — covering areas such as Fashion Design, Fashion Business, Luxury Brand Management, Digital Fashion, and Interior Design. The programs focus on developing professional thinking. Classes are project-based and involve real-world assignments with international brands, giving students practical experience closely aligned with industry demands.

All major courses are taught in English, and through the “Cross-School Experience” model, students have the opportunity to study and live in two countries. Typically, the first year takes place in Italy (Milan or Florence), with the second and third years in London or Paris. The school collaborates with over 4,500 luxury brands, including Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, Cartier, Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton.

IED Europe

IED Europe (Istituto Europeo di Design) is a large international network of creative schools, founded in 1966 in Milan. The network includes campuses in Italy (Milan, Cagliari, Florence, Rome, Turin), Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao), and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo).

IED offers bachelor’s and master’s programs, as well as professional, short-term, and summer courses in fields such as Product & Interior Design, Graphic & Visual Arts, Transportation & Mobility Design, and Fashion & Communication. Courses are offered in multiple languages, including English.

The school maintains over 170 academic partnerships across Europe, Asia, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South America, and is a member of international professional associations including CUMULUS, ELIA, ENCATC, and the World Design Organization (WDO).

IED actively supports graduates entering the professional world, helping with internship placements, job applications, and interview preparation with employers.

Mediadesign University (MDH)

Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences (MDH) is a private university and one of Germany’s leading institutions in media, design, digital arts, and the creative industries. The learning approach emphasizes hands-on projects and small-group work, helping students quickly build professional skills and develop a strong portfolio.

MDH has campuses in Berlin and Düsseldorf, two dynamic cities that provide a stimulating environment for creative and career growth.

The university offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs, including Digital Film Design (Animation & VFX), Game Design, Media Design (UX/UI & Communication Design with AI), Media Management, Fashion Management, and more. Courses are taught in both German and English.

A major advantage of MDH is its individual student support and career-focused approach. The curriculum includes practical projects, team collaboration, and partnerships with local companies. Students learn to apply their ideas in real-world settings, gain access to professional equipment, and develop the skills needed for their future careers.

Help with Studying Abroad

The team at ED-EX.com is ready to assist you at any stage — from choosing a university to preparing documents and adapting to life in a new country. You can find more details and schedule a consultation with an expert.