Elisava School of Design

Fall Semester Elective 2027

12 – 15 credits

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Display case at Elisava with design projects

Library at Elisava with students browsing design magazines

Select a Program

Fall Semester 2027

Barcelona, Spain

Program Overview

The design semester at Elisava allows visiting SAI students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in English-taught design courses at one of Europe’s top design schools, with a special focus on hands-on experience and direct engagement with the city of Barcelona. Two program tracks allow options for students with or without previous design experience. Students select their track and choose 4 to 5 design courses for a total of 12 – 15 US credits.

Highlights

World-class faculty of design professionals
Purpose built campus with specialized design labs
International community makes it easy for visiting students to mix with locals
Final exhibition allows students to showcase their work

Key Details

Application Deadline

May 1, 2027

Program Fee

Coming soon

Program Dates

Late August – Mid December 2027

Enrollment Deadline

May 15, 2027

Requirements

Age

18+

Academic Year

Sophomore (2nd year) or above

Cumulative GPA

3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

Application Material

SAI application
Personal statement
Transcript
Digital photo
Passport copy
Resume
Track B: Portfolio

Visa Required?

Yes

Academics

SAI students at Elisava enroll in courses that are specifically designed for study abroad students. Elisava courses offer hands-on experiences at the forefront of design that harness Barcelona’s innovation, and the global experiences of their students.

Students enroll in one of two program tracks based on their prior design experience. Track A students (no design background) enroll in 3 mandatory courses and 1 – 2 electives, while Track B students (with a design background) select any 4 – 5 courses for a total of 12 – 15 US academic credits.

Explore Courses More Academics

What’s Included

This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!

Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
Comfortable and safe student housing
Airport pickup on arrival day
Orientation and welcome reception
Welcoming on-site staff
Student health insurance
SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
24-hour on-site emergency support
Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

Knowledgeable Admissions Counselors
Helpful pre-departure resources & groups
Student visa advising
Assistance with financial aid processing
Need-based SAI scholarships
Alumni Network & Ambassador Program

Financial Details

Program Fees


Application Fee	$120
Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term.	$300
Program Fee Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included).	coming soon
Optional / Additional Fees:
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.	coming soon
Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Family homestay in a private bedroom, breakfast and dinner included.	contact SAI

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Note: Some US universities have a special payment arrangement with SAI, where your university covers part of your fees on your behalf, and you pay the remaining fees directly to SAI. Not sure if this applies to you? Check with your study abroad office or your SAI Admissions Counselor.

Financial Deadlines


Within 1 week of acceptance	SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable)
May 1 2027	50% of Total Program Fee Due (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after submitting the deposit.)
May 15 2027	Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process. (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after the deposit.)
June 1 2027	SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Complete application due by 11:59pm Pacific Time.
June 15 2027	SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process.
July 1 2027	Balance of Total Program Fee Due

Budgeting


Airfare to/from Barcelona	$950 – $1,800
Student Visa May include optional SAI visa services, consulate fees, and potential travel expenses, which vary based on consulate location and the student’s residence.	$300 – $1,500
Books, Supplies & Course Fees	$200 – $1,000 / course
Meals Includes groceries and eating out.	$700 – $1,000 / month
Personal Expenses	$300 – $350 / month
Transportation within Barcelona Public transportation with some taxi rides.	$100 – $150 / month
Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student.	$300 – $1,000 / month

Standard Housing:
Student Apartment | shared bedroom

(included in program fee)

SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 8 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Optional Housing:
Student Apartment | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

Private bedrooms in student apartments offer a private bedroom with a shared bathroom. SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 8 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Academics & Certificates

Academic Details

SAI students at Elisava enroll in one of the following two program tracks:

Track A (for students without a design background): Students enroll in three mandatory courses (below), and select an additional 1 – 2 elective courses for a total of 12 – 15 US credits.

The Global and Historic Context of Art and Design
Advanced Principles in Design: Integrating Communication, Humanities and Scientific Techniques
Digital Representation Principles

Track B (for students with a design background): Students select any 4 – 5 courses from the offering for a total of 12 – 15 US credits.

Want to get a sense of what courses are like? Read our blog posts highlighting the Furniture & Design course and the Interior Spaces course!

Course Registration

Students select their courses upon confirming their enrollment with SAI. Course registration is confirmed well in advance of the program start date.

Optional Certificates

SAI International Service Certificate (ISC)
The SAI International Service Certificate (ISC) offers students the opportunity to engage directly with their host community through volunteer service. Working with local organizations and supported by SAI staff, students build practical skills, cultural awareness, and meaningful connections. This certificate recognizes a strong commitment to service abroad.

SAI Viva Experience

SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.

Walking Tours & City Exploration

Student poses at Carmel Bunkers during study abroad activity in Barcelona, Spain

Passport & Visa

Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 1 year after planned departure from Europe.

Student Visas
U.S. students studying in Spain for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Therefore U.S. students are required to obtain one for this program. Students with Spanish/EU citizenship are exempt, and non-U.S. nationals should consult their local consulate for requirements.

SAI’s Student Visa Office supports students throughout the visa application process through the included SAI 360° Services. The following optional services are also available:

Student Visa Application Review (additional fee): SAI’s visa team provides a full review of your application to position yourself for a simple and streamlined application process.
Student Visa Processing (additional fee; available for some Consulates): SAI’s visa team submits your application on your behalf, eliminating the need to travel to a Consulate for an appointment.