Before IIFM, I spoke fashion; now, I communicate it. That's the difference: they taught me how to craft the stories that create brands, but also how to manage the invisible complexity behind them.
IIFM | Italian Institute of Fashion Management
About
IIFM | Italian Institute of Fashion Management, based in Milan, was founded with a mission: to empower the next generation of fashion professionals. It’s a place where education meets action, empowering changemakers to shape—not just adapt to—a constantly evolving world. At IIFM, you’ll find a vibrant community of professors, researchers, students, alumni, and professionals working together with a shared spirit of innovation and purpose.
IIFM | Italian Institute of Fashion Management, based in Milan, was founded with a mission: to empower the next generation of fashion professionals. It’s a place where education meets action, empowering changemakers to shape—not just adapt to—a constantly evolving world. At IIFM, you’ll find a vibrant community of professors, researchers, students, alumni, and professionals working together with a shared spirit of innovation and purpose.
The institute’s leadership is grounded in strategic vision, strong expertise, and boundless passion, creating an environment where future managers and entrepreneurs thrive. As an institution for benefit within the fashion management field, IIFM champions entrepreneurial thinking, personal growth, and a drive for discovery. Its international and inclusive campus is designed to foster the soft skills essential for today’s global economy.
IIFM has introduced an original and inclusive educational model, offering Master's programs, Undergraduate and Graduate Courses in several disciplines, from Fashion Management, in all the corporate applications, up to emerging disciplines such as Digital Fashion, Human Resource Management, and Event Management. Collaborating with Italian and international universities, IIFM ensures that you gain access to cutting-edge knowledge, global insights, and strong industry connections. We are in constant dialogue with Italy’s top fashion and luxury brands, as well as with leading international universities, to continually spark innovation and development.
With a global outlook and a future-oriented approach, IIFM is nurturing a new generation of fashion managers equipped to lead and inspire. Welcome to IIFM.
With IIFM, you will step into the heart of the professional fashion system. Discover what will make your learning experience unique.
A Global Experience
We embrace diversity and inclusivity, where cultures from around the world come together. We're by your side, from visa to accommodation. With us, studying in Italy has never been so easy!
The Ultimate Expertise in Fashion Management
We are pioneers in higher education for fashion management, bringing together a relevant faculty of top industry professionals, insightful professors, and emerging managers.
Programs centered around key industry roles
Not only Masters but also Courses. Each program is designed to guide students through specific career paths. Discover our Courses, starting from 2025!
Our Mission is to have an impact
For us, education is not just a teaching activity. It's the person you'll become, and the impact you'll make. Our mission is to empower you. Discover our Career Management activities inside each Masters.
Carolina Grando, Communication Freelance Fashion at Luxury and Lifestyle
Sarah "Sarah M" Malik, CEO and Entrepreneur
The key to my fashion entrepreneur dream. I was born in fashion. I became a Barrister, but never lost that flair. I attended IIFM for fashion management. I was a student, and today I am proud of my own label.
Tuition fees include:
- Access to the Full Program Curriculum: All courses, lectures, and academic activities are designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and skills in fashion management.
- Study Materials: A range of digital and physical study resources, including access to IIFM digital papers.
- Technology and Equipment: As part of your learning experience, you will be provided with an iPad with digital materials necessary for your studies. This device is provided at no additional cost and will remain yours upon completion of the program, ensuring that you continue to benefit from this tool in your professional future.
- Digital E-Learning Platform: Full access to our digital e-learning platform, enabling you to engage with course content, collaborate with peers, track your academic progress from anywhere in the world, manage your status and both academic and administrative deadlines, and download transcripts and certificates.
- IIFM Welcome Kit: Upon your arrival, you will receive a comprehensive Welcome Kit, including a study amenity kit, essential information, program details, and useful resources to help you navigate your studies and campus life.
- Campus Facilities: Full access to IIFM's state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms, digital library, and dedicated study spaces designed to enhance your academic journey.
- Professional Development Resources and Placement Activities: Participation in all the career management activities, as well as an individual mentorship program.
- Alumni Association Membership: Upon graduation, you will be enrolled in the IIFM Alumni Association, gaining access to a global network of professionals and exclusive career resources.
- Italian Language Course: The Italian language course is included complimentary for all international students who are not native Italian speakers. This course provides the opportunity to obtain a PLIDA A2 or B1 certification upon successful completion of the exam.
Housing accommodation
Finding comfortable and well-connected accommodation is essential for making the most of your Master’s experience. We provide support to students in finding housing solutions that suit their needs, thanks to partnerships with student residences, shared apartments, and specialized agencies. Our team is available to provide information and guidance.
Personal expenses
If you decide to come to Milan to study, it is important to consider personal expenses in addition to the costs associated with your studies. On average, you should budget around € 900-1,100 for personal expenses per month, broken down as follows: € 500-700 for accommodation, €200 for food, € 50 for local transportation, and € 150-200 for miscellaneous personal expenses.
These estimated costs are not charged to the student. Please do not confuse these costs with the tuition and fees you pay to IIFM.
Valued at €10,500, the scholarships cover half of the €21,000 tuition fee and give selected students the opportunity to enroll in specialized courses taught by industry professionals.
