Top 10 Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai: Courses, Fees, Admissions & Career Opportunities

Mumbai is one of India’s major centres for fashion, textiles, entertainment and retail, making it an attractive destination for students who want to build a career in fashion design. From creating original clothing collections to working in fashion styling, textile design and costume production, studying at the right institute can help students develop the creative and technical skills required in the industry. With several fashion designing colleges in Mumbai offering B.Des degrees, B.Sc. programmes, vocational courses and diplomas, choosing the right option requires careful research. This guide explores 10 fashion design institutes and colleges in Mumbai and nearby Navi Mumbai, along with course options, admission requirements, fees, career opportunities and student accommodation tips.

Top 10 Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai

1. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai

Location: Sector 4, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is a government-established fashion education institute operating under the Ministry of Textiles.

Although known as NIFT Mumbai, its campus is located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

NIFT offers undergraduate programmes that combine creative design, technical training and practical industry exposure.

Popular courses include:

• B.Des. Fashion Design
• B.Des. Textile Design
• B.Des. Fashion Communication
• B.Des. Knitwear Design
• B.Des. Accessory Design
• B.F.Tech. Apparel Production

The four-year Fashion Design programme covers areas such as fashion illustration, garment development, textiles, design research and collection development.

Students work on studio assignments and industry-related projects to develop their design knowledge.

Admission process: Candidates applying for undergraduate design programmes must follow the NIFT entrance examination and counselling process. The official admission portal currently provides information for NIFTEE 2027.

Best for: Students seeking a recognised fashion design degree with a strong focus on technical and creative education.

Accommodation tip: Students relocating to Kharghar can explore CozyStays PGs and hostels near NIFT Mumbai and compare travel times before booking.

2. Pearl Academy, Mumbai

Location: Andheri East, Mumbai

Pearl Academy is a private design education institute with a Mumbai campus located near Marol Metro Station.

The academy offers programmes across fashion, design, styling, communication and related creative fields.

Its fashion programmes combine design concepts, practical assignments, materials research and portfolio development.

Popular courses include:

• B.Des. Fashion Design
• B.Des. Fashion Styling
• B.Des. Fashion Communication
• B.Des. Textile Design

The four-year B.Des. The fashion design programme focuses on garment design, fashion research, textile knowledge, sustainable design and creative problem-solving.

Students interested in styling or fashion media can consider the more specialised courses.

Admission process: Pearl Academy uses a General Proficiency Test (GPT), Design Aptitude Test (DAT), personal interview and portfolio assessment for its design programmes.

Best for: Students interested in fashion design, fashion styling, creative direction and fashion communication.

Planning tip: Check the official programme page and admission schedule for the latest intake, since available seats and application dates vary.

3. ATLAS SkillTech University, ISD I School of Design & Innovation

Location: Kurla West, Mumbai

ATLAS ISDI offers a Bachelor of Design programme in Fashion Design & Technology.

The university is based at Equinox Business Park, near Bandra-Kurla Complex.

Its fashion programme combines traditional design skills with technology, sustainability, garment development and new design tools.

Popular course: B.Des. Fashion Design & Technology.

Course duration: Four years.

Students explore fashion illustration, fabrics, garment construction, creative research and digital approaches to design.

The programme also introduces emerging technologies used in the fashion sector.

Admission process: The published eligibility requirement includes a minimum of 50% in Class 12 or an accepted equivalent qualification, alongside the university’s selection process.

Best for: Students interested in combining fashion design, garment production and digital design methods.

Planning tip: ATLAS has published information for its July 2027 intake. Check the latest application stages and portfolio requirements directly with the university.

4. Whistling Woods International

Location: Film City, Goregaon East, Mumbai

Whistling Woods International offers fashion education through its School of Fashion & Costume Design.

The school was established in collaboration with fashion designer Neeta Lulla and provides training connected with clothing, fashion design and costume creation.

Its location within Film City may interest students who want to explore fashion’s relationship with film, television and entertainment production.

Popular course: B.Des. Fashion Design.

Course duration: Four years.

The programme covers design development, clothing construction, fashion research, materials and creative portfolio development.

The institute publishes the programme as being offered in association with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

Admission process: Applicants must follow the published entrance assessment and selection procedure, which includes creative and interview components.

Best for: Students interested in fashion design, costume design, styling and entertainment-related creative work.

Planning tip: Confirm the current degree-awarding arrangement, course curriculum and total programme fees before enrolling.

5. ITM Institute of Design & Media

Location: Andheri, Mumbai, according to its current ITM Mumbai programme pages

ITM Institute of Design & Media offers a Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design with a focus on studio learning and practical assignments.

