​​Best Design Universities In Europe (2025)

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Choosing the right design university can shape your career, mindset, and your approach to solving real-world problems.

Europe, with its rich artistic heritage and future-forward design culture, offers some of the best design universities in the world—from Bauhaus-inspired schools in Germany to leading innovation hubs in the Netherlands, Italy, and the UK.

In this Design Journal guide to the best design universities in Europe, we cover each university in-depth, including what makes them unique, their program offerings, notable alumni, and why you should consider them for your design education.

Whether your interest is in UX design, industrial design, fashion, architecture, or graphic design, these universities set the stage for a successful, impactful design career.

Best design universities in Europe

When it comes to pursuing a career in design, Europe offers a wealth of prestigious institutions renowned for their innovative programs and creative environments.

Explore the leading design universities that can help shape your artistic future and provide valuable industry connections.

1. Royal College of Art

The Royal College of Art (RCA) in London has consistently topped global design school rankings, offering postgraduate courses exclusively in art and design.

RCA fosters a culture of radical experimentation across disciplines such as visual communication, intelligent mobility, innovation design engineering, and service design.

The school is deeply connected to the UK’s creative industries, offering strong exposure and networking opportunities with top studios, agencies, and brands.

Its world-class faculty includes practicing designers, researchers, and artists who guide you in pushing boundaries while grounding you in practical skills.

RCA’s collaborative culture encourages interdisciplinary projects, fostering innovation between design, science, and technology.

Why choose RCA:

• Ranked as the top art and design university globally for multiple consecutive years.
• Strong industry connections in the UK’s thriving creative economy.
• Emphasis on critical thinking and hands-on studio practice.

2. The Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is globally recognized for its excellence in fine art and design education, offering programs in communication design, interior design, product design engineering, and fashion design.

GSA’s Mackintosh Building symbolizes its commitment to creativity and craftsmanship, embodying Scotland’s contribution to global design.

GSA’s programs emphasize studio-based learning, encouraging experimentation and critical thinking.

It offers access to industry-standard workshops and facilities while immersing students in a culture of creativity that extends across Glasgow’s thriving arts and design scene.

Why choose GSA:

• Scotland’s leading design institution with global recognition.
• Strong emphasis on hands-on studio practice and experimentation.
• Active engagement with Scotland’s creative industries.

3. Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano is Italy’s premier design university, renowned for its cutting-edge programs in product design, interior design, fashion design, and communication design.

Located in Milan, a global fashion and design capital, the university bridges Italian craftsmanship with modern design thinking.

Its programs combine rigorous academic learning with hands-on workshops, encouraging students to engage with real projects and participate in design fairs like Salone del Mobile.

Politecnico’s approach to design education focuses on sustainability, technology integration, and human-centered design.

Notable alumni include designers who have significantly impacted global brands and luxury design houses, making it an ideal choice if you wish to enter the luxury or industrial design sectors.

Why choose Politecnico di Milano:

• Located in Milan, providing access to global design events.
• Programs balanced between theory and practical application.
• Excellent reputation across Europe and globally in the design sector.

4. Aalto University

Based in Helsinki, Aalto University is globally recognized for its human-centered, sustainability-focused design education.

The School of Arts, Design and Architecture at Aalto emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between design, technology, and business, preparing students for modern design challenges in service design, UX, and industrial design.

Finland’s design culture, deeply rooted in functional, minimalist design, influences Aalto’s programs, promoting user-centered approaches while addressing environmental and societal issues.

The university’s thriving design ecosystem also offers startup incubation support for design-led ventures.

Why choose Aalto University:

• Strong interdisciplinary and sustainable design focus.
• Located in one of Europe’s most design-forward countries.
• Active collaboration with startups and global design agencies.

5. Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths, University of London, is renowned for its creative and critical approach to design education, particularly in interaction design, design futures, and design and innovation.

The university’s Department of Design encourages students to tackle complex social, cultural, and technological challenges through research-led projects.

Students benefit from London’s rich creative industry environment while developing a critical design practice that pushes the boundaries of conventional design thinking.

Why choose Goldsmiths:

• Critical, research-driven design education.
• Strong focus on societal impact and design futures.
• Access to London’s creative and tech ecosystems.

6. Delft University of Technology

TU Delft offers one of the best Industrial Design Engineering programs in Europe, combining creativity, technology, and business.

