The Master’s Programs and Master of Arts Scholarships Competition at IED — Istituto Europeo di Design offers a valuable pathway for talented creative professionals from around the world to pursue postgraduate education in Design, Fashion, Visual Arts, Communication, and related creative disciplines. Designed to attract and support outstanding candidates, these scholarships help reduce the financial burden by covering a portion of the tuition fee and opening doors to advanced study and creative careers in Europe. IED+1
1. What Is IED and Its Master’s Programs?
IED (Istituto Europeo di Design) is a renowned network of design schools with campuses primarily in Italy and Spain (including Milan, Rome, Florence, Turin, Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, and Como). It specializes in creative education and offers a wide range of Master’s Programs and Master of Arts courses that combine academic knowledge with practical, industry-oriented experiences — often developed in collaboration with leading global companies.
Master’s Programs at IED span areas such as:
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Fashion Design and Management
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Product, Graphic & Interior Design
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Visual Arts & Communication
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Digital Media & Interaction Design
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Art, Culture & Creative Industries
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Emerging fields in sustainable and social design
These programs are designed for graduates who wish to further specialize and develop a professional profile relevant to contemporary creative markets.
2. What Is the Master’s Programs and Master of Arts Scholarships Competition?
IED’s Scholarships Competition is a merit-based initiative that awards partial tuition support (typically covering 50% of the tuition fee) to successful applicants of its Master’s and Master of Arts courses. These scholarships are offered annually and aim to support talented students — including international applicants — in pursuing advanced creative education.
In recent iterations of the competition:
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IED, in partnership with Accademia Aldo Galli (Como) and Kunsthal Centro Superior de Diseño (Bilbao), offered hundreds of scholarships (e.g., 173 scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year) covering half of the tuition fee across various Master and Master of Arts programs held in Italy and Spain.
3. Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the IED Master’s Scholarships Competition, applicants typically must:
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Hold a three-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) — or be in the final phase of completing it.
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Have at least two years of relevant work experience in the chosen field (optionally, depending on the competition rules and program).
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Demonstrate language proficiency (often at B2 level in the language of instruction, usually English, Italian, or Spanish).
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Submit required documentation, including a CV, degree certificate/transcript, motivation letter, portfolio (if required), and other project materials aligned with the competition brief.
Both international and EU candidates can participate, with specific eligibility windows and regulations published for each scholarship cycle.
4. How the Scholarship Competition Works
Registration and Submission
Candidates must:
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Register online through the official IED scholarship portal.
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Receive a confirmation email and access a personal area to upload documents.
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Prepare and submit the required materials before the competition deadline (e.g., March 10, 2025 for some competition cycles).
Selection Process
The selection typically involves:
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Evaluation of submitted academic and creative portfolios.
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A possible online aptitude test or workshop.
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An interview with program coordinators to assess fit and potential.
The process is competitive, and candidates are judged by a panel of academic and industry professionals based on creativity, academic merit, and alignment with the program’s goals.
Announcement and Enrollment
After selection, winners are notified, and they typically have a limited period (e.g., a few days) to confirm acceptance and complete enrollment in the chosen Master’s program.
5. Scholarship Benefits
The main benefit of this competition is tuition fee reduction, typically:
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50% off tuition for the Master’s or Master of Arts program.
Some previous competitions have also included tutorship positions that act as partial scholarships and can cover additional tuition credits for enrolled students, showing IED’s commitment to facilitating participation.
Note: Scholarships usually do not cover enrollment fees, living costs, accommodation, or international travel expenses; candidates must account for these separately.
6. Why This Scholarship Matters
A Boost to Career Development
IED’s programs are designed in collaboration with industry partners, offering specialized tools and professional exposure in creative sectors — such as sustainability in design, fashion innovation, digital media, and cultural communication.
Securing a scholarship reduces financial barriers and allows students to focus on learning and networking without the full weight of tuition costs.
Diverse Learning Environment
Programs take place across dynamic European creative hubs like Milan, Barcelona, and Rome — each offering unique cultural and professional opportunities.
For international students, this can be an immersive educational experience that also builds cross-cultural connections and enhances employability in global markets.
7. Practical Tips for Applicants
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Start early: Deadlines are strict (often around March–June for the next academic year).
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Prepare a strong portfolio: Your creative work is key in the evaluation.
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Write a compelling motivation letter: Clearly articulate your vision, goals, and how the Master’s program will bridge your career aspirations.
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Demonstrate proficiency in language and professional skills: This is essential, especially for programs taught in Italian or Spanish.
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Stay updated: IED frequently updates competitions and scholarship scopes; registering for updates on the official portal is highly recommended.
8. Conclusion
The Master’s Programs and Master of Arts Scholarships Competition at IED represents a significant opportunity for aspiring creative professionals around the world. By offering partial tuition support in a competitive, merit-based format, the program helps unlock access to advanced studies in key creative fields, fostering both artistic excellence and industry readiness.
Whether you want to specialize in fashion, design, visual arts, communication, or cultural management, this scholarship competition can help make a world-class postgraduate education more attainable — provided you prepare early, showcase your creativity effectively, and leverage the rich professional ecosystem that IED offers. IED
