What Raffles Milano does

Raffles Milano operates as the Italian branch of the Singapore-based Raffles Education network, established in Milan in 2022 as Raffles Education Italy S.r.l. The institute functions as a private design school offering MUR-accredited three-year undergraduate programs, one-year master's degrees, and short professional courses across fashion, product, visual, interior, and communication design. It targets both domestic Italian students and international cohorts, leveraging the parent network's 16 colleges across nine countries to support cross-campus mobility and credential portability.

The school derives revenue primarily from tuition fees across its multi-year programs, supplemented by corporate-sponsored scholarships and project-based partnerships with brands including CUPRA, OVS, Landor, and Deborah Milano. It employs 119 staff and draws on a faculty cohort that includes more than 20 recipients of the Compasso d'Oro award, anchoring credibility within Italy's design establishment. MUR accreditation, obtained in August 2023, permits the institution to issue state-recognized academic titles and represents a key regulatory milestone.

Operational signature elements include the 72 Hours Challenge pedagogy, an intensive project-based format used to anchor partner briefs, and co-branded design outputs such as the RafflesStool debuted at Milan Design Week in April 2025. Curriculum additions include an AI Management course, positioning the school at the intersection of design and emerging technology practice. Brand visibility has been reinforced through multiple design awards (ADCI, Public Design, Food Brand) and presence in the Milan design event calendar.

Name

Raffles Milano

Legal name

Raffles Education Italy srl

Website

https://rafflesmilano.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Raffles Milano is a Milan-based private design school, established 2022 as the Italian branch of Singapore's Raffles Education network. It offers MUR-accredited undergraduate, master's, and short courses in fashion, product, visual, interior, and communication design, serving domestic and international students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Course Fees: Raffles Milano generates revenue primarily through tuition fees charged for three-year bachelor's degree programs, three-year professional courses, and master's programs. Scholarship programs (50% and 30% tuition reductions) are funded in partnership with corporate sponsors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Raffles Milano is an international design institute in Milan offering MUR-accredited bachelor's degrees, three-year professional courses, master's programs, and short courses in fashion, product, visual, interior, jewellery, and communication design. It also runs the 72 Hours Challenge student competition and the Raffles Talk podcast, targeting students seeking design credentials with international mobility across its parent network's 16 colleges in 9 countries.

Product overview

Raffles Milano is an international design institute offering a portfolio of accredited undergraduate degrees, professional three-year courses, and one-year postgraduate master's programs. The core offerings include Bachelor degrees in Fashion Design, Product Design, and Visual Design (all MUR-accredited via D.M. n.1216 of Aug. 31, 2023), alongside professional three-year courses in Interior Design, Communication Design and Management, Jewellery and Accessories Design, and Fashion Communication and Marketing. Master's programs cover Branding for Luxury/Fashion/Design, Fashion Design and Sustainability, Fashion Photography, Product and Interior Design Innovation, and Visual Design and Communication. Short professional development courses in AI Management, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign complement the academic portfolio. The institute's distinctive pedagogical approach features the '72 Hours Challenge' intensive project format and the student-led Raffles Talk Podcast, all delivered through industry collaborations with leading brands.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor in Fashion Design
• Bachelor in Product Design
• Bachelor in Visual Design
• Three-Year Course in Interior Design
• Three-Year Course in Communication Design and Management
• Three-Year Course in Jewellery and Accessories Design
• Three-Year Course in Fashion Communication and Marketing
• Master in Branding for Luxury, Fashion and Design
• Master in Fashion Design and Sustainability
• Master in Fashion Photography
• Master in Product and Interior Design Innovation
• Master in Visual Design and Communication
• AI Management Short Course
• Adobe Illustrator Short Course
• Adobe Photoshop Short Course
• Adobe InDesign Short Course

