FIT in Florence for Prospective 1st Year Students
Description
Experience fashion like never before with the FIT in Florence program! Designed for 1st year Fashion Design students, this program immerses you in Italy’s vibrant culture while equipping you for a global career in fashion. Take FIT in classes taught in English and hosted by the renowned Polimoda, you’ll gain insider insights at one of the world’s fashion capitals.
Eligible Majors: Fashion Design
Program Type: Residential
Students pay FIT tuition and fees, plus a program and field trip fee. While hosted
by Italian institutions, students take FIT courses that count toward their degree
requirements.
Looking to Fund Your Study Abroad Experience?
FIT offers competitive scholarships - up to $10,000 - for students enrolled full-time while abroad. Awards are based on an essay, recommendations, GPA and financial need. Learn more on Paying for Study Abroad.
Review the FIT in Florence Financial Budget Sheet (google doc) and meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss your program costs.
Eager to Study Abroad? Apply Now!
Prospective 1st Year students must first submit a SUNY application for Fashion Design AS) (1st Year in Italy). Once admitted to FIT, students complete Study Abroad application.
For timelines and application dates, please refer to FIT's Application Deadlines.
FIT 1st Year Program Details
If you have further questions about this program, contact the International Programs office at (212) 217-5380 or [email protected]
Fashion Design 1st-year students must take a full credit load of predetermined courses at FIT in Florence. For information on specific course details reference the Fashion Design in Florence Curriculum.
Students accepted to the FIT in Florence program should not book weekend travel until receiving their course syllabi after arrival in Florence.
FALL 2025
- August 22: Arrival in Florence
- August 25-29: Mandatory Orientation
- September 1: First day of classes
- December 12: Last day of semester
SPRING 2026
- January 13: Arrival in Florence
- January 14-16: Mandatory Orientation
- January 19: First day of classes
- May 15: Last day of semester
Incoming first-year students at FIT Florence will have their housing secured by FIT for the fall semester, with the option to independently renew for the spring. All first-year students will be placed in single rooms within shared apartments alongside other FIT freshmen. These apartments are located in the Florence city center, within walking distance of Polimoda’s main campus (Villa Favard). A limited number of studio apartments may also be available.
Students will be required to apply for an Italian Study Visa for the duration of their study in Italy. Students are encouraged to carefully review the Italian Study Visa requirements. Supporting documentation will be provided after approval.
FIT requires all students to be covered in the U.S. and internationally for the duration of their study abroad program. Students are automatically enrolled in the UHC Study Abroad Insurance, which is included in their program budget linked below. This policy is SUNY-mandated, therefore, it cannot be waived.
The UHC Study Abroad Insurance is ACA compliant and students may waive the FIT Haylor Student Health Insurance using the Study Abroad policy.