Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
Milan, Italy
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA)
Milan, Italy
Founded
1980
Institution Type
Private Academy
Total Students
5,400+
International Students
70+ Countries
Discover NABA: Italy's Largest Private Academy of Fine Arts
Discover NABA: Italy's Largest Private Academy of Fine Arts
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) is a private academy of fine arts founded in Milan, Italy in 1980. It is the largest private academy of fine arts in Italy and was the first to be officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) in 1981. Part of the Galileo Global Education group, NABA operates campuses in Milan, Rome, and London, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in design, fashion, media, and other creative disciplines.
NABA was founded by Ausonio Zappa, with the involvement of Guido Ballo and Tito Varisco, with the aim of challenging rigid academic traditions and introducing new visions based on contemporary artistic and professional practice. The academy's teaching method emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining theory taught by practicing industry professionals with hands-on practical work alongside leading companies and studios.
Today, NABA offers academic diplomas equivalent to first- and second-level university degrees in design, fashion design, graphics and communication, multimedia arts, new technologies, set design, and visual arts, as well as PhD and special programs. Programs are available in both Italian and English, making the academy highly accessible to its diverse international student body from over 70 countries.
Key Milestones
- 1980: Founded in Milan by Ausonio Zappa, Guido Ballo, and Tito Varisco as a new vision for art education
- 1981: Became the first private academy in Italy to be officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR)
- 1994: Received the prestigious Ambrogino certificate of civic merit awarded by the Comune of Milan
- 2019: Opened a branch campus in the Ostiense district of Rome, expanding its reach across Italy
Academic Programs and Creative Disciplines at NABA
Academic Programs and Creative Disciplines at NABA
NABA offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the creative arts and design fields. Undergraduate programs span three years while graduate programs are two years, and all are available in both Italian and English. The academy's curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience and industry collaboration, preparing graduates for competitive careers in the creative sectors.
Design
The Design area covers product, interior, and service design, training students to envision innovative solutions and manage all phases of a project's development through practical studio work.
- BA in Design
- MA in Product and Service Design
- MA in Interior Design
Fashion Design
The Fashion Design area focuses on both the creative and business aspects of fashion, equipping students with design expertise and artistic sensibility in the global fashion capital of Milan.
- BA in Fashion Design
- MA in Fashion and Textile Design
- MA in Fashion Design and Management
Communication and Graphic Design
This area covers everything from typography and branding to digital design and advertising, preparing students for careers in the evolving communication and visual design industries.
- BA in Communication and Graphic Design
- MA in Communication Design
- Academic Master in Sustainable Innovation Communication
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts area spans painting, sculpture, new media, and performance art, supported by globally recognized artists, curators, and critics who guide students in developing their creative practice.
- BA in Visual Arts
- MA in Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies
- Academic Master in Art and Ecology
Media Design and New Technologies
This area explores CGI, game development, VFX, 3D animation, and virtual reality, training students in the most innovative digital techniques for creative industries.
- BA in Creative Technologies
- MA in Media Design and New Technologies
- MA in Audiovisual Screenwriting
Set Design
The Set Design area immerses students in the world of scenography, equipping them with creative skills for theatre, film, events, and exhibition design through intensive project-based learning.
- BA in Set Design
- MA in Set Design
- BA in Film and Animation
Admission Requirements for NABA
Admission Requirements for NABA
Undergraduate (BA) Admissions
- EducationSecondary school diploma (12 years of education) or equivalent
- English ProficiencyIELTS 5.0 or equivalent (for English-taught programs)
- Italian ProficiencyCEFR B1 level (for Italian-taught programs)
- PortfolioRequired; evaluated on aesthetic awareness, composition, technique, and originality
- Admissions TestAll applicants must pass an entrance exam for their chosen program
Graduate (MA) Admissions
- EducationBachelor's degree or equivalent first-level academic diploma
- English ProficiencyIELTS 5.0 or equivalent (for English-taught programs)
- PortfolioDigital portfolio required, plays a key role in the evaluation process
- Supporting DocumentsPersonal statement, CV/resume, official undergraduate transcript, copy of degree
- Professional ExperienceRelevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a formal degree for some programs
Priority application deadline for programs starting in October. Applications may be accepted after this date as space permits.
Application deadline for programs with a February start date. Available for select graduate programs only.
Non-European students must submit pre-enrolment through the UniversItaly platform during this period for visa processing.
Deadline for the International Postgraduate Scholarships (Portfolio-Based) competition. Check NABA website for current year dates.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at NABA
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at NABA
NABA's tuition fees vary based on the program level and the student's residency status. EU students may qualify for reduced fees based on household income brackets, while non-EU students are generally assigned to the highest income bracket unless they meet specific residency requirements. Contact NABA directly for the most current fee schedule.
| Fee Category | EU Students (varies by income) | Non-EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (per year) | Contact NABA for income-based brackets | EUR 15,695 - EUR 23,000 |
| Master of Arts (per year) | Contact NABA for income-based brackets | EUR 21,600 |
| Academic Master (1-year) | Contact NABA for income-based brackets | EUR 21,600 - EUR 25,600 |
| Regional Tax (annual) | Included in tuition | Included in tuition |
| Total | Varies by income bracket | EUR 15,695 - EUR 25,600 per year |
International Postgraduate Scholarships (Portfolio-Based)
Merit-based scholarships for international students applying to Master of Arts or Academic Master programmes, offering partial tuition fee coverage awarded through portfolio evaluation.
