FAQ

Frequently asked questions

FAQ
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is AI?

Founded in 1984, the Accademia Italiana is one of the most prestigious university-level institutions for fashion, design and photography. It has schools in Florence and Rome.

The institute is authorized to offer courses at the first level in Fashion Design, Interior and Product Design, Graphic Design, Photography, and Jewelry Design, leading to degrees legally recognized by the MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education - D.M. n. 76 del 04/02/2013 and successive) that are equivalent to Bachelor’s degrees.

Both institutes also offer 3-year programs accredited by the European Accreditation Board of Higher Education Schools.

In addition, the Accademia Italiana offers the option to pursue a double title (Academic Diploma of First Level + European Bachelor).

There are also Master programs, professional courses, short courses, summer courses and courses in Italian culture and language.

 

Where is AI located?

 

The Accademia Italiana schools are located in Florence and Rome. The main headquarters are in the center of Florence in the historic Temple Leader building, at Piazza Pitti no. 15 in front of the Pitti Palace, a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). The school workshop space is in the historic Bargagli building at Lungarno della Grazie no. 22.

The Rome school is in Piazza della Radio no. 46 near the Trastevere station, in a lively commercial district. It has a contemporary design and fully equipped workshops.

 

What can I study at AI Florence?

 

The school in Florence offers four three-year Bachelor’s degree programs in Fashion Design, Interior and Product Design, Graphic Design and Photography. There are two types of programs: the Bachelor’s degree program that leads to an Academic Diploma of first level recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR), and the European Bachelor program accredited by the European Accreditation Board of Higher Education Schools. The Florence school also offers year-long courses in Window Displays Design, Drawing and Painting, Fashion Merchandising and Design of Retail Spaces; Master programs in Fashion as Art and Interior and Product Design and summer courses (Fashion Design, Fashion Illustration, Drawing and Painting, Italian Product Design, Photographing Florence, Photography, Interior Design).

 

What can I study at AI Rome?

 

The Accademia Italiana in Rome offers three-year Bachelor’s degree programs in Fashion Design, Interior and Product Design, Photography and Jewelry Design which can be pursued in two ways: the Bachelor’s degree program that leads to an Academic Diploma of the first level recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR), and the European Bachelor program accredited by the European Accreditation Board of Higher Education Schools. The Rome school also offers annual programs in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Styling, Video and Sound Production, Contemporary Jewelry Design and Fashion Photography, and summer courses (Fashion Design, Fashion Illustration, Drawing and Painting and Interior Design). 

 

During the course of study, is more prominence given to theory or practice?

 

The teaching philosophy at Accademia Italiana has always been one of combining research and creativity with practical application in project work.
In all of AI programs, theory and practice go hand in hand. Students have classrooms and fully equipped workshops at their disposal. Great importance is given to experimentation that leads to the creation of innovative projects.

 

What work possibilities are available to me after I graduate?

 

Students who have completed their studies generally start appropriate jobs in their fields of expertise within a year of graduating.

The institute offers Job Placement service that helps recent graduates start their careers.

The Accademia Italiana collaborates with businesses in diverse fields of design, regularly sending them the resumes of new graduates.

Industry insiders attend the events associated with the end of the academic year (the fashion show and exhibit of student projects in interior and product design, graphic design and photography), and the Open Days organized by the institute put businesses in contact with graduating students. Over the years, the Accademia Italiana students have had the opportunity to work and gain practical experience at prestigious design firms. 

For further details: https://www.accademiaitaliana.com/en/students-works


When do courses begin? What are the application deadlines?

 

In Florence the three-year programs accredited by the MIUR and EABHES and professional courses begin in September. The international/European Fashion Design and Interior and Product Design programs also begin in January. The Master courses begin in October. In Rome the three-year accredited by EABHES programs, the master course and the year-long programs in Fashion Design and Interior Design begin in October, while the professional courses start in November. The summer programs take place in June, July and August.

We suggest you send your application at least 45 days before the start of the courses. Afterwards this time the admission office will accept applications if there are spots available in the classes. 

 

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

 

The application procedure varies according to which program you choose. There are no pre-requisites for admission to the year-long, professional or summer courses. Students can apply directly by sending the application form, the signed school regulations, a copy of a valid ID, a copy of the fiscal code (if in the student’s possession) and the receipt for the enrollment fee.

There is an admissions test for the programs accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education. Students who have a five-year ISA (state art institute) diploma, are graduates of a secondary school of the arts or the equivalent are exempt.

There is no admissions test for the programs accredited by the EABHES; however, applicants must have at least 12 years of educations and possess the academic qualifications required to enroll in university in their countries of origin.

Students who are applying to study for a semester or for the Master program must demonstrate their level of academic experience by sending copies of their exams/transcripts from previous studies and must present a portfolio of works.

For further information about the rules and requirements for admission, click here.
 

What is the language of instruction?

The courses are taught both in english and italian 

 

What types of degrees does AI offer?

 

For the three-year programs, students are awarded the following degrees after passing the relevant exams:

Academic diploma of first level (180 CFA) accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR - Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca). This academic title is legally recognized in Italy and is the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in the Italian university.

European Bachelor accredited by the European Accreditation Board of Higher Education Schools, which recognizes (180 ECTS) credits at the European level.

Students who attend the MIUR program can also obtain the European Bachelor by passing the language requirement.

