Foundation Year in Art, Fashion and Design
Syracuse, Italy
Foundation Year
DURATION
9 months
LANGUAGES
English, Italian
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,500 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Welcome to the threshold of iconic art, fashion and design education in the vibrant landscape of Italy. Our International Foundation Program is your gateway to mastering the world of design and architecture in Italy’s prestigious institutions.
Top Reasons to join the Art, Fachion & Design track on the International Foundation Program
# 1 – Academic Excellence
Art, fashion and design programs at Italian universities are globally celebrated for their groundbreaking research and avant-garde philosophy.
# 2 – Hands-on Experience
From the Classical and Renaissance artists to the contemporary fashion masters, Italy is an art wonderland that offers an immersive learning experience. Dive deep into Italy’s rich tapestry of art, history, and culture, providing a holistic education experience. Study in the very heart of artistic marvels, allowing for unique fieldwork and exploration opportunities.
# 3 – Tailor made for you
Our foundation program bridges the educational gap, ensuring international students are well-equipped for advanced art, fashion and design studies in Italy. Dive deep into Italy’s rich tapestry of art, history, and culture, providing a holistic education experience.
Preparation for the Admission Test
We ensure students are well-prepared for the Italian university admission tests, enhancing their chances of securing a spot in their desired institution.
Experienced Faculty
Learn from experienced professors who understand the nuances of Italy’s engineering education system and are committed to student success.
Language Support
While the courses are taught in English, we offer Italian language classes to enrich your experience and help you assimilate.
Course List
Art & Design (taught in English)
24 Credits
- Intro to Architecture and Design
- History of Italian Art
- Italian Society through Cinema
- Pathway workshops in Art and Design
Italian Language
36 Credits
- Italian Language course (360 hours)
- C.I.L.S. exam preparation
Pathway workshops
Students will take part in a series of practical labs and hands-on workshops, guided by expert faculty that will help to develop the core skills and techniques for art and design studio work and mastering artisanship with different materials.
The Pathway workshops will also expand the student’s portfolio which is an essential requirement for enrolment in design degree programs in Italy.
Where can you go after the program?
Upon completion of the Foundation Year, you will meet the requirements and be able to apply to Italy's extensive public and private university network in disciplines such as Visual Arts, Media & Communications, Architecture, Fashion and Design disciplines. Students who complete the Foundation Year are also granted direct admission to MADE Program's Bachelors of Art. Foundation Year alumni that choose to continue studying at MADE are also granted a scholarship covering 50% of tuition fees, saving up to €13,500 throughout the 3-year Bachelor program.
Many of our Foundation Year past students have also joined Bachelors Degree Programs in other prestigious universities and higher education institutions in Italy such as Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, Accademia di Brera, Università di Firenze, NABA and LUISS Business School, to name a few. Students avail of the support of our qualified team in advising for university progression during the Foundation Year program.