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Last modified: 2026-10-01

# Polimoda Florence: Programmes, Diploma Status and Fees

Polimoda is a private fashion school in Florence, founded in 1986, teaching fashion and accessories design, business, marketing and art direction. Diploma status is the key point: only one programme, the three-year Fashion Marketing Management, leads to a state AFAM diploma. Italy's Ministry of University and Research (MUR) accredited it by Decree no. 384 of 31 March 2026, effective from the 2025/26 academic year. Every other undergraduate and master course leads to Polimoda's own diploma with no state status. Undergraduate programmes cost $20,440 (€18,000) a year, masters from $31,790 (€28,000), and teaching is in English.

The Villa Strozzi building of Polimoda in Florence, housing its library and documentation centre. Photo: Peaceray / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Biblioteca_e_Centro_di_documentazione_del_Polimoda.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

| At a glance | Data as of 1 October 2026 |
| --- | --- |
| Status | Private institute; in the AFAM system since 2026, authorised by MUR for one programme |
| Campus | Florence, Via Curtatone 1 and other buildings |
| Students | About 2,000 from 107 countries (Polimoda figures) |
| AFAM programme | Fashion Marketing Management, 3 years, 180 CFA, 25 places |
| Undergraduate programmes | $20,440 (€18,000) a year; Fashion Styling $18,170 (€16,000) |
| Master programmes | From $31,790 (€28,000), about 32 weeks |
| Language | English |
| Undergraduate start | 5 October 2026 |

## Who Polimoda suits {#section-1}

Polimoda is for applicants who want fashion in concentrated form: brand projects, internships and a city surrounded by luxury workshops and manufacturers. Polimoda reports about 90% of graduates employed within six months and a network of over 2,000 companies.

Be careful if you need an Italian state diploma in fashion design (as of the check date only Fashion Marketing Management has it), if you plan a university master's in Italy or the EU afterwards (a private diploma may not count as a degree there), or if you want to study in Italian. If a state diploma in design matters, compare Polimoda with [design and fashion schools in Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-design-and-fashion-schools-italy) such as Istituto Marangoni, NABA or IED's Florence campus.

Public universities and general rules for international students are on our [Italy page](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-italy).

## Diploma status: what is recognised {#section-2}

Polimoda joined the AFAM system only recently: "Istituto Polimoda – Firenze" now appears on MUR's list of legally recognised AFAM institutions, but the status covers only the programmes the decree authorises. The decree sets out the history:

- in February 2024 Polimoda applied for two first-level programmes, Fashion Design Management and Fashion Marketing Management;
- the national council CNAM approved the curriculum in January 2025, but the evaluation agency ANVUR issued a negative opinion in summer 2025;
- after Polimoda's observations, ANVUR approved only Fashion Marketing Management on 2 October 2025;
- MUR Decree no. 384 of 31.03.2026 authorised Polimoda to award the first-level diploma for that programme from 2025/26.

| Programme | Length | Award |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fashion Marketing Management | 3 years, 180 CFA | Diploma Accademico di I livello, recognised by MUR |
| Fashion Design, Fashion Business, Fashion Art Direction and other undergraduate courses | 4 years (Fashion Styling 2 years) | Polimoda diploma, no state status |
| Fashion Design Management | 3 years | Polimoda diploma; MUR accreditation not granted |
| Master programmes (Luxury Business, Fashion Design and others) | About 32 weeks | Polimoda diploma |
| Short, summer and online courses | From one week | Certificate |

The decree subjects Polimoda to periodic ANVUR review; after a positive review MUR may authorise further programmes, including second-level diplomas and masters. Until then, Fashion Marketing Management is the only route to an Italian state diploma. Home recognition of an AFAM diploma runs through Glavexpertcentr (Russia) or ENIC-Kazakhstan; a private Polimoda diploma has no such basis.

## Programmes {#section-3}

Undergraduate (3–4 years, English, start 5 October 2026): Fashion Marketing Management, Fashion Design, Fashion Design Management, Fashion Business, Fashion Art Direction, Fashion Accessories Design, Jewelry Design, Atelier Design, Fashion Film and Photography, Event Management, Digital Strategy for Fashion and Fashion Styling, each ending with a company internship.

