Understanding the True Cost—and Real Value—of Becoming a Fashion Designer
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Let’s dive into these elements one by one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The institute offers installment plans, scholarships, and even earn-as-you-learn options for students engaged in freelance or event work during the course.
These are not mandatory but incredibly valuable, especially when stacked with a diploma or degree.
Offered as:
₹5,000 – ₹35,000 per module
These can cover:
At NIF Borivali, many certifications are discounted for existing diploma/degree students and built around real briefs—not just theoretical tasks.
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:
Good institutes prepare you for this—not spring it on you last minute.
At NIF Borivali, students are offered:
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:
Some students also fund their education by:
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.
Instead of asking, “How much does the course cost?”—ask:
Because in fashion, your course fee isn’t just about education.
It’s your first investment in your brand.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.