FIT in Florence
The FIT in Florence program offers Fashion Design (AAS) and Fashion Business Management (BS) students the opportunity to study in Italy, absorbing a distinctive cultural perspective while preparing for a career without global boundaries. Classes are taught in English and the program is hosted by Polimoda.
Current FIT Students
Fashion Design (3rd semester) & Fashion Business Management (BS)
Fall Semester/ Academic Year: approvals on an ongoing basis until 1 December (year prior to study)
Spring Semester: approvals on an ongoing basis until 1 May (year prior to study)
Early applicants receive preference. Interviews may take place after the application deadline.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- IT 111 must be completed prior to the program start date
- Matriculation in an Associate's or Bachelor's degree program
- Students must obtain approval of the Department International Coordinator and from the Academic Advisement Center.
WHAT SEMESTER(S) CAN I STUDY ABROAD?
Fashion Business Management: 5th or 6th semester, or full 3rd year.
Fashion Design: 3rd semester (fall only)
Fashion Business Management students are required to take 18 credits during the fall semester, and 15 credits during the spring semester. For information on specific course details reference the Fashion Business Management in Florence Curriculum.
Fashion Design students must take a full credit load of at least 12 credits or more during their program. For information on specific course details reference 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 partners with Florence and Abroad to offer student apartments prior to arrival in Florence.
Students will be required to apply for a Study Visa for the duration of their stay in Italy. Students are encouraged to carefully review the 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 UHC Study Abroad Insurance, which is included in their program budget below. 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.
FIT in Florence Financial Budget Sheet (Fashion Design)
FIT in Florence Financial Budget Sheet (Fashion Business Management & Liberal Arts)
A copy of this form may be brought to Financial Aid Services so that a careful review of your program costs may be completed by an assigned financial aid counselor.
See the Paying for Study Abroad page.
Prospective FIT in Florence Students
Prospective 1st Year students must first submit a SUNY application for Fashion Design AS) (1st Year in Italy). Once admitted to FIT, students complete Study Abroad application.
For timelines and Application dates, please refer to FIT's Application Deadlines
Fashion Design 1st-year students must take a full credit load of predetermined courses at FIT in Florence. For information on specific course details reference the Fashion Design in Florence Curriculum.
Students accepted to the FIT in Florence program should not book weekend travel until receiving their course syllabi after arrival in Florence.
FALL 2025
August 22: 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
Incoming Florence freshmen will have housing secured for them by FIT in Florence for the fall semester, with an independent renewal option for the spring. All freshmen will be placed in single rooms in apartments shared with other FIT Freshman students in the Florence city center, within walking distance to Polimoda’s main campus (Villa Favard).
Students will be required to apply for a Study Visa for the duration of their stay in Italy. Students are encouraged to carefully review the 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 UHC Study Abroad Insurance, which is included in their program budget below. 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.