Competences
Fashion is an expression of our time. Clothes must reflect society and ask questions about it. Through the education, Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design seeks to develop aesthetic, creative and technical prerequisites in order to strengthen the student in his work and to be able to take a stand. The education has the task of opening up new horizons and thereby stimulating the students to innovate in their design process. Fashion and trends are constantly moving in rapid shifts to keep consumers interested. The students must be curious, investigative and experimental. Their clothes and design must reflect society and bear the mark of an immersion in it. Art, culture, society, aesthetics and philosophy are areas that are explored in depth.
In the teaching process, the students are challenged to exceed their own limits, to create new forms, material treatments and color combinations. The goal is to achieve innovative combinations and reinterpretations of the already existing through craftsmanship skills. Through the research and the drawing process, the students get a basic insight into inspiration, form and depth, elements which are indispensable for moving forward in the design process. The aim is for the students to be able to combine their natural creative aspect with the technical, so that the problems that the business world will ask them can be solved in an extremely professional manner. At the same time, it will be the students’ duty to contribute to modern society with innovation, quality and sustainability.
Values and Vision
Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design’s goal is to educate designers who, with their resources, will be able to develop a quality product containing identity and personality. The students are chosen based on their strong personality, creativity and willingness to develop their design skills, and the school’s international environment leads to a high degree of creative development among the students, both during and after the education.
The school also has the task of promoting and continuously improving the connection to the business world. The professional affiliated teachers are all employed within the industry either with their own brand or in industry. Thereby, they constantly contribute with current information from the industry, while at the same time creating an important contact between companies and students.
Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design greatly appreciates its values, which include the students, teachers and staff at the school. We know that fashion holds great potential as a tool for social change, and Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design therefore works towards equipping our future designers with a deep understanding of the social, economic and political forces that shape ideas into practice.
Profile
Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design’s strength is its artisanal and creative approach to design education. The place’s positive, dynamic and creative atmosphere encourages the students to develop personality, originality and individuality. A development which, through basic, factual and artificial studies, enables the student to be able to carry out design tasks for industry, brands or own production after graduation.
Getting there requires effort and perseverance. The students have to go through hard work to acquire basic tools to be able to create new forms and show originality in their designs. They must be skilled in their line to express both the creative and technical drawings, so that these can be communicated further in the process to the ultimate solution.
Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte is the school’s patroness, and the school has set up a fund from which the Benedikte Prize is awarded. The Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design (formerly the Margrethe-Skolen) has had the pleasure and honor of educating Her Royal Highness, who has since maintained her connection to the place.
International
Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design’s graduates have for many years held a graduation show & event during the Copenhagen fashion week, which is visited by more than 40,000 international buyers, designers and press. Here, the students give their take on future fashion in the form of creative and craftsmanship skills. The invitees range from industry professionals, bloggers, influencers and journalists from home and abroad, to everyone who thinks that fashion is an essential field that is worth participating in and exciting to explore.
By participating in major Scandinavian fashion events, such as Copenhagen Fashion Week, Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design’s education is an excellent stepping stone for the students to the international fashion scene. During the course, the school also has brand and company projects as well as society and culture lessons. The knowledge the students gain from these projects and lessons, they can take with them directly into the fashion industry or to related companies and institutions after graduation. In this way, fashion theory is included as a tool used to place fashion in a societal, cultural context, and gives the student insight into the structures and working methods of the fashion industry.
Certification
The education entitles the graduate to use the title Designer, Clothing Designer, Apparel Designer and/or Fashion Designer, which qualifies the students for work in the fashion industry both at home and abroad, as well as more opportunities for admission to foreign design schools and universities. Students from Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design will also be awarded a graduation certificate after completing their education, which is recognized worldwide.
The education at the Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design is standardized for 3 years and corresponds to 180 ECTS points, which is the same number of points as a bachelor’s degree. The program is SU-approved by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science and level-assessed by the Danish Accreditation Institution.
SU Approved by:
Level rated by:
Purpose of the Education
The purpose of the education is, on an artistic and scientific basis, to educate students who can participate in design practice, including as a fashion designer.
During the three-year course, students learn to research, analyze, experiment and explore a product on the basis of solid skills in crafts such as pattern design, sewing technique, draping and shaping. After graduation, the students will be able to take on jobs in the fashion industry and be able to offer quality at the highest level both nationally and internationally. The students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to start their own business, be employed in the fashion industry or assert themselves at a high creative level. The goal of the education is thus to educate completed, rounded and experienced designers who are ready to take on jobs in the industry directly after completing the education.
