For people who love flying, there are aviation schools to enroll into. For aspiring engineers, there are engineering-centered universities to choose from. As for designers? The SoFA Design Institute exists for them! As the country’s first specialized design college, the institution aims to develop passionate designers who will be a huge part of the world of design.
Before applying to SoFA Design Institute, here are some things that you should know about the institution:
History of the SoFA Design Institute
SoFA Design Institute’s President Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Vice President for Finance Loralee Baron-Soong, Ivy Almario, and Cynthia Almario established this institution in 2007. In line with their goal of elevating fashion education in the Philippines, the school gradually became one of the prominent institutions to choose when it comes to design and fashion.
Through time, the school added new areas of focus such as Interior Design, Lighting Design, Furniture Design, and even a Senior High School for students who want to pursue art early. Using the approach they dub as the “SoFA Method,” the institution focuses on the individuality and critical-thinking of their learners.
Top Courses the SoFA Design Institute is Known For
Despite being relatively new compared to other academic institutions, SoFA Design Institute offers a wide range of programs. Starting from Senior High School, they offer General Academic Strand, Arts and Design track, and Accountancy and Business Management Track. For undergraduates, they offer Bachelor of Science in Interior Design as well as Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Marketing.
Aside from these, they also have a lot to offer to graduate students who want to level up their skills in design. They have workshops, masterclasses, short courses, and even certificate programs you can choose from! If you want to widen your knowledge on design beyond our country’s borders, you may also enroll in their Study-Abroad program with Instituto Marangoni and Domus Academy Milano in Milan, Italy.
How to Apply to the SoFA Design Institute
If you want to be part of the creatives from SoFA Design Institute, here’s how to apply:
- Take the Admissions Design Test. Instructions for the test will be sent via email. Only accomplish the rest of the requirements when the Admissions Office gives you notice of a successful Admissions Design Test.
- Upon qualifying, create an applicant account on this link and upload your admissions documents.
- Await the result of your application. Your Decision Letter will be sent to you via email.
- If accepted, settle your Reservation Fee and send back your Conforme. Details of this step will be outlined in your Decision Letter.
For Senior High School students, you must prepare:
- Completed Design Test
- 2x2 colored ID photo w/ white background;
- PSA Birth Certificate;
- Medical Certificate signed by your Physician and states that you are able and fit to pursue your studies;
- Creative Portfolio containing your your original creative work. It can include sketches, illustrations, photos, music, or literary work — any proof of creativity;
- Latest School ID and/or any ID;
- G7, G8, G9, and G10 Report Cards or original copy of your school-certified Transcript of Records;
- School Form 10 or Form 137;
- Guidance Counselor’s Recommendation Form (template may be requested from this link);
- Teacher’s Recommendation Form (template may be requested from this link);
- School Fees Payment Undertaking Waiver (template may be requested from this link); and
- Emergency Contact Sheet (template may be requested from this link)
For students who wish to enroll in their degree and long programs, you must prepare:
- Completed Design Test
- 2x2 colored ID photo w/ white background;
- PSA Birth Certificate;
- Medical Certificate signed by your Physician and states that you are able and fit to pursue your studies;
- Creative Portfolio containing youroriginal creative work. It can include sketches, illustrations, photos, music, or literary work — any proof of creativity;
- Certificate of Good Moral Character (for HS graduates / College transferees);
- Certificate of Transfer Credential (for College transferees);
- Original Transcript of Records (for College transferees);
- Grade 12 Report Card (for HS graduates); and
- School Form 10 or Form 137 (w/ remarks “Copy for SoFA Design Institute”)
For graduate students who wish to enroll in their workshops, short courses, and certificate programs, you must:
- Create an applicant account on this link;
- Place an “order” for your course of choice and settle your tuition on this link; and
- Wait for the Registrar’s Office to send your SoFA email access credentials and Enrollment Assessment Form, which outlines your subject/s and schedule.
Graduate students must also prepare:
For study-abroad programs, you may see this link for more detailed information.
How Much Tuition and Other Fees Cost at the SoFA Design Institute
Tuition fees for SoFA Design Institute varies from one program to another. For senior high school students, the tuition fee for both tracks is approximately P222,575. For online programs, the fee ranges from P48,384 to P95,019.75. On the other hand, certificate courses’ tuition fee ranges from P7,889.46 to P47,295.18.
For BS Interior Design, the tuition fee is approximately P108,730 per semester. BA Fashion Design and Marketing, on the other hand, also spans eight semesters with a tuition fee of approximately P110,620 per semester.
Famous Alumni from the SoFA Design Institute
A lot of fashion icons we know today graduated from the SoFA Design Institute. One of them is Reese Lansangan, a famous local OPM artist who is also a fashion designer. Mark Tamayo is also a graduate from SoFA who was recognized at the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) social design competition back in 2011. Runway Dubai’s Fashion Competition Award 2018 Winner Lyn Galo is also one of SoFA’s notable alumni!
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