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Master of Arts in Fashion Design - Pathways in Accessory Design, Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Fashion Image.

Master of Arts in Fashion Design - Pathways in Accessory Design, Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Fashion Image

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At the heart of the world’s undisputed fashion capital and its leading maisons, the Master of Arts program aims at transmitting and reinventing the knowledge of excellence that led Paris to become the center of avant-garde and high-end fashion. It embodies the identity and values of Paris as an inclusive artistic platform, home to the greatest international fashion designers and couturiers, at the crossroads of cutting-edge design, exceptional craft know-how and sustainable innovation.

Audience

The Master of Arts is a graduate program with three pathways in Design and one in Image.

Design Pathways: Accessory Design ; Fashion Design ; Knitwear Design.

Image Pathway: Fashion Art Direction.

In the Design area, the program leading to the Master of Arts is an accredited professional degree intended for designers who have completed a Bachelor of Arts' degree with a major in fashion design, accessory design, knitwear design, textile design, product design, jewelry design, architecture or fine arts.

In the Image area, the program is intended for creatives who have completed a Bachelor degree with a major in any field related to photography, cinema, visual arts, design, writing, marketing or management.


Practical information

Type:
Master of Arts
Format:
Full time
Duration:
2 years

including a 6-month internship

Type of degree:
Master degree

The MA in Fashion Design leads to a diploma "créateur concepteur de mode" conferring the "grade de master" by the Ministry of Higher Education: Official Bulletin (BOESRI) n°29 of July 22, 2021, by order of June 28, 2021

Next intake:
September 2024
Tuition fees:
for admissions in Sep 2024*

1st year: €13,800 (EU) / €21,000 (Non-EU)

2nd year: €9,500 (EU) / €14,500 (Non-EU)

Lifetime contribution to the IFM Alumni Association: €470.

Thanks to the generosity of the IFM Foundation, need-based scholarships are available for EU students under 29 years of age on September 1 of the academic year.

You may also apply for the IFM MA Excellence scholarship which is open to all.

* Due to the economic context, the tuition fees are likely to evolve within the limit of an annual increase which cannot exceed the inflation rate in France.

Language:
English
Location:
Austerlitz campus

34 quai d'Austerlitz, 75013 Paris

Audience

The Master of Arts is a graduate program with three pathways in Design and one in Image.

Design Pathways: Accessory Design ; Fashion Design ; Knitwear Design.

Image Pathway: Fashion Art Direction.

In the Design area, the program leading to the Master of Arts is an accredited professional degree intended for designers who have completed a Bachelor of Arts' degree with a major in fashion design, accessory design, knitwear design, textile design, product design, jewelry design, architecture or fine arts.

In the Image area, the program is intended for creatives who have completed a Bachelor degree with a major in any field related to photography, cinema, visual arts, design, writing, marketing or management.


fashion silhouette
© Design by Queralt Orriols & Mahmood Al-Safi - Photo Pauline Scotto di Cesare
MA Graduate Show 2024 ©Titre Provisoire
© Design by Martha Hupfauer and Jonas Konrad - Photo Sacha Héron

Program

Led by French and international fashion professionals and prominent faculty in the field, the Master of Arts allows students to expand their knowledge and practice while investigating innovative solutions to the current challenges faced by the fashion industry.

During their two years in Paris, students acquire a high level of expertise and develop networking opportunities through forward-thinking collaborations with Parisian fashion and luxury Maisons.

The Master of Arts at Institut Français de la Mode is the only graduate program in fashion design among all private institutions of higher education with a university Master “Grade” recognition given by the French State (Official Bulletin BOESRI n°29 of July 22, 2021, by order of June 28, 2021).

It is also the only program with an annual Graduate Show programmed within the official calendar of the Paris Fashion Week®.

Projects

The MA is a project-based program strongly rooted in the Parisian fashion context with its multitude of companies and realities.

In each Design pathway, the program combines short masterclasses with long purpose-driven projects in partnership with leading fashion brands. Some of these Maisons such as Balenciaga, Celine, Chanel, Chloé, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton or Saint Laurent are active members of the school’s Foundation. In Year 1, while Core Atelier 1 involves highly experienced guest designers in exploratory projects, Core Atelier 2 focuses on extensive collaborations with major Maisons in Paris and other European fashion capitals.

In the Image pathway, the program is articulated around a series of seminars, workshops and projects in partnership with leading fashion agencies and brands. In Year 1, students work in groups on intensive projects led by high-level professionals with a focus on visual artistic direction, visual identity, editorials, visual merchandising, fashion shows and window design. Some projects involve independent art directors, others rely on the participation of partnering Parisian Maisons.