Its programme introduces students to fashion illustration, fabrics, garment development, technical design and the creative processes used to develop clothing collections.

Popular course: B.Des. Fashion Design.

Course duration: Four years.

The curriculum includes design projects, technical coursework and opportunities to develop professional portfolios.

Students can also explore subjects related to fashion styling, forecasting and apparel production.

Admission process: Applicants should review the institute’s current application procedure, eligibility requirements and selection stages.

Best for: Students interested in project-based fashion education and garment development.

Important campus note: ITM’s current Mumbai pages describe an Andheri location, while other ITM Skills University material describes a Kharghar location. Confirm the teaching campus and degree-awarding university for your particular intake before arranging admission or accommodation.

6. Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science

Location: Juhu, Mumbai

Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science is an autonomous college affiliated with SNDT Women’s University.

The college offers a programme in Textiles and Fashion Designing for students interested in both clothing design and fabric development.

Popular course: B.Sc. Textiles and Fashion Designing.

The college publishes a four-year honours route and has also listed a three-year degree pathway in its admission material.

Students study areas such as:

• Fashion illustration
• Textile design
• Garment construction
• Draping and grading
• Computer-aided textile design
• Fashion marketing
• Portfolio development

The programme combines creative subjects with an understanding of fabric properties, textile processes and clothing production.

Admission process: Students from Arts, Commerce, Science and Home Science backgrounds can meet the published stream requirements after Class 12, subject to the current prospectus.

Best for: Students interested in textile design, garment construction and fashion design within a university-affiliated college environment.

7. Premlila Vithaldas Polytechnic, SNDT Women’s University

Location: Santacruz West, Juhu Campus, Mumbai

Premlila Vithaldas Polytechnic is part of SNDT Women’s University’s Juhu campus.

The institute offers vocational programmes that focus on practical and career-related education.

Its Bachelor of Vocation in Fashion Design provides an alternative to conventional B.Des. and B.Sc. degrees.

Popular course: B.Voc. Fashion Design.

Course duration: Three years, including an internship component under the published structure.

The programme focuses on design skills, apparel-related knowledge and practical learning.

Students considering vocational study should compare the qualification with a full design degree to understand differences in curriculum and progression opportunities.

Admission process: The published requirements include Class 12 or equivalent vocational and technical qualifications, with separate conditions for eligible lateral-entry applicants.

Best for: Students who prefer vocational fashion education and practical training.

Planning tip: Check the latest admission prospectus for current intake, internship arrangements, fees and eligibility.

8. JD Institute of Fashion Technology

Location: Vile Parle West, Mumbai

JD Institute of Fashion Technology offers a range of fashion-related degree, diploma and short-duration programmes.

Its Vile Parle centre is near the railway station, making it accessible from several western suburbs.

Students can explore qualifications that focus on different areas of clothing design and fashion production.

Published course options include:

• B.Sc. Fashion Design
• B.Des. Fashion Design
• Diploma in Fashion Design
• Advanced Diploma in Fashion and Apparel Design
• Diploma in Fashion Illustration
• Fashion styling and merchandising courses

Courses cover subjects such as fashion drawing, pattern-making, draping, garment construction and clothing design.

Admission process: Applicants should select their preferred course and follow the institute’s counselling and admission procedure.

Best for: Students who want to compare degree programmes, specialist diplomas and shorter fashion courses.

Planning tip: Confirm the awarding university for any degree programme. A diploma or professional certificate should not be treated as equivalent to a recognised bachelor’s degree without verification.

9. Raffles Design International, Mumbai

Location: Kurla West, Mumbai, according to its published contact address

Raffles Design International offers fashion design programmes covering garment development, fashion research, textile-related knowledge and practical design work.

Its website lists certificate, advanced diploma and bachelor’s top-up pathways.

Students can study the process of developing fashion ideas, preparing design concepts and creating garments.

Published programme types include:

• Fashion Design Certificate
• Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) top-up pathway

The programme structure may suit students considering fashion education through a staged qualification route.

Admission process: Applicants should contact the institute to confirm current entry requirements and available intakes.

Best for: Students researching fashion design diplomas and international qualification pathways.

Important note: Confirm the current teaching address, degree-awarding body, recognition and any overseas study requirements before paying fees. The institute’s published Kurla address is a registered contact address and should not be assumed to be the teaching location.

10. Amity School of Fashion Technology, Amity University Mumbai

Location: Bhatan, near Panvel, Mumbai Metropolitan Region

Amity School of Fashion Technology offers fashion-related undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Amity University Mumbai.

Although marketed under the Mumbai campus name, the university is located near Panvel rather than in central Mumbai.

