FAQs
Your Questions Answered About Our Courses, Campuses, and Student Experience
Looking to learn more about Istituto Marangoni? This FAQ page provides clear answers to the most common questions from future students, parents, and professionals. From admission requirements and programme options to career opportunities and campus life, here you will find essential information to help you understand what studying at Istituto Marangoni is all about.
Whether you are exploring our fashion, design, beauty, luxury hospitality or art courses, these FAQs offer a quick and reliable overview of everything you need to know.
At Istituto Marangoni, you can explore a wide range of programs in Fashion, Design, Art, Business, Beauty, and Luxury Hospitality, tailored to the needs of the global creative Industry.
The schools offer Preparatory courses, Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, One-Year Intensive Programs, Professional Courses, Semester Programs and Short Courses, giving you the flexibility to choose the path that best fits your ambitions.
What makes Istituto Marangoni unique is its project-based teaching approach, which is deeply connected to real-world industry briefs and professional practice. The Group also places a strong emphasis on innovation and the use of AI as a support tool throughout both the creative and design phases, as well as in business development. You will work on hands-on projects, collaborate with leading brands, and gain practical experience that prepares you for a successful career.
Whether you aspire to become a fashion designer, interior architect, art curator, or luxury brand manager, an academic advisor will guide you in selecting the most suitable program to achieve your goals.
You can choose from several campuses worldwide, each offering a distinctive creative focus inspired by the fashion, design, and luxury identity of its city.
Every campus is supported by a dedicated academic structure that is shared across the entire international Network, ensuring a high-quality learning experience enriched by continuous exchange and collaboration within the global Academic Department.
Milan is a hub for fashion, design, business and beauty. Florence combines creativity with heritage and culture. Paris focuses strongly on fashion design and luxury strategy. London connects business, fashion communication and design. Dubai links fashion and interior design with luxury markets. Shanghai and Mumbai reflect fast-growing creative industries in Asia. Riyadh is now emerging as a major fashion capital.
Istituto Marangoni is at complete disposal should you wish to discuss your future study plans. You can always book an orientation meeting with our admission teams, who will give you tailored guidance on the course that suits you best.
Istituto Marangoni offers a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of courses, ranging from Undergraduate and Postgraduate paths to professional courses tailored for those who have already completed their formal studies and are looking to elevate their expertise even further.
The duration varies according to the type of programme, allowing students to choose the path that best matches their personal educational goals:
- Foundation courses > 1 year
- Bachelor’s Degrees > 3 years (4 years for Dubai)
- Master’s Degrees > from 12 to 15 months (depending on the chosen campus)
- MBA Degree > 12 months (only available in London)
- Master of Arts Degrees > 2 years (only for Italian schools, the corresponding Degree is II Level Academic Diploma)
- Short courses > 1 to 6 weeks
- Intensive courses > from 24 to 32 weeks
- Semester programs > 6 months
- Courses for Professionals > from 16 weeks (with 2 experiential weeks included) to 6 months depending on the chosen campus
Undergraduate courses are structured across semesters with studio work, workshops, and project delivery. Master’s courses are designed for specialisation, career acceleration, or focused transitions. Short courses are ideal for fast skill development in areas such as fashion communication, beauty or luxury marketing and design. Courses for Professionals are highly specialized programs designed for professionals already working in the field, offering them the perfect blend of strategic vision, digital tools, and practical project-based learning. Start dates vary by campus and intake.
Admission teams can confirm exact durations, study plans and academic calendars.
All the courses at Istituto Marangoni are fully taught in English.
Some Undergraduate programmes in Italy may also be offered in Italian, while a wide selection of short courses is available in Portuguese and Italian.
Language requirements are reviewed during the admissions process and depend on the chosen course and level of study.
Admission teams can confirm language options for your intake.
Most Istituto Marangoni courses provide accredited academic qualifications along with internationally recognised ECTS credits, ensuring global value and broad opportunities for students worldwide.
At its campuses in Milan, Florence, Paris, and London, Istituto Marangoni is authorized to offer locally accredited programs and award officially recognized academic qualifications, in compliance with the standards set by validating bodies in each country (AFAM for Italy, Regent’s University for London and Paris, RNCP for Paris, CAA for Dubai and TVTC for Riyadh).
Admission teams of each school can clarify the qualification awarded for each course.
Istituto Marangoni provides a blend of on-campus and immersive experience learning options, tailored to the nature of each program.
