Why This Is a Considered Choice
NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, was founded in 1980 and is the largest art academy in Italy. Since 1981, it has been legally recognised by Italy's Higher Education in Art and Music (AFAM) system, regulated by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
All Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Academic Master programmes are accredited by MIUR. Graduates can continue their studies at academies and universities in Italy and abroad.
All Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Academic Master programmes are accredited by MIUR. Graduates can continue their studies at academies and universities in Italy and abroad.
Ministry Accreditation
Part of the AFAM system since 1981. All BA, MA, and Academic Master degrees are accredited by MIUR and equivalent to standard university degrees.
QS World Rankings 2026
Ranked Italy's leading Fine Arts Academy in Art & Design, and placed among the world's top 50 universities in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Three Campuses
Campuses in Milan, Rome, and — from Academic Year 2026/27 — London, NABA's first international campus.
International Networks
Member of ELIA (European League of Institutes of the Arts, over 300 member institutions) and the Cumulus Association, the global network for art and design education.
Quality Certification
Internal evaluation in accordance with the UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 Quality System. Certified by auditing company Deloitte & Touche.
Certificate of Civic Merit
Awarded by the Milan City Council for contribution to the development of culture and education in the Lombardy Region.
Programs and Study Options
NABA offers programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across six main subject areas: Design, Fashion Design, Communication and Graphic Design, Media Design and New Technologies, Set Design, and Visual Arts.
Undergraduate — Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Design (Interior, Product, Product & Innovation)
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Styling and Communication
- Fashion Marketing Management
- Creative Technologies (Game, VFX & 3D)
- Film and Animation (Animation, Filmmaking)
- Graphic Design and Art Direction (Brand Design, Creative Direction, Visual Design)
- Comics and Visual Storytelling
- Marketing and Management for Creative Business
- Painting and Visual Arts
- Set Design (Theatre & Opera, Media & Events)
Postgraduate — Master of Arts (MA)
- Fashion Design
- Textile Design
- Fashion and Costume Design
- Interior Design
- Product and Service Design
- Social Design
- User Experience Design
- Visual Design and Integrated Marketing Communication
- Creative Media Production
- Digital and Live Performance
- Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies
Academic Masters (First Level)
- Contemporary Art Markets
- Photography and Visual Design
- Registrar and Collection Management
- Interior and Living Design
- Italian Design
- Creative Advertising
- Luxury Brand Management
- Strategic Communication for Sustainability
- Visual Brand Design
- Fashion Digital Marketing
- Sneaker Design
- Screenwriting for Series
PhD
- Artistic Practice
Special Programs
- Foundation Course (Milan, London)
- Gap Year
- Study Abroad Programmes
- Semester Abroad Programmes
- Summer Courses
Are You Eligible to Study in Italy?
Complete our free assessment and receive an instant evaluation of your eligibility and study opportunities in Italy.
Practical Learning and Industry Connection
NABA's teaching methodology is described as interdisciplinary and research-based, with a strong connection to professional practice. The academy maintains a collaborative network of institutions and industry partners across fashion, design, visual arts, media, and communication.
Students participate in workshops and projects in collaboration with companies. Ideas develop into projects, strategies, and prototypes — in some cases producing products for partner organisations. Classes and groups work as teams that liaise with companies and research institutes throughout their studies.
NABA has over 4,000 partner companies. These organisations offer students internship opportunities and real-world projects. Partner companies include names across fashion, design, communication, visual arts, and media, among them: Accenture Song, Alessi, Armani, Bulgari, Burberry, Condé Nast, Dolce & Gabbana, Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia, Fondazione Prada, IKEA, LEGO, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Prada, Teatro alla Scala, Triennale Milano, Ubisoft, Versace, and Vogue Italia.
NABA also organises events such as the Design Marathon and Talents & Recruiting initiatives, where students interact directly with industry professionals.
