The Istituto Europeo di Design, founded in 1966, is considered one of the top design schools in Europe. IED consists of four divisions – Fashion, Design, Visual Arts and Communications – offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion, graphic, interior, product, industrial and architectural design.

IED is a multi-campus institution, with locations in Milan (original), Florence, Rome, Turin, Venice, Madrid, Barcelona, Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro. Although all campuses apply the same training methodology and objectives, each has its own personality deriving from the host city’s cultural and design fabric. The campuses consist of state-of-the-art facilities. The Florence campus includes a 3D printing Fab Lab, laser-cutting lab, a gallery space, sewing studio, Mac IT lab and a costume house.

IED offers an international atmosphere, where the quality of lecturers and strong bonds with the business community enable creativity to blend with design culture. The dynamic curriculum fuses theocratical and technical instruction with practical applications.

IED partners with respected companies, including, but not limited to, Adidas, Armani, Benetton Group, Damiani, Dolce & Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Ferre, Furla, Levi’s, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Samsonite, Swarovski, Valentino, Vogue Gioiello, 3M, Alessi, Alitalia, Ferrari, Fiat Auto, Hitachi, Honda, l’Oreal, Lego, Maserati, Mattel Toys, Nordica, Pirelli, Renault, Whirlpool, Adobe Systems, Amnesty International, Apple Computer, Canon, Hewlett Packard, MINI-BMW Italy, MTV, Nestle, Nike, Pepsico, Sony Records, Swatch, Universal Pictures, Vodafone, De Agostini, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Paramount and Rolling Stone.

Teaching & grading

IED’s innovative teaching method ensure that students get a general grounding and effective specialized training. Hands-on projects and collaboration with major design companies provide a real-life application of class lessons. A close partnership with the business community and the constant planning of workshops, exercises and seminars keeps the curriculum in step with real needs and trends in design.

The grade for each class is based on a final examination or project, a practice common outside of the United States. The exam or project is graded on a basis of thirty points. Passing grades are between 18 and 30 points.