Hybrid or blended learning formats are used for selected courses at campuses in Milan, Florence, London, Paris and Dubai. These courses leverage platforms like Blackboard Ultra and Zoom for interactive virtual sessions, while still requiring access to physical tools and environments when needed.
Design-intensive and full-Degree programs need in-person attendance for practical components such as workshops, lab work, and hands-on assessments. Online elements are typically limited to theory, seminars, or digital resources.
To confirm whether a particular course includes online modules or hybrid content, it’s recommended to contact the Admissions Office, which can provide details on the available delivery modes: entirely on-campus, fully online, or hybrid layouts for longer professional programs.
Istituto Marangoni operates as a private institution, offering officially validated AFAM programmes in Italy that award Academic Diplomas equivalent to recognized Bachelor University degrees and Master’s qualifications for the courses in Fashion Design delivered by Milano and Firenze schools.
Find out here the list of validated courses.
Istituto Marangoni is authorised by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) to activate and award Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello (equivalent to a three-year Bachelor’s degree – 180 ECTS credits), Master Accademico di Primo Livello (60 ECTS credits), and Diploma Accademico di Secondo Livello (120 ECTS credits). These qualifications belong to the AFAM (Alta Formazione Artistica, Musicale e Coreutica) system and are formally recognised within the Italian higher education framework, allowing progression to further academic study in Italy or abroad.
The distinctive feature of the Italian model is therefore not simply whether a school is public or private, but whether it combines recognized academic qualifications with industry-oriented teaching. Institutions such as Istituto Marangoni exemplify this structure, integrating AFAM validation with a studio-based, internationally focused educational approach closely connected to the fashion, design, and luxury sectors.
To apply for a Bachelor’s Degree programme at Istituto Marangoni, you typically need a recognised secondary school diploma (usually 12 years of education) and English proficiency for English-taught courses.
Creative programmes usually require a portfolio or creative task to assess potential and visual thinking. Business-oriented programmes may focus more on academic background, motivation, and written tasks.
You can request a portfolio orientation or profile review before applying.
Master’s Degree courses at Istituto Marangoni, which typically last 12–15 months (depending on the chosen campus), usually require a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus English proficiency and a portfolio for most creative specialisations.
Design and art pathways focus on portfolio quality and conceptual development. Business and management pathways often require a CV and motivation letter and may accept candidates from non-fashion backgrounds.
An interview may be included to understand your goals and programme fit. Interviews help assess alignment with programme objectives and career plans.
Admission teams can advise which Master’s pathways best fit your profile.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE
For most creative Bachelor's Degree courses in Fashion, Art, and Design, applicants are asked to submit six creative ideas rather than a traditional portfolio.
These can include sketches, drawings, photographs, mood boards, collages, or personal reinterpretations of objects, spaces, or projects. Some courses may require a specific creative task instead of a full portfolio, focusing on concept development and visual sensitivity.
For Business and Management courses, a 700-word written essay is required. This should demonstrate your ability to identify and contextualize a trend in the fashion or luxury industry, supported by visual research and references. Professional experience is not required for Undergraduate entry.
MASTER'S DEGREE
For most creative Master's Degree courses in Fashion, Art, and Design, applicants are asked to submit a traditional portfolio.
The portfolio should demonstrate the student’s creative and technical skills. The portfolio should include about 10-12 illustrations, photos and/or slides and a brief description on the project development.
Admissions will evaluate creativity, conceptual thinking, and visual awareness. Check out here for more detailed information.
To ensure you prepare the right materials for your chosen program, we recommend contacting the Admissions Office, which will guide you through the requirements.
Admission process is based on:
- Application documents (such as academic qualifications and English proficiency certificates, where applicable)
- Selection process, which may be composed of creative ideas/Piece Of Written Work or Portolio (depending on the level of the course), a personal statement letter and an interview to discuss experience, aspirations, and potential growth.
Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 20 students across all our campuses. This teaching approach allows to closely support each student throughout their learning journey.
For creative programs, the focus lies on assessing the applicant’s creative process and potential rather than technical skill. In Business and Management programs, the key criteria are motivation, academic background, and professional interests.
The Admissions Office of each campus can provide a detailed explanation of the evaluation criteria and guide you through the process for your specific program.
Istituto Marangoni requires applicants to English‑taught programmes to provide a language certificate proving the necessary CEFR level for their chosen course.