The school provides courses covering fashion design, textiles, styling, communication and technology.

Published course options include:

• B.Des. Fashion Design
• B.Des. Fashion Styling & Image Design
• B.Des. Fashion Communication
• B.Des. Textile Product Design

The Fashion Design programme includes design fundamentals, technical subjects, garment construction and related specialisations.

The school publishes details about garment construction laboratories, draping facilities and textile resources.

Admission process: Students must follow the university’s current application and eligibility rules.

Best for: Students interested in private university fashion education and specialised design pathways.

Planning tip: Some programmes on the university’s current website are marked as not open for admission. Confirm which course will accept applications for your intended intake.

Quick Comparison of Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai

These are researched programme options, not a formal ranking. Availability, degree recognition and campus locations should be checked for the admission year.

What Fashion Designing Courses Can You Study in Mumbai?

Fashion education includes more than a single bachelor’s degree.

Before applying, understand the differences between the main qualifications.

Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) in Fashion Design

A B.Des. is generally a four-year undergraduate programme covering creative design, technical skills and studio projects.

Students learn about fabrics, fashion illustration, garment construction, collection development and related creative subjects.

B.Sc. in Fashion Designing

A B.Sc. programme may combine clothing design with subjects such as textile science, apparel manufacturing, fabric technology and fashion marketing.

Course duration and structure depend on the university.

Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.) in Fashion Design

A B.Voc. degree places greater emphasis on vocational skills and practical training.

It can suit students who prefer an applied route into fashion-related work.

Diploma in Fashion Designing

Diploma programmes vary in length and depth.

Some focus on garment construction, fashion illustration or styling, while others cover several areas of design.

A diploma can be suitable for focused skill development, but it is not automatically equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

Postgraduate Fashion Courses

Students who already hold an undergraduate degree can explore M.Des., M.Sc. or postgraduate diploma programmes.

The best choice depends on their existing qualification and intended specialisation.

Fashion Designing Colleges in Mumbai: Course Fees

Fashion designing course fees vary significantly between government-established institutes, university departments and private design schools.

Several factors affect the total cost:

• Programme duration
• University and degree-awarding body
• Tuition and admission charges
• Design materials and studio supplies
• Examination and project charges
• Internships and educational visits
• Hostel or PG accommodation
• Travel and everyday living expenses

The cost of materials deserves particular attention.

Fashion students may need sketchbooks, sewing tools, fabrics, pattern-making supplies, software and materials for final collections.

Some programmes include certain facilities in tuition, while others require students to purchase supplies separately.

Before paying an admission fee, request a complete written fee structure for the full course.

Also ask about scholarships, refunds, deposits and whether tuition fees change in later years.

Fashion Designing Admission Process in Mumbai

Most undergraduate fashion degree programmes accept applications after Class 12, although the precise eligibility rules vary.

1. Complete Class 12 or an Accepted Equivalent

Students from Arts, Commerce and Science streams can apply for several fashion design programmes.

Some institutes specify minimum marks, while others place greater weight on entrance assessments and portfolios.

2. Check the Entrance Examination

Different institutes use different selection procedures.

For NIFT, applicants should follow the official NIFT admissions portal.

Students applying to private institutes should check their current admission pages for available dates and exam requirements.

3. Prepare Your Design Portfolio

Some fashion colleges ask students to present creative work.

A beginner’s portfolio might include fashion sketches, fabric experiments, drawings, mood boards, photographs of garments or other original creative projects.

You don’t need to copy professional designers’ work. Show your ideas and explain how you developed them.

4. Prepare Admission Documents

Institutes may request Class 10 and 12 marksheets, identification documents, photographs, entrance exam results and applicable category or migration certificates.

5. Compare Admission Offers Carefully

Before accepting an offer, check the exact course name, qualification level, awarding institution, campus location and total fee.

Career Opportunities After Fashion Designing

Fashion design qualifications can support different career paths, depending on your specialisation, technical ability, creative portfolio and work experience.

Fashion Designer

Fashion designers develop clothing concepts, research trends, select fabrics and work on garments or collections.

Fashion Stylist

Stylists select clothing and accessories for fashion shoots, advertising, events, celebrities and other clients.

Textile Designer

Textile designers create patterns, prints, fabric surfaces and material concepts for clothing and related products.

Costume Designer

Costume designers develop clothing for film, television, theatre and performances.

Fashion Illustrator

Fashion illustrators communicate clothing ideas through hand-drawn and digital artwork.

Fashion Merchandiser

Merchandisers work with product ranges, buying, sales planning, customer demand and fashion retail operations.

