At F+F, we also welcome students whose German is not perfect. No matter why you are in Switzerland, discover us in English, either online or in person. We will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
F+F School of Art and Design was founded in 1971. At the time, it was the first progressive art school in Switzerland. Embracing the revolutionary spirit of 1968, it wanted to be a non-elitist alternative for art and design training and welcomed the wider population to its evening and Saturday courses. The teachers were practising artists and designers.
The first courses were held at community centres and F+F later became one of the first tenants at the legendary cultural centre Rote Fabrik in Wollishofen. Since the 1980s, we have run a one-year
foundation course in art and design. Aimed at young people, the course complements our core art programme. Since the year 2000, we have gradually diversified our offerings and evolved from a registered society into a charitable foundation.
Today, F+F is the largest independent art and design school in Switzerland and the second oldest institution of its kind in Europe. The excellent level of design in Switzerland (Swiss style) and our location in Zurich, one of Europe’s leading creative hubs, also make us attractive internationally. Currently, our 270 students are taught by 200 lecturers, while another 500 persons attend our wide range of courses.
For children and young people aged 11 to 16, our holiday and monthly courses provide an ideal introduction to the world of art and design. Our
young people’s courses offer a great opportunity to delve into drawing, painting, graphic design, photography or fashion design. Our
portfolio course prepares students seeking admission to
foundation courses (Gestalterischer Vorkurs).
Since the Bauhaus, our one-year foundation course has provided basic training for vocational studies in art or design. We offer two foundation classes (open to students after their compulsory schooling). The core subjects on the foundation course are drawing, form and colour, graphic design, photography and three-dimensional design. Other subjects include art and design history, video, performance, software development and elective projects.
We also run the
Foundation Year (Propädeutikum) for students who have finished their A-level seeking admission for a Bachelor of Arts in Design or Fine Arts. Classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; Mondays and Fridays are reserved for self-study.
Switzerland’s vocational and education and training system (
VET) distinguishes two levels of training: (1) basic training leading to a Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training(Eidgenössisches Fähigkeitszeugnis EFZ); (2) higher education training leading to an Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (Diplom Höhere Fachschule), as well as more academic bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
F+F offers two specialised EFZ classes: the
photography class and the
graphic design class. Both courses take 4 years and lead to an Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training. Students can do their (integrated) internship in another European country. They can also earn a vocational baccalaureate (A-Levels) at the same time. Ideally, students will have completed the
foundation course before entering a vocational class, as demands are high.
We award a state-recognised Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education to graduates of the following programmes:
Fine Arts,
Film,
Photography,
Fashion Design, and
Graphic Design. These full-time courses last three years. Our film course lasts four years and can be pursued part-time. Students may do an exchange semester at one of our partner schools abroad. Swiss residents are eligible for vocational scholarships (grants are credited directly to F+F). This is why semester fees for international students are CHF 5,000 higher.
Since 2015, we have been offering refugee scholarships. This programme is aimed at talented designers forced to flee their home country. Numerous foundations and donors
support this unique training programme.
As an independent, non-state institution, F+F strives to be inclusive and easily accessible. We are committed to promoting education, production and exchange as open-mindedly as possible. Our
vegetarian canteen is open to students and visitors from Monday to Friday. Our
photo lab and
printing workshop also welcome interested members of the public. Our exhibitions are open to the public and admission is free.
Our main building and school office are located at Flurstrasse 89 (Flurstrasse bus stop). We also have studios at Bullingerplatz and at the Rote Fabrik in Wollishofen. If you have any questions,
email us, call our office
+41 44 444 18 88, come along to an
information evening or visit our Open House.