Program Information

STUDIOS AVAILABLE

OMA (Rotterdam) | Zaha Hadid Architects (London) | Snøhetta (Oslo) | Sou Fujimoto Architects (Tokyo) | MVRDV (Rotterdam)

Who usually attends Venice Studio?

Venice Studio has welcomed students from over 60 countries. The cohort is diverse and includes Bachelor, Master and recently Graduated students. Students join for multiple reasons including:
– to work in an intimate setting with their favourite architecture firm
– to add a professional project to their portfolio
– to combine a holiday with a study program- to form relationships and look for opportunities with the architecture firm post Venice Studio
– to live in Venice for two weeks and make life-long friends

What is included in the fee?

The fee is all inclusive. There are no additional costs for any program or studio specific activities.

Program related activities and benefits:

– Program welcome
– Public Program of architecture talks
– Entry to important works of architecture in Venice
– Final Reviews/Presentations at Palazzo Grassi’s Tadao Ando designed theatre building
– Program closing event in the historical centre of the city
– Public transport tickets for all program related visits and field trips
– Multiple social events in the city for students and architects

Studio related activities and benefits:

– Studio / work space in the historical centre of Venice
– Tuition by a celebrated international architecture firm
– Field Trips inc. any applicable entry passes and transport

Fees do not include:
Travel to and from Venice, Accommodation, Food and Travel Insurance

(note: students of the University of Melbourne may be eligible to enrol in studios for credit directly via the University of Melbourne.)

How does the application system work?

Apply directly via the ‘Apply Now’ button on any studio page.

Applications are assessed on a first come basis. Some studios may reach capacity early – in this instance, those studios will close for new applications.

A limited number of early bird places are available in each studio on a first come basis until the end of the early bird period or whenever the early bird allocation is exhausted (whichever comes first). Once the early bird allocation for each studio is exhausted or the early bird period ends applications will be considered for full fee places only.  

Applicants are first required to submit an application form and small sample of works (portfolio) and also select the studios they are interested to join. We aim to place each student in their first preference studio, however students should select multiple studios (numbered 1-…) according to their interest. Students will be notified of their outcome and have their studio place held prior to confirming their place and paying the fee.

When is class and how much free-time is there?

The program has been carefully calibrated to balance in-class study and project development with free-time. Generating a considered design project while spending time experiencing the city, its cultures and its people is the ideal outcome for any student in the program.

Where do classes take place?

All studios take place in Venice, Italy (there is no online tuition available at VS24). Each studio has a designated space for classes which can also be used for out of class-time work. All studios are housed together within a Venetian palace in the conveniently located district of Castello for optimum social and intellectual connection between studios and participants.

What is the language of instruction?

All classes are taught in English.

What equipment should students bring with them to Venice?

Each student is required to bring a laptop computer. Some studios may require particular software. Software requirements (and any other required items) will be listed on each studio page on this website. Please note that equipment insurance is the responsibility of each student.

How is accommodation organised?

Each student is responsible for sourcing their own accommodation. Many students like to share accommodation with other students in the program to minimise cost and for the social aspect. Venice Studio can connect students who are interested to share accommodation.
Venice is quite a small place. Therefore, whether on foot or by vaporetto everything is quite close. More affordable accommodation can also be found in Mestre (the closest mainland town to Venice). It is a very short and convenient tram or bus ride across the lagoon to Venice.

What to expect from the field-trips?

Field-trips within Venice’s historical centre, and often further afield on the Italian mainland are organised for all students. These are carefully selected by the offices leading each studio to take full advantage of the inspiring city and landscape but also to connect with the particular studio program and design task. Therefore, each studio will include, as part of its tuition, one or more unique trips. In the past studios visited: Venice Biennale, IUAV Architecture Archive, Villa Foscari by Andrea Palladio, Canova Museum and Gypsotheca by Carlo Scarpa, kayaking around the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, and Vicenza. (note: all field-trip costs are included in the program fee.)

What is a ‘studio partner’?

Venice Studio partners with local organisations to elevate the student experience and provide the particular studio project the best local knowledge possible. Often, through a studio partner, students are exposed to aspects of Venice not accessible to regular visitors. Partners could include: museums, foundations, not-for-profits, wineries / vineyards, government authorities…

Is it possible to gain internships or other job opportunities with the participating firms?

At Venice Studio, studio directors from the partner firms work closely with each of their students throughout the 2 week program. This presents them a unique opportunity to identify suitable candidates from around the world for any available internship or work opportunities post Venice Studio. Some architectural firms join the VS program to specifically spot suitable candidates / future talent – consequently, students do secure internships as a direct result of participation at Venice Studio.
Any internship or job opportunities available are at the sole discretion of the studio directors and the firm and are not guaranteed.

Is academic credit awarded?

Venice Studio does not issue academic credit points directly. However, at the completion of the program we will issue a course completion certificate (inc. the name of the architectural practice who lead the studio) which may aid your faculty’s recognition of your Venice Studio study. Many schools around the world have in the past awarded students academic credit for undertaking Venice Studio. Credit point allocation is at the sole discretion of your university faculty.

(note: students of the University of Melbourne enrolled directly via the University of Melbourne are eligible for credit.)

Do I need a Visa to enter the EU / Italy?

Each student is responsible for securing their own visa for entry into Italy (if required). Students can be provided with a formal Venice Studio letter of enrolment should they need it to support any visa application. Should you require a visa it is highly recommended to start the process as soon as possible (as the application process can be lengthy)

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