Bachelor Fashion Design

Available in: Paris, Istanbul and online
Language: Full French or Full English
Duration: 3 years
ECTS: 180
Next Intakes: january 2026 (EN), september 2026 (FR, EN),

The Bachelor Fashion Design is our signature program. Blending the timeless elegance of French haute couture with cutting-edge fashion technology and a global perspective, this Bachelor program provides you the skills to thrive in today’s fashion industry.

Our innovative and diverse teaching methods - including classes, workshops, independent research, experiments, presentations, and field trips create a dynamic learning environment, drawing inspiration from a wide range of cultural influences.
IFA Paris’ personalized approach is tailored to meet the unique career goals of each student. Our fashion program strikes a balance between creativity and production, allowing students to master advanced pattern-making techniques while developing their own distinctive creative vision. We cultivate fashion designers who are as imaginative in their concepts as they are meticulous in their execution.

Throughout their studies, our Bachelor Fashion Design students consider the broader context of their profession, including the latest trends, industry news, and sustainability. By mastering technical skills, fostering creativity, and developing a personal style, our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to thrive in a variety of roles within the global fashion industry.

Learning Objectives

Cultivate Innovative Design Excellence: Students will push the boundaries of fashion design by integrating cutting-edge concepts, experimental materials, and avant-garde aesthetics, driving the future of fashion through visionary and impactful creations.
Master Technical Skills in Pattern Making, Draping, and Sewing with a Deep Understanding of French Fashion Heritage: Students will develop advanced technical proficiency in pattern making, draping, and sewing, while also gaining a comprehensive knowledge of French fashion heritage, enabling them to integrate timeless techniques and classic design principles into the creation of meticulously crafted garments.
Design Fashion with a Commitment to Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusivity: Students will learn to create fashion that embodies principles of sustainability, while also embracing diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that their designs are environmentally responsible, culturally diverse, and accessible to a wide range of audiences, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable fashion industry.
Discover Future-Ready Digital and Technological Tools: Students will harness the power of next-generation digital technologies, such as AI-driven design, virtual reality, and 3D printing, to revolutionize the fashion design process and create the next wave of fashion innovation.

Year 1

From their very first year in our Bachelor Fashion Design program, students are encouraged to experiment. As they learn the fundamental techniques and rich history of fashion, they also develop their creative processes and aesthetic sensibilities. IFA Paris immerses its fashion students in a project-based learning environment, similar to professional design studios, to foster the development of cross-disciplinary skills.

Teachings

Creation

Fashion figures
Classic design
Color theory
Print collection
Technical drawing
3D volume research
Textile technologies (weaving, textile fibres, etc.)

Digital

Computer graphics
LECTRA
Browzwear (3D Modeling)
AI Applied to Trend Analysis
AI and Prompt Engineering

Culture and business

Contemporary Fashion History
Fundamentals of marketing
Strategic marketing

Production

Introduction to using a sewing machine
Shirt-making
Pants-making
Skirt-making

Pattern-making and draping

Making a pattern for a skirt, a shirt, and pants
Draping a skirt and a dress

Optional internship

First-year highlights

Developing a creative process: from inspiration to production of a garment
Production of looks from the first few weeks
Discovery of the Fashion Tech Lab and its tools (3D printing, laser cutting, VR, …)
Participation in two Fashion Workshops (sustainable development and cooperation with an international school)
Working with plants and creating natural dyes
Personal Mini Collection Project

Year 2

Once the fundamentals have been acquired, the second year of the Bachelor Fashion Design allows students to deepen their technical skills and assert their own creative style.

During this second year, fashion design students acquire the most innovative working methods in the industry. They work daily with artificial intelligence to understand it as a creative tool, both for trend research and for developing looks. In parallel, they discover the traditional skills associated with men’s fashion, knitwear, tailoring, and more, and practice demanding techniques that allow them to become versatile professionals.

Teachings

Creation

Knitwear project
Fashion accessories
Men's collection
Fashion sustainability
Textile designs
Sportswear and Haute couture

Digital & Business

Computer graphics
AI Generative Design
LECTRA
Browzwear (3D Modeling)
AI: Ethical, Social, and Environmental Issues

Production

Haute couture projects
Sportswear
Menswear

Pattern-making and draping

Haute couture projects
Sportswear
Menswear

2-3 month exploratory internship

Second-year highlights:

Working with AI
Focus on blockchain and traceability
Thematic weeks: Fashion accessories and 3D printing.

Year 3

A shift in pedagogical perspective: the keyword for this 3rd year is « Freedom ». During their final year of study in fashion design, students refine their professional project and create a mini-collection using the creative codes they have developed during the first two years. They work independently while benefiting from close coaching by IFA Paris professors.

To validate their Bachelor’s degree, students must create an end-of-year mini-collection that reflects their personal universe. They must pay attention to personal creativity, the modernity of the products, the production techniques used, and the marketing strategy. The collection is presented in the form of a personal portfolio.