Quantifiable outcome

• First Italian branch of international education group to obtain MUR accreditation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CUPRAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026CUPRA Italia has a consistent partnership with Raffles Milano for design collaboration, hackathons, and talent support. The collaboration includes the '72 Hours' challenge where students tackle real briefs, Design Week installations, and the 'Boundless Creativity' project. CUPRA provides scholarships for Product Design Bachelor and Master in Product & Interior Design programs. The partnership has been active for multiple years with ongoing commitments through 2026.
• SiroplastincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Siroplastin collaborated with Raffles Milano students on the 'Raffles Shelf' project, developed by first-year Product Design students under Professor Luigi Baroli. The project translates academic research into real-world design outcomes, with Siroplastin supporting the production of the designed shelf system.
• Andrea CrespicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Contemporary artist Andrea Crespi collaborates with CUPRA and Raffles Milano on design projects including the 'Future Reflections' installation exploring identity in the technological era. Crespi mentors students on creative projects and participates in Design Week events alongside Raffles students.
• Deborah MilanocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Deborah Milano partnered with Raffles Milano on student projects developing visual identities for fragrances and packaging concepts. The collaboration includes scholarships for Master in Fashion Design and Sustainability students. Students work on real, in-production projects within a professional brand environment.
• MetaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Meta provides scholarships for students applying to 3-year Bachelor Degree in Communication Design through the 'Show Your Talent' International Scholarship Call 2026/27.
• Banca InvestisminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Banca Investis collaborated with Raffles Milano students on an art installation during Milan Design Week. Students were featured on TGR for their project contribution to the city's exhibition network.
• Piano B AgencyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Piano B Agency collaborated with Raffles Milano students on an art installation during Milan Design Week 2026, contributing to the city's exhibition network.
• Le SillacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Luxury footwear brand Le Silla collaborated with Raffles Milano Fashion Design students on the 'Anthea' collection celebrating the brand's 30th anniversary. Students' creations were produced and launched into the world, demonstrating the school's industry-connected approach.
• Senco Gold and DiamondscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Senco Gold and Diamonds, a renowned Indian jewelry brand, collaborated with Raffles Milano on the 72 Hours Challenge. Students designed original, contemporary jewelry pieces that balance heritage and innovation for a global audience. The partnership also includes scholarships for Jewellery and Accessory Design students. Senco provides brief and mentorship for student projects.
• LIMEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025LIME, a mobility company, partnered with Raffles Milano during Milano Design Week where students personalized LIME bikes and scooters as part of a real creative project. The collaboration extends to scholarships for Master in Visual Design and Communication students through the 'Show Your Talent' program.
• LandorcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Landor, a global brand consultancy, actively contributes to the Master in Branding for Luxury, Fashion and Design through its 'Empowering Branding' modules. The partnership includes scholarships for the Branding Master program and ongoing collaboration on curriculum development.
• OVScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025OVS collaborated with Raffles Milano on a real project for the brand and provides scholarships for Master in Fashion Photography students through the 'Show Your Talent' program. The partnership goes beyond symbolic involvement to offer concrete opportunities for student experience.
• GINNICOminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025GINNICO partners with Raffles Milano providing scholarships for 3 outstanding candidates applying to Bachelor's in Communication Design through the 'Show Your Talent' program.
• Follow Your PassioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Follow Your Passion, founded by the course coordinator, provides scholarships for 3 candidates in Bachelor's in Visual Design. Students have participated in real in-production projects with the brand. Beyond symbolic partnership, offering concrete opportunities.
• Silvia GagliardiniminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Silvia Gagliardini serves as faculty member teaching Fashion Communication and Marketing, Fashion Design, and Jewel and Accessory Design courses. Represents ongoing faculty partnership.
• BrunellocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Brunello, a textile brand, collaborated with Raffles Milano Fashion Design students on the 'Shape in Motion' live performance project during Milan Design Week. Students used Brunello's high-quality fabrics for moulage performances, creating one-of-a-kind garments through live draping techniques.
