Fashion Design Degrees

Studying Fashion Design in Australia

Fashion Design in Australia blends creativity, innovation, and sustainability to offer students a dynamic and future-focused education in one of the world’s most exciting creative industries. Through a combination of hands-on experience and theoretical learning, students gain the skills and industry awareness needed to succeed in local and international fashion markets.

Australia is home to a vibrant fashion scene known for its independent labels, sustainable practices, and bold aesthetic. Fashion schools in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne offer world-class teaching and state-of-the-art facilities, supported by strong links to industry leaders and global design networks.

From design studios and textiles labs to internships and runway shows, fashion students in Australia benefit from a curriculum designed to mirror the pace and standards of the industry itself.

Types of Fashion Design Degrees

Fashion Design degrees in Australia offer an integrated curriculum that blends creative exploration with technical and professional development. While course content varies by institution, typical modules include:

• Fashion design and illustration

• Garment construction and pattern-making

• Textile and fabric technology

• Fashion business and marketing

• Trend analysis and forecasting

• Sustainable and ethical fashion practices

• CAD and digital design tools

• Portfolio development and professional practice

Courses are often project-based, allowing students to build a strong personal portfolio while gaining exposure to real-world briefs, client work, and industry expectations.

Bachelor of Fashion Design

The Bachelor of Fashion Design is an undergraduate degree that develops a comprehensive understanding of the design process, from concept development and fabric selection to construction and marketing. Students learn the practical and creative skills required to produce innovative fashion collections, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and critical thinking.

Entry requirements:

• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent

• Portfolio submission (required by most institutions)

• IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)

Master’s of Fashion Design

The Master of Fashion Design is a postgraduate qualification designed for emerging designers seeking to refine their creative direction, develop advanced research skills, and engage with complex industry challenges. Students work closely with academic staff, guest lecturers, and practising designers to push the boundaries of their personal and professional design practice.

Core and elective subjects often lead to a final capstone project or collection, showcasing the student’s design philosophy and readiness for the fashion industry.

Entry requirements:

• A recognised undergraduate degree in fashion or a related field

• Portfolio submission and/or interview

• IELTS score of 6.5–7.0 overall (no band less than 6.0)

PhD Fashion and Textiles

A PhD in Fashion and Textiles is a research-based doctoral programme aimed at scholars and practitioners interested in making an original contribution to the fields of fashion design, textile innovation, or related cultural and scientific areas. Students undertake independent research with supervision, producing a thesis that advances knowledge in areas such as fashion technology, materials science, textile sustainability, or cultural identity in fashion.

PhD candidates in Australia benefit from access to world-leading research facilities and opportunities for academic publication, exhibitions, and collaboration with industry and museums.

Scholarships

Many fashion design universities in Australia provide scholarships and grants to international students. Below are just two of the many available scholarships.

Jobs and Careers

Graduates of Fashion Design degrees in Australia are highly employable thanks to their creative portfolios, practical training, and exposure to industry. Many go on to launch their own labels or work with leading design houses, fashion retailers, publications, and sustainability-focused brands. Common job roles include:

• Fashion designer

• Textile or surface designer

• Fashion stylist or art director

• Fashion merchandiser or buyer

• Fashion marketer or brand manager

• Fashion journalist or content creator

• Sustainability advisor in fashion supply chains

• Costume designer for theatre or film

Salary

Entry-level positions in the fashion industry, such as assistant designers, merchandisers, or retail associates, typically command salaries ranging from AUD 50,000 to AUD 70,000 annually. Graduates with specialised skills, such as in sustainable fashion or digital marketing, may find themselves on the higher end of this scale due to the increasing demand for expertise in these areas.

• Junior Designer: AUD 55,000 – AUD 70,000

• Fashion Stylist: AUD 60,000 – AUD 80,000

• Senior Designer / Brand Lead: AUD 85,000 – AUD 120,000+

Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and whether graduates work freelance, for a brand, or in adjacent industries like media or retail.

Top Universities for Fashion Design in Australia

• University of Technology Sydney
• Queensland University of Technology
• Curtin University
• RMIT University
• Torren’s University Australia
• Box Hill Institute
• TAFE NSW
• Holmes Institute
• Whitehouse Institute of Design

Study Fashion in Australia

If you want to study for a fashion degree in Australia, arrange a free consultation today. Our expert team can assist with course selection, scholarship availability and how to apply. You’re in good hands.

FAQs

What qualifications are required to study fashion design in Australia?

To get into a diploma, graduate, or postgraduate course in fashion design, you need to have an excellent academic record. You must have a qualified English proficiency test, such as IELTS/TOEFL.

What career opportunities are available after completing a fashion design course in Australia?

Many career opportunities are available after graduation with a fashion design degree in Australia. Some of the best career options include retail manager, fashion designer, and visual merchandiser.

Are there scholarships available for international students pursuing fashion in Australia?

Yes, there are some Australian universities that offer fashion design courses to international students. These scholarship programs include tuition fees, living expenses, and cost of living.