Students participate in workshops and projects in collaboration with companies. Ideas develop into projects, strategies, and prototypes — in some cases producing products for partner organisations. Classes and groups work as teams that liaise with companies and research institutes throughout their studies.
NABA has over 4,000 partner companies. These organisations offer students internship opportunities and real-world projects. Partner companies include names across fashion, design, communication, visual arts, and media, among them: Accenture Song, Alessi, Armani, Bulgari, Burberry, Condé Nast, Dolce & Gabbana, Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia, Fondazione Prada, IKEA, LEGO, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Prada, Teatro alla Scala, Triennale Milano, Ubisoft, Versace, and Vogue Italia.
NABA also organises events such as the Design Marathon and Talents & Recruiting initiatives, where students interact directly with industry professionals.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition fees vary depending on the programme type, campus, and — for EU and EFTA resident students — income bracket. The following figures are published on NABA's website for Academic Year 2026/27 (Milan and Rome campuses) and 2025/26 (non-EU students):
Non-EU Students (Academic Year 2025/26)
| Programme | Tuition Fee per Academic Year (regional tax included) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) — Milan / Rome | €22,250 |
| Diploma Programme — Milan / Rome | €21,600 |
EU / EFTA Students — Income-Based Brackets (Academic Year 2026/27)
Fees can be adjusted to the student's family income. Students must provide fiscal documents for bracket assessment.
| Income Bracket (pre-tax family income) | Total Yearly Fees |
|---|---|
| 1st bracket: €0 to €45,000 | €8,450 |
| 2nd bracket: €45,000 to €70,000 | €10,750 |
| 3rd bracket: €70,000 to €100,000 | €13,000 |
| 4th bracket: €100,000 to €130,000 | €16,150 |
| 5th bracket: €130,000 to €150,000 | €19,850 |
| 6th bracket: over €150,000 | €21,850 |
Fees increase by 2% from the second academic year and by 2.5% from the third academic year after enrolment.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
NABA offers partial scholarship competitions for undergraduate students, including the NABA's Got Talent scholarship, awarded on merit and portfolio evaluation. Financial aid is also available for students who demonstrate both academic merit and financial need.
Students resident in Lombardy may be eligible for contributions through the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) scheme under Lombardy Regional Law No. 33. This competition is open to international students as well.
For the 2026/27 academic year, NABA is offering 20 scholarships with a 50% reduction on tuition fees through the NABA Future Talents – Made in Italy Program, in collaboration with Breil, Clementoni, and Venchi, for BA programmes in Milan and Rome.
A separate London Campus Scholarship of up to £5,000 is available for the first year of a BA (Hons) programme at the London campus.
International payments can be made via Flywire, wire transfer, or credit card (for application fees only).
Students resident in Lombardy may be eligible for contributions through the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU) scheme under Lombardy Regional Law No. 33. This competition is open to international students as well.
For the 2026/27 academic year, NABA is offering 20 scholarships with a 50% reduction on tuition fees through the NABA Future Talents – Made in Italy Program, in collaboration with Breil, Clementoni, and Venchi, for BA programmes in Milan and Rome.
A separate London Campus Scholarship of up to £5,000 is available for the first year of a BA (Hons) programme at the London campus.
International payments can be made via Flywire, wire transfer, or credit card (for application fees only).
Career Outcomes
90%
Employment rate within 1 year
(BA graduates, Doxa survey 2024/25)
(BA graduates, Doxa survey 2024/25)
94%
Employment rate for MA and Academic Master graduates
87%
Graduates satisfied with their current job
According to a 2024/25 survey conducted by Doxa, a market research company, NABA graduates surveyed one year after completing their studies show a 90% employment rate. This rises to 94% for those who completed a Master of Arts or Academic Master programme. Of employed graduates, 79% are working in Italy and 21% are working abroad.
