Istituto Europeo di Design (IED)
Rome, Italy
Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Rome
Rome, Italy
Founded
1966
Institution Type
Private
Rome Campus Since
1973
Global Campuses
13 Locations
About Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Rome
About Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Rome
The Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) is a private design school founded in 1966 by Francesco Morelli in Milan, Italy. Organized into four core disciplines — Design, Fashion, Visual Communication, and Management — IED has grown into one of the largest private higher education networks in the creative field, with campuses across Italy, Spain, and Brazil.
The Rome campus, inaugurated in 1973, is spread across three locations in the San Giovanni, Pigneto, and Testaccio districts. With a network of 500 professional teachers and over 60 courses including Bachelor's, Master's, and Continuing Education programs, IED Rome places a special focus on cinema, television, new media, and the cultural heritage of the Italian capital.
IED Rome courses are recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) since 2010, allowing students to earn officially accredited academic diplomas. The campus actively participates in local events and partnerships with prestigious companies, giving students direct access to Rome's vibrant cultural and creative industries.
Key Milestones
- 1966: Francesco Morelli founds IED in Milan, establishing a new model of design education bridging theory and practice.
- 1973: IED Roma opens in Via dei Fori Imperiali, at the Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano.
- 2000: The Testaccio campus opens in Via Branca, hosting the Fashion and Communication courses.
- 2010: IED Milan and Rome courses receive official recognition from the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research.
Academic Schools and Programs at IED Rome
Academic Schools and Programs at IED Rome
IED Rome offers a wide range of undergraduate, master's, and continuing education programs organized across four main schools. Each school combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on, project-based learning guided by industry professionals, preparing students for careers in the creative industries.
School of Design
The Design School at IED Rome trains students to become professionals in product, interior, and service design. Courses integrate sustainability, technology, and innovative design thinking within the unique cultural context of Rome.
- BA in Interior Design
- Master in Interior Design for Hospitality
- Master in User Interface Design and AI
School of Fashion
IED Rome's Fashion School prepares students for careers in fashion design, marketing, and communication. Located in the Testaccio campus, the school leverages Rome's position as a global fashion capital with strong ties to Italian luxury brands.
- BA in Fashion Design
- BA in Fashion Marketing and Communication
- Master in Fashion Design
School of Visual Arts
The Visual Arts School is a creative lab where students learn instruments, techniques, and technologies for developing visual communication projects. Programs span illustration, animation, photography, video design, and filmmaking.
- BA in Video Design and Filmmaking
- BA in Illustration and Animation
- BA in Photography
School of Communication
The Communication School at IED Rome engages students with languages, media, and strategies in the complex cultural landscape of the Italian capital. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to interpret contemporary communication challenges.
- BA in Graphic Design
- BA in Sound Design
- Master of Arts in Visual Communication
Master's and Postgraduate Programs
IED Rome offers one-year Master's programs and Master of Arts (second-level academic diplomas) for graduates seeking advanced specialization. These programs combine intensive coursework with real-world industry projects and collaborations.
- Master in Arts Management
- Master in Jewelry Design
- Master of Arts in Visual Communication
Foundation and Summer Courses
IED Rome provides foundation year programs and short-term summer courses for students looking to explore creative disciplines or build prerequisite skills. These programs are ideal for international students seeking an introduction to Italian design culture.
- Academic Foundation Year - Italian Creativity and Design
- Rome Architectural Sketchbook Summer Course
- Rome Fashion Shooting Summer Course
Admission Requirements at IED Rome
Admission Requirements at IED Rome
Undergraduate Admission
- EducationUpper secondary school leaving qualification valid for university entry
- Language (English)IELTS 5.5-6.0 or TOEFL 500+ (paper-based)
- PortfolioRecommended; PDF format, max 8MB
- Admission TestInterview and portfolio or project assignment evaluation
- Minimum Age18 years old by the end of the year the course starts
Graduate Admission
- EducationBachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
- Language (English)IELTS 6.0, TOEFL ITP 550, or Cambridge FCE
- PortfolioRequired for creative Master's programs; digital format, max 8MB
- Work Experience2 years preferred; may substitute for a degree in some cases
- Additional DocumentsCV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts in Italian or English
Primary enrollment period for most undergraduate and master's programs starting in the fall semester.
Select master's and continuing education programs offer a January start date.
Limited programs available for spring enrollment depending on program type.
