As an urban institute, Florence University of the Arts is comprised of several buildings. The school's main building, houses classrooms as well as the university’s administrative offices, and is located at Via Magliabechi 1, steps away from the Santa Croce Church (Basilica di Santa Croce). The Renaissance building was once owned by the Doni family, patrons of the famed Michelangelo. The room used as the “aula magna” (large meeting room) was once the Doni family master bedroom, where Michelangelo’s commissioned work was displayed. The palazzo is large and provides an ideal setting for the studios, classrooms, administrative offices, internet facilities and library located within.

Palazzo Guicciardini Strozzi is another historical building that holds FUA classrooms. Although both main buildings hold historical meaning in Florence; cutting edge, contemporary Italian interior design can be found in within our two historic buildings.

In addition to the main buildings, courses are held at Via San Gallo #45r. In order to provide FUA students with the most comprehensive jewelry courses available, goldsmithing and jewelry classes are taught in conjunction with Fuji Studios, which provide a well-equipped, highly regarded studio space for FUA students.

Academic Programs

Florence University of the Arts (FUA) presents a contemporary and thorough approach to education and the arts. With small classes taught by international faculty, every course aims to enhance the social, intercultural and professional experiences of students. FUA combines innovative curriculum and collaborative teaching methods to create a unique university experience abroad.

FUA offers a wide range of courses which have been carefully planned and designed keeping with current interests and contemporary subjects. Along with interesting and specialized courses, such as book and paper making, jewelry, interior design and industrial design, FUA also offers a large selection of liberal arts, science, business and economics courses.

Courses are taught in English, except Italian language courses, and those courses whose descriptions clearly indicate that they are taught in Italian. Although there is no prior language requirement at FUA, all semester students are required to take Italian language as part of their program.

The academic program at FUA is based on the American university semester credit system. Students are required to be enrolled full-time and to take a minimum of 12 credits, made up of a combination of electives and Italian courses. The Free Elective Program at FUA allows students to select up to 15 credits. All students enroll in 3, 6 or 9-credit Italian courses and may choose additional elective courses as their schedule permits.

FUA also offers two Summer Sessions and a number of one-month intensive language courses for credit. Each Summer Session has a maximum enrollment of 9 credits. Summer Session students are not required to take Italian language.

In today’s global workplace, many students gain invaluable professional experience in international internships.  FUA proudly offers internships to all second semester FUA students. Available in all areas of study, internships include a mandatory 4-week intensive language workshop. This requirement will be waived for students proficient in Italian. 

Courses are chosen from the following departments/Colleges:

College of Liberal Arts

College of Fine and Visual Arts

College of Life Science, Environmental Studies and Human Services

College of Business and Economics

College of Science

At FUA, you will find that learning happens both in and out of the classroom. Whenever possible, field trips to relevant museums, historical libraries, influential businesses and famous sites in Florence are integrated into the curriculum.