A Complete Breakdown of Fees for Fashion Designing Courses in Mumbai

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Understanding the True Cost—and Real Value—of Becoming a Fashion Designer

Key Takeaways

  • Fees can swing from ₹75 K to ₹10 L+

    Course type (diploma vs. degree), duration, institute reputation and facilities are the biggest price drivers, creating a spectrum that starts near ₹75,000 and tops ₹10,00,000 or more.

  • Diploma programs remain the budget entry point

    Typical diploma fees in Mumbai cluster at ₹75,000–₹1.2 L for smaller institutes, ₹1.25–₹2.5 L for mid‑tier colleges, and up to ₹4 L at top schools—usually covering tuition, labs and basic software but excluding most materials and event costs.

  • Full bachelor’s degrees demand the biggest investment

    Government colleges (e.g., NIFT) average ₹2–3 L per year, private schools ₹3–6 L, and international‑tie‑up or luxury academies ₹7–10 L+ annually, reflecting deeper curricula, industry exposure and high‑end infrastructure.

  • Scholarships, EMIs and ‘earn‑while‑you‑learn’ ease the burden

    Merit‑based tuition waivers up to 30%, installment plans via finance partners, early‑bird discounts and paid internships/freelance work from Year 2 onward help students bridge the affordability gap without shelving their design dreams.

When it comes to choosing a fashion design course, creativity gets all the attention.

But let’s be real—for students and parents alike, fees matter.

It’s the first big investment most students make in their careers. While passion can start the journey, financial clarity keeps it going smoothly.

So, if you’re asking:

  • How much does a fashion design course in Mumbai cost?
  • What’s the difference in fees between diploma and degree programs?
  • What’s included in these fees?
  • Are there hidden costs like materials, software, and events?
  • How does NIF Borivali compare to others in terms of affordability and value?

You’ve come to the right place.

Let’s break down the real cost of studying fashion design in Mumbai—with insights, numbers, and things no one else tells you.

Why Fashion Design Fees Vary So Widely in Mumbai

Start with a quick Google search, and you’ll find fees ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹10,00,000+.

So, what gives?

A few things determine the price tag:

  • Type of course (Diploma vs Degree)
  • Duration (6 months to 4 years)
  • Infrastructure and facilities
  • Location and brand name of the institute
  • Faculty expertise and industry access
  • Certifications and affiliations (UGC-approved, private, or skill-based)

Let’s dive into these elements one by one.

1. Diploma in Fashion Design: Cost, Duration, and What’s Included

What it is:

Shorter, skill-focused programs. Duration ranges from 6 months to 2 years. Ideal for students looking to enter the job market faster or build specific skills.

Average Fee Range in Mumbai:

  • Low-tier private institutes: ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000
  • Mid-tier recognized institutes: ₹1,25,000 – ₹2,50,000
  • Specialized diploma programs at top institutes: ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000

What’s typically included:

  • Tuition
  • Studio/lab usage
  • Access to fashion software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Some guest lectures and local field visits

What’s usually not included:

  • Materials (fabrics, stationery, tools)
  • Field trips or event passes.
  • Personal laptop or design tablet
  • Portfolio printing
  • Fashion show expenses (if applicable)

NIF Borivali’s Diploma Programs:

At NIF Borivali, short-term and diploma courses are offered at competitive, transparent rates—starting from ₹95,000 onward, with modular pricing depending on duration and specialization. The curriculum includes real-world projects, access to mentor-led workshops, and optional short-term certifications that students can stack on.

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design: Full-fledged, Full-Career

What it is:

A 3-year B.Voc or 4-year B.Des program that offers academic depth + industry readiness. Suitable for students serious about building a long-term career in fashion design.

Average Fee Range in Mumbai:

  • Government institutes like NIFT: ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 per year
  • Private colleges: ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 per year
  • Luxury design schools (with international tie-ups): ₹7,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ per year

What you’re paying for:

  • Comprehensive curriculum
  • State-of-the-art infrastructure
  • Specialized faculty (sometimes visiting international experts)
  • Internship support and industry exposure
  • Digital and traditional labs
  • Styling bays, sewing rooms, photography corners
  • Certification by a recognized university body (important for global prospects)

Where NIF Borivali Stands:

NIF Borivali offers a B.Des in Fashion Design and a B.Voc in Fashion Design—both run and offered by Medhavi Skill University, ensuring academic credibility and future study options.

Fee Structure at NIF Borivali (As of 2025):

  • B.Voc in Fashion Design (3 years): Starting from ₹1,95,000/year, inclusive of mentorship, labs, and project review support
  • B.Des in Fashion Design (4 years): Starting from ₹2,35,000/year, with additional specialization modules in sustainability, fashion content, and tech-integrated fashion

The institute offers installment plans, scholarships, and even earn-as-you-learn options for students engaged in freelance or event work during the course.

3. Short-Term Certifications: Small Fee, Big Impact

These are not mandatory but incredibly valuable, especially when stacked with a diploma or degree.

