Welcome to your first step towards a world-class creative education in the heart of Italy. Our International Foundation Program offers you the perfect pathway to thrive in Italy’s best art and design academies.
The Foundation Year in Art, Fashion & Design at The Italian Academy Pathways is a specialized preparatory program for international students seeking admission to top universities and academies in Italy. Designed to bridge academic gaps, this program equips students with essential artistic, technical, and language skills, ensuring they meet university entry requirements.
The curriculum includes drawing, visual communication, design principles, and creative thinking, combined with Italian language training for seamless integration into Italian-taught or bilingual degree programs. With hands-on workshops, portfolio development, and industry-focused learning, students gain a strong foundation to excel in art, fashion, architecture, and design degrees, positioning themselves for success in Italy’s world-renowned creative industries.
Furnished residences or homestays near campus.
Academic and personal help anytime.
Intensive language and cultural prep.
Core training in art, fashion, and design.
Practical skills with experts.
Visits to museums, studios, and landmarks.
Personalized portfolio guidance.
Help with top design school applications.
Students enrolled in the Foundation Year in Art, Fashion & Design program benefit from high-quality, conveniently located accommodation near the study center. Housing options include modern student residences and welcoming homestays, both offering a safe and comfortable environment. Residences are well-connected to the city’s main transport links, providing easy access to classes, university facilities, and cultural attractions.
All accommodations are fully furnished and include essential amenities such as Wi-Fi, study areas, and communal spaces, creating a supportive and social living experience. With 24/7 student support, dedicated staff ensure a smooth transition to life in Italy, helping students settle in and focus on their academic journey.
The Foundation Year in Art, Fashion & Design is hosted at The Italian Academy’s Neapolis Study Center in Syracuse (Siracusa), Sicily. This historic villa is nestled in the heart of Syracuse’s archaeological district, adjacent to St. John’s Church, which provides access to ancient catacombs, and is near the Archaeological Museum and the Basilica of Our Lady of Tears. The center is within walking distance of the renowned Greek Theater and the picturesque island of Ortygia, offering students a rich blend of cultural and historical experiences. Surrounded by a lush two-acre botanical garden filled with citrus trees, Mediterranean flora, and century-old palms, the Neapolis Study Center provides an inspiring and tranquil environment for creative pursuits. This unique setting immerses students in Italy’s artistic heritage, enhancing their educational journey in art, fashion, and design.
The Foundation Year in Art, Fashion & Design at The Italian Academy Pathways offers a comprehensive preparatory curriculum tailored for students aspiring to enter top art, fashion, and design universities in Italy. The program provides with essential academic and language training for a smooth transition to university-level studies and strengthens the following creative and technical skills
Teaching is delivered through studio-based workshops, hands-on projects, and interactive lectures, ensuring students gain both conceptual understanding and practical expertise. The curriculum is designed to meet the entry requirements of Italy’s leading art, fashion, and design academies, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future creative studies.
The DFA Track of the International Foundation Year prepares students for academic and creative success in design, fashion, and visual arts. Through hands-on workshops, conceptual exploration, and guided portfolio development, students gain the skills and vision needed to access top art and design institutions across Italy.
Throughout the DFA track, students develop a personal and professional portfolio that demonstrates their artistic growth and technical competence. This work is tailored to support university admissions and artistic interviews. Key components of the portfolio process include storytelling, illustration, creative writing, and hands-on studio workshops in applied arts and design.
Choose from five specialized pathways:
Each track includes subject-specific preparation and admission test training (e.g., TOLC-I, ArchED, IMAT), guiding students toward their target university programs in Italy.
To view admission requirements for the Foundation Year check our application page
The International Foundation Year at The Italian Academy lasts 9 months (Fall intake: September–June; Winter intake: January–September). It includes:
All track-specific courses of the International Foundation Year are taught entirely in English
The total cost of the Foundation Year program is divided into three manageable installments. Each installment includes a portion of the tuition and housing fees. The first installment also includes the one-time enrollment fee.
No, scholarships are not offered for the Foundation Year program itself. All students must pay the full tuition, enrollment, and housing fees as outlined in the payment schedule.
However, students who successfully complete the Foundation Year may become eligible for dedicated scholarships or tuition reductions when enrolling in selected Bachelor’s programs at our partner universities:
To view admission requirements for the Foundation Year check our application page
Underage students (minors). Students who have not yet reached 18 years old at the time of their application can apply for the Foundation Year program, provided they will turn 18 by June 30 of the year of program completion. Underage students who are admitted are required to submit the following additional documentation:
Students can apply for an Italian Type D Study Visa only after completing the following steps of the application process:
Students will receive an official Letter of Enrolment to submit with the required documentation to the Italian Consulate in their country. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as some consulates may require extended processing times (up to several weeks) depending on the time of year.
NB: The Letter of Offer issued upon the admissions committee’s review of eligibility is not valid for visa application purposes.
The Foundation Year is designed in line with the standards set by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and supports students in meeting the academic and linguistic requirements for university admission in Italy. The program equips students with strong preparation in their chosen track and provides targeted entrance exam training.
The Foundation Year program is offered in partnership between The Italian Academy and Kore University or ABADIR Academy, depending on the chosen track. The Italian Academy provides student services, housing, language training, and academic support for students enrolled in the program.
Students receive a Certificate and Academic Transcript issued by Kore University of Enna (protocol n. 12794 of July 7th, 2023) for successful completion of the BESS (Business, Economics and Social Sciences), MLS (Medicine and Life Sciences), and EAIT (Engineering, Architecture and IT) academic tracks. Students who complete the DFA (Design, Fashion and Art) track receive a Certificate and Academic Transcript issued by MADE Fine Arts Academy.
The Foundation Year Certificate attests:
Students who obtain the Foundation Year certificate are still required to pass the national Admission Test to enroll in “closed number” degree programs in Italian universities.
Students who choose to take the CILS Italian language exam during their program will also receive the B1 or B2 certificate from the University for Foreigners of Siena, based on successful achievement.
Yes, we know that finding a place to live in a new country can be a challenge, so The Italian Academy guarantees housing for every enrolled student. To make your transition as smooth as possible, we manage all placements within our network of student residences and comfortable shared apartments.
Cancellation in case of visa denial
A full refund of all fees paid to the Academy is offered if the visa denial is communicated in writing before the program start date (bank transfer fees are covered by the student).
Cancellation of enrollment by the student
The service fee is non-refundable. If the student requests a postponement, they may start the program at a later date without being charged the service fee.
Cancellation must be made in writing.
For any refunds, bank transfer fees are covered by the student.
Cancellation fee deadlines
Cancellation of enrollment by the Academy
The Academy may cancel a student’s enrollment up to 30 days before the course start date if the minimum number of enrolled students is not achieved. In this case, the Academy will provide a full refund of fees paid and offer the option to postpone enrollment to the next intake.
The Academy may also cancel enrollment if the student breaches the student code of conduct or if their behavior is deemed unacceptable. In such cases, no refund will be issued.
Health and travel insurance is mandatory for all non-EU students attending the Foundation Year. Coverage must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Italy, and must be in place before arrival, as it is also required to apply for your permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno).
While students are free to choose their provider, we strongly recommend the policy offered by W.A.I. – Welcome Association Italy, which is widely used by international students. It provides 12 months of private health coverage suitable for visa and residency purposes.
You can register and purchase the insurance directly online:
👉 WAI association Italy
Payment options include PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer.
