Paris American Academy’s goal is to prepare students academically, personally, and professionally for successful careers. The programs, policies, and teaching methods have been designed to implement this philosophy, are evaluated periodically, and changed as necessary to meet the needs of our students and the ever-changing professional industries.

At PAA, you’ll learn from professors with professional experience in the fields that they teach. They’ll share accumulated knowledge in both lecture and workshop format to offer relevant, meaningful support as you focus on your future and prepare your career.

All of our programs are taught in English, or translated from French, as we receive students from all over the world. Applicants are not required to provide proof of their level of English but do need to be comfortable understanding written and spoken English.

We would be pleased to welcome you. Please set up an appointment to tour the school by emailing the Admissions Department. Tours are available Monday through Friday and last approximately 45 minutes.

For all applicants:

• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your high school diploma or equivalent
• A letter of motivation outlining your previous experience and goals
• A résumé / CV including name, date of birth, and contact information
• Portfolio of 5–10 annotated examples in PDF format (max 5MB)

Your portfolio should show us a range of relevant work, from initial sketches and ideas to finished pieces. Showcase your ability to work with different materials, themes and techniques, as well as how you plan and develop your ideas.

• Mood boards and inspiration references
• Rough sketches done by hand
• Illustrations and digital or technical sketches
• Finished pieces across multiple techniques or materials

The decision regarding whether a student can transfer credits is made on a case-by-case basis. We advise that you send us your application and explain your intentions clearly in your cover letter.

PAA applicants may apply for partial scholarships through the Richard Roy Scholarship Fund. These scholarships range in value from €1,000 to €3,000 off tuition, and from €300 to €1,300 off housing.

The deposit is used to confirm your place on the course and is non-refundable. Tuition fees may or may not be refundable, depending on when the student withdraws. Please contact us for further information specific to your situation.

50% of tuition fees are to be paid within one month of receiving your acceptance letter — this confirms your place. The remaining 50% is due one month before the start of your program.

If you are an EU citizen planning to study in another EU country, you do not require a visa. Students from countries outside of the EU must obtain a student visa. We advise that you check the French government travel website to confirm your specific requirements.

Paris American Academy does not have student halls or dormitories, but manages furnished apartments near the school. If you would like to rent one of our apartments, please contact us directly.

Being a full-time student at PAA requires significant time outside of class to finish assignments. If you need or want to work, please make your studies a priority. The ability to work will depend on your visa type and nationality — please check the relevant regulations for your country.

You can take public transportation from Charles-de-Gaulle airport to PAA. Take the RER B at Charles-de-Gaulle airport and stop at either Port-Royal or Luxembourg. You can also take a taxi or an Uber, or use a shuttle service via www.paris-shuttle.com.

As a major center for professional exhibitions, Paris is an extended classroom; many of the programs include major professional exhibition visits in the curriculum. We try to encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities to complement their learning, and sometimes PAA staff are notified of insider opportunities.

Yes, the Academy is often called upon for fashion students to help backstage at various fashion shows throughout the year. Check out our Instagram for posts regarding students behind the scenes at fashion week.

Most creatives work best with their own equipment. Fashion design students are expected to bring basic sewing supplies. All students should bring a tablet or laptop. Once enrolled, your instructors will provide specific supply lists before you leave for Paris.

Stationery and art supplies are more expensive in Paris than in other major cities worldwide, and you are advised to bring with you as much as possible without encumbering yourself.  You may qualify for a 5% to 15% discount in certain art shops upon presentation of the PAA student card. Fashion supplies in Paris are unique and especially performant. You will enjoy learning and using the tools of the trade of the Parisian fashion makers.

Rather than having you buy books, PAA encourages you to make use of the wealth of public libraries which abound in Paris. We estimate the cost of materials for the Academic Year for students in Fashion and Interior Design to begin at 800 euros.

Here is a list of Art supply shops we recommend. Fashion supplies can be bought in the fashion districts of Paris. Upon enrollment you will be given information about PAA recommended vendors.

The following shops are recommended for the purchase of art supplies. They are all within walking distance or a short bus ride from PAA.

• Adam, 11 rue Edgar Quinet 75014
• L’Art du Papier, 48 rue Vavin 75006
• Berty, 41 rue Claude Bernard 75005 (the closest shop)
• Casteluchio Diana, 125 blvd Montparnasse 75006
• Dubois-Merlin-Denis, 20 rue Soufflot 75005
• Gattegno, 13 rue de la Grande Chaumière 75006
• Sennelier, 3 quai Voltaire 75007 & 4bis rue de la Grande Chaumière 75006
• Charbonnel, 13 quai Montebello 75005
• Joseph Gibert, blvd Saint-Michel 75005
• Drawing supplies: Dubois, Berty, Gilbert, and Damours
• Crayons: Charbonnel, Berty, Gibert
• Transfer Paper: Charbonnel, Gibert
• Items such as typing paper, sepia, cheap brushes, water color paper, tracing paper, and erasers can be quickly and easily obtained at the news stand at 18 rue des Feuillantines, around the corner from PAA.