For bachelor's degree and master's degree, please find below the required score of IELTS and TOEFL:
IELTS / IELTS ONLINE :
- 3Y> Overall score from 4.5 to 5.0 (without elements below 4.0)
- Master> Overall score from 5.5 upwards (without elements below 4.0)
TOEFL / TOEFL IBT
- 3Y> Overall score from 42 to 71
- Master >Overall score from 72 upwards
Applicants wishing to submit TOEFL iBT scores are encouraged to contact the Admission Office directly to confirm acceptance and minimum score requirements for their specific programme.
You can find more details here.
Tuition fees at Istituto Marangoni vary depending on campus location (Milan, Florence, Paris, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Riyadh and others), programme level (Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, professional courses, short courses), and specialisation.
Tuition generally includes teaching, access to laboratories and studios, and academic services. Additional costs may include enrolment fees, materials, and living expenses.
For a personalised and detailed cost breakdown based on your chosen campus and course, we recommend contacting the Admissions Office, which provides a complete and transparent overview of fees.
Yes! Istituto Marangoni awards merit-based scholarships and tuition fee deductions for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes across its global campuses (Milan, Florence, Paris, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Riyadh and more).
Scholarships are awarded through competitive calls, including creative contests (e.g., Talent Contests in partnership with Vogue, AD Magazine, Studio Urquiola).
Availability of calls varies by campus, intake, and programme (undergraduate vs postgraduate), with early applicants generally having more opportunities to apply.
These scholarships come in the form of tuition fee deductions—note that enrolment fees are still payable.
For current scholarship announcements, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures appropriate to your preferred campus and intake, please reach out to the Admissions Office, which can provide a tailored overview.
Graduates of Istituto Marangoni pursue a wide range of roles across the fashion, design, luxury, and creative industries.
Creative and design positions: roles such as fashion designer, stylist, product developer, interior designer, and creative director — with examples including alumni leading creative teams at Versace, Zegna, Onitsuka Tiger, Ferrari, Miu Miu, Gucci, Moncler, Valentino, and more.
Brand, marketing, and business profiles: brand managers, marketing specialists, business development professionals, and roles within luxury groups and creative agencies.
Entrepreneurs and freelancers: over 32% of alumni become self-employed or launch their own startups in the fashion and luxury sectors.
High employability rate: Istituto Marangoni reports a 91% graduate employability rate across the group, reflecting strong career outcomes and job satisfaction.
Career Support & Alumni Network
Istituto Marangoni offers extensive career services and alumni support, including: One-to-one coaching, portfolio and CV reviews, mock interviews, personal branding workshops, and career events A global I’M Alumni community of over 40,000 members, connecting graduates with employers, mentors, job opportunities, and industry events.
Istituto Marangoni provides structured career support through personalised coaching, professional development services, and strong industry connections, supporting students’ employability and creative careers across fashion, design, art, and luxury sectors.
Career Services include one-to-one coaching sessions with career advisors, CV and portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and workshops focused on personal branding and digital reputation.
Students also access career days, recruitment events, and networking opportunities with international companies. Brands are involved throughout the academic journey via branded scholarships, Industry projects, talks, and recruitment activities.
Beyond traditional placement, support is also offered to students pursuing entrepreneurial paths through mentoring with alumni and experts, as well as a dedicated post-course accelerator. As a result, graduates reach a reported placement rate of around 91% within one year of graduation, depending on programme and campus.
Admission teams can explain how Career Services operate for each programme and location.
Yes — Internships and Industry Project opportunities are integrated into many Istituto Marangoni courses, although specifics vary by campus and course structure.
Curricular internships: certain Master’s programmes and selected undergraduate years include internships as a mandatory part of the curriculum. Others focus on research and development projects and portfolio-building assignments that simulate real-world industry experience.
Career Service support: Every student and graduate has access to the dedicated Career Service & Industry Relations Office, which shares exclusive internship listings, job offers, and supports placement through platforms like Symplicity, plus events like Career Days and Industry Talks.
Industry Projects: Programmes may also offer consultancy-style assignments—real-world collaborations with brands and creative agencies—as part of course requirements.
Internship availability depends on your programme structure, campus location, labour market demand, and your performance within the course.
To get full details about which internships, placements, or projects are included in your chosen programme, the Admissions Office and Career Service team can confirm eligibility and application procedures tailored to your profile.
Istituto Marangoni partners with leading fashion, luxury, beauty and design Brands worldwide through projects, workshops, mentorships, and internships.