All other courses offer certificates and diplomas awarded by the Accademia Italiana.

 

Does the school help students find accommodation?

 

After having enrolled, students can request information regarding available housing from the school. The Housing Office provides information free of charge and it is not a housing service agency. For further information visit this page:  https://www.accademiaitaliana.com/en/services/housing

 

How can I receive more information about AI?

 

The Accademia Italiana offers students who would like additional information the following options:

  • a free brochure that can be sent to students who provide their mailing address
  • an information service (+39 055-284616 for Florence and +39 06-68809333 for Rome /study@accademiaitaliana.com);
  • personal visits;
  • Open Days (contact the secretary’s office for information);
  • orientations at secondary schools by request.

 

Who are the instructors?

 

The Accademia Italiana faculty are all professionals in their areas of instruction who prepare their students with the highest level of technical skills needed to excel in fields of design.

The school organizes introductory meetings with the professors during its Open Days. At the start of each course professors explain the program that will be followed, specifying the objectives students must reach during their course of study.

 

What is included in the admissions exam for the Italian Bachelor’s degree program accredited by the MIUR?

 

The admissions exam includes the evaluation of a portfolio of works (a minimum of 3 hand-drawn designs of the student’s selection) and a personal interview to assess the student’s aptitude and motivation, which can take place in person or via teleconference (Skype).

The drawings will not be evaluated from a technical point of view, but must be submitted for the admission exam.

To register for the admission exam, the student must submit the completed application form (link scheda) and the exam fee of 150 euros.

Students can contact the secretary’s office by e-mail (study@accademiaitaliana.com) or telephone (+39 055-284616 for Florence / +39 06-68809333 for Rome) to reserve the day and time of the exam.

The Accademia Italiana will issue the results of the entrance exam within five working days of the exam date. 

 

Is enrollment limited?
 

There is not a limit to the number of students who can enroll; however, we suggest you finalize your enrollment 45 days before the start of courses. After that date, applicants will be accepted as long as there is space in the classes.

 

Is attendance obligatory?
 

Yes. Students are allowed four absences in each class per semester. In case of absence due to illness, a medical certificate is required.

The institute does not offer on-line or long distance courses.

 

Are degrees from AI recognized?

 

The Accademia Italiana has been the first private university-level institute of fashion and design in Tuscany authorized by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) to offer legally recognized degrees equivalent to the Italian three-year Bachelor’s degree (180 CFA).

The European Bachelor is accredited by the European Accreditation Board of Higher Education. The "European Bachelor" is considered a private title in Italy. 

All of the other programs (Master, year-long, summer) offer a private professional certificate awarded by the institute.

 

What do I need to do to obtain the double qualifications (Italian MIUR Bachelor’s degree + European Bachelor certificate)?

 

Students interested in obtaining the double title must certify their foreign language knowledge  and pay an additional one-time fee upon enrollment.

 

After I graduate from AI’s Bachelor’s degree program can I enroll in a Master’s program?

 

Acceptance into a Master’s degree program is at the discretion of the university to which you apply. The Accademia Italiana provides its graduates with the necessary documents that demonstrate the completion of its Bachelor’s program (diploma, grades and transcripts).

 

Are internships part of the academic programs?

 

The Accademia Italiana offers two types of internships:

 

Curricular internships
Extra-curricular internships

 

Curricular internships must take place during the three years of study and is available to students enrolled in the MIUR Bachelor’s degree programs in Fashion Design, Interior & Product Design, Graphic Design, Photography and Jewelry Design.
The duration of the internship is a maximum of one month, with a maximum of 25 hours a week, 5 hours a day, from Monday to Friday, and must take place during the summer. This is an unpaid internship.

The extra-curricular internship offers post-graduate training and varies from three to six months duration. The companies providing internships are obligated to pay the students’ expenses.

AI organizes an Open Day at the end of the academic year in which representatives from design studios and companies working in fashion, interior and product design, graphic design and photography view the students’ works and decide to whom they will offer internships. The choice is completely at the discretion of the companies and the school cannot intervene.

On average about 90% of AI graduates are offered internships or other types of work within a year of graduation.

 

Can I visit Accademia Italiana?

 

Yes. Students interested in visiting the institute can contact the secretary’s office by phone or e-mail to make an appointment. (Florence: +39 055-284616, Rome: +39 06-68809333; email: study@accademiaitaliana.com).

 

When are the Open Days?

 

The school organizes several Open Days during the semester, during which there are tours of the school and workshops and meetings with current students and professors.

AI also offers the opportunity to participate in sample lessons that allow students to try out the various programs to determine which ones best match their interests. If you would like to attend a sample lesson, please contact the school secretary.

 

Does AI offer scholarships?

 

The Accademia Italiana offers a limited number of partial scholarships applicable to the annual tuition. Both Italian and international students can apply. Candidates must submit a motivational letter, their CV and portfolio of works.

Students who are selected for the scholarship must respect the deadlines for the application and confirmation of acceptance or will risk losing the offer.

Because the deadlines vary each year, students are requested to contact the secretary’s office for current information.

 

What materials will I need for my courses?

 

During the first week of classes, the instructors will provide new students with a list of materials to buy for the course.

 

I don’t have an academic background in the arts or a design field. Will I have difficulty in my courses?

 

The three-year programs and professional courses do not require specific previous experience in their fields of study. The first part of the academic programs provides a basic foundation upon which various themes are built in the following semesters.

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