Through the education, SAFD seeks to develop aesthetic, creative and technical prerequisites to be able to strengthen the student in his work and to be able to take a stand. Our education has the task of opening up new horizons and thereby stimulating the students to innovate in their design process. Fashion and trends are constantly moving in rapid shifts to keep consumers interested. The students must be curious, investigative and experimental. Their clothes and design must reflect society and bear the mark of an immersion in it. Art, culture, society, aesthetics and philosophy are areas that are explored in depth.
In the teaching process, the students are challenged to exceed their own limits, to create new forms, material treatments and color combinations. The goal is to achieve innovative combinations and reinterpretations of the already existing through craftsmanship skills. Through the research and the drawing process, the students get a basic insight into inspiration, form and depth, elements which are indispensable for moving forward in the design process. The aim is for the students to be able to combine their natural creative aspect with the technical, so that the problems that the business world will ask them can be solved in an extremely professional manner. At the same time, it will be the students’ duty to contribute to modern society with innovation, quality and sustainability.
Education Structure
During the three-year course, students learn to research, analyze, experiment and explore a product on the basis of solid skills in crafts such as pattern design, sewing technique, draping and shaping. After graduation, the students will be able to take on jobs in the fashion industry and be able to offer quality at the highest level both nationally and internationally. The students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to start their own business, be employed in the fashion industry or assert themselves at a high creative level. The goal of the education is thus to educate completed, rounded and experienced designers who are ready to take on jobs in the industry directly after completing the education.
First year
The first year focuses on basic skills in drawing, research, computer design, pattern construction and sewing technique/confectionery. Materials theory and fashion history are taught alongside creative design. The student is encouraged to go in depth with fashion and culture and thus show how these aspects can contribute to fashion today and in the future.
There are four major projects, each focusing on a piece of clothing: dress, trousers, jacket and concept development.
Second year
The second year has an emphasis on the design process, upcycling and advanced sewing techniques. Based on fashion and art, the student must create silhouette and form through analysis and idea development. Brand and industrial projects as well as sustainability will also be included in the semester.
In the second year, a sustainable women’s and/or men’s collection must be produced with an emphasis on idea, material, function and accessories. In this context, a portfolio is prepared with identity, common thread, flat drawing, fashion illustrations, graphic set-up, materials and color chart.
Third year
The third year focuses on advanced sewing techniques, communication and marketing, internships and a large graduation project. An internship period of three months gives the student insight into and experience from a clothing company. At the same time, the student gets the opportunity to test the learned skills in practice. With SAFD’s extensive network and connection to the fashion industry, the students have the opportunity for an internship. This stay will benefit the students after graduation, both with regard to job applications and to have built up good contacts in the industry in the event of starting their own business.
Semester Overview
The school’s three-year education is divided into six semesters. In each semester, different sub-elements are included which are made up of subjects that the student must complete. The sub-elements of the education aim to ensure that the student acquires basic knowledge, skills and competences within the core areas of the education.
Goals and Learning
All subjects and projects in the 6th semester lead up to the final exam. It is expected of the students that they work constructively and creatively with a focus on the experimental and professional aspects.
The focus is on the more process-oriented projects. Brand and company projects on sustainability are presented, so that the students get contact and insight into the chosen companies and their sustainable profile. Emphasis is also placed on creative tasks, where work is done experimentally with silhouette, design and material.
Students at 5th and 6th semester has by this time acquired tools, techniques and work experience. The student has thus acquired the skills and knowledge to develop process, product and marketing. Throughout the course of the education, all of each individual student’s projects are evaluated by SAFD’s teachers and internal and external censors, both orally and in writing.
Application Process
To be considered for a study place, applicants are asked to complete our admissions form further down the page. We will then review the application and will then contact the applicant in the near future. Upon acceptance of the applicant’s registration, the applicant will be invited to a personal interview, where you will have the opportunity to see the school’s surroundings, ask questions and where the school’s management will have the opportunity to hear more about the applicant.
Step 1
The applicant sends an application via the form below. Upon acceptance of the registration, the applicant is invited to a personal interview, where there is an opportunity to see the school’s surroundings, ask questions and where the school’s management has the opportunity to hear more about the applicant.
Step 2
The applicant is invited to a personal interview (can be done via online meeting in special cases). At the admissions interview, the applicant must bring creative work or artistic and craft work to display.
Step 3
We assess the application and the applicant will receive a response to his application to SAFD within 30 days. In special cases or in the case of applications received six months before the start of school, the decision can however be delayed for a longer period of time.