• Raffles IndonesiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Raffles Indonesia collaborates with Raffles Milano on cross-campus programs, event marketing projects, and marketing education initiatives. Students from Jakarta participate in collaborative projects with Milan campus, sharing cultural perspectives on fashion and design.
• Lovely Professional University (LPU)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Partnership between Raffles Milano and Lovely Professional University (LPU) in India for student and faculty exchanges, joint research activities, short-term international programs, and co-hosted academic events including workshops, conferences, and seminars.
• Chongqing Luneng Bashu Secondary SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Partnership with Chongqing Luneng Bashu Secondary School, one of China's most forward-thinking international high schools. The collaboration promotes Italian language, culture, and design education, with pathways for Chinese students to continue design studies in Milan.
• PelplasticcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Pelplastic, specialized in contract manufacturing, partnered with Raffles Milano on the 'RafflesStool' project. Along with Siroplastin, the company supported emerging talent by helping build a virtuous ecosystem between training and innovation, supporting the production of student-designed furniture.
• Leroy MerlincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Leroy Merlin launched a brief during the 72 Hours Challenge 2024 at Raffles Milano. Students worked on real project challenges provided by the company, demonstrating industry-academia collaboration.
• OutpumpminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Outpump participated in the 72 Hours Challenge 2024 and collaborated with Raffles Milano on public art installations in Via Morgagni for Porta Venezia Design District 2024.
• Wall of DollsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Wall of Dolls participated in the 72 Hours Challenge 2024 with a project brief for Raffles Milano students. Represents one of several industry partners contributing to student hackathon experiences.
• Porta Venezia Design DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Raffles Milano served as institutional partner for Design Week 2024 in Porta Venezia Design District. Students created the visual identity system for the district, including on-site signage and online presence, transforming it into a visual experience celebrating design innovation.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Istituto Marangoni: Istituto Marangoni is a Milan-headquartered international fashion and design school with multiple global campuses offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion design, styling, and product design. It is a direct peer competing for the same international student demographic.
• Polimoda: Polimoda is a Florence-based international fashion and design institute offering bachelor's, master's, and short courses with strong industry connections to Italian fashion houses. It is a leading direct peer in the Italian fashion and design education market.
• Domus Academy: Domus Academy is a Milan-based postgraduate design school offering master's programs in fashion, product, interaction, and visual design. It is a direct peer competing for the same postgraduate design student segment in Milan.
• NABA - Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti: NABA is a Milan-based private academy offering accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, product design, visual arts, and communication design. It competes head-to-head with Raffles Milano for Milan-based design students and shares the MUR accreditation pathway.
• Scuola Politecnica di Design (SPD): SPD is a Milan-based postgraduate design school with ties to Politecnico di Milano, offering master's programs in transportation, product, interior, and visual design. It is a direct competitor for postgraduate design students in Milan.
• Istituto Europeo di Design (IED): IED operates multi-city campuses including Milan offering bachelor's, master's, and short courses in fashion, design, and visual communication. It is a direct competitor for the same prospective students and employer placement slots as Raffles Milano, with a substantially longer operating history.
• IAAD - Istituto d'Arte Applicata e Design: IAAD is an Italian design school with multiple campuses offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in product design, interior design, communication, and fashion. It is a direct peer competing in the broader Italian design education market.

Emerging players

• Central Saint Martins (UAL): Central Saint Martins is a globally recognized London-based art and design college offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fashion, product, and visual design. It is an indirect competitor for international students weighing global design school options.
• Parsons School of Design: Parsons (The New School) is a leading global design school offering fashion, product, and visual design programs with strong New York industry ties. While not an Italian direct competitor, it competes with Raffles Milano for international students seeking premium design credentials.

Broad incumbents

• Raffles Education Corporation: Raffles Education Corporation is the parent group operating 16 colleges across 9 countries. As the broader network operator, it offers overlapping capabilities at portfolio level but Raffles Milano is its European design hub and not directly substitutable.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@rafflesmilano
• Facebookfacebook.com/rafflesmilano
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/rafflesmilano
• Instagraminstagram.com/rafflesmilano

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Raffles Milano