International Exchange Programme at NIFT and NID: A Complete Guide to Global Design Education Opportunities

International Exchange Programme at NIFT and NID offer allow students to study abroad for one semester while earning credits that transfer back to their Indian degree. These programmes cover tuition fees at partner universities, but students must bear travel, accommodation, visa, insurance, and living expenses themselves.

These programmes are not "study abroad consultancy" packages they are institutional, bilateral arrangements. This means seats are limited, selection is competitive, and availability varies year to year depending on which partner university has open slots for that academic term.

International Exchange Programme at NIFT and NID

PART 1: NIFT INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

NIFT's Global Connect initiative enables students across all 19 campuses and all course disciplines to participate in international exchange programmes. The programme allows students to:

• Interact with students from various geographies

• Broaden their vision and understand different cultures

• Participate in international competitions, seminars, research, and exhibitions

COMPLETE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR NIFT EXCHANGE

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Detail
Minimum CGPA	7.0 CGPA (overall or as specified by programme)
For FIT Dual Degree	7.5 CGPA minimum in Semesters 1 & 2
Programme Level	M.Des and UG Design students (Sem IV & VI)
Campus Eligibility	All 19 NIFT campuses eligible
Discipline Eligibility	All courses: B.Des, M.Des, BFT (Bachelor of Fashion Technology), MFT (Master of Fashion Technology)
Academic Standing	No backlogs/arrears in current semester
Attendance	Minimum 75% attendance in previous semesters (recommended)

Selection Criteria

Factor	Weight	Details
CGPA Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest priority	Students with highest CGPA selected first (seats limited)
Academic Consistency	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Consistent performance across semesters preferred
Programme Availability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mandatory	Must match available slots at partner university
Standardized Tests	⭐⭐⭐	Some programmes may require English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Interview Performance	⭐⭐⭐	Some programmes require interview/presentation

Programme-Specific Criteria

Programme	CGPA	Semester	Additional Requirements
RMIT, Australia	7.0+	Sem IV/V	None specified
Saxion, Netherlands	7.0+	Sem IV/V	German language NOT required
Politecnico di Milano, Italy	7.0+	Sem IV/V	None specified
Glasgow School of Art, UK	7.0+	Sem IV/V	Portfolio recommended
Shenkar, Israel	7.0+	Sem IV/V	None specified
STF, Switzerland	7.0+	Any	Basic textile knowledge preferred
FIT, USA (Dual Degree)	7.5+	Sem I & II	Strong portfolio, interview

Documents Required for Application

Document	Format
Academic CV/Resume	PDF
Semester Mark Sheets	PDF (all semesters)
CGPA Certificate	PDF
Passport Copy	PDF (valid passport mandatory)
Portfolio (if required)	PDF (max 15 pages)
Statement of Purpose	PDF (500-1000 words)
English Proficiency	IELTS/TOEFL (if programme requires)
Medical Certificate	PDF (fitness certificate)

Disqualifying Criteria

❌ Students will NOT be considered if:

• CGPA below 7.0 (or 7.5 for FIT dual degree)

• Active backlogs/arrears in any subject

• Passport validity less than 12 months

• Previous disciplinary actions at NIFT

• Medical conditions preventing travel/study abroad

• Failed to attend pre-departure orientation

Complete List of NIFT's International Partners (22 Institutions)

International University	Country	Area/Specialization
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)	USA	Fashion Design (Dual Degree)
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA)	Italy	Fashion & Fine Arts
Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts et Industries Textiles (ENSAIT)	France	Textile Industries
Schweizerische Textil fachschule STF	Switzerland	Textile & Fashion
KEA - Copenhagen School of Design and Technology	Denmark	Design Technology
EnaMoma (Université PSL)	France	Fashion Design
Politecnico di Milano (PDM)	Italy	Fashion & Design
Saxion University of Applied Sciences	Netherlands	Fashion & Textile Technology
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)	Australia	Design
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)	Australia	Fashion & Design
BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT)	Bangladesh	Fashion Technology
Namuna College of Fashion Technology (NCFT)	Nepal	Fashion Technology
Arts University Bournemouth	UK	Fashion & Arts
Nordic Centre at Tampere University	Finland	Textile & Fashion
University of Borås	Sweden	Fashion & Textile
Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design	New Zealand	Creative Arts
Massey University	New Zealand	Design

NIFT's Dual Degree Programme with FIT, New York

NIFT's most prestigious international tie-up is with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, USA. Under this strategic alliance, select meritorious NIFT students get the rare opportunity to earn a Dual Degree one from NIFT and one (an Associate in Applied Science, AAS) from FIT.

