Gloria PenAre you passionate about cars, creativity, and cutting-edge design? If yes, studying at the best automotive design schools in Europe could be your perfect first step toward a rewarding career in the auto industry.
Europe has some of the best automotive design schools in the world. These institutions combine engineering excellence with artistic innovation, equipping students with the skills to build the future of transportation.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 8 best automotive design schools in Europe. You’ll find info about each school like their addresses, tuition fees, and official website.
Overall, if you dream of designing sleek sports cars or eco-friendly electric vehicles, this guide will help you choose the right school for your goals.
Check Also: Top 10 Best Automotive Design Schools in the World
Top 8 Best Automotive Design Schools in Europe.
If you love car designs and dream to pursue your educational career in auto design, then here’s the list of top best automotive design schools in Europe to enroll in:
1. Royal College of Art (RCA) – Vehicle Design (UK)
Royal College of Art is one of the top best automotive design Schools in Europe and a world leader in art and design education, and its MA in Intelligent Mobility (Vehicle Design) is globally recognized. This program focuses on the intersection of mobility, technology, and human experience.
Why it’s great:
a. Their students work with brands like Jaguar, Nissan, and McLaren.
b. They emphasis on innovation and real-world problem-solving.
c. It’s affordable, tuition fees:UK students: £15,150 per year
International students: £35,950 per year.
c. Alumni are employed at companies like BMW, Ford, and Tesla. Visit School
Address: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2EU, UK
2. Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) – Transportation Design (Italy)
IED is a private design school with campuses in several Italian cities. Its Bachelor’s in Transportation Design is offered in Turin, Italy’s automotive capital. Visit School
Why this school is best:
- It has ties with Italian car makers like Fiat, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.
- Includes hands-on workshops and company-sponsored projects.
- Courses taught in English for international students.
Address: Via San Quintino, 39, 10121 Torino TO, Italy
Tuition Fees: Around €20,100 per year (includes registration, tuition, and tools).
3. Umeå Institute of Design (UID) – MFA in Transportation Design (Sweden)
UID in Sweden is one of Europe’s most respected design schools. Its Master’s in Transportation Design focuses on human-centered innovation, future mobility, and sustainability.
Why study here?
1. The school ranked among the best automotive design schools in Europe and globally.
2. Emphasis on concept cars and advanced vehicle prototypes.
3. Collaborative projects with Volvo, Scania, and Electrolux. Visit School
Address: Östra Strandgatan 30, 903 33 Umeå, Sweden
Tuition Fees: EU/EEA students: Free
Non-EU students: SEK 270,000 (~€24,000) for 2 years.
4. Hochschule Pforzheim – Transportation Design (Germany)
Pforzheim University in Germany offers Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Design, which combines creativity with German engineering precision. Visit School
Why it’s great:
a. You’ll have regular collaborations with Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
b. You’ll also have access to high-tech labs, 3D printers, and clay modeling studios.
c. The school has good reputation among European car manufacturers.
Address: Tiefenbronner Str. 65, 75175 Pforzheim, Germany
Tuition Fees: EU students: €170 per semester (public university)
Non-EU students: €1,500 per semester (~€3,000 per year)
Check: Top Best Automotive Design Schools in Germany
5. Coventry University – Automotive and Transport Design (UK)
Coventry University is also one of the best automotive design schools in Europe that offers a highly rated BA in Automotive and Transport Design. It’s one of the most established programs in the UK for car design.
Why you should consider enrolling in this school:
1. It’s a home Centre for Advanced Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems.
2. It has industry placement opportunities with Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover.
3. Also has the best State-of-the-art CAD and VR facilities. Visit School
Address: Priory St, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
Tuition Fees: UK: £9,250 per year
International: £18,300 per year
6. Politecnico di Milano – Design & Engineering (Italy)
Politecnico di Milano offers a unique Master’s in Design and Engineering, focusing on the interface between automotive design and manufacturing.
Why it’s great:
1. They Courses taught in English.
2. Deep integration of industrial design with mechanics.
3. Collaboration with brands like Ducati and Maserati. Visit School
Address: Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milano MI, Italy
Tuition Fees: EU students: ~€3,900 per year
Non-EU students: ~€3,900 to €4,500 per year
7. Strate School of Design – Mobility Design (France)
This is also one of the best automotive design schools in Europe, it’s located in Paris and offers a specialized Master in Design for Smart Mobility.
Why it stands out:
1. Focuses on sustainable, connected, and autonomous mobility.
2. Has hands-on partnerships with Renault, Peugeot, and Airbus.
3. Courses taught in English and French for the benefit of international and native students. Visit School
Address: 27 Av. de la Division Leclerc, 92310 Sèvres, France
Tuition Fees: Around €12,000 to €14,000 per year (based on program level)
8. ISD Rubika – Transport Design (France)
Rubika’s ISD (Institut Supérieur de Design) is the last in our list of top best automotive design schools in Europe. It offers a top-notch Master in Transport Design in Valenciennes, France. Check out the benefits of studying in this school:
1. You’ll have practical design projects from year one.
2. You’ll also have access to cutting-edge design tools, clay modeling, and Cintiq labs.
3. Many graduates of this school go on to work with BMW, Toyota, and Bugatti after school. Visit School
Address: 2 Rue des Champs, 59300 Valenciennes, France
Tuition Fees: €8,700 to €10,000 per year (depending on the program year).
Read Also: How to Apply for Scholarships to Study Abroad from Nigeria
Which European Country Is Best for Studying Automotive Design?
When it comes to studying automotive design, countries like Italy, Germany, and the UK stand out:
a. Italy offers unmatched creativity and luxury car design exposure (Ferrari, Lamborghini).
b. Germany excels in engineering and manufacturing precision (BMW, Porsche).
c. The UK provides outstanding academic programs and access to historic automotive brands.
Meanwhile, for free or low-cost education, Sweden and Germany are excellent choices, especially for EU/EEA students.
Can I Work in Europe After Studying Automotive Design?
Yes, many automotive design schools in Europe offer internship opportunities and industry placements. After graduation, you can apply for a post-study work visa in countries like the UK, Germany, or Sweden.
Working with brands like Volvo, BMW, or Volkswagen is a real possibility if you build a good portfolio and take part in student competitions or collaborations during your studies.
Also Read: How to get free visa and Scholarships to study abroad from Nigeria
FAQs for Top Best Automotive Design Schools in Europe
Here are some frequently asked questions for best automotive design schools in Europe that might help you also:
Q1. Do I need to speak the local language to study in Europe?
No, most of these best automotive design schools in Europe offer courses in English. However, knowing the local language can be helpful for internships or daily life.
Q2. What subjects are important for automotive design?
Art, mathematics, physics, computer-aided design (CAD), and engineering are all valuable. Also note that a creative portfolio is important if you want to study Auto design.
Q3. Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes, many schools in Europe offer merit-based scholarships, especially in the UK, France, and Italy. Please always check with the school’s financial aid office before you apply.
Q4. Can I apply without a background in engineering?
Yes, especially at schools that focus more on design than engineering. Having a strong portfolio can sometimes outweigh technical experience.
Final Words
The best automotive design schools in Europe offer the perfect mix of creativity, innovation, and industry connection.
From the stylish streets of Milan to the precision factories of Germany, Europe offers unmatched opportunities for aspiring car designers. Whether you’re dreaming of working with Tesla, Ferrari, or Porsche, it all starts with the right education.
All you have to do is just take your time, compare programs, and pick the school that fits your passion and career goals, as your dream of shaping the future of mobility starts from the right decision
Good luck!
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Gloria Pen