The creation of the end-of-Bachelor’s mini-collection will set the pace for this final year. Each student will have a personal interpretation of the given subject. Based on this, students will develop their own concept, create fashion and accessory sketches, build a collection plan and finally prepare technical sheets for the products they will create themselves. These products will require conducting volume research, identifying the most efficient technique for constructing garments patterns, etc. Students will propose judiciously chosen materials based on the challenges of their collection. They will have to determine the best assembly and finishing techniques to apply them in the production of prototypes.

All the teachings of the 3rd year of the IFA Paris Bachelor Fashion Design are thus centered around the creation of the personal collection.

Teachings

Creation of a mood board
Creation of silhouettes
Portfolio
Advertising campaign & photoshoot
Fittings
Sewing the collection
Brand development
One-on-one mentoring

Students use AI at every stage of the creative process, from developing the moodboard to the final design, to explore new perspectives and enrich their creative workflow.

3–6-month internship

Third-year highlights:

Participation in the school’s annual fashion show
Creative Bootcamp
Significant professional experience
Creation of a personal collection from A to Z with total artistic freedom
Preparation for professional interviews with a portfolio enriched by product realizations

Online Format

The online program takes place live and in real-time (Paris or Istanbul local time) and you will interact with the lecturer and other students through our online platform. However, if you cannot attend or miss a live class, every session is also recorded and saved, so you can go back and watch it at a later suitable time for you.

For more information visit our Study Online - Distance Learning page

Material Requirements for Online Format

A recent computer with a recent operating system
A list of fashion design supplies will be provided at the start of the Bachelor
A sewing machine
A good internet connection
An up-to-date web browser
Microphone & Headphones (a headset with microphone/headphones is recommended)
A webcam

Program Compliance Data

Result indicators

Drop-out rate during training: 4%
Participation rate for skill validation exams (Class of 2023): 100%
Success rate of the program: 87%
Rate of continued studies (within the institution): 75%
Overall employment rate at 6 months: 90%
Employment rate in the targeted profession “Fashion Designer” at 6 months: 90%
Valeur ajoutée de l’institution (par rapport aux diplômés de titres RNCP similaires) : +17%

Requirements

Year 1 Admission: Applicants must hold a Level 4 qualification (equivalent to a High School Diploma)
Year 2 Admission: Applicants must have successfully completed one year of higher education (equivalent to 60 ECTS credits)
Year 3 Admission: Applicants must have successfully completed 2 years of higher education (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits)

Course duration

The Bachelor Fashion Design takes place over three years. The students receive +/- 600 hours of teaching per year.

Teaching methods employed

Classes are held in person or online and are structured on the basis of group work, face-to-face teaching, lectures, etc.

Certification type

The awarding of the Stylist-Pattern Maker Level 6 certification (equivalent to Bac+3/4) is subject to the validation of all skill blocks.

RNCP Title Stylist-Pattern Maker Level 6 (equivalent to Bac+3/4) awarded by IFA Paris – professional certification registered with the RNCP by decision of France Compétences on 31/01/2025 (RNCP 40157).

In case of partial validation, any competency block obtained is valid for life.

No bridging options
Possibility to continue your studies with a program leading to an RNCP Level 7 certification.

Assessment methods

Oral and written assessments, continuous assessment, evaluation during project phases.

Operational Objectives / Skills Targeted by the Certification

Define the Trends of a Fashion Collection
Design a Fashion Collection
Oversee the Production of a Fashion Collection
Promote a Fashion Collection

Apply now Inquire Now

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites:

At least 16 years of age
High school graduate
Depending on the chosen teaching language (English or French), non-native speakers should provide a language proficiency score:
- English teaching language: an IELTS score of 5.5 or above, or a TOEFL score of 65 or above. Alternatively, provide an English training certificate or proof of previous education in English
- French teaching language: a TCF score of B2 or equivalent. Alternatively, a proof of previous education in French

Required documentation:

Resume
Motivation letter
Language proficiency certificate
High school diploma & transcript
Passport photo
Passport copy for non-EU applicants and ID copy for EU applicants
Portfolio

For more information about the application process, please visit our How to apply page.

Admission Requirements for transfer in 2nd and 3rd year

Prerequisites:

In addition to the pre-requisites detailed for Year 1, you will need to provide justification of working experience in fashion (short term internships, summer jobs…etc.), as well as a proof of validation of the necessary ECTS credits, or equivalent, required to integrate the level you are aiming for
Depending on the chosen teaching language (English or French), non-native speakers should provide a language proficiency score:
- English teaching language: an IELTS score of 5.5 or above, or a TOEFL score of 65 or above. Alternatively, provide an English training certificate or proof of previous education in English
- French teaching language: a TCF score of B2 or equivalent. Alternatively, a proof of previous education in French

Required documentation:

Resume
Motivation letter
Language proficiency certificate
High school diploma or higher & Transcript
Passport copy for non-EU applicants and ID copy for EU applicants
Passport photo
Portfolio
Most recent academic award proving validation of the necessary ECTS for transfer in your desired level. Detailed academic documents, such as course handbook or syllabi, may be requested to establish credit recognition

For more information about the application process, please visit our How to apply page.

Apply now Inquire Now

Fashion program: Bachelor Fashion Design

Accessibility

You may be interested in the possibility of enrolling on one of our programs.
Contact us so that we can provide you with all the information and advice you need: accessibilite@ifaparis.com.