NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) Rome

Rome, Italy

Type of institution:

University
College
International college

Age range:18+

Type of training:

Full-time
Part-time
Hybrid
Online

Language of instruction:

english
italian

Year of foundation:2019

About the NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) Rome

The New Academy of Fine Arts (NABA) is one of the leading universities in the field of art, design, and visual communication. It is the largest art academy in Italy, with campuses in Milan and Rome. In the 2026/27 academic year, NABA will open a third campus in London, United Kingdom. The academy was founded in 1980 (its flagship campus is located in Milan). In 1981, the academy received legal recognition from the Italian Ministry of Education as an institution of higher artistic education - AFAM (Alta Formazione Artistica, Musicale e Coreutica). Campus and location: The campus in Rome, opened in 2019, is located in the creative district of the Italian capital - Ostiense, near the Tiber River. The complex occupies three historical buildings from the early 20th century and is equipped with modern laboratories, classrooms, lounge areas, multifunctional spaces, a terrace, green areas, and a library. Mission and values: NABA's mission is to rethink traditional education in the field of art and design, creating an open and dynamic environment for creativity, experimentation, and innovative ideas. The academy aims to educate a new generation of designers, artists, and creative leaders capable of sensing changes and meaningfully influencing culture and industry. The programs at NABA are based on the following values: • Freedom of expression and experimentation, • Diversity and cultural dialogue, • Practical education through real projects, • Development of research thinking, • Formation of a conscious professional position. Accreditations and status: • All bachelor's and master's programs are accredited by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Scientific Research (MUR) within the AFAM system. • The academy is accredited by the Lombardy Regional Government (Regione Lombardia) as a higher education center. It also has an agreement with the Regional Department of Education to conduct career orientation programs and teacher training programs. • NABA is a member of major global university networks such as ELIA (European League of Institutes of the Arts) and the Cumulus Association (a leading international association promoting education and research in the field of art and design). Programs and degrees: The academy offers programs at the following levels: • Bachelor's degree - 3 years. • Master's degree - 2 years. • Academic master's programs - 1 year. Available study areas include: • Fashion Design • Graphic Design and Art Direction • Communication Design • Interior Design • Media Design and New Technologies • Creative Technologies • Painting and Visual Arts • Product and Service Design • Fashion and Textile Design • Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies • New Technologies for Arts • Creative Advertising • Photography and Visual Design • Contemporary Art Markets • Fashion and Luxury Management • User Experience Design, among others. The degrees issued are officially recognized in Italy and the European Union under the ECTS system (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Features and advantages: • Best art academy in Italy - NABA has been in the top 100 universities in the world for Art & Design for the fifth year in a row (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). • Innovative education in the field of art and design - a unique combination of academic traditions and practical projects. • International environment - students from different countries, education in English and Italian, exchange programs with leading universities worldwide. • Location and infrastructure - a campus in the creative district of Rome, equipped with modern spaces for study and relaxation. • Industry partnerships - with brands and organizations such as Triennale di Milano, MiArt, Fondazione FORMA, WWF, Caritas, United Nations Campaign, among others. • Career opportunities - practical internships, participation in competitions and exhibitions, professional portfolio and career center support, which facilitates students' entry into the international job market.

Admission conditions in NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) Rome

Academic requirements: • For Bachelor's degree: completion of secondary education or its international equivalent (12 years of schooling). • For Master's degree: possession of a Bachelor's degree (First Level Academic Degree) or its international equivalent. Language requirements: • For programs in English - certificate at level B1 or higher (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge). • For the program in Italian - a certificate confirming knowledge of the Italian language at level B1. • In the absence of an official certificate, NABA may offer internal testing and preparatory courses. Portfolio and creative task: • Mandatory submission of a portfolio of works (for all programs in the fields of art, design, fashion, media). • Some programs may require a creative essay or mini-project to demonstrate skill level and creative thinking. Online interview: All candidates undergo an interview with a teacher (online or on campus) to assess motivation, creative potential and suitability for the program. Required documents: • Certificate or diploma with grades. • Copy of passport or ID. • Letters of recommendation (for Master's programs). Application deadline and process: • Admission is carried out during the academic year, with the possibility to apply for both fall and spring semesters. • Early applications are encouraged and may increase chances of receiving scholarships and priority in placement. Additionally, students who apply early receive a 10% discount on tuition (detailed information available on the university's website). Scholarships and financial support: • NABA provides scholarships and grants on a competitive basis for international students, including tuition discounts, as well as full or partial scholarships. Additional financial assistance is available for students meeting specific income and academic criteria.

Minimum rating for admission to NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) Rome

Academic requirements: - For Bachelor's programs (Bachelor of Arts / Diploma Accademico di 1° livello), a completed secondary education (or its international equivalent) with a minimum of 12 years of schooling is required. - Educational documents must be legalized and translated. - To enroll, applicants must take a test / creative assignment, pass an interview, or provide a portfolio (depending on the program). Language requirements: - Programs in Italian: proficiency in the Italian language at a level not lower than CEFR B1 (Complete B1) is required. - Programs in English: knowledge of English must be confirmed with one of the official certificates. Minimum scores: — IELTS (Academic/General) — 5.0. — TOEFL iBT — 45. — Cambridge ESOL Tests (FCE, PET, CAE, CPE, BEC V/P) — at least 160 points. — PTE Academic — 36-42 points. — TOEIC — Listening & Reading: at least 680; Speaking & Writing: at least 280. — The certificate must not be older than 2 years and must be provided no later than one month before the start of the program. — Exemption from the language test is possible if the candidate is a native speaker of the language or received secondary education in the English language.

Prospects after completing studies in NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) Rome

• 87% of graduates find employment within the first year after completing the program. • An academic degree from a recognized Italian university allows students to continue their education or work both in Italy and abroad. • NABA's Career Center helps students with resume and portfolio preparation, improves interview skills, and organizes meetings with companies. • On the internal platform "NABA Symplicity," students and graduates can publish their portfolio and CV, while companies can post internships and job vacancies. This helps young professionals enter the job market more quickly. • The academy collaborates with leading brands and companies (Armani, Valentino Fashion Group, Fondazione La Triennale di Milano, The Swatch Group, etc.), which expands students' career opportunities. • The campus location in Rome - one of the world centers of fashion and art - gives students direct access to the industry, exhibitions, and other relevant events, enhancing their career prospects.