These collaborations provide students with real industry briefs, portfolio-building opportunities, and exposure to professional environments. Partnerships vary by campus, programme, and intake, reflecting the evolution of the industry. Examples of brands that have collaborated with Istituto Marangoni include:
- Fashion & Luxury Houses: Gucci, Prada, Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Moncler
- Design & Lifestyle Brands: Kartell, Poliform, Cappellini, B&B Italia Global.
- Groups & Agencies: LVMH, Kering, Richemont, and leading creative agencies.
- Beauty: L’Oréal, Shiseido, Estée Lauder, Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, Dior Beauty.
These collaborations often involve Industry projects, talent contests, and career events, giving students direct access to networking and recruitment opportunities.
For the latest list of partner companies and upcoming projects, check the official Open Days or contact the Admissions Office, which shares current collaborations and contest details.
Istituto provides structured career support and strong industry connections to help graduates successfully enter the professional world.
Career Support Includes:
- CV and portfolio reviews
- Interview preparation and coaching
- Networking opportunities through Career Days, Industry Talks, and alumni events
- Access to exclusive job and internship listings via the Career Service platform
- Industry projects and talent contests with leading fashion, luxury, and design brands
Career outcomes depend on individual engagement, performance, and market conditions, but the Institute reports a high employability rate (over 90%) across its campuses, thanks to its global network and partnerships.
For realistic expectations and tailored advice based on your chosen programme and campus, the Admissions Office and Career Service team can provide detailed guidance.
Yes. Istituto Marangoni’s Bachelor's and Master's Degree courses are validated by recognised academic bodies, ensuring international recognition.
Milan, Florence: Programmes accredited by the Italian Ministry of University and Research as Higher Education in Art and Music (AFAM).
Paris: Degrees validated by the French ‘Répertoire Nationale des Certifications Professionnelles’ (RNCP).
Paris and London: Programmes validated by Regent’s University London, awarding UK-recognised BA (Hons) and Master’s degrees.
Dubai: Accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), equivalent to European standards.
Riyadh: Three years Advanced Training Diploma programmes are validated by the Technical Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
These accreditations confirm global recognition, especially in fashion, design, and luxury industries.
For details by region or programme, contact the Admissions Office.
Istituto Marangoni is a group of higher education institutions across the world for fashion and design study paths, combining fashion academies and regular university programs thanks to recognised academic validation, coordinated research across its global schools, technological innovation, and direct collaboration with over 4,500 luxury brands worldwide.
Institutions such as Istituto Marangoni follow a vertically specialized model focused on fashion, design, beauty and luxury hospitality. Academic pathways are built around three interconnected pillars — research, innovation, and design — ensuring that creative practice, theoretical foundations, and technological innovation evolve together. Continuous investment in emerging technologies such as AI, immersive design environments, generative tools, advanced materials, and human-machine interaction reflects a forward-looking academic strategy rather than a purely vocational approach.
At the same time, Istituto Marangoni embeds industry collaboration throughout the student journey. With over 90 years of heritage and a network of more than 4,500 brands and companies, the institution integrates branded scholarships, project work, mentorship, and recruitment activities directly into its academic structure. This ecosystem contributes to a reported 91% employment rate within one year of graduation.
At Istituto Marangoni, internships may be included within selected academic programmes or offered as optional opportunities, depending on the course structure validation, level of study, and campus local regulations.
In several Master’s pathways and selected validated Bachelor’s programmes, internship eligibility is integrated into the academic experience as part of professional preparation. In other cases, internships are optional extra curricular and may take place at the end of the programme or alongside final industry projects.
Beyond formal internship structures, Istituto Marangoni embeds employability throughout the student journey. The dedicated Career Service supports all its students through a specific career guidance path that embeds experiential learning activities with the Industry, one-to-one coaching sessions, mock interviews, CV and portfolio reviews, and direct access to internship and job opportunities via the Symplicity platform. In addition, we have recently implemented a new digital assessment tool to track their soft skills to create a more customized experience to guide them in the development of their professional path.
This approach means that even when internships are optional rather than compulsory, professional exposure is continuous and integrated into the learning process. Admissions can confirm whether your chosen course includes a mandatory internship, offers optional placements, or focuses primarily on industry-driven projects as professional preparation.
Istituto Marangoni awards officially recognised qualifications in all its locations in EMEA, for most of its academic courses which are accredited or validated by the competent national Authority in the Country where each campus operates.
In Italy, selected programmes are authorised within the AFAM (Alta Formazione Artistica, Musicale e Coreutica) system under the supervision of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR). These Academic Diplomas of First and Second Level are legally equivalent to Bachelor’s and postgraduate pathways and award academic credits aligned with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).
