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Our school

ESAM Design (Ecole Supérieure des Arts Modernes), a private institution for technical higher education, has devoted all its energy into training students for over 73 years.

Within a friendly environment of mutual partnership, the school provides an education in the essential methods used in the professional world and a place where students’ full creative and academic potential can flourish.

After the foundation year, during which students become familiar with the world of applied arts, students opt for a 4 year course to learn about the diverse aspects of either graphic design communication or interior design.

The key word, ‘creativity’, links all their future careers, whether these will take place internationally or in France. This is more than a vague sentiment or feeling coming from the inspiration of the moment. It is about acquiring a state of mind constantly tuning in to cultural settings, seeking personal expression and flowing with ideas…

Student guide


Course plan


Esam Plus Factors

ESAM Design has been training students in Interior Design and Graphic Design in a friendly environment of mutual partnership for over 65 years.

8 assets explain our longevity:

1 Professional success

80% of our alumni have found work within 6 months of graduating.

2 Diplomas recognised by professionals

ESAM Design Paris is one of 15 French schools professionally recognised by the French Council of Interior Architects - CFAI (Conseil Français des Architectes d’Intérieur )

3 Personalised accompaniment and support

Small classes and dedicated times for individual discussion at ESAM Design Paris ensure close supervision and support for each student. Monthly meetings are reserved for international students to help them solve any general problems and to help them make the most of life in Paris.

4 Combining studies with work

4th and 5th year-students (E.U students only) can combine study and work, to prepare the launch of their professional career.

More about sandwich training

5 A privileged position in a cultural environment

Located in the heart of the Batignolles, ESAM Design Paris is a 15 minutes walk to Montmartre. The school offers access to cultural resources that form part of the teaching programmes: museums, theatres, galleries, cinemas, workshops and studios.

6 A staff of practicing professionals

All the courses at ESAM Design Paris are taught by practicing professionals (designers, interior designers, artistic directors, illustrators) bringing together their experience with the desire to pass it on.

Learn more about professors

7 An influential network

ESAM Design Paris can rely on a network of 4500 alumni for internships and professional opportunities for its students.

Alumni stories

8 International relations

An international experience is a major asset to a student’s education. ESAM Design Paris is a member of the ERASMUS exchange programme and has an active policy of partnership with schools all over the world. We also belong to the CUMULUS network with over 260 of the most prestigious and well know Universities and Colleges of Art and Design from all over the World.

More detailed information on the ERASMUS Programme

Admissions procedure

Preparatory year at the entrance to the School of Art

For whom?
- Open to students preparing or having the International Baccalaureate or equivalent national school leaving or university entrance qualifications

How and when ?
Admission is based on an interview procedure that takes place each year from January through to July (also in September depending on available places).

To make an appointment for interview (the interview takes place at the school or via Skype): Telephone: +33 1 53 06 88 00 or complete the form

How much?
The cost of the application fees depends on the student’s nationality (or residency status)
Application fees :
Home or E.U students: 450 €.
International non-E.U. students: 450 € + 400 € administrative costs

Tuition fees:
6500 €

Please note:

  • Materials required during the school year are at the student’s own expense.
  • E.U. students are entitled to payment by instalments. International non-E.U. students must pay their tuition fees in full before the start of the academic year.

Interior Design Course

For whom ?

Admission is based on the applicant’s portfolio and an interview that takes place each year from December through to July (also in September depending on available places).

  • Admission into 3rd or 4th year
    International non-E.U students: admission into the 3rd or 4th years is done through the site Campusart: campusart.org
    E.U Students: admission is based on the applicant’s portfolio and an interview that takes place each year from December through to July.

How much ?
Application fee : 450 €
1st year (Foundation year) : 6 400 euros
2nd year : 7 050 €
3rd / 4th year : 7 250 € / an
5th year : 6 850 €

International non-E.U students must pay the full tuition fees at the time of application before starting the course, plus administrative costs: 400 euros (first time enrolment only)

Further Education

Who can apply?

All persons in work or seeking employment, wanting to:
- Convert to a career in the interior design sector
- Acquire skills and complementary expertise in the domain of creation, marketing or construction.
- Broaden and enrich their personal development

Level B2 in French is required for all foreign students.

How ?
1st year: Admission is based on an interview procedure
2nd or 3rd year: Admission is based on a test , the applicant’s portfolio and an interview

When?
1st year: from December through to July (also in September depending on available places).
2nd or 3rd year: 2nd of May, 2016

How much ?
1st year : 3550 € (self-funding) / 5000 € (business funding)
2nd year : 3550 € (self-funding)) / 5000 € (business funding)
3rd year : 7700 €
4th year : 7300 €