Fashion education is one of the most competitive worlds in the industry, but for 2026, many of the industry’s “Big Five” universities — Central Saint Martins, Parsons, FIT, Istituto Marangoni and ESMOD — have increased their funding to focus on sustainability, digital innovation and diversity.
So whether you’re heading to the runways of Milan, London, or New York, here are the best fashion scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year.
1. Best European Fashion Institute Awards
Europe is the center of luxury fashion and offers some of the most valuable merit-based scholarships at its schools.
- Istituto Marangoni (Milano, Paris, London, Dubai):
- The Award: Up to 50% reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
- 2026 Intake: The deadline for Winter 2026 scholarships was 15 December 2025. However, scholarships for the September 2026 intake are generally available in the spring.
- Requirement: Portfolio / Creative Project Assessment is the main selection criterion.
- • Accademia Costume & Moda (Rome & Milan)
- The Award: 27 scholarships for the academic year 2026/2027 for different Master’s programmes (Alta Moda, Accessories, Knitwear).
- Deadlines: Multiple sessions; Next major session for the Nov 2026 intake closes on May 15, 2026.
- • Domus Academy (Milan)
- The Award: Provides 25% tuition fee scholarships on their well-known design and fashion courses.
- Deadline: Last major deadline was 13 March 2026 for the autumn 2026 intake, but rolling applications are common for winter sessions.
- ESMOD France & Berlin:
- The Award: Merit scholarships for their world-class fashion design and business programmes.
- Deadline: Usually March 31 each year for the following September.
2. Creative Arts Funding (UK-wide)
Fashion study, funded, main destination: University of the Arts London (UAL), UK (including Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion)
- UAL International Postgraduate Scholarship
- The Award: Waiver of the tuition fee of £10,000 for a full-time or part-time taught Master’s course.
- Eligibility: For students from certain low-income countries who have received an offer to study at one of UAL’s six colleges.
- 2026/27 intake Applications are open now! Students have to apply for their course first and then the scholarship.
- The Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom):
- The Award: A “Full Ride” including tuition, a living stipend (approx. £1,800/month in London), travel and visa costs.
- Minimum 2 years’ work experience and leadership potential.
- Next Cycle: Applications for the 2027/28 intake will be opened in August 2026.
3. US Fashion Industry Grants
In the USA, funding is frequently a mix of both institutional merit and targeted industry grants, specific to backgrounds and career goals.
- The New School, Parsons School of Design
- The Award: All applicants (domestic and international) will be automatically considered for merit-based aid at the time of application.
- RequirRequirement: There is no separate application for merit aid.ong digital portfolio is the primary deciding factor.
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Grants for school
- The Award: The average institutional award is around $5,400, but external grants such as the Bold.org Met Gala Masterpiece Scholarship and the Endeavour Design Scholarship (for BIPOC students) are available up to $10,000.
- Most 2026 Bold.org deadlines are in June and August of 2026. Deadline:
- Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund:
- The Award: Tuition assistance for undergraduate students.
- Due date: May 20, 2026.
4. Government Programmes, Fully Funded
- Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye)
- The Award: Full Tuition, Monthly Stipend, Accommodation and Flights Covered.
- Focus: A course for those interested in Textile Design and Heritage Fashion.
- Next Intake: Applications open for the next intake in January 2027.
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany):
- The Award: Monthly stipend of €934 + travel + insurance. Public German universities have no tuition fees.
- Next Cycle: The portal is typically open between June and October 2026 for the 2027/28 intake.
How to Get a Fashion Scholarship in 2024
- Portfolio is King – Schools Want ‘Conceptual Innovation’ in 2026 Bring your sketches and 3D draping and especially your digital design skills (CLO3D, Browzwear).
- The Sustainability Angle: Almost every 2026 scholarship (especially UAL and Marangoni) has a section on “Sustainability”. Explain how your designs cut down on waste or use ethical materials.
- Show “Commercial Viability”: The judges want to see you understand the business. Add a small lookbook or marketing plan for one of your collections.
- Add numbers to your achievements – if you have sold pieces on Etsy, won a local competition or have a significant social media following for your designs, add those numbers.
Conclusion: Creating a Global Career
The winners of 2026 will be the ones who see fashion as both an art and a solution. Lead with your unique creative voice, whether it’s the £10,000 UAL waiver or a 50% deduction at Marangoni.
Action Plan 2026:
- ACM Master’s Deadline: Be ready with your portfolio by May 15, 2026.
- Apply for the “No-Essay” and niche design scholarships in June and July 2026. Bold.org Search:
- Chevening Prep: Begin writing your leadership essays for the August 2026 opening now.