The second year of the MA focuses on the capstone project, the culminating expression of every designer’s personal sensibility, experience, skills and areas of interest. During this extensive project, students have the opportunity to work with designers, research mentors and industry advisers, gaining experience in a real-life context. They present their work to a panel of guest professionals among which talent acquisition experts who support their transition to professional life after graduation.

After the Graduate Show, students can intern for six months in a Maison. They choose their internship following their skills and objectives. Beyond the many Maisons participating in the IFM Foundation, students can join the studios of all fashion and luxury companies in Paris, Milan, London or any other city, as well as independent fashion studios.

Curriculum

The curriculum of each pathway includes 80% practice-based specialization courses and 20% cross-disciplinary courses involving the students of all the MA pathways.

In the 3 Design pathways (Accessory Design, Fashion Design, Knitwear Design), the curriculum is structured as follows:


SEMESTER 1

Design Studio 1

  • Core Atelier 1
  • Exploratory Week

Creative Technologies 1

  • Digital Lab 1
  • Material Lab 1

Critical Studies 1 (all MA pathways)

  • Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Fashion 1
  • Fashion Heritage Seminar
  • Sustainability Concept and Values

SEMESTER 2

Design Studio 2

  • Core Atelier 2
  • Innovation Week

Creative Technologies 2

  • Digital Lab 2
  • Material Lab 2

Critical Studies 2 (all MA pathways)

  • Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Fashion 2
  • Insights into Fashion Business and Organisations
  • Interdisciplinary Research Methods

SEMESTER 3

Capstone Project 1

  • MA Boost
  • Advanced Studio 1

Thesis 1 (all MA pathways)

  • Professional Ecosystems
  • Thesis Research

SEMESTER 4

Capstone Project 2

  • Advanced Studio 2
  • Portfolio

Thesis 2 (all MA pathways)

  • Curatorial Project
  • Thesis Journal

Professional Practice

Six Month Internship

The curriculum of the Image specialization in Fashion Art Direction is attached to the Pathway Description.

The students of all pathways have the opportunity to take free French classes during their MA studies at IFM.

Cross-Disciplinary Electives

Multiple elective courses are offered to all Master's students in design and management, enabling them to broaden their interdisciplinary knowledge and to develop group projects together on topics they wish to explore in greater depth (sustainability, technology, entrepreneurship, communications). These cross-disciplinary electives aim to develop specific expertise in these areas and collaborate with profiles from a variety of backgrounds.

Certificates

Three optional certificates are offered during the year to all IFM Master's full-time students: in entrepreneurship, sustainability and Couture craftsmanship.

Campus Resources

The MA studios are located at the new campus of Institut Français de la Mode at 34 Quai d’Austerlitz, along the Seine river.
In each pathway, students work in a design studio with dedicated spaces. They develop their projects and prototypes in one or more specialized labs with the most qualitative and recent technical equipment.
Digital technology and making space and a photography studio shared by all pathways are also available.
The library at Institut Français de la Mode aggregates the best resources and information on fashion, design and the arts and offers working spaces for students.

Master's degree

In order to graduate with a Master of Arts degree, students must have been enrolled in the program for at least four semesters, fulfilled the requirements of all the courses, validated the capstone project with the portfolio and thesis dissertation, and completed a six-month internship in Paris or abroad.

At Institut Français de la Mode, the Master of Arts degree is validated by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and registered at level 7 (Master level) in the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP). This registration entitles non-EU students who have graduated from the program to get an "Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour" that allows them to work in France for a minimum of one year after graduation.

fashion silhouettes
© MA Graduate Show 2023 - Photo Guillaume Roujas

In the Accessory Design pathway, students address the contemporary field of fashion accessories as a diversified set of creative practices and methods. In the first year of studies, the program fosters design research, artistic experimentation and sustainable thinking with a focus on bag design. It is complemented by short company projects and workshops around other typologies of accessories such as shoes, fashion jewelry or headwear. In the second year, students delve into one, two or more typologies of accessories for their MA Project and deepen their knowledge thanks to the contribution of French and Italian manufacturers specialized in the chosen fields.

Students work alongside highly experienced designers, technicians and artisans within dedicated ateliers to develop innovative projects translated into materials and prototypes at the intersection of advanced crafts and digital technologies. They actively participate in company projects with fashion and luxury Maisons. They are also offered the unique opportunity to navigate between the design of material and virtual objects through groundbreaking collaborations with a broad variety of specialized labs, agencies and experts in the field.

The program prioritizes research and collaborations focused on the implementation of sustainable and ethical design solutions.

At the end of their studies, the graduating students show their accessories collections in an artistic setting during the Paris Fashion Week®.

By following this two-year program, MA Accessory Design graduates earn 120 ECTS university credits plus 15 extra credits following the professional internship.

