NABA Summer Courses 2026: design and fashion in Milan for international students

NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, is one of the most renowned private academies of arts and design in Italy. The institution ranks among the top 100 worldwide in Art and Design. For summer 2026, the Summer Courses open enrollment in Milan and Rome with two-week intensive courses taught entirely in English.

The standout feature that attracts international students is the range of profiles served: teenagers from age 15 and adults of any age can participate, each group with a specific pedagogical structure. Students who have completed one or two years of an undergraduate degree have access to intermediate or advanced-level courses. Those still discovering the field will find introductory courses and creative exploration tracks.

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How are NABA's summer courses organized?

The structure is based on self-contained two-week sessions. At the Milan campus, there are three sessions between June 30 and August 7, 2026. The Rome campus operates with two sessions between June 28 and July 24. Each session has its own courses, and the choice of session depends directly on the desired subject.

The courses have 45 hours of coursework and award 3 CFA credits, where 1 CFA equals 1 ECTS. These credits are transferable to the student's home university, making the program relevant also for those already pursuing a degree in art, design, or communications.

The methodology combines on-campus classes with visits to museums, design studios, companies, and production facilities in Milan and Rome, connecting academic content to the real professional environment.

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What subjects are available in Milan?

The six major areas are: Communication and Graphic Design, Design, Fashion Design, Media Design and New Technologies, Set Design, and Visual Arts. Within each area, subjects vary by session.

In Session 1 (June 30 to July 10), highlights include Digital illustration and AI, Product design, Fashion image and styling, and Sound design. In Session 2 (July 14 to 24), the catalog expands with Motion graphics, Fashion and AI, Interior design for hotels, Game development, and Concept art. In Session 3 (July 28 to August 7), options focus on Fashion design, Textile design, 3D character design, and Lighting design.

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What does the Rome campus offer that is different?

Rome features subjects not available in Milan: Costume design for cinema, Travel photography, Film documentary, and Sketching around in Rome, the latter using the city itself as a subject of study. The campus also offers the "Two cities, one vision" option: a session from July 6 to 17 with the first week in Rome and the second in Milan.

The Rome packages for students aged 15 to 18 include accommodation at the Crossroad Hotel, half board, an unlimited public transport pass, and excursions such as visits to the MAXXI Museum and the Boncompagni Ludovisi Museum.

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Who can participate in the NABA Summer Courses?

NABA divides participants into four proficiency levels:

• Introductory: no specific academic background in the field; suitable for those discovering the area
• Intermediate: with one or two years of an Art and Design degree in progress or completed
• Advanced: students in the final stage of their degree or with initial work experience in the field
• Experience: people of any age who want to explore a creative passion in a new setting

The general minimum age for regular courses is 18. Candidates aged 16 may be considered for Introductory or Experience courses with a parental declaration. For teenagers aged 15 to 17, access to the Milan campus is through the Young Creatives programs, with dedicated Fashion Design Hub and Design Hub courses for this group. Rome also has specific programs for ages 15 to 18.

Those building a career path in creative arts, visual arts, or fashion can start mapping this journey with specialized support through Be Easy's vocational career program for young people, which covers everything from institution curation to the logistical details of the stay.

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How does accommodation work, and what do the packages include?

For the Milan campus, there are four Summer Package options:

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Insurance, arrival transfer, on-site representative

The Full-Inclusive package for young students includes a group leader at a ratio of 1 per 15 students and a support tutor, making the program suitable for teenagers traveling without their parents for the first time.

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Is there a program that combines two European cities?

Yes. In addition to the separate tracks within Milan and Rome, NABA offers a program in partnership with one of the leading design and fashion institutions in the United Kingdom. This format takes place in two phases: the first outside the Italian campus, in London, and the second at the Milan campus. The article about this specific program provides details on the curriculum and the ideal candidate profile.

For students who already have clarity about their creative field and are looking for a structured vocational exchange in arts and design, combining two cultural centers in a single journey represents a formative stage that is hard to replicate in any other context.

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Frequently asked questions about NABA Summer Courses 2026

Do the credits earned in the Summer Courses have academic validity outside Italy?

‍Yes. Each course awards 3 CFA credits, with an equivalence of 1 CFA to 1 ECTS. The ECTS is the European credit transfer system recognized in over 40 countries. Transfer depends on the policy of the student's home university.

What is the language requirement to participate?

‍Courses are taught entirely in English. NABA requires fluent proficiency in the language. There is no specified minimum level by a specific test in the official materials, but the course content presumes full comprehension of technical instruction in English.

Can 15-year-olds participate without their parents?

‍Yes, as long as they enroll in the Young Creatives programs (Milan) or equivalent programs in Rome. The Full-Inclusive package includes a group leader, support tutor, and all necessary documentation for minors, including parental authorization for independent travel and a code of conduct signed by the guardians.

What is the difference between the Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced levels?

‍The Introductory level is designed for those with no prior academic background in the field who are exploring it for the first time. Intermediate serves students with one to two years of an Art and Design degree. Advanced is suitable for those in the final stage of their degree or with initial professional experience. There is also the Experience level, open to people of any age with no prerequisites, focused on creative exploration.

Are the NABA Summer Courses suitable for working adults?

‍Yes. The Adult Package is designed for this profile: accommodation in a 4-star hotel or flat with private kitchen, insurance, and arrival transfer, without the intensive supervision of the youth packages. The Advanced level and Experience courses serve adults with and without a formal background in the field.

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Be Easy: Boutique study abroad consultancy

Be Easy supports students who want to build a creative career abroad with real planning. If your interest is in design, fashion, or visual arts, we have the right curation to map the ideal program, prepare the documentation, and ensure support from departure to arrival. To explore the available options and speak with a dedicated senior consultant, get in touch with us.