The main difference is the system, not prestige. Parsons takes applications through the Common Application: a 300–400-word essay, a portfolio of 8–12 slides, IELTS 7.0, four years with a shared first year, $62,348 a year. Central Saint Martins takes applications through UCAS to one of five BA Fashion Design pathways; A levels and the IB are accepted only with a foundation year, the portfolio runs to 25 pages in a set structure, an online interview may follow, IELTS 6.0, three years (or four with a placement), £30,890 a year.
Parsons vs Central Saint Martins: How Admission Differs
The two schools fashion design applicants compare most often select through different systems: a full American academic application against the British route through foundation and portfolio. Based on the schools’ official pages, last reviewed September 2026.
Author The EDMONT editorial teamLast reviewed
| Criterion | Parsons | Central Saint Martins |
|---|---|---|
| Application system | Common Application + portfolio in the Admission Hub | UCAS, choosing one of five pathways |
| Academic entry | High school graduation; SAT and ACT not considered | A levels or IB only with a foundation year |
| Portfolio | 8–12 slides in any media, process for at least two pieces | Up to 25 pages: 3 research, 3 development, 2 colour illustrations |
| Written work | Parsons essay, 300–400 words | UCAS personal statement, up to 4,000 characters |
| Interview | Not listed among requirements | Online, 15–20 minutes, if invited |
| English | IELTS 7.0 | IELTS 6.0, at least 5.5 in each part |
| Length | 4 years, shared first year | 3 years, or 4 with a placement year |
| Fees | $62,348 a year (2026/27) | £30,890 a year (2026 entry) |
| Deadlines | 1 November (EA/ED), 15 January (RD) | 2027/28 applications open in autumn 2026 |
Selection model: a full application against a portfolio after a filter
Parsons reads the whole applicant, as an American college does: school documents, recommendations, the essay and the portfolio together. The portfolio is short, but it is judged for technique and concept, and the school openly encourages experiment in any medium.
CSM checks the formal requirements first and asks only those who meet them for a portfolio. Its structure is set in advance: research, development, finished illustrations. The applicant is read for thinking: how an idea develops through stages towards a resolution.
What this means for an international applicant
For CSM an applicant from an eleven-year school system almost always needs a foundation year: without it A levels and the IB are not accepted, let alone a national certificate. That is an extra year and an extra budget, but also time to build the portfolio.
Parsons does not require a foundation year but does require a complete American application, with recommendations and school documents in English and IELTS 7.0. The early-round decision has to be made by 1 November.
Which applicant each school suits
- Parsons suits an applicant who wants a broad art and design foundation before specialising, an American campus, and is ready for a full academic application.
- Central Saint Martins suits an applicant ready to take a foundation year and build a portfolio around research and experiment, with the emphasis on concept.
Choosing between Parsons and CSM means choosing between two systems of preparation: an American application with a broad first year, and the British route through foundation. One body of work will not serve both: the portfolio has to be built for each structure.
Each school in detail: what to submit, how the portfolio works, fees and common mistakes.Parsons School of Design
The second school in this comparison.Central Saint Martins
Primary sources
The official pages of both schools used for this comparison. Last reviewed: .
- Parsons School of Design — How to Apply: Undergraduate Programs
- Parsons School of Design — Fashion Design (BFA)
- Parsons School of Design — Fashion Design (BFA) Curriculum
- The New School — New Students Tuition and Fees, 2026–2027
- Fashion Institute of Technology — Tuition
- UAL, Central Saint Martins — BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Womenswear
- UAL, Central Saint Martins — BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Communication
- UAL, Central Saint Martins — BA (Hons) Fashion Communication: Image and Promotion
- UAL — Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL, Central Saint Martins — About CSM
EDMONT / FASHION & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
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