Master (about 32 weeks, English): Luxury Business, Fashion Design, Fashion Art Direction, Fashion Merchandising and Buying, Fashion Styling and others, starting in October or February.

Short and preparatory: the one-week Orientation for Undergraduate Courses at $1,700 (€1,500), plus summer, online and pre-college programmes.

## Entry requirements {#section-4}

Fashion Marketing Management (AFAM):

- a school certificate after 12 years of schooling plus any compulsory national entrance exam result;
- a B2 certificate in the language of instruction, issued within the last two years;
- a Declaration of Value from the Italian consulate or CIMEA statements of comparability and verification;
- online form, motivation letter, CV and portfolio;
- an admission examination, possibly online, assessing aptitude, background and portfolio;
- 25 places, compulsory attendance.

Applicants from 11-year school systems such as Russia or Kazakhstan need a university year or a foundation first for this programme.

Private undergraduate courses: a school diploma or equivalent, English proficiency, CV with motivation letter, and a portfolio for creative courses; Polimoda then invites you to an interview. Masters: a university degree or at least two years of verifiable work experience in the sector, English, a portfolio for creative tracks and an interview.

## Fees {#section-5}

| Programme | Length | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fashion Marketing Management (AFAM) | 3 years | $20,440 (€18,000) a year |
| Fashion Design, Fashion Business, Fashion Art Direction | 4 years | $20,440 (€18,000) a year |
| Fashion Design Management | 3 years | $20,440 (€18,000) a year |
| Fashion Styling (undergraduate) | 2 years | $18,170 (€16,000) a year |
| Master in Luxury Business, Master in Fashion Design | About 32 weeks | $31,790 (€28,000) per course |
| Orientation for Undergraduate Courses | 1 week | $1,700 (€1,500) |

Fees apply to the October 2026 intake and are the same for EU and non-EU students. The first-year fee is due before classes start; later years are due by 30 June.

Scholarships and loans. For Fashion Marketing Management in 2025/26, Polimoda offered one full scholarship worth $63,590 (€56,000) over three years and one partial award of $20,440 (€18,000), conditional on credits and exams each year. The 2026/27 master scholarship call closed on 30 September 2026. BNL's FUTURIAMO plan offers subsidised loans for tuition, materials and housing. Polimoda decides on scholarships and the bank on loans. See [scholarships in Italy](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-italy).

## Housing and visa {#section-6}

Polimoda has no halls. Its housing service works with external estate agents; the school monitors quality but the lease is between student and agent. Visa and permesso support comes through the partner Italy4You. See our [student housing guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-italy).

Non-EU students submit a Universitaly pre-enrolment in all cases, choosing an AFAM diploma for Fashion Marketing Management or a private course for other programmes. From Russia, visa applications go through VMS visa centres. For 2027/28 the deadline for AFAM diplomas is 31 October 2027; private undergraduate and master courses have no fixed national date but must be filed before classes start, and consulates take up to 90 days. See our [Italy student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-italy). The consulate alone decides on the visa.

## First-year budget {#section-7}

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Undergraduate tuition | $20,440 (€18,000) |
| Minimum funds for the visa, per year | $11,560 (€10,179.85) |
| Orientation week (optional) | $1,700 (€1,500) |

The visa figure is a consular threshold, not the real cost of living in Florence. For payments from Russia see [how to pay tuition abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## Plan for an October 2027 start {#section-8}

| When | Step |
| --- | --- |
| Autumn 2026 | Decide whether you need an AFAM diploma; if so, check 12 years of schooling |
| Winter 2026/27 | B2 English, portfolio, motivation letter |
| Spring 2027 | Online application and interview or admission exam |
| Summer 2027 | Payment, Universitaly, Declaration of Value, visa |
| October 2027 | Classes start; permesso di soggiorno application within eight working days |

## Common mistakes {#section-9}

- Assuming every Polimoda programme is state-recognised. As of 1 October 2026, only Fashion Marketing Management is.
- Confusing Fashion Design Management with Fashion Marketing Management. Both applied for accreditation; MUR approved only the latter.
- Reading older descriptions of four-year "bachelor's" degrees as laurea. They are private Polimoda programmes.
- Ignoring the 25-place cap on the AFAM programme. The intake is small and the admission exam is compulsory.
- Expecting halls of residence. The housing service finds private rentals through agents.

