Asia
1. Bunka Fashion College
Founded in 1923 and located in Tokyo, Japan. It is the first and a specialised Japanese fashion vocational institute, they have state of the art facilities. Possibly the most influential fashion school in Japan, it produced some of the most famous names in the fashion industry. Their notable alumni include Yohji Yamamoto, Kenzo Takada and Tsumori Chisato.
Please be aware that all courses in Bunka are taught in Japanese, so you need to be proficient in the language. Its specialised curriculum allows you to be updated at times. In this school, sustainable fashion (environmentally conscious) is a focal point of their courses, offering subjects in fashion design, fashion technology, fashion marketing and distribution, fashion accessories and textiles.
2. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
Located in Hong Kong, PolyU offers a multicultural studying experience to its students. Founded as the Government Trade School in 1937, it has undergone a few major expansions and it was granted its full university status in 1994.
PolyU is currently hosting 2 world-renowned schools, namely: 1. School of Design, 2. School of Hotel and Tourism Management. Over 27,000 students are pursuing their studies at PolyU (2020/21). Currently ranked 16th for Art & Design and 15th for Architecture & Built Environment*, notable alumni including Wong Kar-wai, Vivienne Tam and Paul Wong. The university strives to advance and share knowledge, educate the next generation for the benefit of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.
3. Tongji University
Established in 1907 and located in Shanghai, one of the most developed cities in China.
The university has gone through a number of expansions and currently it is offering courses in science, engineering, management, medicine, arts and law; all the way from undergraduate to PhD. As of November 2022, the university has 45 schools and 11 affiliated hospitals; showing it has great connections with the local industries.
Tongji University is a popular local choice and it accommodates over 37,000 Chinese students and attracts over 2,000 of international students to study there as well***. Currently ranked 12th for Art & Design and 13th for Architecture & Built Environment*, it nurtured notable alumni including Wang Shu, Wan Gang and Wu Mengchao.
4. Tsinghua University
Founded in 1911, Tsinghua University is one of the most prestigious and influential university in China. Located in northwest Beijing, the university is surrounded by numerous historical sites. The university progressed itself into a polytechnic institute after People’s Republic of China was founded. Though it is generally known for its achievements in the scientific areas, Tsinghua is ranked 9th for Architecture and 20th for Art & Design in the world*.
Currently the university has 21 schools and 59 departments***, educating its students across an extensive range of subjects. Notable alumni including Xi Jinping, Hu Jintao and Zhu Rongji. This university is committed to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders, contribute towards China and the world.
5. National University of Singapore (NUS)
Founded in 1905, NUS is the flagship Singaporean university and ranked 11th in the world**. It is also ranked 8th for Architecture & Built Environment and 31st Art & Design*.
Located at Singapore, it is a global hub for education, entertainment, finance, innovation and more. NUS’s 17 schools are offering extensive undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across different fields to almost 44,000 students***. Committed to quality education and research, NUS strives to innovate in order to serve the country and society, allowing students to reach their potentials. Notable alumni including Tan Eng Chye, Mahathir Bin Mohamad and Tan Chorh Chuan.
6. The University of Tokyo
Established in 1877, The University of Tokyo is one of the most well-established and most prestigious universities in Japan. Tokyo is a dynamic city where you can explore a fine blend of history, culture and education. Currently it accommodates almost 29,000 students, with over 4,000 international students studying there. The university has 3 core campuses, each specialises in different subjects***. In terms of Art & Design, it excels in architecture. Notable alumni include Arata Isozaki, Toyo Ito and Fumihiko Maki.
Not often seen in a Japanese university, it runs an architecture programme at Master’s level which is all taught in English. This course is extremely competitive since it only admits 10 students a year.
*According to QS World University Subject Rankings 2022.
**According to QS World University Rankings 2023.
***Facts and statistics of universities are available from their official websites.