NABA’s 6 week summer program offers students a synthesis of NABA expertise in the Design, Fashion, and Visual & Digital Arts fields under the guidance of, and collaboration with, professionals in the field. Students are immersed in Italy’s thriving creative community through visits to museums, companies, production facilities, and design studios. Students pursuing the NABA 6 week summer session enroll in three back-to-back 2 week courses, each worth 3 credits, for a total of 9 US credits.
Application open until: March 15, 2026
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after closing as space permits
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Study in one of the greatest design capitals of the world at Europe’s largest private art academy.
- Take multiple levels of a subject within a single program.
Program Dates
June 28, 2026 – August 8, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Freshman (1st year) or above
Cumulative GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Communication & Graphic Design | Digital Illustration
Communication & Graphic Design | Visual Design
Design | Interior Design
Design | Lighting Design
Design | Product Design
Fashion
Fashion | Accessories Design
Fashion | Fashion Design
Fashion | Fashion Marketing & Communication
Fashion | Fashion Styling
Fashion | Visual Merchandising
Media Design and New Technologies
Media Design and New Technologies | 2D and 3D Design & Animation
Media Design and New Technologies | Game Design & Development
Sound Design | Sound Design
Visual Arts
Visual Arts | Curatorial Studies
Visual Arts | Illustration
This course focuses on the world of Concept Art, from videogames to movies, concept artists are often the ones responsible for defining and developing eye-catching visuals that help to bring ideas to life.
Towards a practical approach, students will explore ideas and learn techniques used by digital artists in the entertainment industry.
Course description coming soon.
This course provides theoretical, conceptual and practical competences that are propaedeutic to the design of communication elements within graphic design: from the scientific study of shapes and signs (basic design), to the visual identity of companies/services (corporate identity), with attention to the use of typography and to the right balance between aesthetic, strategic and technological components.
During this intensive course, students will gain knowledge of the different visual communication concepts and tools. Participants will be guided through a path marked by both lectures and practical workshops in order to learn digital skills and the methods of visual representation. At the end of the course each student will be able to find his own visual style and to develop his own personal project.
Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
A full-immersion course that will provide students with an overview of the Italian design methodology. Students will be introduced to the analysis of the elements of space, and they will have the opportunity to focus specifically on interior design and to dive into intensive project works. Students will use lifestyle, art and design research in Milano.
Interior Design I. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
Students will have the chance to analyze contemporary interior spaces through observation based on individual research. They will develop a professional designer’s attitude, searching for materials as a source of inspiration by exploring the city. The project-based work will be oriented towards the creation of a physical and digital model of the interior layout.
This is an advanced course. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
The course will enable participants to understand the combination of aesthetics, functional and operational aspects to design successful hotels. Students will experience a deep analysis of the contemporary hotel typologies, the latest hotel design trends and information regarding materials, furniture, and lighting. The course offers a deep exploration of the extensive and complex field of Interior Design within the hospitality industry and the way it is changing and evolving.
The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the art of lighting and its associated functions, examining technical and stylistic aspects. Emphasizing both theoretical and practical perspectives, it equips students to undertake lighting projects across diverse settings. This is an introductory, yet complete, exploration of the intricate relationship between light and design.
Students will be introduced and exposed to the design process, in order to understand what lives behind the creation a product. They will have the opportunity to dive into intensive project work geared towards creative thinking and exploring form and functionality. Students will work in small groups, in an open discussion environment, developing their creative process from the idea to the final presentation. The final project will be presented in a simulating, small exhibition, through a model and a short story in a digital format.
Some background in Art and Design. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
Students will develop a coordinated product line using hand or digital drawing as well as a prototype product model. The project will be carried out in group as a studio work under the supervision of an established designer in an open discussion. Specific workshops focused on materials, history of design and on the biography of an object will expose students to multiple possible approaches.
This course is intended for students without any academic background in the specific subject area and for students attending their first year of university studies in Art and Design. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
An inspiring discovery of the Italian Fashion pipeline with lectures by experienced professionals and guided visits to Milan’s best fashion areas and showrooms. Students will be given an overview of the Italian Fashion System, and they will learn to produce fashion sketches, to carry out research to be used to develop a fashion collection.
Course description coming soon.
