Photography Lucie RoxFashion / NewsThe world’s best fashion schools get rankedThinking about studying fashion? Read this firstShareLink copied ✔️August 23, 2016FashionNewsTextEmma Hope AllwoodCarmen Chan BA collection Last year, renowned industry website the Business of Fashion released its first ever university rankings, marking fashion schools on a combination of global influence, long-term value and learning experience. With colleges rated both for their BA and MA fashion design courses, the top spots were unsurprising – London frontrunners Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art claimed the respective number one scores. This year, things have changed – with their MA course soaring by a massive 9.3 points to from 85.7 to 95, CSM is now top in both categories. RCA comes second for its MA, while The Royal Academy in Antwerp (the school that gave the world the infamous Antwerp Six) has been knocked from third place by IFM Paris. Previously fourth, London College of Fashion move down to fifth place. When it comes to BA courses, the shake-up has been considerable. After CSM comes Kingston University, which last year placed third. Previously in second place, Tokyo’s Bunka Gakuen has been knocked down 11.5 points all the way back to eighth place, with Helsinki’s Aalto University (previously unranked) soaring into third. NYC’s Parsons drops from fourth to fifth, while The Royal Academy Antwerp enters the list at fourth place. The study is based on responses from over 10,000 students from 54 schools across 17 countries. Explore the full rankings over on Business of Fashion. Backstage at Philip Ellis, Central Saint Martins BA 2016Photography Lucie RoxEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.READ MOREIn pictures: Latex and leather at Sextou’s first Parisian raveThe penis dress has fashion in a chokeholdJim BeamWhat went down at Jim Beam’s NYC bashAdanolaLila Moss fronts Adanola’s latest spring 2026 campaignValentino SS26 couture: Alessandro’s peep show answers our prayersSaint Laurent AW26 was the Parasocial Relationship ConventionWilly Chavarria joins forces with the ACLU in new campaign Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel couture debut was a dreamy mushroom tripAW26 menswear: Everything you missed from this season’s showsOnWhat went down at On and Dazed’s event for Paris-based creativesUGGInside UGG’s Paris Fashion Week Pop-UpDior SS26: Jonathan Anderson’s couture debut wants you to touch grassEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy