Top 10 Fashion Colleges in London for International Students in 2024



Fashion colleges in London provide an ideal environment for young and creative individuals, as the city itself is renowned for its style and serves as a captivating backdrop for studying fashion design. Notably, the Royal College of Art holds the top position in the QS world Ranking for Arts and Design, with seven London universities among the top 50 in the QS world university ranking.

London is particularly attractive to international students aspiring to build careers in fashion or fashion technology, offering a wide array of fashion marketing courses covering various branches of fashion technology. These programs offer a blend of strong academic foundations and practical training, enabling students to transition from novices to experts confidently. It can be safely said that the UK is a great place to study fashion.



Why study fashion in fashion schools in London?


It’s worth noting that London serves as a vibrant center for fashion and style, yet this fact often remains unknown to many. Enrolling in a fashion degree program at one of the city’s renowned colleges can offer a truly exceptional and transformative educational experience. Here are the top reasons why you should do a fashion technology course in London.

1. Large Market Size and Opportunities:

In 2022, the apparel market’s revenue in the UK was slightly under £58.5 billion, a small decrease from the previous year. However, it is anticipated to rebound, eventually surpassing £75 billion by 2026.

Within the industry, women’s apparel stands out as a significant revenue generator compared to men’s and children’s apparel segments. This showcases the potential jobs that will be available to young graduates in the years to come.

2. Competitive Salaries:

The salary trajectory for a Fashion Designer in London, United Kingdom, typically follows a progressive path as one gains experience and expertise in the field. According to Glassdoor, entry-level positions, such as Assistant Fashion Designer, offer an average annual salary of around £26,927, providing a foundational platform for aspiring designers.

With accumulated experience and skills, individuals can advance to higher positions, such as Apparel Designer, where the average annual salary increases to approximately £37,700 . A Senior Fashion Designer can earn £55,447.

3. Fashion Capital:

London is globally recognized as one of the ‘Big Four’ fashion capitals, renowned for hosting major fashion events. The city is a breeding ground for pioneering trends and fashion movements that influence the global fashion landscape.

4. Distinguished Figures in the Fashion Industry:

London has been the birthplace of fashion legends like Alexander McQueen, whose brand, now led by Sarah Burton, has dressed celebrities and British royalty in some of the most exquisite attire. Additionally, London-born designers Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood are renowned figures in the fashion world, each with their distinctive contributions to the industry.

What are the career opportunities after studying in London fashion colleges?


Fashion is the 4th biggest sector in the world. The industry is opening up to new dimensions now more than ever.

Fashion graduates can choose to pursue diverse careers such as

  • Fashion Designer: Designing clothing and accessories.
  • Fashion Stylist: Advising clients on fashion and styling for personal or professional use.
  • Fashion Marketing and PR: Promoting fashion brands and products through advertising, events, and public relations.
  • Fashion Photography: Capturing fashion products and models for use in advertising and editorial.
  • Fashion Illustration: Creating artwork to accompany articles and other fashion-related media.
  • Fashion Journalism: Writing about fashion trends, designers, and events for magazines, newspapers, and online publications.
  • Textile Design: Designing fabrics, prints, and other textile products for the fashion industry.
  • Fashion Retail Management: Managing fashion merchandising, retail stores, departments, or e-commerce sites.

Some of the fashion degrees students can consider pursuing include:

  • Fashion Design: Offers comprehensive training in designing clothing and accessories, covering concepts, pattern making, and garment construction.
  • Fashion Marketing: Focuses on the business side of fashion, teaching branding, marketing strategies, and consumer behavior analysis.
  • Fashion Management: Concentrates on the operational and strategic aspects of the fashion industry, including supply chain management and retail operations. You may want to know more about why you should study Fashion Management 
  • Fashion Journalism: Equips students with skills in fashion writing, reporting, and digital media for fashion-related content.
  • Fashion Merchandising: Teaches retail buying, visual merchandising, and inventory management for a career in fashion retail.
  • Fashion Technology: Explores the intersection of fashion and technology, covering topics like wearable tech and digital fashion design.
  • Fashion Sustainability: Addresses eco-friendly practices and ethical considerations in the fashion industry.

What are the scholarship options for studying at Fashion Universities in London?


Foreign students have the advantage of choosing from 800+ scholarship options offered by universities and third parties to study fashion in London. Some of these include:

  • British School of Fashion Scholarship
  • Cambridge International Scholarships
  • International Scholarships for Fashion Students
  • Southampton Presidential International Scholarship
  • Loughborough University Bursary etc.,

It is always recommended to check the specific eligibility criteria and deadlines for each scholarship before applying.


What are the best fashion schools in London?


The UK is known as a global fashion capital and home to some of the most prestigious fashion colleges in the world. These colleges offer a wide range of undergraduate courses and graduate programs in fashion management and design, fashion communication, and fashion business.
Choosing the right college can be a crucial step in launching a successful career in the fashion industry. So here is the list of the top 10 fashion colleges in London for international students you can choose from.

S.No University Fee
1 University of Cambridge £20,990
2 University of  Westminster £15,000
3 Glasgow School of Arts £23,500
4 London College of Fashion   £25,970
5 Royal College of Art £35,950
6 Central Saint Martins £28,570
7 University of Manchester   £36,500
8 University of Southampton £24,200.
9 Loughborough University £23,000
10 University of Bristol £15850

University of Cambridge



Source: University of Cambridge

Ranked 2nd in the QS World University Rankings in 2023, the University of Cambridge is a popular and posh institution known by students worldwide. With a rich history dating back to 1209, it has provided a solid foundation for all of its students, helping them to achieve their dreams.

What makes this course good?

Students of Cambridge university are given a chance to showcase their skills every year at industry-focused showcases and Graduate Fashion Week receiving national press coverage. Moreover, many of the graduate students of Cambridge university have gone on to work for global brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Esquire magazine.

Holly Futon, a renowned fashion designer, teaches this course with an intensive practical focus making this a valuable course to pursue. Students studying fashion education at Cambridge enjoy an array of opportunities that enable them to learn the required techniques about the industry and get a broad overview of it.

Fees & Scholarship options

The fee for BA (Hons) Fashion (awarded by Falmouth University) is £20,990.
The University of Cambridge offers Various scholarships for international students under the name Cambridge trust. Click here for more information.

Eligibility and Duration

The eligibility criteria for Fashion degrees is

  • Completion of Class 12
  • IELTS 5.5 and above
  • A portfolio with previous work samples

Here’s the full overview.
The duration of the course is 3 years.

Admission process

Students first need to create an account and submit their application via the University’s application portal along with a non-refundable fee of £60. The required documents such as the transcripts, scorecards, etc should be ensured to be submitted before the deadline. The overall acceptance rate of the University of Cambridge is 23%, meaning the competition is severe. Due to the high volume of applications received, the decision will be announced after 4 – 6 weeks of application.


University of Westminster



Source: University of Westminster

Founded in 1838 as the Royal Polytechnic Institution, it is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the UK. The university has five campuses and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields. The University of Westminster is known for its strong focus on employability and practical skills and has a diverse student body with students from over 170 countries.

What makes this course good?

The university’s central location provides students with easy access to the city’s fashion scene, including fashion exhibitions, shows, and events. This allows students to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and learn from leading industry professionals. The fashion graduates at Westminster were the first undergraduate students to have made a show at London Fashion Week in 2020. Students of Westminster University are also provided with internship opportunities on both the three-year and Professional courses by Leading international fashion companies like Ackermann, H&M, Louis Vuitton, Vogue, Marine Serre, Marques Almeida, Molly Goddard, and others.

Fees & Scholarship options

The international student fee for MA in Fashion Business Management is £15,000.
The costs can be covered using various scholarships offered by the university such as the University of Westminster GREAT Scholarships, International Part Fee Scholarship, etc.
Here is the link to view the scholarships.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Completion of Class 12
  • A portfolio of work samples
  • IELTS score of 6.0 and above

This course has a duration of  3 to 4 years.

Admission process

The admission and application process happens via the UCAS portal only. The application requires the UCAS code of the course, a Certificate of academic performance, a reference, and a personal statement. Some courses require an interview process after application submission. After applying, there is a waiting period of four to six weeks.
Find the detailed process here.


Glasgow School of Art


Source: Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is a higher education institution located in Glasgow. Founded in 1845, it is one of the oldest art schools in the United Kingdom and has a reputation for producing some of the most talented and innovative artists, architects, and designers of the past century. The GSA has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the fields of fine art, architecture, and design, and has been an important contributor to the cultural life of Scotland and the UK.

What makes this course good?

The school offers undergraduate courses, graduate programs, and short courses in fine art, architecture, and design, and has a strong focus on studio-based learning and critical thinking. Enrolling in this course helps to network with industry professionals and collaborate on various projects with popular designers like Bute Fabrics, Voyage Decoration, Forty Clothing, Kestin Hare, etc. In a joint program between Glasgow University and Heriot-Watt University, the students will be transferred to Heriot-Watt University in the second year, allowing them to gain knowledge of both universities’ faculties. GSA encourages students to explore new ideas and techniques and provides them with a range of resources and facilities to support their studies.

Fees & Scholarship options

A full-time degree costs £23,500 for a bachelor’s course and £25,000 per year for a Masters course.
Each student can apply to a maximum of two scholarships to which they are eligible.  Visit the scholarship page to learn more.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Completion of Class 12
  • A portfolio of work samples
  • IELTS score of 6.0 and above

Duration: 4 Years

Admission process

All applicants are required to apply online at the UCAS portal. Typically, The deadline for applications is 30 June. Foreign applicants will be invited to submit their digital portfolio after their UCAS form is received. The wait time for a reply is around 3 to 4 weeks after submission of the application.