Some background Art and Design. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
This course focuses on the discovery of the basis of luxury accessories brand collections, more specifically of the Made in Italy shoes and bags. Students will acquire the basic skills needed to coordinate and to develop a new luxury accessories brand, and they will get acquainted with the technical methodology in
order to develop and design shoes and bags collections.
This course is intended for students with some background in that specific subject area and to students attending or having completed one or two years of their university studies in Art and Design who are keen on building upon this through hands-on training experience. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
In this course students will create a small coordinated collection. Concepts, moods and themes will be conceived and developed to provide inspiration for clothing, color and shape. Students will experiment studio and workshop practice and work on the realization of a prototype with handcraft tailoring methods. Milan as a capital of pret-à-porter offers the students the opportunity to understand the peculiar character of the Italian fashion system and the reasons of the success of the big Italian brands, through the lessons at school and field trips to the most important fashion locations in Milan.
This course involves the creation of a small collection and of a prototype using different tailoring techniques, such as moulage. Students will be followed up by the teachers throughout the entire path and those who are less confident with sewing and drawing will be supported throughout the development of the project to improve their skills. This will allow the whole group to complete the workshop in the best possible way. The course will end with a final presentation of all the performed works.
This course is intended for students who have no background in fashion and who are attending or will attend their first year of university studies in art and design. Course requires a minimum of 4 students to run.
This course focuses on the fashion industry through a business and management perspective. It will provide students the necessary tools to understand the dynamic context of Italian and international fashion business. Students will be introduced to fundamentals such as fashion industry sourcing, supply chain, fashion buying cycle, vendor selection and fashion buying decision criteria, retail brand marketing in the fashion industry, internationalization of fashion retailing, international branding, and flagship stores.
This course is intended for students with some background in that specific subject area and to students attending or having completed one or two years of their university studies in Art and Design who are keen on building upon this through hands-on training experience.
Students will develop an understanding and gain experience in style-hunting and image styling as the foundations of fashion and project-development approach. They will be given an overview of the Italian fashion system, and they will be inspired to develop their ideas and their potential to the fullest.
Participants will learn how to innovatively apply trend skills to interpret personality, lifestyle and needs of the audience, creating looks for a fashion magazine, and proposing new fashion images through clothing, accessories, photos and location combos.
This course is intended for students with some background in that specific subject area and to students attending or having completed one or two years of their university studies in Art and Design who are keen on building upon this through hands-on training experience.
Students will be given technical training in the field of fashion styling needed for the creation of a perfect fashion image, considering trend hunting, set design and photo shooting production. Students will experience the excitement of producing a photo shooting in a real work environment: live models, shooting location, and in a professional Studio. Personal research and observation will be used to analyze contemporary advertising tools used to promote fashion products for the targeted consumer audience.
This course is intended for students with some background in the subject area and for those currently attending or having completed the second year of their university studies in Art and Design. Students must be keen on building upon their prior academic work through hands-on training experience.
The visual merchandiser is the person in charge of the styling of the stores and shop windows from both the aesthetic and also commercial point of view, enhancing the brand and devising promotion and sales activities. During the course, based on theoretical classes and practical activities, you will learn the strategic skills of a brand, how to enhance its image and products, how to set up spaces and design them. The course provides the essential tools to organize the product range according to rational criteria (such us colors, sizes and so on) and to manage the brand image from a sale point view – presentation of total looks, managing colors, exhibition layout, design set-up and shop window display. The course allow students to develop the necessary skills in order to understand the market, the new trends and consumer needs.
Course description coming soon.
Introduction to 3D softwares and GUIs, modelling techniques, UV mapping, shading and lighting. Understanding workflow and processes in order to build a non-destructive pipeline between softwares.
Intermediate level class. Prerequisite: Visual Effects or equivalent.
Course description coming soon.
This course is intended for students without any academic background in the specific subject area and for students attending their first year of university studies in Art and Design.
This course focuses on how to create video games using Unreal Engine, a free-to-use game development engine. Students will have the opportunity to develop 3D gaming experiences with sophisticated storylines, interactions, aesthetics, and technical aspects. Moreover, they will discover the features of the software while designing the very first game – starting from learning the steps of a project and manage the game assets. Students will practice the elements of building a fully playable prototype in Unreal
Engine: installation and setup, pathfinding, lighting and light mapping, artificial intelligence basics, camera animations, character animations, scripting using blueprints, materials, skyboxes, sound effects and music.
