OverviewAbout this course

    The Bachelor of Fashion Design is a three-year professional degree which will prepare you to work as a creative in the global fashion industry. You'll fine-tune your craft at the Fashion Design Studio in Ultimo, Sydney and gain the skills needed to work as a fashion manager, design manager, fashion merchandiser, fashion buyer, stylist and more.

    This degree aims to identify and nurture your individual design aesthetic and fashion interest. You will learn through a global fashion business lens, drawing on our international links to ensure your learning is aligned with current trends.

    You will have the exciting opportunity to participate in the industry, preparing you to enter the fashion design world with confidence and establish your professional networks. In your final year, you will create and present a collection of work at our graduate showcase and have a professional portfolio to show prospective employers. Graduates can apply for the Vanguard Education Fund, a mentorship scheme established by Net-a-Porter and the British Fashion Council.

    Learning Outcomes:
    Through a mix of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Create and bring to life design concepts through pattern-making and garment construction
    • Produce fashion illustrations using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and Adobe Creative Suite
    • Understand and implement sustainable strategies for creative fashion design
    • Apply industry-standard techniques, methods, and standards into your design processes
    • Communicate to customers through digital branding
    • Observe and understand the elements of technical production
    • Integrate the latest 3D creative fashion technology, CLO 3D, into your design and realisation work

    Course Outcomes:
    Develop professional skills for your career:

    • Graduate with a bachelor's degree
    • A comprehensive fashion portfolio of your designs that is presented to industry at our graduate showcase
    • Professional networking opportunities through work placement/ industry internships
    • The ability to manage fashion design projects from the original concept through to the runway show
    • Experience in creating your own business plan, branding and building a promotional platform to communicate your brand
    • A deep understanding of ethical, social and environmental sustainability through your research and practical design projects
    • The opportunity to be selected to showcase your designs at Australian Fashion Week

    Professional Experience Work Placement/Internship

    • Work placement/ Internships provide you with opportunities to respond to situations and circumstances that cannot be replicated in a learning or simulated environment. Work placement/Internships strengthens your training and supports continued learning and assessment in the workplace. Work placement is a valuable part of your course.
    • During your course, you'll undertake 150 hours of mandatory work placement/internship.
    • TAFE NSW will arrange your work placement with a suitable industry employer.

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • Design foundations for fashionFDDES104A

    • Fashion and culture 1FDCUL102A

    • Fashion DocumentationFDDES105A

    • Fashion realisation 1FDREA101A

    • Fashion illustration 2FDVIS103A

    • Fashion realisation 2FDREA102A

    • Fashion design processesFDDES103A

    • Fashion illustration1FDVIS101A

    • Professional practice 1FDPFL203A

    • Design and specialty marketsFDDES203A

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    You are able to package two or more TAFE NSW courses together. This means you can plan your studies to achieve your career goals. When you apply for a TAFE NSW vocational pathway, you can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    To help you with your studies and time at TAFE NSW, you can access a range of support services and facilities across our campus locations. These include:

    • an International Student Coordinator, to help you settle in
    • access to a wide range of study spaces and libraries
    • spacious grounds for enjoying a break
    • complimentary advice to help you find casual work while you study
    • free and confidential counselling services
    • friendly security staff to ensure your safety while on campus

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International