Career directions connected to NABA's programmes include roles in fashion design, fashion styling, fashion marketing and management, interior and product design, brand and visual design, graphic design, art direction, creative advertising, luxury brand management, user experience design, game development, VFX and 3D production, animation, filmmaking, screenwriting, set design for theatre and events, visual arts, curatorial studies, contemporary art markets, and creative media production.
NABA's Career Services Office offers personalised support including one-to-one CV and portfolio review sessions, access to exclusive internship and job listings, supervised internships with academic credit recognition, and direct contact with partner companies through Recruiting Days and Talent Harbour events.
Career directions connected to NABA's programmes include roles in fashion design, fashion styling, fashion marketing and management, interior and product design, brand and visual design, graphic design, art direction, creative advertising, luxury brand management, user experience design, game development, VFX and 3D production, animation, filmmaking, screenwriting, set design for theatre and events, visual arts, curatorial studies, contemporary art markets, and creative media production.
NABA's Career Services Office offers personalised support including one-to-one CV and portfolio review sessions, access to exclusive internship and job listings, supervised internships with academic credit recognition, and direct contact with partner companies through Recruiting Days and Talent Harbour events.
Location Advantages
Milan
Milan is home to a dense ecosystem of fashion houses, design studios, advertising agencies, and media companies. The city hosts major industry events and is a key hub for sectors directly connected to NABA's programme areas, including fashion, product design, graphic design, and media.
The Milan campus is located at Via C. Darwin 20, in the western part of the city. Students in Milan have access to institutions such as Triennale di Milano, Fondazione Prada, and Pirelli HangarBicocca, organisations with which NABA has collaborative relationships.
The Milan campus is located at Via C. Darwin 20, in the western part of the city. Students in Milan have access to institutions such as Triennale di Milano, Fondazione Prada, and Pirelli HangarBicocca, organisations with which NABA has collaborative relationships.
Rome
Rome offers proximity to Italy's cultural and public institutions, the film and television industry, and organisations active in visual arts and heritage. For students in programmes such as Film and Animation, Set Design, Visual Arts, and Painting, the city's cultural environment provides relevant professional context.
The Rome campus also offers a new International Scholarship competition specifically for international students applying for BA programmes.
The Rome campus also offers a new International Scholarship competition specifically for international students applying for BA programmes.
London
NABA's London campus is described on the website as the Academy's new international campus, opening for the 2026/27 Academic Year. It is positioned as a key part of NABA's international development strategy. London offers proximity to a broad creative industries sector.
A London Campus Scholarship of up to £5,000 is available for qualifying first-year BA (Hons) students.
A London Campus Scholarship of up to £5,000 is available for qualifying first-year BA (Hons) students.
Student Support
NABA provides a range of support services covering academic guidance, career preparation, financial access, and student life. The following services are listed on NABA's website:
- Career Services Office — personalised career guidance by programme area, including CV and portfolio review, internship access, and recruiting events.
- Talent Harbour — a three-day campus and online event with talks, round tables, and meetings with professionals from creative industries, exclusive to students and alumni.
- Career Skills Development — workshops on professional development, personal branding, business skills, and cross-cultural communication for a global working environment.
- Erasmus + and International Exchange Programmes — exchange opportunities for eligible students.
- Financial Aid Board — evaluates applications for tuition reductions based on merit and financial need. Decisions communicated by the NABA International Admissions Department.
- DSU Office — assistance with the Diritto allo Studio Universitario scheme, including income assessment for international students with family residing abroad.
- Housing — NABA offers a housing service in partnership with MilanHousing for students studying at the Milan campus.
- Alumni Services and Alumni Community — an ongoing network accessible after graduation, including the NABA Meets Alumni programme and alumni stories resources.
- Live Webinars — NABA offers scheduled online sessions for prospective students to learn about programmes and admissions.
- ItalyStudy — for international students exploring admissions options and navigating the application process, ItalyStudy is an additional guidance resource that can provide practical advice and support.
Are You Eligible to Study in Italy?
Complete our free assessment and receive an instant evaluation of your eligibility and study opportunities in Italy.