© Design by Sofia Turekova - Photo Pauline Scotto di Cesare
Master of Arts in Accessory Design: Mathilde Rougier
Accessories Happening 2023 in partnership with Tranoï

The Fashion Design pathway brings young designers to the next professional level through a unique series of seminars, forward-thinking projects and industry collaborations with the greatest Parisian Maisons, luxury groups and emerging fashion brands.

This specialization program engages with the various fashion expressions, practices and crafts that led Paris to become the world’s capital of fashion, from ready-to-wear to haute couture and all the new hybrid paths in between.

It is a gender-inclusive program, with no boundaries between womenswear and menswear, in which students are led to become high-level fashion design experts without being limited by any gendered considerations.

The program prioritizes research and collaborations focused on the development of sustainable and ethical design solutions.

At the beginning of their last semester of studies, students embrace the fashion show experience in the context of Paris Fashion Week and collaborate closely with professional stylists, photographers, artistic directors and show producers to enhance and promote their capstone collection. The best of the graduating students’ collections opens the Paris Fashion Week every year.

By following this two-year program, MA Fashion Design graduates earn 120 ECTS university credits plus 15 extra credits following the professional internship.

© Design by Gookhyun Lee - Photo Guillaume Roujas - MA Graduate Show 2023
MA Graduate Show 2023 - Fashion Design & Knitwear Design Pathways ©Titre Provisoire
Master of Arts in Fashion Design: Meng Che Chiang

The Knitwear Design pathway is the first of its kind in France. Taught by the best experts in the field and by highly qualified technical instructors in specialized studios with state-of-the-art equipment, it focuses on artistic experimentation, sustainable design, contemporary craftsmanship and technological innovation.

Through the extensive links of the program to the knitwear industry, students learn from key players in the field, from in-house knitwear heads of design and designers to independent ones, and from yarn spinners to manufacturers from all over Europe.

The program allows students to explore and develop a strong personal style and design signature through experimental projects, knitwear programming workshops and collaborations with the industry. At the end of the curriculum, they are mentored by knitwear designers operating in the greatest Parisian fashion houses to produce an exhaustive research and collection.

At the beginning of their last semester of studies, students embrace the fashion show experience and collaborate closely with professional stylists, photographers, artistic directors and show producers to enhance and promote their final collection. The best of the graduating students’ collections open the Paris Fashion Week® every year.

By following this two-year program, MA Knitwear Design graduates earn 120 ECTS university credits plus 15 extra credits following the professional internship.

© Design by Po-Chieh Chiu - Photo Pierre-Emmanuel Testard
MA Graduate Show 2023 - Knitwear Design Pathway ©Titre Provisoire
Master of Arts in Knitwear Design: Tati Haupt

Fashion art direction is a visual creative practice at the intersection of different fields of fashion communication and beyond. In this pathway, the program offers students the opportunity to develop a personal vision and a relevant interdisciplinary approach that meets the growing needs of the fashion industry.

This unique program is articulated around a series of professional workshops, field visits experiences, and collective projects. Students manipulate words and images to develop storytelling content and editorial proposals and gather multidisciplinary teams ensuring that the brand strategy is always integrated into the creative process.

The core workshops address the fields of image artistic direction (photography, video), visual identity (branding, typography), editorials (print and digital media), visual merchandising and fashion shows, stage and window design. Some collaborations involve established fashion brands such as Hermès and Chanel, others are led by emerging designers and art directors.

In Year 1, students produce 2D and 3D projects, still and moving images. They work mainly in teams, but also individually. Personal research, archiving and filing of personal “data banks” are fundamental in the program. In Year 2, all these skills are required to put together the graduation capstone project and translate the unique creative signature of each student into an exhaustive art direction proposal and professional portfolio.

The program ends with a six-month internship in a professional environment, within a communication agency specialized in fashion, luxury or cosmetics, or internally within a brand or a media that allows interns to experiment with art direction, visual communication production, social media content, photo styling, videography, graphics, copywriting, digital communication, visual merchandising, window display or scenography.

By following this two-year program, MA graduates earn 120 ECTS university credits plus 15 extra credits following the professional internship.

© Art Direction Matilde Balestri, Maya Agam, Jooey Sun, Mikaela Arkangel, Thomas Dherte - Photo Thomas Dherte
MA Graduate Show 2022 - Fashion Image Pathway ©The Stimul'Eye
Master of Arts in Fashion Image: Aron Meier

During the year we will be organizing various events so that you can meet us, visit our premises and ask any questions you may have :

  • Each year, our Open Day is held on the last Saturday of January.
  • Webinars:
    • Wednesday 3 April 11:00 am (Paris Time): Fashion Image. Register here
    • Saturday 27 April 12:30 pm (Paris Time): Portfolio Requirements. Register here

  • Insta lives:
    • Tuesday 2 April 4 pm (Paris Time): Accessory Design @ifmparis

  • Admission chats: on this page, you will be able to discuss with the Head of Admissions. You will see the chat option on the bottom right of this page when the chat will be available:
    • Thursday 18 April from 10 am to 6 pm (Paris Time)

All the pathways of the Master of Arts program prepare international designers to start relevant careers in the industry before becoming creative directors, heads of design or specialized designers in the greatest Paris-based and international companies. It can also lead them to work as freelance designers or develop an entrepreneurial project for the launch of their own brand or creative agency.

