AUDIENCE

The competition is open to graduates in Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, Styling & Communication Design, Visual Design, Product Design, as well as junior professionals working or willing to work in creative industries fields. Candidates with a background in other related disciplines and wider experience may also participate.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT CANDIDATES CAN APPLY TO ONE PROGRAMME ONLY.

JURY

The applications will be evaluated by the Faculty of the Programme and the Admission Jury.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Digital PDF presentation, max 5 pages pdf (min 1300 words). You should present:

- The two case studies with text and images
- Your critical reflection
- Bibliographical references are required

The competition proposal must be accompanied by the following supplemental materials:

• Artistic and professional portfolio of projects - Or alternatively or in addition to the portfolio applicants can submit a comprehensive list of academic and/or professional experiences. This list should include brief descriptions of key courses, projects, or thesis work undertaken during your Bachelor’s degree, and may include supporting visual materials if available. We would like you to provide us with a detailed explanation of your educational background and significant coursework or projects in a list and/or any related and significant work experience that will make us better understand your potential in the field of design leadership and strategy.

• Curriculum vitae/resume

• Motivational letter

• Domus Academy Competition Application Form

• Copy of Bachelor’s Degree or Academic Diploma in original language and translated if necessary* or official certificate of expected graduation issued by your Institution if not graduated yet

• Copy of Bachelor’s Degree or Academic Diploma’s official transcript/mark sheet in original language and translated if necessary* or Diploma Supplement if available or most updated official transcript/mark sheet if not graduated yet (listing subjects and exams, with corresponding number of hours/credits, final grade CGPA or Class if graduated, grading scale)

• Copy of passport

• IELTS 5.0 or equivalent certificate (if available)

• Documentation regarding further courses or seminars attended (if available)

Candidates are asked to send their materials in one sole file in PDF format. Any further attached material will be considered a plus and will be evaluated by the Jury.

*Accepted languages: English, Italian, French and Spanish.

PRIZES

• Scholarships covering from 3.500€ to 5.000€ of the total tuition fee (net the 190€ Regional Tax) for the first year of the Master of Arts Programme.

Prizes will be calculated on the standard tuition fee of the 2-year Master of Arts Programme, amounting to €22.200 for non-EU passport holders and €17.200 for EU passport holders. Winners will be selected through a merit-based ranking.

Scholarship amount deduction is for the first year only but it’s considered renewed for the second academic year provided that the student passes exams for at least 40 credits within the 3rd exam session, autumn - September, with a weighted average not less than 27/30.

SCHEDULE 

The works must be delivered to Domus Academy by and no later than March 13th, 2026. Candidates will be informed about the results of the competition by e-mail within April 8th, 2026.

ENTRY DELIVERY

All the required materials in digital format may be uploaded to this page: competition.domusacademy.com

When candidates submit their projects, they will receive a confirmation within 48 hours from submission. In case candidates do not receive confirmation, they have to write to: competitions@domusacademy.it

MASTER’S PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

The new Master of Arts in Design Leadership & Strategy offers an interdisciplinary educational experience to guide students through the dynamic intersection of design, strategic leadership, and entrepreneurship.

The students will become agents of change, launching businesses and leading companies and organisations, mixing methodologies and tools from various disciplines. They will develop a design-driven and ethically conscious mindset applying creative and strategic skills to create impactful businesses and solutions.

The Design Leadership and Strategy MA Programme focuses on:

• Business Innovation by Design

• Design Leadership

• Entrepreneurial Culture

• Designing socially and environmentally impactful businesses and solutions

• Applying interdisciplinary knowledge to societal and complex challenges

The programme focuses on cultivating a design-driven approach to address and frame strategic issues, envision innovative solutions, and facilitate communication among diverse disciplines by merging business and design perspectives.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates already holding a first-level Academic Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree, or who are about to graduate within the programme beginning, and, in any case, within the Academic Year 2025-2026 (option available only for students graduating in an Italian Academy/University*).

Additional requirement for students applying to the Master of Arts: at least 15 years of previous Education. Candidates who have a working knowledge of English language (IELTS 5.0).

Participants not holding the official entry requirements may be evaluated for the Diploma Programme course and receive a Domus Academy Diploma*.

*Prior check with Admissions office before applying. Please write to competitions@domusacademy.it.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

•  Every moral or authorship right as to the project remains property of the author.

• The projects sent to Domus Academy will not be returned.

• All the material must be the result of an unpublished work developed by the candidate, not to be used in other previous occasions.

• Domus Academy is entitled not to award the scholarship if the projects are deemed not to meet the suitable standards defined by the jury. The jury will judge at its own discretion and its decision is final.

• The scholarship presented in this public announcement cannot be combined with other economic reductions offered by Domus Academy.

• The scholarship will be deducted from the balance of the tuition fee.

• If a candidate declines a scholarship offer, the scholarship will be transferred to the next candidate on the list.

• Selected candidates accept that part of their work can be published on Websites and/or Social Media channel.