Aspect	Details
Programme Structure	2 years at NIFT → 1 year at FIT → 1 year back at NIFT
Degrees Awarded	Dual Degree from both NIFT + FIT
Program Name	AAS (Associate of Applied Science) Programme
Duration	1 year at FIT (August 2023 - June 2024 for Batch 1)
Students Selected (2023-24)	44 students nift+1
Next Batch (2025-26)	Fall semester August 2025 - July 2026

Complete Cost Breakdown for FIT Dual Degree

Expense	Cost
FIT Tuition & Fees	$18,140 for academic year (~₹15.1 lakhs)
Living Expenses	As per actual (student bears)
Travel & Accommodation	As per actual (student bears)
Total Annual Cost	₹18-22 lakhs (including living)

Detailed Expense Breakdown for NIFT Exchange (2024-25 Circulars)

Programme	Duration	Total Cost (6 months)	Key Expenses
RMIT, Australia	Jan-June 2025	₹8-10 lakhs	Living: ₹6-8 lakhs (single room)
Saxion, Netherlands	Jan-June 2020	₹2.5-3.5 lakhs	Accommodation: ₹22,500/month
STF, Switzerland	3 weeks	₹1.5-2.5 lakhs	Accommodation: ₹6,300-8,100/night
Glasgow, UK	July-Dec 2019	₹6.7 lakhs	Living: ₹1.11 lakhs/month
Shenkar, Israel	6 months	₹5-7 lakhs	Accommodation: 3,000-3,300 NIS/month

Realistic budgeting: Beyond the (often-waived) tuition, students should budget for the full cost of one semester abroad commonly estimated in the range of ₹2 lakh to ₹10+ lakh depending on the destination country, lifestyle, and exchange rates. European and Australian destinations tend to be on the higher end; Bangladesh and Nepal exchanges are considerably more affordable.

NIFT Application Process

Step	Timeline	Action
Research	12 months before	Explore partner institutes and courses
Application	6-8 months before	Submit to Office of International & Domestic Linkages
Processing	4-6 months before	CGPA verification required
Selection	3-4 months before	Final selection by partner institute
Pre-Departure	2 months before	Visa, travel, accommodation, bank guarantee

Application Fee: ₹2,000 processing fee for some programmes (e.g., PDM, Italy)

UDAAN-NIFT Scholarship Scheme

UDAAN is a scholarship scheme specifically designed to support NIFT students selected for short-term international study programmes most notably linked with opportunities at the Schweizerische Textilfachschule (STF), Switzerland.

• It provides partial financial assistance toward the cost of studying at the partner institute, helping bridge the gap between tuition concessions and actual living expenses.

• The scheme is announced via dedicated circulars under NIFT's Student Affairs / International Linkages section eligibility, the number of seats, and the exact subsidy amount are notified each cycle.

• Final selection for UDAAN-supported seats still depends on confirmation by the partner university NIFT nominates, but the host institute decides.

PART 2: NID INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

NID has established exchange programmes with more than 55 overseas institutions and plays a significant role in international design education collaboration.

Programme Types:

1. Faculty Exchange - Strengthen dialogue for design education and research

2. Research Collaboration - Joint collaborative research projects, seminars, workshops

3. Joint Workshops & Collaborative Projects - CEP workshops offered by faculty from both institutes

4. Open Electives - Two-week workshops (January/February) for senior students from UG/PG programmes

5. Student Exchange - Regular exchange for one semester

COMPLETE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR NID EXCHANGE

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Detail
Programme Enrollment	Full-time B.Des or M.Des program at NID (any campus)
Semesters Completed	Minimum 2+ semesters at NID before applying
Academic Record	Good academic record (no specific CGPA mentioned, but strong performance required)
No Backlogs	No active arrears or backlogs in current/previous semesters
Attendance	Minimum 75% attendance in previous semesters (recommended)
English Proficiency	Required - courses abroad conducted in English
Portfolio Quality	Strong portfolio showcasing design work is critical

Selection Criteria

Factor	Weight	Details
Academic Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest priority	Consistent good grades across semesters
Portfolio Quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Critical	Strong design portfolio with diverse projects
Statement of Purpose	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Clear motivation for exchange, learning goals
Discipline Match	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mandatory	Must match available courses at partner university
Language Skills	⭐⭐⭐	English proficiency required; additional languages helpful
Interview Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Some programmes require interview with partner university
Previous Experience	⭐⭐	International experience or competitions add weight