The Career Services department supports the professional evolution of the MA students and graduates during their studies and after graduation. Meetings and training seminars are organized with the human resources of Paris-based and international fashion and luxury companies, as well as talent and career events including portfolio presentations and showrooms at the IFM campus.

The Career Services department also provides one-to-one professional coaching to actively assist graduating students in their internship or job search process. It is supported by the IFM Foundation members and relies on a unique network of IFM Alumni.

The MA graduates are currently active in all the Paris Maisons, from Dior to Chanel, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Celine, Maison Margiela, Nina Ricci, Chloé, Rochas, Kenzo, and many other historical and emerging brands.

The Master of Arts program is headed by Dr Leyla Neri.

DESIGN AREA

Accessory Design

Pathway Director & Design Professor: Nicole Stulman

Guest Lecturer Bag Design: Ana Xenia Ene Pienescu

Bag Development & Technology: Carole Gauthrot

Guest Lecturer Shoe Design: Aurore Nallet

Guest Lecturer Jewelry Design: Marco Panconesi, Elsa Sen

Material Lab & Industrial Processes: Julia Sachers

Fashion Design

Pathway Directors: Felix Chabluk Smith & Déborah Macquart

Guest Creative Directors Felipe Oliveira Baptista, Casey Cadwallader, Henry Guillaume, Olivier Theyskens

Creative Pattern Making: Gianfranco Scotti

Development & Technology: Dat Vu, Schön Cooper

Knitwear Design

Pathway Director: Adam Jones

Development & Technology: John Bellord, Anita Pottier

Material Lab: Stéphane Laliève

Fashion Image and Art Direction

Pathway Directors: Stéphane Wargnier & Alice Litscher

Guest Lecturers: Marc Ascoli, Antoine Asseraf, Camille Baudelaire, Rotem Chen, Sophie Fontanel, Elise Goldfarb, Olivia Grandperrin, Laure Guibault, René Habermacher, Julia Layani, Jean-Baptiste Levée, Fabrice Paineau, Antoine Platteau, Etienne Russo, Olivier Saillard, Yorgo Tloupas

INTERDISCIPLINARY AREA

The cross-MA courses shared by all MA pathways involve professors, researchers and professional experts in:

Critical Studies

Dr Emilie Hammen and Benjamin Simmenauer

Sustainability Practices

Dr Andrée-Anne Lemieux

Digital Technologies

Alessandro Carabini, Jean Jaulhiac and Ianis Lallemand

Professional Development

Céline Toledano and Mathias Ohrel

Thesis Research

Sarah Banon, Marine Chaleroux, Adrian Kammarti, Léo Migotti, Manon Renault and Gabrielle Smith

Portfolio Design

Ghazaal Vojdani

Management Collabs

Dr Caroline Ardelet, Dr Franck Delpal

Fashion Business

Agathe Romero-Verdeil

Tuition fees for admissions in Sep 2024*:

1st year: €13,800 (EU) / €21,000 (Non-EU)

2nd year: €9,500 (EU) / €14,500 (Non-EU)

Lifetime contribution to the IFM Alumni Association: €470.

Thanks to the generosity of the IFM Foundation, need-based scholarships are available for EU students under 29 years of age on September 1 of the academic year.

* Due to the economic context, the tuition fees are likely to evolve within the limit of an annual increase which cannot exceed the inflation rate in France.

Scholarships

1. IFM Foundation need-based scholarships

Thanks to the sponsorship of company members of Institut Français de la Mode's Foundation, need-based scholarships are available for EU citizens under 29 years of age on September 1st 2024. These scholarships are not cumulative with the IFM MA Excellence scholarship below. You can apply to both and if eligible, you will receive the scholarship which is most advantageous to you.

To apply for a scholarship, please complete the scholarship application form downloadable from the application website and submit it with your application form. More information can be found in the FAQ section of this page.

2. IFM MA Excellence scholarship

The Excellence Scholarship is intended for applicants who demonstrate excellent design skills, academic ability and leadership potential, with an original vision and project. It is open to candidates from all over the world, with no distinction of nationality, background, age or gender, and with no regard to their financial situation. To apply, tick the Excellence scholarship box in the 'Financing your studies' section of your application profile. You must apply before Sunday 3 March 2024 (session 2). If you apply later, the Excellence scholarship may no longer be available. More information can be found in the FAQ section of this page.