In France, recognition may occur through registration within the RNCP (Répertoire national des certifications professionnelles), the official national registry of professional certifications, and through Regent’s University London.
In the United Kingdom, programmes validated by Regent’s University London allow students to obtain UK-recognised academic qualifications.
In the United Arab Emirates, the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) provides federal quality assurance and degrees aligned with the UAE National Qualifications Framework.
In Saudi Arabia, Advanced Training Diplomas are delivered under a training licence from the Ministry of Culture and accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC).
Students can verify the accreditation status of their specific course and chosen campus through a dedicated orientation appointment.
Istituto Marangoni does not operate its own dormitories, but offers a dedicated Accommodation Service to support students in finding housing through trusted local partners.
Options typically include student residences, shared apartments, and private rentals. The service can assist with housing guidance, lease support, and relocation advice. Availability and costs vary by city, so early planning is recommended.
For updated information and assistance, contact the Admission and I'M Life* Offices.
* The I'M Life Office is designed to support your journey and make you feel part of an international student Community. It adds value every day by fostering creativity and culture, and by connecting you with the right services and opportunities whenever you need them: from special agreements and dedicated benefits giving access to entertainment, culture, art, wellness and self‑care services, to resources that help you nurture your social well‑being.
Istituto Marangoni supports international students in finding accommodation through recognised housing partners in cities such as Milan, Paris, and London, although it does not typically operate its own on-campus dormitories.
In cities such as Milan, Paris, and London, international students usually choose between private student residences, co-living spaces, shared flats, or private apartments. This model is common across European higher education institutions, where purpose-built campus dorms are less widespread than in other countries.
Istituto Marangoni offers a range of dedicated services and accommodation support tailored to each campus, ensuring that students receive the guidance and resources they need to find the housing solution that best suits their needs.
Paris: students can access dedicated housing platforms and selected real estate partners offering verified listings, multilingual support, digital booking processes, and contract assistance before and after arrival.
London: the school collaborates with recognised housing providers offering private halls of residence, shared flats, and personalised support throughout the rental process.
Milan: partnerships with housing providers give students access to short and long-term accommodation options suited to different budgets and lifestyle preferences.
Accommodation structures vary by city, so students are encouraged to review the dedicated housing page of their chosen campus for updated options and partner details.
For Mexican students admitted to Istituto Marangoni, obtaining a study visa for Italy is a structured but manageable process, provided all documentation requirements are prepared correctly and submitted on time.
Italy study visa requirements for Mexican citizens generally include an official letter of admission from the school, proof of accommodation in Italy, evidence of sufficient financial means, valid health insurance coverage, and a completed visa application submitted through the Italian Embassy or Consulate in Mexico. Istituto Marangoni supports admitted students by issuing the necessary enrolment and payment confirmations required by the Italian authorities, but the formal visa application must be submitted directly by the student.
In terms of timing, Italy study visa processing time from Mexico typically ranges from several weeks to approximately 4–8 weeks, depending on seasonal demand and appointment availability at the Italian embassy in Mexico. For this reason, students are advised to apply well in advance of the academic start date. The process is not considered unusually difficult, but it requires accuracy, complete documentation, and careful attention to deadlines.
Admissions and international student services at Istituto Marangoni guide Mexican students through the required steps, helping them understand how to prepare documentation and schedule appointments with the Italian diplomatic authorities.
Istituto Marangoni supports international students applying for an Italian study visa by providing official documentation and procedural guidance, while the legal submission of the visa application remains the student’s responsibility under national regulations.
For study visas to Italy, the process is regulated at ministerial level and involves the official portal Universitaly, managed by the Ministry of University and Research. After applying directly to the school and receiving an admission letter, the student must upload the visa pre-enrolment request through their personal Universitaly account. The institution then accesses the platform to verify documents and validate or reject the pre-enrolment request. Once validated, the file is transmitted to the relevant Italian Embassy or Consulate for the final visa decision.
Even when pre-enrolment is approved by the school, the Embassy or Consulate may refuse the visa based on financial guarantees, academic coherence, or other immigration criteria. Institutions such as Istituto Marangoni support students throughout the process by providing documentation, procedural guidance, and—when necessary—liaison support with diplomatic authorities. However, unlike some countries (for example the UAE), Italian study visas are not sponsored by the school and must be formally requested by the student.
Students are being supported throughout the visa application process, but they remain legally responsible for the visa application and documentation submission.