Course Overview

1. Learn fashion design and explore Chinese fashion culture

2. Gain skills, immerse in heritage, and connect globally — all in Shanghai, the fashion capital of China, with exclusive access to Shanghai Fashion Week

3. Welcoming teens and adults from China and around the world

About Us

Shanghai Textile Industry Workers’ College (SIFEC)

Shanghai Textile Industry Workers’ College (Shanghai International Fashion Education Center, “SIFEC”), founded in 1955, is an independent adult higher education institution approved by the Shanghai Municipal Government and registered with the Ministry of Education of China. SIFEC focuses on cultivating professionals in economic management, engineering, and art and design. With over 70 years of development in the industry, SIFEC has trained numerous professionals with international perspectives across various fields. It has established a diverse Sino-foreign cooperative education system with a distinctive focus on fashion disciplines and jointly runs secondary colleges with full-time undergraduate institutions.

With its leadership serving as Vice President of the Shanghai Fashion Designers Association, Vice President of the Shanghai Textile Association, and Vice President of the Shanghai Knitting Garment & Accessories Industry Association, as well as a Governing Member of the Shanghai Garment Industry Association, SIFEC holds a strong influence and leadership position in the fashion industry.

SIFEC has not only served as the training base for Shanghai competitors and the municipal training center of the WorldSkills Fashion Technology competition, but has also hosted various national competitions in fashion design and garment pattern making, continuously setting benchmarks for talent cultivation and development in the industry.

SIFEC is a member of the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI) and engages in academic and administrative exchanges with renowned fashion institutions worldwide. It also organizes international study tours centered around major global fashion weeks and carries out fashion talent training programs for countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. It is an authorized institution for enrolling international students and issuing study visas for foreign students coming to China.

Course Description

*This 3-week program follows a 3-phase structure integrating Fashion and Chinese Culture modules, from research to creation. Program arrangements are subject to change.

Week 1 – Research & Inspiration

Fashion Module

1. Introduction to fashion history with a focus on Chinese influences

2. Exploration of traditional fabrics and their contemporary applications

3. Field visits to exhibitions, fabric markets, and retail spaces for trend and market research

Chinese Culture Module

1. Basic “Fashion & Lifestyle Chinese” for everyday and fashion-related communication

2. Cultural outings and activities introducing Chinese aesthetics and heritage

Week 2 – Creative Development

Fashion Module

1. Development of visual concepts through collaging and creative illustration

2. Introduction to draping techniques and experimental garment construction

3. Industry visits to local fashion enterprises and workshops

Chinese Culture Module

1. Themed language classes related to design and lifestyle

2. Hands-on experience with intangible cultural heritage crafts such as embroidery or traditional fabric arts

Week 3 – Final Creation & Presentation

Fashion Module

1. Hands-on workshops in textile dyeing, sewing, and advanced draping

2. Final garment creation (for adults) or portfolio development (for teens), participation in course-end presentation

Chinese Culture Module

1. Cultural calligraphy workshops

2. Creative district tours

Who this course is for

1. Beginners with no prior experience in fashion, as well as learners with some foundation

2. Those interested in Chinese culture, fashion industry and fashion design

3. Open to both Chinese and international applicants

What you’ll get

1. A complete garment (for adults) or a portfolio (for teens)

2. Certificate of completion issued by SIFEC

3. Enhanced interest and skills in fashion design

4. Potential industry connections within Shanghai’s fashion scene

5. Immersion in Chinese cultural heritage

6. Friendships and networks from around the world

Program details

Eligibility: A valid foreign passport (for international applicants)

Class Scale: Minimum of 5

Learning Mode: On-campus

Language: English, supplemented with Chinese

Location: 652 Changshou Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China

Schedule: From Monday to Friday

Starting Time: Rolling enrollment on a yearly basis

Tuition fee: RMB 28,800

*On-campus dormitory and dining options are available but not included in the tuition fee.

How to Apply

Application Materials:

1. Complete the application form provided

2. Scanned copy of passport (valid page) / Chinese ID card

3. Scanned copy of highest degree

4. HSK Chinese Proficiency Certificate (if available)

Please send documents 2-4 in a compressed file to: info@sifec.edu.cn

*Visa support will be arranged as necessary.

Payment

Account Name: Shanghai Textile Industry Workers’ College

Bank: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Shanghai Putuo Branch

Account No.: 1001210009014452449

*Please include the full account name and your full name matching your passport / ID card when making the transfer.

Contact Us

International Office, Shanghai International Fashion Education Center (SIFEC)

Address: 9F, Building F, 652 Changshou Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, China

E-mail: info@sifec.edu.cn

Tel.: +86-21-62778741