3. CROUS scholarships

The program is eligible to national scholarships from the CROUS. International students should check conditions of eligibility. For more information check this website.

We also recommend that you consult the Campus France website to learn of other potential scholarship opportunities.

Admissions requirements

The course is open to students who have obtained a 3-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent in art/fashion or design. Exceptions are possible for candidates without a diploma.

All the courses of the MA are taught in English: a CEFR C1 Level* is required for applicants who are not native English speakers or have not spent at least three years studying at a university where English is the official language of instruction, ideally in an English-speaking country. Candidates with an insufficient level of English who are short-listed for the interview with the MA faculty and Admission Team may be required to submit an English language proficiency test no later than July 1st.

*Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section for more details.

Admissions process

The admissions process consists of two steps :

- First the submission of a detailed application file and portfolio (check the section “ frequently asked questions” to find out more about the portfolio requirements for each pathway)
- If your application is selected, you will be invited to take part in an online interview with the course faculty. If you’re applying for the Pathway in Fashion Image, you will receive a remote jury assignment.

Please note there is a non-refundable €100 application fee.

To apply for an IFM Foundation need-based scholarship, please complete the scholarship application form downloadable from the application website and submit it with your application form.

To apply for an IFM MA Excellence scholarship, just tick the box 'IFM MA Excellence scholarship' in the 'Financing your studies' section of your application profile. You must apply before Sunday 3 March 2024 (session 2). If you apply later, the Excellence scholarship may no longer be available.

Apply

Admissions sessions

You may choose the session you wish to apply for, but you can only apply to one. If you are selected for an interview, a specific time and date will be given to you within the dates specified below.

There will be three sessions of admissions for the Pathway in Fashion Design, and two sessions for the Pathways in Knitwear, Accessory and Image Design. Please read carefully the calendar below.

Session 1 – 21 January 2024 - for Pathway in Fashion Design only

  • Deadline for submission of application file: 21 January 2024 (until 11:59 pm)
  • Notification of eligibility: 9 February 2024 at the latest
  • Interviews: 4-15 March 2024

Session 2 – 3 March 2024 - for all Pathways

  • Deadline for submission of application file: 3 March 2024 (until 11:59 pm)
  • Notification of eligibility: 22 March 2024 at the latest
  • Interviews: 8-19 April 2024

Session 3 – 12 May 2024 – for all Pathways

  • Deadline for submission of application file: 12 May 2024 (until 11:59 pm)
  • Notification of eligibility: 3 June 2024 at the latest
  • Interviews: 17-21 June & 1-5 July 2024

For visa purposes, we recommend international students to avoid session 3. In case of admission (confirmed on the 8th of July at the latest) they may not have time to get their visa on time for the launch of the academic year (beginning of September).

Master of Arts in Accessory Design: Mathilde Rougier

Mathilde tells us about her passion for Accessory Design, her interest in the metaverse, the relationship between physical and virtual objects, and the freedom the digital world brings to her work in fashion design. She tells us about her experience of design and production process at IFM, rooted in the industry which allows her to face the future with confidence.

Master of Arts in Knitwear Design: Tati Haupt

Tati talks about her creative signature, the techniques she uses at the crossroads of craftsmanship and industry, allowing her, from a blank page, to breathe her personality into her creations. Her collection is inspired by her mother and late grandmother, highlighting the power of women in different eras and societies. Using vivid colors, eye catching slogans, and also details to imitate hair in different body parts, her work generates interesting conversations and discussions!

Master of Arts in Fashion Design: Meng Che Chiang

Meng Che, Menswear Designer, finalist at Hyères 2021 festival, talks about the exceptional and collaborative study conditions in Paris, at IFM, connected to the industry in a deeply creative environment. He talks about his vision of the profession of Fashion Designer and shares his personal approach to creation.

Master of Arts in Fashion Image: Aron Meier

Aron worked in an advertising agency before joining IFM. He tells us about the international network he built, the personal creative exploration that the MA in Fashion Image program allows, the "real life" experience, connected to brands, and the variety of AD expression he approached through these different collaborations.

Bosco Tamames (Image Design 2019)

Bosco is Visual Project Leader and Image Designer for Nina Ricci. He talks about his experience of the program, the diversity of topics and points of views exchanged.

Ally Macrae (Image Design 2018)

Ally is a Freelance Stylist. She shares her input on the Image Design program and how it has helped her in her career by connecting her to a very diverse professional network.

Constanza Lopez (Image Design 2015)

Constanza is Art Director for Omedia Agency. She talks about how the program helped her define her creative identity.

