Welcome to the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano
Studying at The School of Design of Politecnico di Milano will give you the opportunity to enrich your academic knowledge and your professional skills.
The School of Design welcomes nearly 200 exchange students and more than 200 international enrolled Master level students each year.
The School of Design is characterized by its constant desire to experiment innovative, experimental development lines that respond to the real market needs of contemporary society. Nowadays, the School of Design is the largest international university for the training of product, communication, interior and fashion designers, both by number of students and teaching staff.
Academic Information for International Students
Academic information
Welcome Day Exchange 2025
Academic information
Welcome Day LM 2025
Information for Incoming Exchange Students
Students interested in an exchange at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano have first to contact the study abroad offices at their home universities. The School accepts only exchange students nominated by its partner universities. After being nominated by their home universities, students will receive a link to an online application form. Students have to provide a CV, portfolio and a transcript of records as attachments. Once the application is completed and if approved, students will receive an official letter of acceptance.
Application dates
For Autumn arrivals: from 1st to 30th April
For Spring arrivals: from 1st to 31st October
More details here: Exchange students - incoming - polimi
Language requirements
Although no official test records of Italian or English are required, we expect nominated students to be proficient in English and have at least a basic knowledge in Italian in order to fulfill the course assignments. We remind you that our Bachelor Programs are in Italian.
Course Selection
Exchange students at the School of Design can select a minimum of 6 ECTS and a maximum of 30 ECTS per semester.
A full workload at Politecnico di Milano is 30 ECTS per semester, which usually corresponds to 3–4 courses.
Students should indicate their main program and level during the application process and must register for at least one course from that program. If necessary, we may adjust the application to align with the student’s study field and level.
Exchange students enrolled in the School of Design must take the majority of their courses within this School. However, it is possible to take up to 10–12 ECTS from other Schools. Please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of courses outside the School of Design.
Bachelor-level students may choose and combine courses from the 2nd and 3rd year of the Bachelor program:
- Most Bachelor courses are taught in Italian, although some offer academic support in English (check the Course Details).
- We recommend not selecting courses without English support unless you have a good knowledge of Italian.
- Basic Italian knowledge is strongly recommended to complete assignments successfully.
Master-level students may choose and combine courses from the 1st and 2nd year of the Master program:
- Master courses are available only to Master-level students and to Bachelor students in their 4th year or beyond.
- Priority for Master courses is given to Master-level students.
Learn more about our academic system and courses: Study at Polimi School of Design
Courses Availability and Registration
The study plan registration will open before arrival and students will receive confirmation and approval of their courses before the semester starts.
Most courses are available, but places are limited. We cannot guarantee access to all courses. Therefore, exchange students are encouraged to select backup courses.
- Course allocation follows the “first come, first served” rule. The earlier you submit your study plan, the better.
- Before submitting your study plan, check that your selected courses do not overlap using the “Customized Schedule” tool in the Manifesti degli Studi
- Lessons timetables are available on the courses details, students can find also in the School of Design website the academic calendar and lessons timetables for each program: Lessons Timetable, Calendars & Deadlines - Design
- Pay attention to the location of each course to avoid consecutive classes on different campuses.
Academic Advisory School of Design
Answers questions about study plan issues, course registration, timetables
Provides Learning Agreement signature
International Mobility Unit
Provides certifications and official documents
Answers questions about enrolment, fiscal code, Polimi badge
Provides support about visa issues, health insurance, etc.
Information for Incoming Double Degree Students
Double Degree students coming in the School of Design will receive indications before their arrival, about the academic path they will need to attend according to their double degree program.
To know more about our academic system and the courses you’ll need to attend, please select your respective home University:
Academic Information Double Degree UNISINOS_2025.pdf
Academic Information Double Degree AZUAC_2025.pdf
Academic Information Double Degree Tsinghua_2025.pdf
Academic Information Double Degree Sao Paolo_2025.pdf
Academic Information Double Degree Tongji_2025.pdf
Academic Information Double Degree D&E_2025.pdf
Thesis Double Degree Incoming 2025.pdf
Academic Advisory School of Design
Answers questions about study plan issues, course registration, timetables
Provides Learning Agreement signature
International Mobility Unit
Provides certifications and official documents
Answers questions about enrolment, fiscal code, Polimi badge
Provides support about visa issues, health insurance, etc.