Frequently Asked Questions

Domus Academy is where Italian design heritage meets future-focused innovation. Founded in 1982 by design visionaries, we pioneered the “Learning by Designing” approach – meaning you’ll spend 90% of your time working on real projects with companies like Google, Versace, and Samsung, not just sitting in lectures. We’re the major design & fashion school in Milan (the world’s design capital) offering Dual Award Masters with UK accreditation. With 93% international students from 50+ countries, you’ll collaborate in the most diverse creative environment imaginable. Plus, our 91% employment rate within one year proves our approach works.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here – it’s woven into everything we do. We’re ranked in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for our commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals. You’ll work on projects addressing real-world challenges like circular fashion, inclusive design, and climate adaptation. Recent student projects include upcycling initiatives and social innovation designs for NGOs. Our new programs like Design for Future specifically focus on using design as a tool for positive change. Many alumni go on to lead sustainability initiatives at major brands or launch their own eco-conscious ventures.

Absolutely! We believe diverse perspectives make better designers. While many students have design backgrounds, we welcome applicants from engineering, business, social sciences, and humanities. Your unique perspective is actually an advantage – imagine bringing business insights to a service design project or engineering knowledge to product innovation. What matters most is your creative vision and passion for design thinking.

Instead of traditional lectures, you’ll dive into 4-5 intensive workshops per program, each lasting 4-5 weeks and sponsored by real companies. Here’s what a typical workshop looks like: Week 1: Company representatives present a real design challenge. Week 2-3: You work in diverse teams, with faculty mentors and industry professionals guiding you. Week 4: Present your solutions directly to the company. Past projects include designing smart home concepts for Samsung, creating sustainable packaging for PepsiCo, and developing fashion collections for luxury brands. It’s like working in a top design consultancy while still in school.

Our Dual Award option means you graduate with both an Italian Master’s degree (recognized across Europe) and a UK Master of Arts from Regent’s University London. This gives you broader international recognition and even eligibility for PhD programs. It adds about 3 months to your studies and €4,000 to the cost, but many students find it worth it.

Launched in 2023, our 2-year MAs dive deeper into research and innovation. Programs include Design Innovation, Fashion: Design, Art & Technology (exploring wearable tech and digital fashion), and Design Leadership & Strategy (for future creative leaders). These programs give you more time for extensive research, longer internships, and the academic credentials needed for PhD programs. They’re perfect if you want to become a thought leader, not just a practitioner.

Starting in 2025, we’re launching our first-ever Bachelor of Arts programs! We offer a BA in Design and a BA in Fashion Design, both 3-year programs (180 ECTS) accredited by the Italian Ministry. These programs blend our signature project-based learning with foundational theory, perfect for students who want to start their design journey with us straight from high school. It’s the same Domus DNA – real projects, international environment, industry connections – but with more time to develop your skills from the ground up.

AI isn’t just an add-on here – it’s integrated throughout our creative process and curriculum. You’ll learn to work with AI as a creative partner, using it to enhance ideation, prototyping, and problem-solving across all programs. Our Design Labs feature cutting-edge tools including 3D printers, laser cutters, VR equipment, and Arduino kits. Our faculty ensure you’re learning to harness technology strategically. Whether you’re using AI for fashion design iterations or service design research, you’ll graduate knowing how to leverage these tools professionally.

Beyond mastering industry standards like Adobe Creative Suite, you’ll experiment with emerging technologies based on your specialization. Fashion students work with CLO 3D for virtual garment design, interior designers use VR for spatial visualization, and interaction designers prototype with tools like Figma and Arduino. Our labs are equipped with professional-grade equipment – from industrial sewing machines to CNC routers. Most importantly, you’ll learn to choose the right tool for each project, not just follow software tutorials.

Very real. Over the years, students have collaborated with 200+ companies including Ferrari, IKEA, Technogym, Max Mara, and Bulgari. These aren’t just logos on our website – company representatives regularly visit campus, mentor projects, and recruit graduates. Our faculty includes practicing professionals who bring current industry insights directly to the classroom. During Milan Design Week and Fashion Week, you’ll have front-row access to events and often participate in exhibitions. One student’s internship project with Versace led to a full-time position; another’s workshop with Kartell resulted in a product that went into production. Our location in Milan’s Navigli district puts you minutes away from design studios and fashion houses.

Every Master’s program includes a Professional Experience module – typically an 8-12 week internship at companies like Armani, Google, Samsung, or innovative startups. Our Career Services team helps with everything from portfolio reviews to interview prep. We host Career Days where companies come to campus specifically to recruit Domus students. The result? 91% of graduates find employment within one year, with 94% reporting job satisfaction. Many secure positions through their internship or final project collaborations.

Imagine a creative melting pot where a fashion designer from Brazil collaborates with an interior designer from India and an artist from Sweden – that’s daily life here. With 93% international students, everyone’s adapting together, making it easy to find your tribe. The atmosphere is collaborative, not competitive. Our campus in the artistic Navigli district means you’re surrounded by galleries, vintage shops, and canal-side aperitivo spots where students naturally gather.

We get it – intensive programs in a new country can be challenging. That’s why we offer free counseling services where you can confidentially discuss anything from academic stress to homesickness. Our inclusive policies, like the Career Alias program for transgender students, show our commitment to supporting all students’ wellbeing. While the programs are demanding, Milan’s lifestyle encourages balance – from afternoon espresso breaks to weekend trips to Lake Como. Students often form support networks that last long after graduation.