Known for its practical, research-driven curriculum, TU Delft emphasizes solving societal challenges using human-centered design methods, systems thinking, and prototyping.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art labs, cross-disciplinary collaboration with engineering departments, and research projects that prepare them to design sustainable solutions for the future.

TU Delft graduates are highly sought after by top European and global companies due to their technical proficiency and innovative thinking.

Why choose TU Delft:

• Strong focus on sustainability and technology integration.
• Research-driven learning with strong industry partnerships.
• Excellent employability and networking within Europe.

7. University of Porto

The University of Porto’s Faculty of Fine Arts (FBAUP) offers strong programs in communication design, multimedia art, and industrial design, making it one of Southern Europe’s key hubs for design education.

The school blends traditional artistic methods with modern technological approaches, providing a comprehensive learning experience for aspiring designers.

Located in Porto, a city known for its architectural and cultural heritage, the university offers students opportunities to engage with local and international design communities while participating in workshops, exhibitions, and design festivals.

Why choose the University of Porto:

• Portugal’s leading institution for design and fine arts.
• Blend of tradition, technology, and cultural richness.
• Affordable tuition with access to Europe’s design networks.

8. The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh’s College of Art (ECA) offers comprehensive programs in product design, graphic design, interior design, and illustration, integrating creativity with critical design thinking.

The university emphasizes research, sustainability, and technology, preparing students to address real-world challenges through design.

Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural landscape enhances the learning experience, allowing students to engage in live projects and exhibitions that bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Why choose the University of Edinburgh:

• Part of a world-renowned research university.
• Strong focus on sustainability and societal impact.
• Located in Edinburgh, a UNESCO City of Literature with a thriving design community.

9. Berlin University of Arts

Berlin University of the Arts (UdK) is one of Europe’s largest art and design institutions, offering programs in visual communication, industrial design, product design, and digital media.

UdK is known for its interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to collaborate across departments while fostering innovation.

Berlin’s vibrant, experimental art and design scene complements UdK’s programs, giving students the opportunity to engage with a diverse, multicultural creative community while building networks within Europe’s design capital.

Why choose UdK Berlin:

• Germany’s leading design institution with a focus on experimentation.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across the arts.
• Located in Berlin, a global hub for art and design.

10. University of Oxford

While the University of Oxford is primarily known for its academic programs, its Department of Engineering Science and Saïd Business School have developed innovative design and technology programs, particularly within design engineering and user-centered design for emerging technologies.

Oxford’s design-related programs combine rigorous research with practical design applications, emphasizing problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation.

Its interdisciplinary environment encourages collaboration between design, business, and technology, making it a unique choice for those looking to explore design from a research and entrepreneurial perspective.

Why choose the University of Oxford:

• World-class academic reputation.
• Focus on interdisciplinary design and technology.
• Strong research-led environment for innovation in design.

11. Central Saint Martins

Central Saint Martins (CSM) is one of Europe’s most iconic design schools, known for its programs in fashion design, graphic design, product and industrial design, and spatial practices.

Part of the University of the Arts London, CSM champions creativity, experimentation, and innovation.

CSM’s programs are highly respected worldwide, and its alumni have shaped global design, from Alexander McQueen in fashion to renowned product designers and creative directors across industries.

Its London location connects students to a global network of industry leaders, creative agencies, and emerging startups.

Why choose Central Saint Martins:

• Internationally recognized for excellence in design education.
• Experimental, forward-thinking curriculum.
• Access to London’s global creative industry.

12. National School of Decorative Arts

The National School of Decorative Arts, officially known as École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD), is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious institutions dedicated to decorative arts and design.

Located in the heart of Paris, ENSAD offers specialized programs across graphic design, interior architecture, textile design, animation, and product design, combining the rigor of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design thinking.

ENSAD’s educational philosophy encourages students to explore their artistic vision while addressing social and environmental challenges through design.

The school fosters an environment of interdisciplinary learning, enabling collaborations between art, design, and technology.

Students regularly participate in exhibitions and projects linked to France’s thriving design scene, ensuring their portfolios are industry-ready.

Why choose the National School of Decorative Arts:

• France’s leading institution for decorative arts and design education.
• Strong focus on craftsmanship, artistic exploration, and social responsibility.
• Located in Paris, offering access to Europe’s premier design community and cultural resources.

