Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI)

AMFI campus

Description

The Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI), part of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences network, is the largest fashion school in the Netherlands. AMFI’s curriculum emphasizes digitalization, sustainability, and inclusivity, while covering the full fashion chain—from design and production to marketing and communication. With courses offered in both English and Dutch, AMFI attracts a diverse group of international students from around the world.

Program Type: Exchange
“Exchange” lets you study abroad at a partner school while paying FIT tuition, with limited spots available.

Eligible Majors:

  • Fashion Business Management
  • Other majors are currently under review. If you are in Advertising & Marketing Communications or Direct & Interactive Marketing, please contact the Office of International Programs to discuss potential eligibility.

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 about Paying for Study Abroad.

Review the AMFI Financial Budget Sheet and meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss your program costs.

Eager to Study Abroad? Apply Now!

Submit your application through the Study Abroad Portal and then complete the required Course Equivalency Form with your Office of International Programs (OIP) program coordinator. After that, your department will review your completed course plan and application. See How to Apply step-by-step.

Apply Now

Program Details

If you have further questions about this program, contact the International Programs office at (212) 217-5380 or [email protected]

Fall Semester: Applications reviewed and approved on a rolling basis through February 15
Spring Semester: Applications reviewed and approved on a rolling basis through September 15

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • Enrollment: Must be matriculated in a Bachelor's degree program
  • Capacity: As an exchange program, it operates on a 1:1 ratio—meaning for every FIT student studying abroad, an international student studies at FIT. This limited capacity means spots can be competitive.

Additional Requirements by Major:

Fashion Business Management

  • Meet with an academic advisor and/or thoroughly review degree requirements in Degree Works
  • Meet with an OIP program coordinator
  • Obtain approval from the department’s international coordinator
  • Students may take major-area and related-area courses with department approval of the course equivalency. Liberal arts courses are generally not available on-site but can be taken online through FIT.
  • Eligible to participate in the 5th or 6th semester

At AMFI, FIT students will participate in one of the many unique and comprehensive 30 ECTS modules that will equate to five courses at FIT. These modules (see themes below) are an academic semester experience designed around the combination of true-to-reality practice, experiment, and execution.

In consultation with the FBM Department International Coordinator, students would typically receive credit for some combination of these five FIT courses: three or four FBM Major Area Electives, FM326, or FM424. As AMFI is an exchange program, students may also take online courses at FIT at no additional charge.

AMFI will post their Academic Calendar closer to the beginning of the term. Typically the dates are:

  • Fall: early September - late January 
    If you plan to return to the U.S. for winter break and/or cannot remain in Amsterdam in January, please contact the Office of International Programs. Depending on the program, AMFI may offer flexible options—and in some cases, students can complete their coursework by December.
  • Spring: early February - early July 

Students are generally expected to arrive the weekend before orientation begins.

Students must secure their own housing for the duration of their stay. We strongly recommend applying for AMFI-facilitated housing, as finding off-campus options in Amsterdam can be extremely challenging. Please note that housing is not guaranteed—you’ll need to follow AMFI’s instructions closely and apply on time. There is a serious housing shortage in the city, so it’s important to start the process early. For details, visit AMFI’s housing page.

Students will need to apply for a visa and/or residence permit for the duration of their stay in the Netherlands. We recommend reviewing the requirements on the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website, as well as following the instructions provided by AMFI after acceptance. Supporting documents will be issued by AMFI once you have been accepted.

Typically, U.S. citizens must apply for a Residence Permit (VVR), with the first part of the application completed online and the process finalized after arrival in the Netherlands. Non-U.S., non-EU citizens will likely need both an MVV entry visa and a Residence Permit. Please verify your specific requirements based on your citizenship.

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 AMFI program budget sheet (google doc). 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.

Students are eligible for student support services offered to other AMFI students. Please review their website for further information on doctors, psychologists, assistance with personal circumstance, disabilities and more.