Milan is incredibly international-student-friendly! The city is cosmopolitan enough that English is widely spoken in design/fashion circles, yet authentically Italian enough to give you a true cultural experience. Living costs are lower than London or Paris (budget €800-1,200/month including rent). Student discounts are everywhere – from €22/month unlimited public transport to reduced museum entry. During Design Week, the entire city becomes your classroom. Plus, Milan’s central location means Paris, Switzerland, or the Italian coast are just a quick train ride away for weekend adventures.

Here’s the honest breakdown: A one-year Master’s costs €23,500-32,500 (depending on EU/non-EU status and dual award option) plus living expenses. Yes, it’s a significant investment. But consider the ROI: 91% employment rate, access to luxury and tech brands, and starting salaries typically €45,000-55,000 in Europe (higher in some markets). Many students secure scholarships covering 20-40% of tuition through our design competitions.

We run multiple scholarship competitions throughout the year, often sponsored by partner companies like Vogue Talents, Accenture Digital, or luxury brands. These aren’t just financial aid – they’re mini design challenges that give you a taste of our project-based approach. Winners receive 20-40% tuition coverage. Recent themes included sustainable innovation and digital service design. Pro tip: Apply early and put real effort into your competition entry – it’s both a scholarship application and your first Domus project. Check out the competition portal to always stay to date.

Yes! Your student visa allows part-time work (typically 20 hours/week). Many students find design-related gigs, internships, or even work at local cafes to offset living costs. Milan has a thriving gig economy for creatives. Some students earn €500-800/month through part-time work. The real value often isn’t just the money but the local connections and Italian work culture exposure.

Our alumni work everywhere from Google (as UX designers) to Gucci (as creative directors), from starting their own sustainable fashion labels to leading innovation at companies like Samsung. Recent grads have joined IDEO, McKinsey’s design practice, launched tech startups, or returned home to revolutionize their local design scenes. Anna Dello Russo (Vogue Japan editor) and countless creative directors at luxury brands are Domus alumni. The network spans 80+ countries, meaning wherever you want to work, there’s likely a Domus alum there to connect with.

Absolutely! Our Business Design program specifically teaches you to think like a design entrepreneur. Many projects involve developing business models alongside design solutions. Milan’s startup ecosystem is growing, with many accelerators and investors interested in design-driven ventures. Alumni regularly return to share their entrepreneurship journeys. About 40% of our students have entrepreneurial aspirations, and we’re developing more formal support systems. The combination of design skills, business knowledge, and industry connections gives you a solid foundation for launching your own venture.

Your portfolio should show your creative journey, not perfection. We want to see how you think, experiment, and solve problems. Include 5-10 projects that demonstrate your interests and potential. For career changers, this might include non-design work that shows creative thinking – a business strategy presentation, an engineering project with innovative solutions, or even personal creative hobbies. Quality over quantity. Show your process, not just final results. And remember – we’re looking for potential, not polish.

We have rolling admissions with multiple intakes (September, November, February for 1-year Masters; September for 2-year Masters and 3-year Bachelor’s programs). Apply 3-4 months before your intended start date to allow for visa processing. While we’re selective about fit and motivation, we’re not artificially exclusive – if you meet requirements and show genuine passion, your chances are good. Scholarship competitions are more competitive, so put extra effort there. The application includes portfolio, CV, motivation letter, and English proficiency proof (IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent).

Yes! We host both on-site and online Open Days throughout the year. Our Open Day+ platform lets you access on-demand content about programs and join live sessions with faculty and current students. Many applicants find connecting with current students or alumni from their country helpful – our admissions team can facilitate these connections. Follow our Instagram to see real student work and daily life. Virtual or in-person campus tours are available by appointment here.

Domus Academy offers two main Bachelor of Arts programs:

• BA in Design
• BA in Fashion Design

Both are accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MUR) and award 180 ECTS credits over three years.

The programs combine:

• Core courses and electives
• Workshops and laboratories
• Bootcamps and critical thinking sessions
• Internship or project-based learning
• A final thesis project

Applicants must have completed at least 12 years of schooling. In some cases, a pre-school year may be counted if it includes basic literacy and numeracy. All BA courses are taught entirely in English. A high level of English proficiency is required for admission (IELTS 5.0+ or equivalent). Portfolio is not required for a standard application.

Yes, the BA degrees are internationally accredited and recognized across Europe and beyond.

Yes, transfer applications are considered. You’ll need to submit your academic transcripts for evaluation.

Choose Domus Academy if you want to transform from a creative individual into a professional designer. You’ll work on real projects with global brands, learn from practicing designers and professionals, and build a portfolio that opens doors worldwide. You’ll live in Milan – where design isn’t just studied but lived daily. You’ll join a 93% international community that becomes your global network. And with our 91% employment rate, you’ll likely land your dream job. It’s not just education; it’s a launchpad for your creative career.

Reach out! Our international counselors speak multiple languages and understand the concerns of students from different countries. They can provide personalized guidance on everything from program selection to scholarship strategies. Email us, book a video consultation, or DM us on Instagram. Current students and alumni are also usually happy to share their experiences. Remember, choosing a program is a big decision – we’re here to help you make the right one for your creative journey.