Programme-Specific Criteria

Programme	Minimum Semesters	Additional Requirements
Whitecliffe Global, New Zealand	2+	Up to 3 students annually
Rhode Island School of Design, USA	3+	Strong portfolio, English proficiency
Politecnico di Milano, Italy	3+	Portfolio, design background
Aalto University (UIAH), Finland	3+	Industrial design background
Konstfack, Sweden	3+	Art & design portfolio
Pforzheim University, Germany	3+	Industrial design focus
Royal College of Art, UK	4+	Advanced portfolio, M.Des preferred
Tama Art University, Japan	3+	Portfolio, interest in Asian design

Documents Required for Application

Document	Format	Importance
Academic CV/Resume	PDF	⭐⭐⭐⭐
All Semester Mark Sheets	PDF	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Portfolio (15-25 pages)	PDF	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ CRITICAL
Statement of Purpose	PDF (500-1000 words)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Passport Copy	PDF (valid 12+ months)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
English Proficiency Certificate	PDF	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Medical Fitness Certificate	PDF	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Letter of Recommendation	PDF (1-2 professors)	⭐⭐⭐
Design Project Samples	PDF/JPG	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Application Process Requirements

Requirement	Detail
Application Channel	Only through International Office at NID
Chief Coordinator	Mr. Arnab Senapati
Contact Email	outreach@nid.ac.in
Application Timeline	Apply 6-12 months before exchange semester
Final Selection	Done in consultation with partner university

Disqualifying Criteria

Students will NOT be considered if:

• Completed less than 2 semesters at NID

• Active backlogs/arrears in any subject

• Passport validity less than 12 months

• Weak or incomplete portfolio

• Poor academic record (multiple low grades)

• Medical conditions preventing travel/study abroad

• Failed to attend pre-departure orientation

• Disciplinary actions at NID

Complete List of NID's International Collaborations (60 Institutions)

ASIA & MIDDLE EAST (18 Partners)

University	Location	Specialization
Shenkar College of Engg. & Design	Ramat Gan, Israel	Textile & Fashion
University of Moratuwa	Moratuwa, Sri Lanka	Design
Kookmin University	Seoul, Korea	Design
Holon Institute of Technology	Holon, Israel	Design
Taiwan Design Center	Taipei, Taiwan	Design
Tama Art University	Tokyo, Japan	Art & Design
Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College	Jerusalem, Israel	Multi-disciplinary
National Cheng Kung University	Taiwan	Design
Asia University	Taichung, Taiwan	Design
Musashino Art University	Tokyo, Japan	Art & Design
Central Academy of Fine Arts	Beijing, China	Fine Arts
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)	Hong Kong	Design
Chiba University	Chiba, Japan	Design
Chanapatana International Design Institute	Thailand	Design
King Mongkut's University of Technology	Thonburi, Thailand	Design
Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design	Jerusalem, Israel	Arts & Design
International University of Chabahar	Chabahar, Iran	Design
Tokyo University of the Arts	Tokyo, Japan	Arts

AFRICA (3 Partners)

University	Location	Specialization
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA)	Johannesburg, South Africa	Design & Architecture
Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)	Kigali, Rwanda	Design
Faculty of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University	Kumasi, Ghana	Art

AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA (6 Partners)

University	Location	Specialization
Monash University (FADA)	Clayton, Australia	Design
Design & Arts College	Christchurch, New Zealand	Design & Arts
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)	Melbourne, Australia	Design
University of New South Wales	Sydney, Australia	Design
Deakin University	Australia	Design
Whitecliffe Global	New Zealand ⭐ NEW 2025	Creative Design

Recent 2025 Partnership Details:

• Duration: 5 years (initial period)

• Student Exchange: Up to 3 students from NID per year to Whitecliffe Global

• Activities: Courses, independent research, joint workshops

University	Location	Specialization
Aalto University (UIAH)	Helsinki, Finland	Industrial Design
ENSCI	Paris, France	Industrial Creation
ENSAD	Paris, France	Decorative Arts
Burg Giebchenstein	Halle, Germany	Design
Konstfack University	Stockholm, Sweden	Art, Craft & Design
Pforzheim University	Pforzheim, Germany	Applied Sciences
Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD)	Birmingham, UK	Art & Design
Royal College of Art & Design	London, UK	Art & Design
Politecnico di Milano	Milan, Italy	Fashion & Design
University "La Sapienza"	Rome, Italy	Design
Instituto Europeo di Design	Milan, Italy	Design
University of Bocconi	Milan, Italy	Business & Design
Hochschule	Hannover, Germany	Applied Sciences
Universidad Politecnica de Valencia	Valencia, Spain	Design
University College for Creative Arts	Farnham, UK	Creative Arts
Zurich University of Arts	Zurich, Switzerland	Arts
Domus Academy	Milan, Italy	Design
Glasgow School of Art	Glasgow, Scotland	Art & Design
20 more European universities	Various countries	Various