Short-term summer courses typically run for 2-4 weeks during the summer months.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at IED Rome
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at IED Rome
As a private institution, IED Rome's tuition fees vary by program type and student residency status. EU students may benefit from income-based fee reductions, while non-EU students pay a fixed rate. Contact IED directly for the most current fee schedule.
| Fee Component | EU Students | Non-EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Enrollment Fee | EUR 2,500 | EUR 2,500 |
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | EUR 5,000 - EUR 17,700 (income-based) | Approx. EUR 17,700 - EUR 20,400 |
| Master's Enrollment Fee | EUR 3,000 | EUR 3,000 |
| Master's Tuition (per year) | EUR 10,500 - EUR 16,400 | EUR 12,500 - EUR 18,400 |
| Total | Contact IED for total program costs | Contact IED for total program costs |
IED Merit Scholarships
IED provides scholarships to particularly deserving and motivated students, evaluated through the submission of project work. These scholarships can cover up to 100% of the tuition fee.
- Coverage: Up to 100% of tuition fee
- Basis: Merit-based, evaluated via project work submission
- Eligibility: Open to all admitted students across all campuses
IED Financial Aid and Promotions
IED offers early bird promotions, income-based fee reductions for EU students, and financial aid options including partnerships with international lending institutions for non-EU students.
- Early Bird Discount: Up to 15% off tuition for early registration
- Income-Based Reduction: Available to EU students with ISEE documentation
- Payment Partners: Flywire, CSN (Sweden), Lånekassen (Norway), and others
IED Rome Campus and Facilities
IED Rome Campus and Facilities
IED Rome operates across three distinct campuses located in some of Rome's most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods. Each campus has a strong identity shaped by its surroundings, offering students an immersive and inspiring learning environment.
Home to the Fashion and Communication schools, located in the authentic Testaccio neighborhood known for its redeveloped industrial buildings.
Hosts Visual Arts and Design courses between the historic Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano and the Pigneto neighborhood.
Located in the culturally vibrant Pigneto neighborhood, known for its nightlife and creative energy, housing additional Visual Arts and Design facilities.
Housing and Student Services
Accommodation Support
IED Rome supports students in finding well-connected accommodation through a network of affiliated residential options near each campus location.
- Affiliated residential accommodation network
- Housing options near all three campus locations
- Assistance for international students with housing search
Student Wellbeing
IED provides didactic and extra-educational support services to ensure an integrated, participatory, and mindful study experience for all students.
- Academic and career counseling services
- Student wellbeing and mental health support
- Dedicated international student advisory team
Student Life at IED Rome
Student Life at IED Rome
IED Rome offers a dynamic and multicultural student experience, with students from over 100 nationalities studying together. The campus life extends beyond classrooms into Rome's rich cultural landscape, with events, exhibitions, and cross-disciplinary workshops throughout the year.
Studying and Living in Rome
Studying and Living in Rome
Rome: The Eternal City
Rome is the leading city in the world in terms of cultural heritage, with 30 centuries of history influencing Western art, architecture, philosophy, and law. Modern Rome is also an essential venue for haute couture, communication design, filmmaking, and all aspects of the creative industries, making it an ideal setting for design education.
Walkable Historic Center
Rome's historic center is compact and perfect for exploring on foot — only 2.5 km separates the Colosseum from Piazza di Spagna, making daily and cultural life highly accessible.
Public Transportation
Three metro lines (A, B/B1, and C) efficiently connect the historic center with major neighborhoods, complemented by an extensive bus and tram network.
Cost of Living
International students can expect to spend approximately EUR 700 to EUR 1,000 per month on living expenses including accommodation, food, and transportation.
Creative Industries Hub
Rome is home to major cultural institutions, global events, film and television productions, and fashion houses, providing students direct access to professional opportunities.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where IED Alumni Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Non-EU students must complete pre-enrollment via the Universitaly platform and apply for a student visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their home country. IED recommends starting the process 6-12 months before the program start date.
IED offers prerequisite language courses for students who cannot prove the necessary proficiency level. Many programs are taught in English, making the campus accessible to a global audience.
IED Rome helps international students find housing through a network of affiliated residential accommodations, well-connected to all three campus locations across the city.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
IED Rome Recognition and Rankings
IED Rome Recognition and Rankings
As a specialized private design institution, IED is not typically included in traditional global university rankings. However, it holds important accreditations and is recognized as one of the largest higher education networks in the creative field, with official recognition from the Italian Ministry of Education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Design | Industry Recognition | Among the most respected fashion programs in Italy |
| Visual Communication | MIUR Accredited | First Level Academic Diploma recognized by Italian Ministry |
| Interior Design | Industry Recognition | Highly regarded in Italian and European design education |
| Cinema and New Media | Rome Campus Specialty | Distinctive focus area unique to IED Rome |
Features
State‑of‑the‑art labs, international exchange programs, strong industry partnerships, career services support, and flexible study paths.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Via Giovanni Branca 122, Roma
Map not found.
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