OverviewAbout this course

    Kick-start your career in the fashion industry with the Diploma of Fashion at the prestigious Fashion Design Studio in Ultimo, Sydney. In this higher education diploma, you will achieve a broad understanding of the fashion business, from textiles to design and illustration through to fashion branding and marketing.

    You will enhance your practical experience by using cutting-edge Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, and build your understanding of how designs are taken from concept to production.

    In this course, you will develop your knowledge of the fashion industry and learn foundation skills to work in a design or fashion business environment. You will also join alumni like Akira Isogawa, Alex Perry, Nicky Zimmerman and Dion Lee when you study fashion at the Fashion Design Studio TAFE NSW. Enjoy learning from dedicated industry experts who will give you the best technical training to launch your fashion career.

    Learning Outcomes:
    Through a mix of theory and practical course work, learn to:
    • Design garments
    • Select fabrics
    • Print on fabrics
    • Design communication and documentation
    • Grade patterns
    • Assemble garments
    • Plan and execute brand and marketing activity
    • Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and Adobe Creative Suite
    Course Outcomes:
    Develop professional skills for your career:
    • Graduate with a higher education diploma from one of Australia’s leading fashion design studios
    • A broad understanding of the fashion industry
    • The knowledge and skills to enter employment at a junior level in design or business-related roles in the fashion industry
    • Experience in both the creative and theoretical practices used in the fashion industry

    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.

    • Fashion and Culture1FDCUL102A

    • Design Foundations for FashionFDDES104A

    • Fashion DocumentationFDDES105A

    • Fashion Illustration1FDVIS101A

    • Fashion Business1FDBUS101A

    • Fashion Design and Product DevelopmentFDDES106A

    • Marketing FundamentalsACBUS102A

    • Buyer BehaviourBUMAR202A

    • Fashion Merchandising FundamentalsFDBUS102A

    • Introduction to Fashion Sourcing and ProductionFDBUS103A

    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

    Build your expertise with a TAFE NSW Fashion study pathway:

    • On completion of the Diploma of Fashion, students will receive guaranteed 4 subject credits (80 credit points) towards the Bachelor of Fashion Design.
    • Depending on the electives studied in the Diploma of Fashion students may receive further 2 subjects credit (40 credit points)
    • These credits will not reduce the duration of the Bachelor of Fashion Design

    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