The training offered by the Sound Design course combines critical-cultural knowledge, creative research and technical and technological practice and the analysis and design of sound in different production areas: from electronic music production to sound design for film, television and radio. Students will be introduced and will face the sound design process, in order to acquire and practice all the knowledge necessary for the production of their project. The final projects will be broadcasted on PRE-DELAY /// WEB RADIO. www.predelay.com
Course description coming soon.
Course description coming soon.
The course offers the students a structured path to develop a curatorial project independently. Starting form a theoretical knowledge of how a curator is supposed to act in our contemporary society, the lessons address the practical steps that lead to a complete project, from a multiplicity of approaches (from research and production of a conceptual framework, to organization and display). A special attention will be paid to the aspect of Exhibition Design, both from a theoretical and a practical point of view. During the course, students will work on a personal or group project. In addition to class lessons, the course will include visits to exhibitions and contemporary art spaces in Milan.
Students will learn to create effective, powerful images and interesting illustrations applicable to different professional areas. Alternating lectures and practical workshops, the course will show different techniques, processes and approaches. This course is intended for students who have no background in illustration and for students who are attending or will attend their first year of university studies in art and design.
Courses & Registration
NABA summer courses run Monday – Friday between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Students participate in three back-to-back two week sessions, taking one course per session.Students participate in 1 course per two week section of the program. Students complete their course registration during the SAI application process by selecting their primary course choice for section 1 (course held during the first two weeks of the program), section 2 (course held during the middle two weeks of the program), and section 3 (course held during the last two weeks of the program) as well as required alternate courses for each two week section. Course schedules are confirmed 3 weeks prior to the program start.
Note: This program consists of back-to-back courses; students enrolling in this program must complete the full program length.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| March 15 2026 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| March 15 2026 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| March 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| March 30 2026 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| March 30 2026 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after the deposit. |
| April 13 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| April 29 2026 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| June 28 2026 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 12:00pm and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| June 29 2026 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| June 30 2026 |
NABA Academic Orientation NABA orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities for students to get to know each other and meet professors. |
| June 30 2026 |
Classes Begin: Section 1 |
| July 10 2026 |
Classes End: Section 1 |
| July 14 2026 |
Classes Begin: Section 2 |
| July 24 2026 |
Classes End: Section 2 |
| July 28 2026 |
Classes Begin: Section 3 |
| August 7 2026 |
Classes End: Section 3 |
| August 8 2026 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| 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). |
$10,000 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,000 |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Milan |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$50 / course | $200 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$600 / month | $1,000 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $250 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Milan area Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $250 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community for you and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Parent & family resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Student visa advising
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
- SAI alumni network
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.
Welcome Event
SAI welcomes students to Milan with aperitivi at one of the hidden and local trendy spots in the Naviglio district.
Duomo Rooftop and Milan Walking Tour
Students admire the architecture of the spire-laden Duomo up close as they walk among the buttresses and statues and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop. Following the tour, the group discovers the fashion district including the Galleria, Montenapoleone and La Scala.
Pirelli Hangarbiccoco Gallery Visit
Join us on a visit to the Pirelli HangarBiccoca, where you will be able to view contemporary pieces in one of Milan’s most iconic art spaces. Formerly a factory that manufactured train cars, the complex houses a reading room, bookshop, cafe, and three exhibition spaces.
Lake Como Day Trip
Students take a break from the bustling city of Milan and head to nearby Lake Como, which has been a popular retreat for the wealthy since Roman times. The group takes in the beautiful scenery on a boat ride backdropped by the snow-capped Alps, and then takes the funicular for a beautiful view of the lake and Bergamo Alps.
Wine Tasting
Enoteca Ronchi has been the “wine lounge” in Milan since 1865 and is synonymous with fine wine. Students enjoy an evening of wine tasting in this historic setting.
Farewell Aperitivo
Celebrate a successful term abroad with a special aperitivo in the heart of Isola, an artistic neighborhood in Milan.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, U.S. students studying in Italy for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements