Best Global Fashion Designing Courses After 12th Grade

Starting fashion designing courses after 12th grade is the first step towards success in a rapidly growing industry. According to industry experts, global fashion revenues will hit $1.7 trillion by 2025. So, now is the perfect time to pursue a career in this creative field. 

If you want to study abroad after 12th grade, international fashion programs can be your doorway into global trends and opportunities in top fashion capitals. Your dream of designing for major brands or starting your own label can come true with the right program. Read along to learn how to turn your passion into a successful career with the best global programs in fashion design.

Why Pursue Fashion Designing Courses After 12th Grade?

Studying fashion designing after 12th grade lets you access the latest trends and cutting-edge technologies while nurturing your creative talent and skill. It keeps you at the forefront of a fast-paced industry and presents numerous opportunities you might not otherwise have access to. Here are the reasons why you should pursue fashion designing programs after 12th grade: 

Access to the Latest Trends and Technologies: The industry is shifting toward sustainability and ethical fashion. Digital design is also transforming the way the fashion industry is evolving. These trends offer opportunities for innovation and future growth. The best fashion design programs keep up-to-date with the most cutting-edge trends and technologies in the industry. You’ll learn to use advanced design tools and ensure your skills stay relevant in the fast-evolving fashion world. 

Exposure to Diverse Cultures and Styles: 
Studying abroad for fashion designing courses after 12th grade exposes you to different cultures and unique design aesthetics. This experience will help you incorporate global styles into your work, enriching your creative process.

Networking with Global Fashion Experts and Peers: 
While studying fashion, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and fellow designers. These networks can lead to internships, collaborations, and future job opportunities.

Sharpen Your Creativity in a Dynamic Career: 
A career in fashion design is perfect for those who want to express creativity through their work. The industry allows you to push boundaries, experiment with styles, and develop innovative designs.

Entering Fashion Industry and Entrepreneurship: 
Fashion designing courses offer a path into the world’s largest fashion hubs. Whether you aim to work for major fashion houses or start your brand, you’ll gain the skills to succeed in this competitive field. 

You can pursue exciting roles such as fashion designer, fashion merchandiser, fashion stylist, or textile designer, each offering unique challenges and rewards.

Competitive Starting Salaries: 
Fashion graduates in countries like the UK, USA, and Canada can expect competitive salaries. It is a lucrative career choice especially if you are graduating from globally-ranking fashion designing courses after 12th grade.

Top Fashion Design Schools & Programs 

Fashion design schools and programs come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on the institution, you can experience unique approaches to learning. Whether you want a creative environment or a traditional academic setting, there is a path for you to study abroad after 12th grade.

Vocational Fashion Schools

Vocational fashion schools focus on practical skills. These schools emphasize hands-on learning in areas like textile manufacturing, patternmaking, and garment construction. You can earn certificates or associate degrees in two years, preparing you for entry-level roles such as assistant designers or production managers. Vocational programs are intensive, offering concentrated study in short blocks of time. Some vocational fashion schools that stand out in the best study abroad destinations are:

 

School	Country	Programs	Tuition Fees/Year (Approx.)
London College of Fashion (Part of the University of the Arts London)	UK	Fashion design, styling, business (Diploma, Advanced Diploma)	£19,930
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)	USA	Fashion design, marketing, merchandising (Associate, Bachelor’s)	$22,500
Melbourne School of Fashion	Australia	Fashion design, business (Diploma, Advanced Diploma)	AUD 16,000 - 18,000
Vancouver Community College (VCC)	Canada	Fashion design (Diploma)	CAD 13,000 - 15,000
Griffith College	Ireland	Fashion design (Diploma)	€12,000 - 14,000

Art Schools

Art schools immerse students in creative environments where fashion design is just one of many artistic disciplines. You’ll find yourself around painters, sculptors, and other visual artists who can fuel your creativity. The curriculum focuses on liberal arts but leans heavily toward fashion design courses. Art schools are competitive, with opportunities for internships that offer real-world experience with industry leaders, including prestigious fashion houses, alongside coursework.

Country	Art School	Program Name	Tuition Fees/Year (Approx.)
Australia	RMIT University School of Fashion	Bachelor of Fashion (Design)	AUD 39,360
Canada	Toronto Metropolitan University, School of Fashion	Bachelor of Design (Fashion)	CAD 29,945
Ireland	National College of Art and Design, Dublin	BA (Hons) in Fashion Design	€14,500
UK	Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London	BA (Hons) Fashion Design	£25,970
USA	Parsons School of Design, The New School	BFA in Fashion Design	$54,840

Community Colleges

Community colleges offer associate degrees in fashion design, with programs typically lasting two years. These programs cover essential skills like clothing construction, design technology, and patternmaking. Many programs also offer specializations in areas like fashion merchandising or retailing. Internships are often part of the curriculum. These programs will support you if you work with designers or in fashion companies. Graduates find roles as designers, buyers, or tailors after community college. Here are some of the best community colleges for Fashion Design: 

South Essex College (UK)
⦁    Program: HND in Fashion Design
⦁    Tuition Fee: £9,500
⦁    Details: Offers practical training in fashion design, construction, and pattern cutting with industry placements.

Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY), New York (USA)
⦁    Program: Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Fashion Design
⦁    Tuition Fee: $17,000 
⦁    Details: Known for its strong industry connections and internships, FIT is one of the top community colleges for fashion in the USA.

George Brown College, Toronto (Canada)
⦁    Program: Fashion Techniques and Design (Diploma)
⦁    Tuition Fee: CAD 15,190 
⦁    Details: Offers hands-on experience with patternmaking, garment construction, and fashion technology.

TAFE Queensland (Australia)
⦁    Program: Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising
⦁    Tuition Fee: AUD 14,710 
⦁    Details: This program blends design with the business side of fashion, preparing students for a range of roles in the industry.

Galway Technical Institute (Ireland)
⦁    Program: Fashion Design and Clothing Manufacture (Diploma)
⦁    Tuition Fee: €7,750 
⦁    Details: Focuses on both creative and technical aspects of fashion, with a strong emphasis on garment production and design skills.

Four-Year Universities

Four-year schools offer bachelor’s degrees in fashion design, blending general education with specialist fashion courses. These programs often include study abroad options in fashion hubs like Paris or Milan, and internships are a crucial part of the experience. Graduates can pursue careers as fashion designers, merchandisers, or technical designers. 

Manchester Metropolitan University (UK)
Renowned for its comprehensive fashion curriculum blending creativity with technical skills, this university offers strong industry connections and internship opportunities with leading fashion brands. It also provides excellent facilities including state-of-the-art design studios and workshops.
⦁    Program: BA (Hons) Fashion Design
⦁    Tuition Fee: £16,000 

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) (USA)
SCAD provides a robust curriculum with an emphasis on both creative design and business aspects of fashion. You’ll get a lot of extensive networking opportunities through SCAD’s global alumni and industry partnerships. This university also provides access to cutting-edge technology and resources for innovative fashion design.
⦁    Program: BFA in Fashion Design
⦁    Tuition Fee: $39,240 

OCAD University, Toronto (Canada)
OCAD University is Canada’s leading institution for art and design, offering a dynamic fashion design program. This university focuses on sustainable fashion practices and integrates digital technologies in design. It provides numerous internship opportunities in Toronto’s vibrant fashion industry.
⦁    Program: Bachelor of Design in Fashion
⦁    Tuition Fee: CAD 32,000 

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) (Australia)
UTS emphasizes innovation and sustainability in fashion design, preparing students for the future. You will experience strong industry ties with opportunities for live projects and internships in Sydney’s fashion scene. Its comprehensive curriculum covers both creative design and technical textile knowledge.
⦁    Program: Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles
⦁    Tuition Fee: AUD 39,840 

Technological University Dublin (Ireland)
TU Dublin offers an all-rounder of a program that combines creative design with business and technical skills. This university provides access to Ireland’s growing fashion industry through internships and industry projects. Small class sizes in the program ensure personalized mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.
⦁    Program: BA (Hons) Fashion Design
⦁    Tuition Fee: €12,500 

How to Apply for Fashion Design Courses Abroad

To apply for fashion designing courses after 12th grade, you need to meet certain requirements. First, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. A portfolio showcasing your design skills is essential and should demonstrate your creativity and technical abilities.

Proficiency in English is also a requirement to study abroad, with most universities asking for a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 80 to 100. Some schools may require you to take entrance exams, such as the University of the Arts London (UAL) admissions test. 

If you meet the requirements, follow these steps to apply to universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.

Step 1: Research Universities and Programs: 

Identify universities that offer the program you want. Check their admission requirements, application deadlines, and fees. You can simplify this process by using GRADSearch, a program search tool from Gradstar Global Education. GRADSearch helps you find the best fashion design programs using your preferences, saving you time and effort.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents: 

After researching, you will shortlist the universities and programs you want to apply to. Then you have to prepare the following documents:

⦁ High School Diploma: Have your 12th-grade certificate or equivalent ready.
⦁ Portfolio: Build a portfolio showcasing your creativity and skills. Include sketches, digital designs, or previous work that reflects your passion for fashion design.
⦁ Personal Statement: Write a personal statement explaining why you want to study fashion and how your background supports your goals.
⦁ Recommendation Letters: Obtain 1-2 recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who know your abilities well.
⦁ English Proficiency Test: Take IELTS or TOEFL exams. Ensure you meet the score requirements of your target program.

Step 3: Submit the Application: 

Apply directly through the university’s website or platforms like UCAS (for the UK). Follow all instructions carefully.

Step 4: Look for Scholarships and Financial Aid: 

Many universities offer scholarships for international students. You can look into scholarships specifically for fashion design students or students in the arts at your target universities.

Rounding Up

Are you ready to turn your love for fashion into a global career? Fashion designing courses after 12th grade are the ideal starting point if you have the passion to succeed. By studying abroad after 12th grade at top schools in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, you'll gain valuable skills, industry connections, and creative growth. Now is the time to explore your options, choose the right program, and start your fashion career. To find the best program for your journey, book a free consultation with one of our Student Success Consultants today!