NABA has a stronger ranking profile than many specialist creative academies because it appears in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for Art & Design.

Ranking Snapshot

Ranking body	Category	Latest available result
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026	Art & Design	41st worldwide
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026	Art & Design in Italy	Best Italian Academy of Fine Arts in the ranking
QS World University Rankings by Subject	Art & Design presence	Ranked for the sixth consecutive year, according to NABA

What The Ranking Means

For a creative academy, subject ranking is more useful than broad global university tables. NABA's QS Art & Design result reflects its reputation in a field where employer view, academic reputation, portfolio culture and professional relevance matter strongly.

Students should still read rankings carefully. A high subject position does not automatically mean every programme, campus or career outcome is the same. The better question is whether the specific NABA course matches your creative goal and gives you the portfolio, feedback and industry exposure you need.

Reputation Context

NABA's reputation is built around:

• Art and design education
• Fashion design and fashion-related communication
• Media design, creative technologies and visual storytelling
• Set design and visual arts
• Practical projects with professional context
• Milan, Rome and London creative-city access
• Career services, internships and portfolio preparation

What Students Should Focus On

When comparing NABA with other creative schools, check:

• Which campus offers your chosen programme
• Whether the course is taught in English, Italian or another format
• How portfolio review and project assessment work
• What industry projects, competitions or internships are available
• What recent graduates from your programme are doing
• Whether the qualification supports your next step in Italy, Europe or elsewhere

Bottom Line

NABA's 2026 QS Art & Design ranking gives it a strong specialist signal. For students, the final decision should combine that ranking with programme fit, portfolio outcomes, campus location, tuition and career support.