Admission Requirements
SAFD takes your education as seriously as you do yourself, and we welcome the applications we receive from all potential students. Emphasis is placed on curiosity, interest and knowledge of fashion, culture and society. Emphasis is also placed on goals and determination on the part of the applicant, an ability to empathize and a desire to experiment. To be original in one’s expression, possess the ability to use the eye, and have a feeling for shape, color and material.
In order to be admitted to the programme, SAFD has the following requirements for prospective students:
- Applicant must be 18 years of age.
- Applicants must have a formulated business objective and a desire to make a name for themselves in the industry after graduation.
* SAFD reserves the right to grant exemptions to applicants if they do not meet the relevant requirements. This can happen if the school e.g. assesses that applicants show extraordinary abilities within the subject or, if applicants live abroad and do not have the opportunity to come to a personal interview.
Rates and Payment
The education fee amounts to a total of 198.000 DKK, which is due in the following instalments:
| 1. Rate | 1. June | 39.500 DKK |
| 2. Rate | 1. November | 39.500 DKK |
| 3. Rate | 1. May | 39.500 DKK |
| 4. Rate | 1. November | 39.500 DKK |
| 5. Rate | 1. May | 20.000 DKK |
| 6. Rate | 1. November | 20.000 DKK |
When admission has ben accepted, a deposit of DKK 4,000 is paid, which is refunded upon payment of the 6th Installment.
Payment to SAFD can be made via bank transfer to the school’s account in Nordea:
Reg no. 2191
Account no. 0102 303083
Regarding payments from abroad:
IBAN: DK9220000102303083
SWIFT: NDEADKKK
SU and Scholarships
The education is SU-approved by the Agency for Higher Education and Science and Research, and the student can therefore apply for SU. This can be done via SU’s website, which you can find here.
Rates for SU
SU is DKK 6,589 per month for those living away from home and up to DKK 2,593 per month (depending on household income) for those living at home.
In addition, the student is eligible for an additional SU supplement of up to DKK 2,572 per month as SAFD is a private school.
SU loan and Private earnings
In addition to SU, it is possible to take out an SU loan of DKK 3,371 per month.
If you receive SU, there are limits to how much you can earn on the side – known as the “annual allowance”. Maximum allowed income per month in addition to SU is 18,412 DKK for students who do not live with their parents.
Loan Options
Students from Denmark can apply for funding from the Danish State Educational Grant (SU) www.su.dk
Students from Norway can apply for support from Lånekassen www.lånekassen.no
Students from Sweden can apply for funding from CSN www.csn.se
Students from Iceland can apply for funding from LIN www.lin.is
Economy
We understand the importance of supporting our talented students so they can pursue their passion and excel as future designers. We have therefore made it a little easier to get an overview of the various types of allowances, scholarships and loans, to ensure that financial concerns do not stand in the way of your educational journey.
329.796DKK
Income (incl. SAFD supplement) for non-resident SU for the entire education.
121.356DKK
Maximum income from SU loan.
451.152DKK
Total income from SU and SU loans.
198.000DKK
Tuition fee for the entire education.
210.528NOK
Maximum income for the scholarship for non-residents for the entire education.
133.560NOK
Maximum income from loans for the entire education.
344.088NOK
Total income from scholarships and loans from Lånekassen.
≈305.000NOK
Tuition fee for the entire education.
131.472SEK
Scholarship income for the entire education.
396.864SEK
Maximum income from loans.
528.336SEK
Total income from scholarship and loans.
≈315.750SEK
Tuition fee for the entire education.
6.900.000ISK
Maximum income for loans through LIN.
6.900.000ISK
Total income from scholarships and loans from Lånekassen.
≈3.815.060ISK
Tuition fee for the entire education.
We understand that every student has unique financial circumstances. That’s why we offer flexible payment options, including installment plans that can be customized to your needs.
At Scandinavia Academy of Fashion Design, we want to remove as many financial barriers as possible and allow you to focus on your education and creative development. Our educational supplements, including grants, scholarships and internship opportunities, are designed to enhance your educational journey and help you achieve your dreams as a designer. We are here to support you on your path to success in the fashion world.
Rates from 2023.
History
Since 1931, SAFD (formerly Margrethe-Skolen) has educated a large number of the leading designers, stylists and business people in the Danish and foreign fashion world.
Visit SAFD
Are you curious to see and hear more about SAFD and the education? Come by our campus and see the school and get more information about the education.
Admission
Taking a fashion design education is one of the best decisions you can make if you are interested in fashion and design. Submit an application to secure a spot.