## FAQ {#section-10}

### Is Polimoda a university?

No. Polimoda is a private fashion institute. Since 2026 it is part of Italy's AFAM higher-education system for the arts, but it may award a state diploma for one programme only, Fashion Marketing Management. Other courses lead to a private Polimoda diploma.

### How much does Polimoda cost?

Undergraduate programmes cost $20,440 (€18,000) a year in 2026/27 and Fashion Styling $18,170 (€16,000) a year. Master programmes such as Luxury Business or Fashion Design cost $31,790 (€28,000) for a course of about 32 weeks.

### Which Polimoda diplomas are state-recognised?

Only the first-level diploma in Fashion Marketing Management, authorised by MUR Decree no. 384 of 31 March 2026 from the 2025/26 academic year. Fashion Design, Fashion Business and the master programmes lead to a private Polimoda diploma.

### Do I need Italian for Polimoda?

No, programmes are taught in English. Fashion Marketing Management requires an English certificate at B2 or above issued within two years. Private programmes ask for proof of English and check it at the interview.

### Can I enter Polimoda after 11 years of school?

The AFAM programme requires 12 years of schooling, so you need a university year or foundation first. Private undergraduate courses accept a school diploma or equivalent, but the resulting diploma has no state status in Italy.

### How can StudyU help with a Polimoda application?

Choosing a programme with the right diploma status, preparing the portfolio, motivation letter, Universitaly pre-enrolment and visa file are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Polimoda decides on admission and scholarships, the bank on loans and the Italian consulate on the visa.

## Sources {#section-11}

- [MUR Decree no. 384 of 31.03.2026 accrediting Fashion Marketing Management (PDF on Polimoda's site)](https://www.polimoda.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/D.M.-n.-384-del-31-03-2026.pdf)
- [MUR: legally recognised private AFAM institutions](https://www.mur.gov.it/it/aree-tematiche/afam/gli-istituti/istituti-afam-legalmente-riconosciuti)
- [Polimoda: AFAM accreditation](https://www.polimoda.com/afam-accreditation/)
- [Polimoda: news on MUR accreditation](https://www.polimoda.com/press-area/italian-ministerial-accreditation/)
- [Polimoda: Manifesto degli studi 2025/26 (requirements, places, fees, scholarships)](https://www.polimoda.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/EN-Manifesto_degli_studi_2025-26.pdf)
- [Polimoda: Fashion Marketing Management](https://www.polimoda.com/courses/undergraduate/fashion-marketing-management/)
- [Polimoda: Fashion Design Management](https://www.polimoda.com/courses/undergraduate/fashion-design-management/)
- [Polimoda: Fashion Design](https://www.polimoda.com/courses/undergraduate/fashion-design/), [Fashion Styling](https://www.polimoda.com/courses/undergraduate/fashion-styling/)
- [Polimoda: Master in Luxury Business](https://www.polimoda.com/courses/master/luxury-business/)
- [Polimoda: admission process](https://www.polimoda.com/admissions/admission-process/)
- [Polimoda: scholarships](https://www.polimoda.com/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/)
- [Polimoda: housing](https://www.polimoda.com/student-life/housing/) and [visa support](https://www.polimoda.com/student-life/visa-and-permit-of-stay/)
- [MUR/Universitaly: circular on procedures for international students 2026/27 and 2027/28](https://universitaly-private.cineca.it/uploads/universitaly-pubblico/Circolare_2026-2027_studenti_internazionali.pdf)

Facts checked on 1 October 2026. ECB reference rate of 30 September 2026: €1 = $1.1355; amounts rounded to $10.

If you are choosing between Polimoda and a school with a fully accredited bachelor's, send a [request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Istituto Europeo di Design (IED): Italian Campuses, Degrees and Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-ied)
- [Istituto Marangoni Milano: AFAM Degrees, Programmes and Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-istituto-marangoni-milano)
- [NABA Milan and Rome: Academy of Fine Arts, Programmes and Fees](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-naba)
- [Studying in Italy for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-italy)
- [Design and Fashion Schools in Italy: Politecnico, AFAM Academies and Private Schools](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-design-and-fashion-schools-italy)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)

Updated: October 2026