Management-Design Workshop, “Paris Zeitgeist”

Alice and Po-Chieh talk about their experience of the "Management-Design Workshop: an exploratory week for incoming students of the Master programs in fashion design and in fashion and luxury management at Institut Français de la Mode. They worked in transdisciplinary teams to translate the Air du Temps of contemporary Paris. They had three days to explore different areas of the Greater Paris area and produce short films reflecting their personal views of today’s Paris Zeitgeist, shot on their smartphones and displayed on the FHCM website.

Application

I am currently finishing my Bachelor's degree, what documents do I need to provide?

If you are in your final year of a Bachelor's degree, we will need your most recent official transcripts (current year) and a proof of enrollment at your university. If you are accepted, you will have to provide your final official transcript (with all your credits validated) and diploma upon graduation.

The other documents needed are :
- A detailed resume
- A portrait photograph
- Your portfolio
- Your English proficiency certificate (if applicable)
- Copy of your diplomas
- Copy of your grade transcripts
- Copy of your Passport / ID card
- Scholarship application file and supporting documents (if applicable)

What level of English is required to enter the program?

The admission interview of the pre-selected candidates will be conducted in English.

The expected average level of English for the interview is CEFR C1 or equivalent.

The applications of the pre-selected candidates with an inadequate level of English will be automatically rejected following the interview.

During or right after the admission interview, IFM's reviewers are allowed to ask the pre-selected candidates to provide an official certificate of C1 level when needed.

In case of non-submission of the English certificate within these deadlines, the pre-selected candidate will automatically be removed from the waiting list.

Which language certificates and results are required?

Needed test scores: TOEFL (minimum score 100) or IELTS (minimum score 7) or TOEIC Listening & Reading (minimum score 900) + TOEIC Speaking & Writing (minimum score 180) or CAMBRIDGE (minimum score 185 with at least 176 on each part of the test) – CEFR level C1. The school accepts test scores taken within the past two years.

Do I need to speak French?

Applicants are not required to speak French. However, we strongly encourage admitted students to improve their French proficiency before their arrival in Paris, especially those who intend to do their internship or work in France after graduation. A C1 level should be the target.

I’m hesitating between two pathways, can I apply to both?

You have to apply for your first choice. When filling in your profile you’ll have the possibility to mention that you are interested in another pathway. Your file will be considered first for the pathway you’re applying for. If not selected, but eligible in terms of overall level and academic background, your second choice will be considered. Sometimes, you may be offered to consider a pathway different to the one you’re applying for. It will remain your decision to accept or not this opportunity.

My application has not been selected; can I try again in another session?

No. You can choose your session, but you can only apply once a year. You can try again the following year.

My application was not accepted; may I ask why? Can I file an appeal?

The decisions of the reading committee are final and given the number of applications, will not be motivated. If your application has not been accepted, it will be impossible to send additional information or to know the reasons for the refusal.

You will have the possibility to reapply the following year with a more successful application. In most cases, failure is often due to a portfolio which is not strong enough creatively or insufficiently compelling.

Do I need recommendations?

You will need to provide the contact details of two referees (professional or academic) when creating your profile.

For the Fashion Design, Accessory Design and Knitwear Design pathways, recommendation forms will be sent directly to these people (by e-mail), if necessary.

For the Image pathway, candidates selected for the admissions jury will be asked to collect a letter of recommendation from these two referees, which they will attach as a PDF to their jury assignment.

Admissions process

I have paid my application fee but the payment does not appear on my application profile.

In this case, please wait 36 hours after payment, as it may take some time for international payments to appear on your profile.

If your payment does not appear after this time, please check with your bank that the transfer has been debited and send us a proof (ma-fashion@ifmparis.fr).

Thank you for not contacting us before this 36-hour deadline. We encourage you, if possible, to pay your fees a few days before the deadline to avoid any problems.

I can't pay my application fees with my credit card

Our credit card payment system accepts all international cards. We invite you to check that there are no incidents on your bank account, that you have not reached the payment limit and to try paying with another card.

If it still doesn't work, wait 24 hours before trying again.

If you are still having problems (and only if you have followed all the steps above without success, please contact us: ma-fashion@ifmparis.fr)

I have finalized my application, paid my application fee but have not received any confirmation. How do I know that my application is registered?

Once the first part of your application has been completed, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. Once you have finalized the second part (uploaded all the requested documents and paid your tuition fees), if the payment has been registered, your application is registered.

After the official application deadline, all applications will be verified, validated and submitted to the reading committee. You will then receive an acknowledgement of receipt of your "complete file" no later than the week following the deadline for submission of applications. There is no need to contact the Admissions Department before this date to ensure that your application has been received.

For example, if the application deadline is Sunday, 15 January, you should receive an acknowledgement of receipt by Sunday 22 January at the latest. Please do not contact the Admissions Department before this date.

I have uploaded all requested documents and paid the application fee. Can i modify my file if i wish to replace a document ?

Once the application fee has been paid and ALL mandatory documents have been uploaded, your application is considered complete and can no longer be modified (even if it's finalized before the deadline).

To avoid any problems, please upload your portfolio at the end of the process (before or after payment).

Portfolio requirements

If you are applying for the pathways in Fashion Design & Knitwear Design

The portfolio of work submitted with your application is the best way of expressing who you are as a human being and as a designer. It must be very personal, structured and concise. Your portfolio should be uploaded on the Online Admission Platform. It should not exceed 10 Mb (all documents exceeding this size will be rejected).

Your portfolio should include a selection of 4 or 5 design projects submitted as a PDF document of minimum 20 pages of A4 format. The projects can include sketches, collages, prototypes, photographs, show pictures, illustrations, links to short films, videos or websites that showcase your work.

For each project, a short description of maximum 100 words should be provided to contextualize your research and explain your concept, process and goals. If you are selected for the next step, you will be invited for an interview.

If you are applying for the pathway in Accessory Design

The portfolio of work submitted with your application is the best way of expressing who you are as a human being and as a designer. It must be very personal, structured and concise. Your portfolio should be uploaded on the Online Admission Platform. It should not exceed 10 Mb (all documents exceeding this size will be rejected).

Your portfolio should include a selection of 4 or 5 design projects submitted as a PDF document of minimum 20 pages of A4 format. The projects can include sketches, collages, prototypes, photographs, show pictures, illustrations, links to short films, videos or websites that showcase your work.

For each project, a short description of maximum 100 words should be provided to contextualize your research and explain your concept, process and goals. Among the work included in the portfolio, at least 2 advanced projects should focus on the design of a collection of three-dimensional objects that could be fashion accessories, but also any artefact that shows your ability to innovate by constructing volumes.

If you are applying for the pathway in Image Design

The portfolio of work submitted with your application is the best way of expressing who you are as a human being and as a designer. It must be very personal, structured and concise. Your portfolio should be uploaded on the Online Admission Platform. It should not exceed 10 Mb (all documents exceeding this size will be rejected).

You should provide a link to your complete online portfolio, including at least one recent personal project, highlighting your research process, your appetite for fashion and your various skills. Your online portfolio should highlight your skills related to moving images (video, editing, motion design, etc.).

Program

Is it possible to meet a program representative and visit the school?

Our Open Days are usually held at the end of January. It is unfortunately impossible to schedule a visit of the campus or meet a program representative. French candidates are invited to visit us during the Open days.

International candidates can contact the admissions department two weeks minimum before a trip to Paris to see if a visit can be organized, without guarantee.

Do you help students find their internship?

At the end of the second year, all students have to do a six-month internship, write a report and defend it in front of a final jury. Students are responsible for finding their own internships. However, students will receive all along the programs tools to prepare themselves for this important step of their curriculum, through coaching and preparation for interviews, resume writing, and public speaking classes. They will meet professionals from the sector, Headhunters, studio directors, etc. during workshops, career fairs and will have the possibility to show their final project during their graduation event. The designers will benefit from the school’s extended network and the assistance of the careers department, as students and throughout their future careers.

Are internships paid?

The six-month internship is paid by companies in France. The minimum gratification is €554 per month and can range up to about €1,300 per month.

Is this program available as a work-study program?

No it is only available on a full-time basis.

Financing your studies

What are the conditions of payment of the tuition fees?

The tuition fees should be paid yearly. Once accepted, you will have to confirm your place with a down payment of €3,000. The remaining yearly fee can either be paid in full in September or in two installments (schedule of payment will be provided when enrolling).

Besides the tuition fees, are there additional costs to be considered?

The cost of supplies and equipment varies a lot depending on the specialization and the type of projects the students will be working on.

Are to be considered:

  • Course supplies – each student will receive a list of material before the program starts. This list may change from one year to another.
  • Project supplies – depending on your personal projects
  • Printing costs (for juries, presentations, etc.)

Dummies and sewing machines will be at your disposal in our workshops.

Budget and cost of living in Paris

The cost of living and studying in Paris is very dependent on your type of accommodation and lifestyle. For reference a basic budget could include at least €800 for accommodation, €220 for meals, €30 for metro transportation, €180 for leisure and €150 for other expenses, for a total of approximately €1,380 per month.

Is it possible to work while studying at IFM?

Due to the intensity of the coursework, students do not really have time the time to work. However, some students choose to take on a 1 day per week position (Saturdays or Sundays) in order to help finance their academic year.

