FIT in Florence

Description

Experience fashion like never before with the FIT in Florence program! This program immerses you in Italy’s vibrant culture while equipping you for a global career in fashion. Take FIT in classes taught in English and hosted by the renowned Polimoda, you’ll gain insider insights at one of the world’s fashion capitals.

Eligible Majors: 

  • Fashion Business Management
  • Fashion Design

Program Type: Residential 
Students pay FIT tuition and fees, plus a program and field trip fee. While hosted by Italian institutions, students take FIT courses that count toward their degree requirements.

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 Financial Budget Sheet - Fashion Business Management & Liberal Arts - (google doc) and Financial Budget Sheet - Fashion Design - (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. Once submitted, your department’s international coordinator will review it. If approved, your application will advance to the Academic Advisement Center (AAC) for FIT-in-Italy–specific advising. Approval from both your department and the AAC is required to move forward in the process.

The Office of International Programs will notify you of the final decision. See How to Apply step-by-step.

Apply Now for Fashion Business Management

Apply Now for Fashion Design

Program Details

If you have further questions about this program, contact the International Programs office at (212) 217-5380 or studyabroad@fitnyc.edu

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

Note: Early applicants receive preference. Interviews may take place after the application deadline.

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • Italian Language: IT 111 must be completed prior to the program start date
  • Enrollment: Must be matriculated in a Bachelor's degree program
  • Capacity: As a residential program, capacity is limited by cohort size. Additional cohorts may be added based on student demand and available resources.
  • Approvals Required: Students must obtain approval from each of the following to be fully admitted to the program:
    • The department’s international coordinator
    • The Academic Advisement Center
    • The Office of International Programs

Additional Requirements by Major:

Fashion Business Management

Eligible to participate in the 5th and/or 6th semester

Fashion Design

Eligible to participate in the 3rd semester

Students follow a prescribed course schedule based on their semester.

Fashion Business Management:

  • 5th-semester courses are offered only in the Fall (18-credit load required)
  • 6th-semester courses are offered only in the Spring (15-credit load required)
  • Off-cycle students may require special arrangements.
  • For detailed course information, see the Fashion Business Management in Florence Curriculum.

Fashion Design:

  • 3rd-semester courses are offered only in the Fall.
  • Off-cycle students are not eligible to study abroad at FIT Florence.
  • Students must take a full credit load of at least 12 credits during the program
  • For detailed course information, see the Fashion Design in Florence Curriculum

Students accepted to the FIT in Florence program should not book weekend travel until receiving their course syllabii after arrival in Florence.

Fall 2025

  • August 24: Arrival in Florence
  • August 25-29: Mandatory Orientation
  • September 1: First day of classes
  • December 12: Last day of semester

Spring 2026

  • January 13:  Arrival in Florence
  • January 14-16: Mandatory Orientation
  • January 19: First day of classes
  • May 15: Last day of semester

Students are responsible for making their own accommodations arrangements for the duration of their stay. FIT in Florence will hold a housing orientation to share resources.

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 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.

Follow Us