London College of Fashion


Source: Wikimedia.org

London College of Fashion is a part of the University of Arts London. It was established in 1986 and it is one of the 5 colleges under UAL. LCF has a diverse community of students from around the world and it encourages the creation of a collaborative and inclusive environment.

What makes this course good?

More than 17500 students from various parts of the country are currently studying here and it has ranked 2nd in the Art and Design category of the 2022 QS World University Rankings.  Along with practical training in college, they also offer live studio practice which will prepare the students to face the field. The course includes 200 hours of learning time and a tailored program of independent study and assessment. During the second year of the program, work opportunities are also offered which will widen the network of the student with industry experts and provide them with work experience.

Fees & Scholarship options

The average tuition fee starts at £25,970 per year. The fee varies based on the course you select. The scholarship is awarded to eligible students from abroad based on their academic performance. You can see the scholarship options here.

Eligibility and Duration

Practical courses like this require

  • Completion of Class 12
  • A portfolio of work samples
  • IELTS level 5.5 and above

Usually, it is a full-time 3-year program.

Admission process

Students are suggested to go through with the application process under the guidance of a UAL representative in their home country. If you are applying directly, then you have to choose the course you desire and apply through the UCAS portal. The admission is based on the portfolio, academic performance, and other criteria listed in the requirements. Further communication after application will only be received if the student is selected.


Royal College of Art


Source: Royal College of Art

Royal College of Arts (RCA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious art institutions in the world, established in 1837. It is particularly well-known for its programs in fashion, industrial design, and architecture. The RCA also maintains strong links with the industry and its alumni include some of the most renowned figures in the art world.

What makes this course good?

QS World University subject rankings have ranked RCA first in the world in art & design for eight consecutive years. Fashion degrees from this college offer students a comprehensive education covering everything from design and production to marketing, management, and more. As part of the curriculum, students attend fashion shows both locally and internationally so they can gain a real-world perspective. The fashion course of RCA has a diverse student body of around 2,000 students, many of which go on to successful careers in the arts, design, and related fields.

Fees & Scholarship options

The fee starts at £35,950 along with a compulsory deposit of £2,000. More than 10 scholarships are available to students who are competent and qualified.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Graduate Diploma Art & Design
  • A portfolio including images and videos of your work  with a specialization in uniqueness
  • A video where you explain your aims and experiences
  • IELTS  score of 6.5 & above

Check the detailed eligibility guideline here.
The MA fashion program is for 1 year full-time.

Admission process

The student can start their application process in the official portal. Enter your personal information, submit your portfolio, provide a 300-word written statement about your motivation to study in the program, and Upload one written reference within the deadline. The application deadline varies based on the level of study. Students may be invited to attend an interview either in person or online. The invitation email will be sent within a few weeks of application.


Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design


Source: By Kh csm – via wikimedia.org 

Central Saint Martins (CSM) is a public art and design college located in England. This college is part of the University of the Arts London. Founded in 1854, it has a long history of providing education in art, design, fashion, and performance. CSM has produced many successful alumni in various creative fields including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Phoebe Philo. The college’s reputation for excellence in the creative arts makes it a highly sought-after destination for students looking to study in these fields.

What makes this course good?

CSM is considered to be one of the best in the world for several reasons. Firstly, The course is designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive world of fashion design. Secondly, the course is taught by a diverse group of experienced professionals and practitioners in the fashion industry, who bring their knowledge and industry connections to the classroom. Students interested in fashion careers will find this CSM course to be an excellent option.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for a full-time course starts at  £22,920. The fees and deadlines for other short-term courses vary depending on the study. CSM offers fully-funded and Partly-funded scholarship options for students such as UAL Study Abroad Awards of £1,500, Summer Study Abroad Award with a full tuition waiver, etc.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Grade 12 Board Examination completion
  • IELTS score of 5.0 or above or TOEFL score of 90 and above

The duration of a full-time UG course is 3 years.

Admission process

Applications can be submitted through the UCAS portal. The step-by-step process can be found out here. Once the application is filled and supporting documents are submitted, it usually takes around 3 – 4 weeks for the admission panel to reply to the applicants.


University of Manchester


Source: University of Manchester

Created by the merging of two universities in the year 2004, the University of Manchester can be said to have hundreds of years of experience in teaching students worldwide. The University of Manchester is a leader in academic research and has produced 25 Nobel laureates and 3 Turing award winners.

What makes this course good?

As a Bachelor of Science degree, this course delves into the fashion marketing industry and its process. The students can use textile and clothing processing laboratories, which include CAD suites as well as a multimedia and digital printing center. If required,  Students may apply to extend this degree to four years and spend their third year either on industrial experience or studying abroad.