NORTH AMERICA & LATIN AMERICA (12 Partners)

University	Location	Specialization
Instituto Profesional DuocUC	Santiago, Chile	Design
Sheridan College	Canada	Applied Arts & Design
Ontario College of Art & Design	Toronto, Canada	Art & Design
Rhode Island School of Design	Rhode Island, USA	Design
Georgia Southern University	Statesboro, USA	Design
Virginia Commonwealth University	Richmond, USA	Design
York University	Toronto, Canada	Arts, Media & Design
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)	Valencia, USA	Arts
George Brown College	Ontario, Canada	Applied Arts
CENTRO	Mexico City, Mexico	Design
Parsons The New School	New York, USA	Design
Escola Politécnica & FAUUSP	São Paulo, Brazil	Architecture & Design

NID Exchange Programme Structure

Aspect	Details
Duration	Typically 1 semester (6 months), shorter modules available designfresher+1
Recommended Timing	2nd semester at NID (Dec-Jan to April-May)
Application Timeline	Apply 6-12 months before exchange semester
Credits	Transferred back to NID upon successful completion
Classes	Attend regular classes at partner institute
Evaluation	Complete assignments, projects, evaluations per host university

NID Exchange Expenses (2026)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost
Tuition Fee	✅ FREE (covered by exchange programme)
Air Travel	₹70,000-1,20,000
Accommodation	₹25,000-1,10,000/month
Food & Meals	₹15,000-30,000/month
Visa & Insurance	₹50,000-80,000
Local Travel	₹10,000-25,000/month
Books & Materials	₹20,000-50,000
Total (6 months - Europe/Asia)	₹6-9 lakhs
Total (6 months - USA/Australia)	₹10-15 lakhs

Major Update: NID announced plans to establish a dedicated Department for International Students starting 2026-27 academic year.

Feature	Details
Launch Date	2026-27 academic year
Purpose	Single-window platform for international admissions, student support, global collaborations
Policy Alignment	National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 - "Internationalisation at Home"
Focus Region	Global South - low-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America
Support Mechanisms	Free ships and tailored support for international students

PART 3: KEY COMPARISONS - NIFT vs NID CRITERIA

Eligibility Criteria Comparison Table

Criteria	NIFT	NID
Minimum CGPA	7.0 (explicit, mandatory) nift+1	Good academic record (not numerically specified)
FIT Dual Degree CGPA	7.5 in Sem I & II	Not applicable
Minimum Semesters	Sem IV & VI (UG Design)	2+ semesters completed
Programmes Eligible	B.Des, M.Des, BFT, MFT	B.Des, M.Des only
Campus Eligibility	All 19 campuses	All NID campuses
Portfolio Required	Recommended (for some programmes)	CRITICAL (mandatory)
English Proficiency	Program-specific	Mandatory
No Backlogs	Mandatory	Mandatory
Interview	Some programmes	Some programmes
Selection Priority	Highest CGPA	CGPA + Portfolio + SOP

Application Criteria Side-by-Side

Aspect	NIFT	NID
Application Channel	Office of International & Domestic Linkages	International Office only
Contact Person	I&DL Office	Mr. Arnab Senapati (Chief Coordinator)
Email	Check official website	outreach@nid.ac.in
Application Fee	₹2,000 (some programmes)	Not specified
Timeline	6-8 months before	6-12 months before
Documents Required	CV, Mark Sheets, CGPA, Passport, SOP, Portfolio (if req.)	CV, Mark Sheets, Portfolio (15-25 pages), SOP, Passport, English Certificate, Medical, Recommendation Letters
CGPA Verification	Mandatory	Recommended
Final Selection Authority	Partner institute	Partner university in consultation with NID