Offered as:

  • Weekend workshops
  • 1-month intensive sessions
  • 3-month industry boot camps

Fee Range:

₹5,000 – ₹35,000 per module

These can cover:

  • Styling
  • CAD & digital fashion
  • Personal branding for designers
  • Content strategy
  • Sustainable fabric innovation

At NIF Borivali, many certifications are discounted for existing diploma/degree students and built around real briefs—not just theoretical tasks.

4. Additional/Hidden Costs You Should Expect (No Surprises Later)

Here’s what most brochures won’t tell you, but we will:

Expense

Estimated Cost (per year)

Materials & Fabric

₹10,000 – ₹30,000

Personal Laptop / iPad

₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 (one-time)

Field Trips / Industry Visits

₹5,000 – ₹15,000

Portfolio Printing

₹3,000 – ₹10,000

Event Styling / Fashion Show

₹10,000 – ₹25,000

Software Subscriptions

₹3,000 – ₹8,000

Many students also choose to spend on:

  • Camera gear for portfolio shoots

  • Personal styling props for content

  • Digital subscriptions (WGSN, magazines, etc.)

Good institutes prepare you for this—not spring it on you last minute.

At NIF Borivali, students are offered:

  • Access to shared studio resources

  • Discounted tools and materials from partner brands

  • Fabric and prop banks for shoots

  • Digital software included in tuition for core modules

5. Scholarships, EMIs, and Financial Support—What to Look For

Not every student has the luxury of paying fees upfront—and that’s okay.

Institutes like NIF Borivali are making design education more accessible through:

  • Merit-based scholarships (up to 25–30% tuition waiver)
  • EMI options through education finance partners
  • Early enrollment discounts
  • Sibling or alums benefits

Some students also fund their education by:

  • Taking up freelance styling or content gigs (through placement cells)
  • Participating in paid internships from year 2 onward
  • Selling digital illustrations or thrift store curation
  • Joining event teams for Lakmé Fashion Week and other paid opportunities

In a design career, hustle isn’t just celebrated—it’s expected. NIF Borivali trains students to treat education as a launchpad, not just an expense.

How to Choose Smartly: What to Ask Beyond Just Fees

Instead of asking, “How much does the course cost?”—ask:

  • What is included in the fees (labs, library, digital tools, mentor access)?
  • What career outcomes can I expect after the course?
  • How many live projects and industry interactions do students get?
  • Does the institute help build a real portfolio?
  • Are placements and internships guaranteed—or just promised?
  • Can I meet faculty or students before joining?

Because in fashion, your course fee isn’t just about education.

It’s your first investment in your brand.

Final Word: Don’t Just Pay Fees—Pay for Value, Growth, and Possibility

Fashion is a dynamic, demanding field.

If you’re serious about building a creative and sustainable career, what you pay for your education matters. But what you get out of it matters more.

So whether you choose a diploma or a full degree, do it where:

  • The curriculum is updated
  • The mentors are real-world professionals
  • The facilities match your ambition
  • And the environment pushes you to explore, critique, create, and grow

You’ll find that at NIF Borivali—where the fee is not just a number. It’s a gateway to a life in fashion.

Admissions are now open for B.Des and B.Voc programs, both run and offered by Medhavi Skill University.

Transparent fee plans, high-value learning, and real placement pathways await.

Explore the full fee structure and flexible options at www.nifborivali.com

Because your dream deserves more than a price tag. It deserves a plan.

FAQ

How much do diploma and degree fashion‑design courses in Mumbai typically cost?

Diplomas range roughly ₹75,000–₹4 lakh depending on institute tier, while bachelor’s degrees sit around ₹2–3 lakh per year in government colleges and ₹3–10 lakh per year in private or luxury schools.

What hidden or extra costs should I budget for beyond tuition?

Plan an additional ₹30,000–₹1 lakh+ per year for fabrics, tools, laptop/tablet, field trips, portfolio printing, software subscriptions and fashion‑show expenses—items most brochures list separately.

Are scholarships or EMI/instalment options available?

Yes. Many institutes (e.g., NIF Borivali) offer merit scholarships covering up to 25–30 % of tuition, early‑bird discounts, and EMI plans via education‑finance partners; students can also offset fees through paid internships and freelance design work from Year 2 onward.

Fashion & Interior Industry Educator at  | Website |  + posts

Shweta More is an Indian fashion and interior design expert with a keen eye for aesthetics and innovation. With years of experience in the industry, she specializes in blending timeless traditions with contemporary trends, helping individuals and brands craft unique style identities.

Her expertise spans across various fashion specializations, including haute couture, sustainable fashion, and athleisure, while her interior design work focuses on transforming spaces with elegance, functionality, and cultural depth. Shweta is passionate about guiding aspiring designers, offering insights into career growth, industry shifts, and creative inspirations.

When she’s not immersed in the world of fashion and interiors,Shweta enjoys traveling to global design hubs, exploring art, and experimenting with new materials and techniques.