Fees & Scholarship options

The international student fees for a year is approximately £36,500. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to qualified overseas students proving their excellence.

Eligibility and Duration

The students are required to have completed class 12 with a minimum of 80-95% overall and have an IELTS score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5.
Duration: 3 Years

Admission process

Once the courses are selected, the student has to apply through the UCAS portal with all the documents, transcripts, and other requirements within the deadline. After application, there will be an online or in-person interview to select the most deserving candidate. For the application deadline and criteria, click here.


University of Southampton


Source: University of Southampton

The University of Southampton has ranked in the top 100 global universities by QS World University Rankings 2023. With a strong focus on research and a commitment to providing students with an outstanding educational experience, the University of Southampton is a premier destination for students seeking to make a difference in the world.

What makes this course good?

Studying a fashion degree here allows you access to industry-standard resources, machinery and facilities, professionally equipped studio spaces and workshops, and the latest laser-cutting plus 3D and print technologies. They also allow you to take a year in industry in the UK or abroad with our year-in-employment option or study overseas at one of their partner universities in Europe or other countries. More than 92% of students are currently at work 15 months after the course. Additionally, their in-house Studio 3015 provides paid design and marketing internships.

Fees & Scholarship options

The international tuition fee for a year excluding other costs is £24,200.Most of the scholarships provided by the University are merit-based and competition based. Eligible students can apply for the scholarship and receive it if they are selected.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Higher Secondary Certificate/Standard 12 with 75%
  • IELTS score of 6.0 or above or TOEFL score of 90 and above
  • Portfolio of artwork

The duration of the course is 3 years and it is taught at the Winchester campus.

Admission process

The application can be made through the UCAS portal and it is assessed based on scores, academic achievements, personal statements, and references. The applicants shall also submit their portfolio of work with the application.  Due to heavy competition, the university takes at least 2 to 6 weeks to respond to the applicants. Further admission process will be communicated via mail.
To see the complete process, click here.


Loughborough university


Source: Loughborough University

Founded in 1909, Loughborough University has a reputation for excellence in teaching and research in Fashion technology courses. The University has a diverse student population, with students from over 150 countries and it is consistently ranked highly in various national and international university surveys.

What makes this course good?

The Guardian University Guide 2023 has ranked Loughborough university 1st in the UK for Fashion And Textiles. The third year of the fashion designing course can be used as a placement year to enhance your CV and broaden your professional network. After the placement year, the student will receive an additional award – A Diploma in Professional Studies. The 3-year course duration has an ideal mix of lectures, seminars, live workshops, training, and practical sessions.

Fees & Scholarship options

The fee for students outside the UK is £23,000 per year. Cash discounts and waivers are offered in terms of scholarships for students when they meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility and Duration

  • Standard XII Completion
  • IELTS  score of 6.5 overall
  • A portfolio

The duration of this course is normally 3 years and 4 years with a placement.

Admission process

Students are selected based on their UCAS applications as well as portfolio submissions and assignments. Students who are successful in securing an offer letter will be invited to Offer Holder Days, similar to a campus visit, to learn about Loughborough’s student experience. Since a large number of applications are received, only a few are selected for the campus visit. The waiting time and what to do after applying can be found here.


University of Bristol


Source: University of Bristol

Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. The university is known for its vibrant student life and diverse student population. The University of Bristol is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK.

What makes this course good?

The fashion course at the University of Bristol is a highly respected program that offers students a comprehensive and hands-on education in the field of fashion. This university specializes in Textile Design and Fashion Textile Futures. They also give the option to take up industry proactive for 1 year in between the course to get deep knowledge in the industry. In addition, being a member of the prestigious  British Fashion Council (BFC) Colleges Council enables students of this course to directly participate in industry events and network with experts.

Fees & Scholarship options

The international tuition fee is approximately £15850. Other fee details can be checked here.
The University of Bristol has a scholarship option of more than £3 million invested in Think Big international scholarships.  You can check the scholarships and eligibility criteria at this link.

Eligibility and Duration

The eligibility differs based on the course chosen. The general requirement is as follows

  • Year 12 completion
  • IELTS score of 6.5 overall
  • Digital Portfolio including a written essay

They offer three types of duration: Three years full-time; four years sandwich; six years part-time.

Admission process

You can apply for the course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. In addition to an application, applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio for assessment within 21 days. A portfolio task might also be required to be done after the application. Other Documents such as your scorecards, transcripts, portfolio, etc, have to be submitted before the deadlines. Further communication regarding the tasks and admission will be communicated via email.

How to apply to study fashion in London?


Have these reasons cemented your decision to do your higher education in the UK? Then here’s how you go about it. The easiest way is to sign up with TC Global.

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Date added
08.12.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

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