The application process is simple and consists of three easy steps:
- Complete the Application Form – Fill out the online application form with your personal and academic details.
- Interview with the Academic Committee – Once your application is reviewed, you’ll be invited to an online interview with our Academic Committee.
- Fill the Enrollment – If accepted, proceed with the enrollment and fill the enrollment form to finalize your registration. Now, you are an IIFM Student!
Here’s everything you need to know to start your journey with IIFM.
How to apply
To apply for admission to the Masters at IIFM - Italian Institute of Fashion Management, you must meet the following requirements:
- A degree, equivalent to or higher than a Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Science, or Master's Degree). Previous studies in fashion-related fields are not required. Equivalent three-year degrees will also be considered, based on specific title evaluation.
- Advanced knowledge of English, which will be tested during the oral interview. Certifications are not required.
Selection criteria
The selection is based on the analysis of a combination of different factors: the candidate's skills and competencies, the academic background, personal motivation to apply for the Masters, and professional aspirations.
We look for candidates who demonstrate a proactive mindset, a strong drive for the fashion industry, and possess critical thinking skills. A good command of English is also an important factor in the selection process. Previous academic knowledge of the fashion system is not required.
The selection interview
The selection interview allows the Academic Committee to assess your profile and suitability for the Masters, and how you align with its values and objectives. You will have the opportunity to showcase your motivation and aspirations, too.
The interview will be conducted remotely by one Representative of the Academic Committee, and it will be in English for all the international students (for native Italian-speaking students, it will be conducted in Italian with some questions in English to assess their proficiency). Previous knowledge of Italian is NOT a requirement for international students to enroll in IIFM Master's programs.
The results of the selection interview will be communicated to you within 7 days of the date of the interview.
Withdrawal policy
The initial registration fee is non-refundable.
Participants may withdraw from the Masters up to the fifteenth calendar day prior to the Masters start date by sending a written notification to the Italian Institute of Fashion Management's legal address (with advance notice via email). In such cases, a refund of the amount paid, excluding the initial fee, will be issued.
If a participant communicates their intention to withdraw after the specified deadline, or fails to provide notification and does not attend the Masters, no refund will be granted. However, the participant will have the option to attend a subsequent edition of the course (if available) or another IIFM Master within one calendar year of the original course start date, subject to the payment of any price differences.
Support for International Students
The Italian Institute of Fashion Management provides dedicated support for international students, particularly non-EU citizens, to help them to know, understand and complete the necessary procedures to stay in Italy and attend the Master's programs. Below is specific information for non-EU and EU citizens.
Non-EU Citizens
Before arriving in Italy: Documents you need
- Enrollment Certificate from IIFM - Italian Institute of Fashion Management: As part of the visa application process, you will be required to present the enrollment certificate issued by the Italian Institute of Fashion Management to the relevant Italian Embassy or Consulate. The certificate will be provided by IIFM within 5 working days following your enrollment, after the admission.
- Student Visa: A student visa is required for non-EU citizens who wish to enroll in a Master's program at the Italian Institute of Fashion Management and stay in Italy for more than 90 days. The visa must be obtained from the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the student's country of residence before departure. For information on the required documents and the nearest visa office, visit:
After arriving in Italy: Documents to request
- Residence Permit (Permesso di soggiorno): Non-EU students staying in Italy for more than 3 months must apply for a residence permit within 8 working days from their arrival. Applications can be submitted at any post office with the "Sportello Amico" counter. The application kit must include:
- Passport
- Enrollment certificate from the Italian Institute of Fashion Management
- Copy of health insurance receipt
- A €16.00 revenue stamp (available at tobacco shops ‘Tabaccaio’)
- €30.00 processing fee payable at the post office
- After submission, students will receive an appointment at the Immigration Office for fingerprint collection. Students must bring 4 passport-sized photos and original copies of all submitted documents.
- Passport
- Enrollment certificate from the Italian Institute of Fashion Management
- Copy of health insurance receipt
- A €16.00 revenue stamp (available at tobacco shops ‘Tabaccaio’)
- €30.00 processing fee payable at the post office
- After submission, students will receive an appointment at the Immigration Office for fingerprint collection. Students must bring 4 passport-sized photos and original copies of all submitted documents.
- Tax Code (Codice Fiscale): The codice fiscale is a unique identifier required for administrative procedures in Italy (for example, to open a bank account, to buy a mobile phone number, etc.). Non-EU citizens can obtain the tax identification number either at any police headquarters Questure. Police headquarters assign the tax identification number to foreign nationals who require either the issuance or the renewal of a residence permit. It can also be obtained from a local ‘Agenzia delle Entrate’ Office (Revenue Public Authority) by presenting a passport or residence permit. Alternatively, you can get your codice fiscale at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country before you come.
EU, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Iceland Citizens
Students from these countries staying in Italy for more than 90 days must register at the Municipality Registry Office in Milan. Required documents include:
- Passport or equivalent ID
- Tax code
- Rental contract or a declaration of hospitality from the property owner. After registration, the local police will verify the provided address.
Additional Information
International students can open a bank account in Italy at any bank or post office with the following documents: tax code (codice fiscale), passport or equivalent ID, residence permit (not required for EU, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Iceland citizens).