Fashion Entrepreneur

Some graduates start clothing labels, tailoring studios, boutiques or online fashion businesses.

Career tip: Build a portfolio during your course and seek suitable internships. A recognised qualification can provide an educational foundation, but it does not guarantee employment or a particular salary.

Where Should Fashion Design Students Stay in Mumbai?

Student accommodation is an important consideration for anyone moving to Mumbai for a fashion design course.

Fashion students may spend long hours in studios, working on assignments or preparing collections. A manageable daily commute can make it easier to balance college work and personal time.

Choose accommodation based on your actual campus, not just the college’s brand name.

Accommodation Near NIFT Mumbai, Kharghar

NIFT Mumbai is located in Sector 4, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

CozyStays offers furnished PG accommodation and hostels across Kharghar, with options for male and female students and different room-sharing preferences.

Students can explore:

• PGs and hostels in Kharghar
• Girls’ PG accommodation near NIFT Mumbai
• PGs near Kharghar Railway Station
• All CozyStays PG and hostel properties

For example, CozyStays lists Divya Corner in Sector 3, Kharghar, near NIFT College, and other furnished options in Sector 12 and nearby neighbourhoods.

Distances shown on property pages are estimates and should be verified using your actual college entrance and daily route.

What Should Students Check Before Booking a PG?

When comparing accommodation, consider:

• Monthly rent and security deposit
• Single, twin or triple sharing
• Meals or kitchen facilities
• Wi-Fi and study space
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Travel time to college
• Visitor rules and curfew policies
• Electricity charges and other additional costs
• Notice periods and refund conditions

You should also visit the property where practical, read the accommodation agreement and confirm current availability before paying a deposit.

Location matters: CozyStays’ Kharghar properties are particularly relevant for students attending NIFT Mumbai. They should not be presented as being close to every fashion college in central or western Mumbai.

How to Choose the Right Fashion Designing College in Mumbai

Choosing a fashion design college involves more than comparing well-known names.

Start by asking yourself which part of fashion interests you most.

If you want to design and construct clothing, focus on courses with strong garment construction, pattern-making and studio training.

If you prefer styling, media or fashion communication, review programmes covering photography, styling, branding and creative direction.

Students interested in fabrics and materials may prefer textile-focused programmes.

Before making a final decision, compare the curriculum, qualification recognition, teaching facilities, student projects, internship opportunities, total fees and commute.

Try to attend a campus visit or open day to see the laboratories, studios and student work.

You can also ask the institute for programme-specific placement information rather than relying on general university placement claims.

Final Thoughts

Mumbai offers several routes into fashion education, from four-year B.Des. programmes and textile degrees to vocational qualifications and specialist diplomas.

NIFT Mumbai, Pearl Academy, ATLAS ISDI, Whistling Woods International, SNDT-affiliated colleges and other fashion institutes provide different approaches to learning.

The right option depends on your interests, admission eligibility, budget and preferred location.

Before applying, check the exact degree, available seats, entrance requirements and full course costs.

If you’re planning to study at NIFT Mumbai in Kharghar, explore nearby furnished PG and hostel options through CozyStays and confirm your commute before booking accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which are the best fashion designing colleges in Mumbai?

NIFT Mumbai, Pearl Academy, ATLAS ISDI, Whistling Woods International, ITM Institute of Design & Media and SNDT-affiliated colleges are among the options students can research. Compare course recognition, practical training, fees, entrance requirements and campus locations before choosing.

2. Can I study fashion designing after Class 12?

Yes. Many fashion design bachelor’s degree programmes accept applicants after Class 12 from recognised boards. Several accept students from Arts, Commerce and Science streams. Admission may depend on academic marks, entrance tests, interviews or portfolio assessments.

3. Is an entrance exam compulsory for fashion designing colleges in Mumbai?

Not every course requires the same examination. NIFT uses NIFTEE for relevant programmes, while Pearl Academy uses GPT and DAT with an interview and portfolio assessment. Some other institutes use their own selection process or merit-based admission. Check the current requirements for each programme.

4. How much does a fashion designing course cost in Mumbai?

Fees vary by institute, degree type and duration. Government-established institutes, university colleges and private design schools have different fee structures. Students should also budget for fabrics, studio supplies, projects, accommodation, meals and travel. Request the latest full-course fee schedule before enrolling.

5. Where can NIFT Mumbai students find PG accommodation?

NIFT Mumbai is located in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. CozyStays lists furnished male and female PGs and hostels in Kharghar, including properties near NIFT and Kharghar Railway Station. Students can compare room types, amenities, rent and travel routes before arranging a property visit.