13. ENSCI–Les Ateliers

ENSCI–Les Ateliers in Paris is renowned for its innovative approach to industrial design, textile design, and design for new technologies.

The school emphasizes user-centered design, critical research, and technological experimentation, encouraging students to address societal challenges through design.

ENSCI has a strong reputation for nurturing creative talent that merges practical design skills with conceptual thinking, making it a top choice for students seeking a forward-thinking design education in Europe.

Why choose ENSCI–Les Ateliers:

• Innovative and research-driven design education.
• Emphasis on real-world problem-solving through design.
• Strong network within the French and European design community.

14. Zurich University of Arts

Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is one of Europe’s largest arts universities, offering a wide range of programs in visual communication, interaction design, and game design.

ZHdK is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary environment that combines design with technology, media, and arts.

The university encourages students to engage in projects that bridge design, research, and cultural studies, providing them with the flexibility to shape their learning based on individual interests and emerging industry trends.

Why choose ZHdK:

• Wide range of design disciplines and interdisciplinary options.
• Strong focus on experimentation and research.
• Located in Zurich, a hub for European design and innovation.

15. Aarhus University

Aarhus University, one of Denmark’s leading research universities, offers a strong design education through its School of Communication and Culture and the Department of Engineering, with programs in Digital Design, Information Studies, and Industrial Design.

Known for its Scandinavian approach, Aarhus integrates user-centered design, sustainability, and technological innovation within its curriculum, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges using design thinking.

Aarhus University emphasizes a research-led, project-based learning environment where students work on industry-relevant projects, collaborating across disciplines such as technology, engineering, and social sciences.

This cross-disciplinary structure allows design students to gain practical experience while building critical thinking skills essential for careers in UX design, service design, and product development.

Why choose Aarhus University:

• Integrates Scandinavian design philosophy with technology and sustainability.
• Research-led, project-based learning with industry collaborations.
• Strong European design network connections in Denmark’s creative industry.

Conclusion

Europe offers a rich landscape for design education, whether you’re interested in UX, industrial, fashion, or communication design.

By choosing one of these best design universities in Europe (2025), you position yourself to gain world-class education, build a strong design portfolio, and network with the industry’s leading professionals.

Selecting the right design school is not just about prestige; it’s about aligning with an environment that challenges you, mentors you, and propels you toward the designer you aspire to become.

Frequently asked questions

Which country is best to study design in Europe?

Several European countries are renowned for design education, each offering unique strengths:

• United Kingdom (London, Glasgow, Edinburgh): Known for experimental, industry-connected design programs and vibrant creative industries.
• Netherlands (Eindhoven, Delft): Renowned for user-centered, conceptual, and industrial design education.
• Italy (Milan): Ideal for fashion, luxury, and product design, with strong industry links.
• Germany (Berlin, Weimar): Offers innovative, Bauhaus-influenced design education with a focus on experimentation.
• Finland and Denmark: Excellent for sustainability-focused, Scandinavian design approaches.

The best country to study design in Europe depends on your chosen discipline, budget, and preferred design culture.

If you want fashion and product design, Italy is ideal; for UX and industrial design, the Netherlands or Scandinavia is excellent.

What is the best design school in Europe?

The Royal College of Art (RCA) in London consistently ranks as the best design school in Europe and globally, offering postgraduate courses across disciplines like visual communication, service design, and innovation design engineering.

Other top contenders include:

• Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
• Design Academy Eindhoven (Netherlands)
• Central Saint Martins (UK)
• TU Delft (Netherlands)
• Umeå Institute of Design (Sweden)

Each of these design schools is globally recognized for excellence, with strong industry connections and a commitment to nurturing innovative design talent.

What is the best university to study design?

The best university to study design depends on your focus area:

• For UX and industrial design, TU Delft, Umeå Institute of Design, and Aalto University are among the best.
• For fashion and luxury design, Central Saint Martins and Politecnico di Milano are excellent.
• For experimental, conceptual design, Design Academy Eindhoven and RCA are top choices.

Which university is the best for design?

The best university for design depends on your focus:

• For design technology and innovation, MIT and RCA are excellent.
• For fashion and product design, Parsons and Politecnico di Milano excel.
• For experimental and conceptual design, Design Academy Eindhoven and RCA are strong choices.