We focus on the broad potential of design and technology so we ensure that the Interaction Design Programme has a diverse cohort of up to 24 participants.
We’re looking for people who are prepared to jump into an experiential learning environment, willing to share their existing knowledge and to push the boundaries of current thinking.
Previous participants come from a range of backgrounds including: design, engineering, art, architecture, humanities, natural and applied sciences, social sciences, and business.
Register for an online Information Session
The application form requests basic personal information plus your letter of motivation, 2-3 selected works and CV. You may find it easier to create/compile all of the documents before starting the application form. Make sure that all documents are clearly identified with your name. Please do not include files that require the use of any specific software packages.
IDP ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST:
• Completed online application form
• Letter of Motivation: Approximately 750–1,000 words about your interest in the programme. Please save this as a PDF ready to upload in the application form. Use the naming convention of: first_lastname_essay
• CV: Submit this using the relevant file upload field in the online application form. Ensure that this is in PDF format (Word and other formats not accepted). Please use the naming convention of: first_lastname_cv
• Your work: We would like to see a small collection of 2–3 projects that you feel best represent you. If you are not a designer, you do not need a portfolio.
DEGREE / WORK EXPERIENCE
Applicants are expected to have a college degree (typically a Bachelors) OR three years work experience. The subject/experience does not need to be design related as we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
LETTER OF MOTIVATION
This essay (approximately 750–1,000 words) should convey your interest in the programme. Think of this as an opportunity to discuss your previous experience and future plans.
What do you hope to get out of your time in the programme? What can you contribute – in terms of both skills and personality? Why are you interested in this particular programme? What new opportunities do you foresee beyond graduation?
YOUR WORK
We would like to see a small collection of 2–3 works that you feel best represent you. This body of work does not need to be design projects. It could be a collection of essays, articles, a project plan, strategy, coding projects, visual work, or even something that you think “failed”. If you do come from a design or creative background, you're welcome to submit design work.
We're more interested in who you are, what you've done, and how you think than in any specific background.
Please submit a URL OR your collection of work as a PDF and use this naming convention: first_lastname_selected-works.pdf.
The pdf could also be a single page that includes 2-3 entries that contains for each selected work you are submitting:
- Title of the work
- Small overview text
- Images or screenshots if applicable
- Live link and or url to the work.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Your CV should provide an overview of your educational and work experience, highlighting specific projects, accomplishments and personal interests.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
We do not ask for English proficiency certificates. However, candidates should be proficient in written and spoken English. To this end, all application materials must be personally completed by the candidate. Some candidates may be requested to submit additional writing samples as evidence of their English proficiency. Your ability to communicate well will be assessed if you are invited for an online interview.
There is a 100 Euro application fee for all applicants. We are not able to make exceptions. This will be refunded if you accept the offer of a place.
The tuition fee is 34,450 Euros + 22% VAT 7.579€
Total 42,029 Euro.
If you choose to accept an offer, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit of 5000 Euro. This will secure our place on the programme and will be deducted from the total fee.
The tuition fee covers teaching, materials and lab/workshop access. It does not include accommodation, flights/transport, visa costs, food or other living expenses.
The May 2026 Scholarship
Universal Support: To ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn and lead, CIID is providing a partial scholarship for every participant in the May 2026 Interaction Design Programme.
Eligibility: This scholarship is automatically applied to all participants joining the May 2026 intake.
Tuition & Financial Costs for MAY 2026
Base Tuition: €20,000 + VAT (22%): €4,400
Total Programme Fee: €24,400
Financial Assistance: Intesa Sanpaolo
We have partnered with Intesa Sanpaolo to offer a “no-guarantee” financial plan designed for your peace of mind.
Comprehensive Coverage: Loans of up to €50k available to cover both tuition fees and living expenses.
Deferred Repayment: You don’t start paying back the loan until 2.5 years after graduation, allowing you time to establish your career.
Long-term Flexibility: The plan offers a repayment period of up to 30 years.
INTERVIEWS
Applicants will be invited for a zoom interview, after which we will make our final selections.
The interview will take approx. 40 minutes (on zoom). Among other things, we will ask you to tell us about your motivation for applying to the programme.
There will be plenty of time for you to ask any questions you might have about coming to CIID.
Depending on your citizenship, participants may require a visa. If this applies to you, you will need a valid passport. The processing time and documentation requirements vary from country to country. More information will be provided if you are offered a place on the IDP.