Florence University of the Arts
Description
Nestled in the heart of Florence, Italy, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) was founded to ignite creativity by immersing students beyond the classroom into the vibrant, multicultural life of this artistic city. Here, students explore the timeless principles of the past and discover how they shape today’s world—transforming knowledge and culture into the tools to create tomorrow’s future. Set within Florence’s Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, FUA offers an unparalleled backdrop of stunning Renaissance architecture and world-famous art galleries that inspire at every turn.
Eligible Majors:
- Advertising and Marketing Communications
- Footwear and Accessories Design
- Photography
- Interior Design
Program Type: Semester Study Abroad
“Semester Abroad” is an outbound-only program where you pay a partner school tuition
instead of FIT’s.
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 FUA Financial Budget Sheet (Google Doc) 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.
Program Details
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 degree program
- Capacity: Since this is not an exchange program, FIT is able to send as many eligible students as are approved by their academic departments.
Additional Requirements by Major:
Advertising and Marketing Communications (AMC)
- 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 chair or international coordinator
- Students may take major-area, related-area, and liberal arts courses with the department's approval of the course equivalent
- Eligible to participate in the 3rd semester (fall only)
Footwear and Accessories Design
- 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 chair or international coordinator
- Students will take a full course load of approved majors and related-area that align with their semester and may select from a curated list of liberal arts courses, subject to departmental approval of all course equivalents,
- Eligible to participate in the 6th semester (spring only)
Photography
- 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 chair or international coordinator
- Students will take a full course load of approved majors and related-area that align with their semester and may select from a curated list of liberal arts courses, subject to departmental approval of all course equivalents,
- Eligible to participate in the 3rd (fall only), 5th (fall only, and 6th (spring only) semesters
Interior Design
- 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 chair or international coordinator
- Students will take a full course load of approved majors and related-area that align with their semester and may select from a curated list of liberal arts courses, subject to departmental approval of all course equivalents,
- Eligible to participate in the 6th or 7th semester (spring only)
A full-time semester credit load consists of 12-18 credits and generally aligns with FIT's academic credit system. As FUA is not an exchange program, any online courses will be charged at the applicable per-credit hour tuition rate in addition to the FUA tuition.
See: FUA Academic Catalog
A detailed FUA Academic Calendar can be viewed on the FUA’s website. FUA has a designated arrival date for FIT students during orientation week.
Students are typically expected to arrive the day before orientation starts and must not arrive in Italy before the official arrival date to comply with immigration regulations.
FUA provides access to facilitated student housing in shared apartments or family homestays. FUA housing packages include partial meal plan units and access to a 24/7 emergency phone line. Students residing in FUA housing benefit from the inclusive nature of the accommodation costs, covering expenses such as gas and electric bills.
Those who choose independent housing do not receive school support for apartment-related issues.
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 FUA 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.
Maintaining the health and well-being of FUA students is a priority. The Student Life Office offers health and wellness support to all FUA students.