- Amount: Up to EUR 7,000 tuition reduction
- Eligibility: International students meeting academic and language requirements
- Renewable: Yes, for the second year subject to meeting specified requirements
NABA Merit Scholarships and Financial Aid
NABA offers partial tuition fee reductions to deserving students with financial constraints, evaluated based on academic merit combined with financial situation. NABA alumni receive a 20% reduction on graduate tuition fees.
- Graduate Discounts: Up to 60%, 50%, 40%, or 20% tuition reduction
- Alumni Discount: 20% reduction for NABA bachelor's degree holders
- Regional Scholarships: Diritto allo Studio awards based on financial and merit requirements
NABA Campus and Facilities in Milan's Navigli District
NABA Campus and Facilities in Milan's Navigli District
NABA's main campus is set in the beautiful and historic Navigli area of Milan, one of the city's most vibrant and creative neighborhoods known for its picturesque canals and artistic atmosphere. The campus comprises 13 modern buildings spread over 17,000 square meters, equipped with cutting-edge design laboratories, studios, and classrooms that are constantly updated to keep student work fresh and relevant.
The main Milan campus features 13 modern buildings spanning 17,000 square meters in the heart of the historic Navigli canal area.
State-of-the-art design labs and specialized studios equipped with cutting-edge tools for fashion, product design, multimedia, and visual arts.
Opened in 2019, the Rome campus occupies two historic early 20th-century buildings in the creative Ostiense district near the Tiber River.
Housing and Student Support
Accommodation Services
NABA supports students in finding accommodation through selected agencies and private owners, offering single or double rooms in shared apartments or single apartments with a minimum 12-month lease.
- Shared apartments with other students
- Single apartments through partner agencies
- List of hostels and hotels at student rates
Campus Technology
Both Milan and Rome campuses feature internal telematics infrastructure connecting over 200 locations, with extensive wireless networks and virtual archive space accessible from anywhere.
- Extensive campus-wide wireless network
- Personal virtual archive space on NABA network
- Apple partnership with special student pricing
Student Life at NABA Milan
Student Life at NABA Milan
With students from over 70 countries, NABA offers a truly multicultural environment where you can collaborate with and learn new creative approaches from international peers. The Student Life Office provides a wide range of non-educational services to facilitate integration, from bureaucratic assistance to healthcare and social life matters.
Milan: The Global Capital of Design and Fashion
Milan: The Global Capital of Design and Fashion
Living and Studying in Milan
Milan is internationally recognized as a capital of fashion, design, art, and culture. As Italy's economic and creative hub, the city offers students unparalleled access to leading design studios, fashion houses, galleries, and cultural institutions. With easy train connections to Venice, Tuscany, Rome, and the stunning lakes and mountains of Northern Italy, Milan is an ideal base for exploring Europe.
Design and Fashion Capital
Home to Milan Design Week, Milan Fashion Week, and headquarters of iconic Italian fashion brands, the city places NABA students at the epicenter of global creative industries.
Navigli District
NABA's campus is located in the historic Navigli area, known for its picturesque canals, vibrant nightlife, artisan workshops, and bohemian creative atmosphere.
Cultural Heritage
Milan is home to Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, La Scala opera house, the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Triennale design museum, and numerous world-renowned galleries.
European Connectivity
Milan's international airports and central train station provide easy access to destinations across Italy and Europe, making weekend travel and cultural exploration effortless.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Success at NABA
Career Outcomes and Alumni Success at NABA
Notable Partner Companies and Institutions
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Non-European students must complete mandatory pre-enrolment through the UniversItaly platform. NABA's International Admissions Office guides you through the process. Allow at least 90 days for visa processing.
NABA offers dedicated Student Care services for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and physical disabilities, ensuring equal access and support throughout their studies.
The Career Services Office supports your transition from academy to the professional world, helping develop self-promotion tools, setting up internship agreements, and connecting you with employment opportunities.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
NABA Worldwide Rankings and Recognition
NABA Worldwide Rankings and Recognition
NABA has earned significant international recognition as one of the leading art and design academies globally. Selected by QS World University Rankings as the top academy of fine arts in Italy for Art and Design, NABA has also been recognized by Frame Publishers, Domus Magazine, and Business of Fashion among the top creative institutions worldwide.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #41 worldwide (2026) |
| Product Design (MA) | Frame Publishers Masterclass Guide | Top 30 Graduate Schools (2012) |
| Fashion and Textile Design (MA) | Frame Publishers Masterclass Guide | Top 30 Graduate Schools (2013) |
| Interior Design (MA) | Frame Publishers Masterclass Guide | Top 30 Graduate Schools (2014) |
Features
Learning by thinking: Our programmes constitute a continuous sequence of multidisciplinary experiences generating research and projects in the artistic and professional contexts of current trends.\nLearning by doing: Ideas become projects, strategies, techniques and technologies, turning into prototypes and in some cases developing into products for the companies we work with.\nTeaching by learning: Learning by doing is also teaching by learning and this has changed the relationship between teachers and students: classes and groups have transformed into work teams that liaise continuously with companies and research institutes.\nExperience forms the methodological skeleton through which innovation insinuates itself and guides us in planning the future together.
Accommodation
Accommodation service is not available.\n
Work While Studying
Students can work while studying.\n
Co-op/Internship Participation
There is an internship service.\n
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
May - July
Location
Via Carlo Darwin, 20/22, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
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