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

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.

If you are in your final year of a Bachelor’s degree, we will need the following documents – Make sure to have all required documents* uploaded. If your application is incomplete, it won’t be considered :

• The official transcripts of your three last years of studies* (undergraduate studies) – by the time of application if you still have not your grades / credits of your current academic year, you need to submit the grades of the first and second year of undergraduate studies.
• The official copies* (translated into French or English) of your high school diploma (or equivalent – A Level, Abitur, IB, etc..) or your bachelor degree (if applicable).
  • If you are in your last year of undergraduate studies, you must submit your high school diploma (or its international equivalent) only
  • If you already have a bachelor degree, you must submit your bachelor degree certificate only.
• A detailed resume/CV*
• A official ID photograph*
• Your portfolio*
• Your English proficiency certificate (if applicable)
• Copy of your passport / ID card* (if you do not provide a passport, the ID document must be translated into French or English and include a photograph).
• Scholarship application file and translated supporting documents (if applicable).

The required level of English is CEFR C1. This level corresponds to the following language proficiency test scores:

• TOEFL / TOEFL iBT – minimum Score 100
• IELTS General or Academic– minimum 7
• CAMBRIDGE – minimum score 185
• PTE Pearson Academic – minimum score 66

These are the only tests accepted. They must be no older than 2 years at the application deadline of the round you choose to apply for.

Sending a test score with your application is a plus for your application.

If you feel you have a C1 level, you may choose not to provide a test score. However all applicants will be tested on their level of English during the interview.

Applicants are not required to speak French. However, we strongly encourage admitted students to improve their French proficiency since the very beginning of their first year of studies in Paris, especially those who intend to do their internship or work in France after graduation. Free training will be provided to all international students outside the mandatory MA curriculum.

You will need to provide the contact details of two referees (professional or academic) when creating your profile. The admissions jury may reach out to these referees and ask them to fill out a recommendation form which will be sent out to them directly by email.

No. However you will have to fill in an application questionnaire.

If you’re applying for the pathway in Image Design, you will have to answer a few questions about your motivation, your skills and personal qualities, your most significant experience, and your professional objectives.

If you’re applying for the pathway in Fashion, Knitwear or Accessory Design, you will only have to write (in the application questionnaire) a personal statement about who you are and what drives you as a designer and a human being, how you define your creative vision and work (500 words maximum).

There is no difference in the selection process or the number of places available. However, the later sessions often receive the highest number of applications, which can impact selectivity. Apply when you have the strongest possible portfolio to maximize your chances of being shortlisted for the jury. If you are a non-European applicant, it’s advisable to apply as early as possible to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your visa formalities.

No. You can choose your session, but you can only apply once a year, and only twice.

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.

In most cases, failure is often due to a portfolio which is not strong enough creatively or insufficiently compelling.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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)

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.

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).

The tuition fees should be paid yearly. Once accepted, you will have to confirm your place with a non refundable deposit of €4,000 for EU students and €6,000 for non-UE students. The remaining yearly fee can either be paid in full in September or in two installments (schedule of payment will be provided when enrolling).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/...

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 (subject to residency conditions).

Yes, if you’re European under 30, 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/

All candidates (European or not) can also apply for the IFM MA Excellence Scholarship (see below).

You can find it in your application profile under the “Application Questionnaire” section, in the question titled “Financing Your Studies.” Simply click on IFM Need-Based Scholarships to access the link for uploading the application file.

IFM Foundation need-based scholarships are dedicated to students under 30 who are citizens of the European Union only.

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

All candidates (European or not) can also apply for the IFM MA Excellence Scholarship (see below).

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.

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.

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

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

To be considered financially independent, a candidate must no longer have been a student for at least 3 years as of 1 September 2025 AND must have been in possession of his or her own tax return for at least 2 years. Both conditions must be met to be considered financially independent. If not, you will need to provide us with both your parents' income. If you are not independent and do not provide the required information, your application will be rejected.

No, there is only a September intake each year.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 www.ciup.fr for specific information about student dormitory-type housing.