Program-Specific Criteria Comparison

Programme	NIFT CGPA	NID Semesters	Additional Requirements
Australia (RMIT)	7.0+	3+	Portfolio preferred
Netherlands (Saxion)	7.0+	3+	No language requirement
Italy (PDM)	7.0+	3+	Portfolio, design background
USA (FIT Dual)	7.5+	Not applicable	Strong portfolio, interview
New Zealand (Whitecliffe)	N/A	2+	Up to 3 students annually
UK (Glasgow)	7.0+	3+	Portfolio recommended
Israel (Shenkar)	7.0+	3+	None specified
Finland (Aalto)	N/A	3+	Industrial design background
Sweden (Konstfack)	N/A	3+	Art & design portfolio
Japan (Tama Art)	N/A	3+	Portfolio, Asian design interest

Disqualifying Criteria Comparison

Disqualification	NIFT	NID
Below Minimum CGPA	❌ Below 7.0 (or 7.5 for FIT)	Not numerically specified
Active Backlogs	❌ Mandatory disqualification	❌ Mandatory disqualification
Passport Validity	❌ Less than 12 months	❌ Less than 12 months
Disciplinary Action	❌ Previous actions at NIFT	❌ Previous actions at NID
Medical Conditions	❌ Preventing travel/study	❌ Preventing travel/study
Weak Portfolio	⚠️ Some programmes only	❌ Mandatory disqualification
Poor English	Program-specific	❌ Mandatory disqualification
Missing Orientation	❌ Mandatory	❌ Mandatory
Less Than 2 Semesters	❌ Sem IV/V required	❌ Less than 2 semesters

PART 4: FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

For Students Planning Exchange

1. Check Minimum CGPA Early - NIFT requires 7.0+, FIT requires 7.5+

2. Build Portfolio Strategically - NID requires strong portfolio (15-25 pages)

3. Complete Required Semesters - NIFT: Sem IV/V, NID: 2+ semesters

4. Clear All Backlogs - Mandatory for both institutes

5. Update Passport - Ensure 12+ months validity

6. Prepare English Proficiency - Especially critical for NID

7. Write Strong SOP - 500-1000 words, clear learning goals

8. Apply Early - NID: 6-12 months, NIFT: 6-8 months

9. Budget Adequately - ₹8-12 lakhs for 6 months

10. Network with Alumni - Learn from previous exchange students

NIFT's Key Criteria:

• ✅ Explicit CGPA requirement: 7.0+ (7.5+ for FIT dual degree)

• ✅ Sem IV or VI (UG Design students)

• ✅ All disciplines (B.Des, M.Des, BFT, MFT)

• ✅ Selection based on highest CGPA

  
  

NID's Key Criteria:

• ✅ Minimum 2+ semesters completed at NID

• ✅ Strong portfolio mandatory (CRITICAL selection factor)

• ✅ English proficiency required

• ✅ Selection based on CGPA + Portfolio + SOP

• ✅ Application only through International Office

Both institutes require: No backlogs, valid passport (12+ months), medical fitness, and attendance at pre-departure orientation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What CGPA is required for the NIFT international exchange programme?

Most NIFT campuses require a minimum CGPA of around 7.0, with no active backlogs, to be eligible to apply. Exact cut-offs can vary by campus, partner university, and the year's notification.

Which semester can NIFT students go abroad on exchange?

UG students typically apply between the 5th and 7th semester, while PG students apply in their later semesters depending on which partner university has open seats for that academic term.

Does NIFT cover the full cost of studying abroad?

No. Tuition at the partner university is usually waived under the bilateral agreement, but students still pay their regular NIFT fee, plus self-fund flights, visa costs, insurance, accommodation, food, and daily expenses unless a scholarship like UDAAN or Erasmus+ provides partial support.

Does NID have a similar exchange programme?

Yes. NID's International Programmes Office facilitates exchanges with partners like Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Shenkar College of Engineering & Design, Israel. Requests must go through NID's International Office and are subject to the host institution's selection process.

Is accommodation provided during the exchange semester?

Accommodation is usually facilitated (not free) host universities provide a list of approved dormitories or shared apartments with indicative rents, but students pay the rent themselves

Can a student get a dual degree through NIFT's exchange programme?

Yes through NIFT's alliance with FIT, New York. Select students study two years at NIFT, one year at FIT, then return to NIFT to complete the degree, earning both a NIFT degree and an AAS from FIT.

What is the UDAAN-NIFT Scholarship Scheme?

UDAAN supports NIFT students selected for short-term international programmes (notably at STF, Switzerland) with partial financial assistance toward tuition or living costs at the partner institute.