Are there any scholarships available for European students?

Yes, if you’re European under 29, you can apply for an IFM scholarship and a CROUS scholarship, which can be cumulative.

You can check your CROUS eligibility here: https://www.service-public.fr/...

And start your application here: https://www.messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr/envole/

Do you offer student loans?

As a school, we do not offer student loans.

If you are a French citizen, you can take out a student loan with your bank or your parents' bank.

If you're a European citizen, French banks can grant you a student loan under certain conditions.

If you are non-European, you will have to finance your studies from your country of origin. It will not be possible to take out a student loan in France.

I wish to take out a loan, I don't have a guarantor. Can I still borrow?

Yes, if you are French or European (and you’ve been living in France for 5 years), there is a state-guaranteed student loan.

Please note, however, that the number of state-guaranteed student loans granted per year is limited. It is therefore advisable to apply for one as early as possible, as soon as you receive confirmation of admission.

You'll find all the information you need about this loan here: https://www.service-public.fr/...

Do you have any partner banks?

Yes, Société Générale and Caisse d'Epargne are partners of the Institut Français de la Mode.

Under certain conditions, our students can open an account at two specific branches, whose contact details will be sent to them once admission has been confirmed.

Both banks offer state-guaranteed loans.

Please note, however, that student loans will only be granted to French and European citizens.

IFM scholarships

I did not send my scholarship application with my application, can I apply for a scholarship later?

Unfortunately not. Scholarship applications are examined at the latest at the time of the admission jury and no further applications can be considered.

I am not a citizen of the European Union. Can I apply for an IFM scholarship?

IFM Foundation need-based scholarships are dedicated to students under 29 who are citizens of the European Union only.

However the IFM MA Excellence scholarship is available to all.

Do not hesitate to contact the Campus France offices in non-EU countries to obtain information on other scholarship possibilities.

What are the criteria for the IFM MA Excellence scholarship?

The IFM Selection Committee reviews all eligible applications for scholarship consideration and selects the finalists on the basis of the following criteria:

  • Excellent Quality of the Design Portfolio: consistency, completeness and originality of the projects presented in the regular MA Application.
  • Highest Academic Level: as evidenced by the grades obtained in the Bachelor degree transcript.
  • Strong Competency in English: assessed during the interview and/or through an English certificate.
  • Great Communication and Motivation: clear objectives, readiness to face new challenges, including social and environmental ones, through forward-thinking and innovative work.

How can I apply for the Excellence scholarship?

Just tick the box 'IFM MA Excellence scholarship' in the 'Financing your studies' section of your application profile. Following the regular interview with the selected MA candidates based on their regular application, a second interview will be proposed to the shortlisted applicants for the Excellence Scholarship to assess their motivation, vision and values. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

IFM will not provide any justification to the applicants regarding the selection of the shortlisted students or the final selection of the scholarship recipient. No applicants’ request for explanations or feedback will be considered during or after the selection process.

I applied or started filling my profile before the 'IFM MA Excellence scholarship' box was implemented on the application form. How can I apply?

All applications that have been started or finalized before the implementation of the “IFM MA Excellence scholarship” box, will be considered. If the Excellence criteria are met, they will automatically be taken in account.

Can applying for a scholarship be detrimental to my application?

No. The committees reviewing your application for the program and your scholarship application are separate.

Practical information

Do I need a visa for France ?

You can check your status here: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas

If you are a citizen of the European Economic Area, your national ID or passport is enough. For students outside of the European Economic Area, a student visa is necessary (Visa VLS-TS). French law demands that you have “sufficient means” at your disposal to study without having to work. For visa application information and the necessary documents, please refer to the Campus France website. IFM sends the official acceptance letter, necessary to start your visa application, after the non-refundable deposit has been paid.

Does IFM have a Campus? Dormitories?

Institut Français de la Mode is a nonresidential campus, offering on three levels, 9 000 m2 of classrooms, design studios, knitwear and leather workshops, a fab lab, a Photo Studio and a documentation center.

There is no on-campus Housing, however our academic support teams will transfer offers from landlords. Once accepted, all students receive a “student handbook” where tips, suggestions and partnerships are presented.

Students can also refer to the CampusFrance website for housing suggestions or www.ciup.fr for specific information about student dormitory-type housing.

How do I get to Institut Français de la Mode?

Institut Français de la Mode is located at 34, quai d’Austerlitz (75013)

Metro: Gare d’Austerlitz (lines 5 and 10, RER C), Quai de la Gare (Line 6) or Gare de Lyon (Lines 1, 14, RER A and D).

Bus: Lines 24, 63, 89 and 91.

What are the opening hours?

From October 1st to June 30th opening hours are:

  • Monday to Friday – from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday – open on certain dates