The Design Village and L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique Partnership: India-France Design Education, International Study, Exchange and Degree Options Explained
The Design Village and L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique: Students exploring international design education between India and France may encounter references to the academic relationship between The Design Village in Delhi and L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique in France.
L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique currently lists The Design Village among its higher-education partner institutions in India, placing the Delhi design school within the French institution's international academic network.
The partnership is relevant to students interested in international mobility, cross-cultural design education, exchange opportunities and pathways that can expose Indian design students to the French and European design ecosystem.
However, students should carefully distinguish between an international partnership, student exchange, progression arrangement and a formal dual-degree program. A partnership does not automatically mean that every student receives two degrees. Applicants should verify the exact degree-awarding structure for their intake before enrolling on the basis of a “dual degree” claim.
This guide covers The Design Village, L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique, India-France design education, international exchange, design degrees, B.Des pathways, French design study, eligibility, portfolio, admissions, international mobility, specializations, careers and what students should verify before applying.
The Design Village–L’École de Design Partnership: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Indian institution | The Design Village |
| Location | Delhi-NCR, India |
| French institution | L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique |
| Location | Nantes, France |
| Current relationship | The Design Village is listed among L’École de Design's international partner institutions |
| Field | Design education |
| International opportunity | Mobility/exchange possibilities subject to applicable institutional arrangements |
| Automatic two-degree award? | Should not be assumed; verify the exact program and intake |
What Is The Design Village?
The Design Village is a design-education institution in India with an international orientation toward design learning, projects and collaboration.
Students considering the institution typically search for areas including:
- Design admission.
- Undergraduate design courses.
- International exposure.
- Portfolio development.
- Product design.
- Communication design.
- Interaction design.
- Space/interior-oriented design.
- Design careers.
What Is L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique?
L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique is a French design school based in Nantes with a substantial international academic network.
Its current institutional information describes thousands of students, international activities and partnerships with higher-education institutions across numerous countries.
Is The Design Village an Official Partner Institution?
Yes. The Design Village is currently listed by L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique among its partner higher-education institutions in India.
The French school's broader international partner network includes more than 120 institutions across 36 countries.
What Does an International Design Partnership Mean?
An academic partnership can support one or more forms of cooperation, depending on the specific agreement.
Possible activities can include:
- Student exchange.
- International mobility.
- Joint workshops.
- Academic collaboration.
- Faculty interaction.
- Collaborative design projects.
- Study-abroad opportunities.
- International classroom exposure.
The existence of a partnership alone does not prove that all of these options apply to every student or every intake.
Partnership vs Dual Degree
| Partnership | Dual Degree |
|---|---|
| Institutions formally collaborate | Program is structured around two defined academic awards |
| May include mobility or exchange | Has explicit degree-awarding conditions |
| Does not automatically award two degrees | Requires clearly defined curriculum and completion rules |
| Can cover multiple activities | Specific academic pathway |
What Is a Dual-Degree Design Program?
A genuine dual-degree program normally allows an eligible student to complete a structured academic pathway involving two institutions and earn two specified academic awards after meeting all requirements.
Before joining any program marketed as a dual degree, students should confirm:
- Exact name of both degrees.
- Degree-awarding institutions.
- Recognition/status of each qualification.
- Total program duration.
- Years or semesters spent at each institution.
- Credits required.
- Tuition charged by each institution.
- Travel and accommodation costs.
- Visa requirements.
- Language requirements.
- Minimum academic performance for progression.
Exchange Program vs Dual Degree
| Exchange | Dual Degree |
|---|---|
| Student studies temporarily at partner institution | Student follows a defined two-award pathway |
| Home institution usually remains primary degree provider | Two degree-awarding arrangements are explicitly defined |
| Credits may transfer | Separate completion requirements may apply |
| Usually one semester or defined mobility period | Can span a substantial part of the overall program |
International Mobility at L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique
The French institution maintains a broad international network and receives students through exchange and international-study arrangements.
Its partner network extends across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia.
India Partner Institutions
The current partner list includes multiple Indian design and higher-education institutions, including The Design Village.
This provides useful context for students evaluating the international reach of the partnership rather than viewing it as an isolated collaboration.
Why Study Design in France?
France has a strong ecosystem across industrial design, fashion, luxury, architecture, visual communication, digital design, transportation and creative industries.
International design study can expose students to:
- Different design methodologies.
- European design culture.
- Multicultural project teams.
- International faculty and peers.
- Global design briefs.
- Different manufacturing contexts.
- International portfolio development.
Why India-France Design Collaboration Matters
India and France offer very different social, industrial, cultural and design environments.
A student exposed to both contexts can learn to approach design problems through multiple cultural and user perspectives.
Design Specializations Students Can Explore
Depending on the institution and exact program, international design education can cover areas such as:
- Product Design.
- Industrial Design.
- UX Design.
- Interaction Design.
- Graphic Design.
- Communication Design.
- Interior Design.
- Space Design.
- Service Design.
- Digital Design.
- Transportation Design.
- Design Strategy.
L’École de Design Bac+5 Designer Degree
L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique offers a five-year designer curriculum structured around an initial three-year cycle followed by a two-year advanced cycle.
The program includes design fundamentals, specialization and professional development.
First Three Years
The initial cycle develops core design skills and guides students toward design majors and specializations.
Areas can include:
- Space design.
- Graphic design.
- Product design.
- UX design.
Master-Level Cycle
The later stage develops strategic and specialized design capabilities through seminars, workshops, projects and professional experience.
International Bachelor of Design in France
L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique also currently describes an English-taught International Bachelor of Design scheduled to begin in September 2027.
| Feature | Current Program Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Credits | 180 ECTS |
| Language | English |
| Location | Nantes, France |
| Planned start | September 2027 |
| English requirement | B2-equivalent level |
International Bachelor Specializations
The current program information identifies two broad specialty directions:
- Space & Industrial Design.
- UX & Graphic Design.
International Class After Two Years of Design Study
L’École de Design also offers an international third-year pathway for students who have already completed two years of undergraduate design study relevant to their selected specialization.
The English-taught program in Nantes leads toward the French DN MADE qualification under the applicable admission structure.
International Class Specializations
- Digital Design.
- Interior Design.
- Industrial Design.
Eligibility for International Design Study
Eligibility varies substantially by pathway.
| Pathway | Typical Entry Point |
|---|---|
| First-year undergraduate | After secondary-school qualification |
| International Bachelor | Equivalent school-leaving qualification plus required English level |
| International third year | Two years of relevant undergraduate design study |
| Master-level pathway | Relevant prior undergraduate design study |
| Exchange | Depends on home institution and partnership agreement |
English Language Requirement
Students entering an English-taught program should check the exact English-language requirement for their course.
The current International Bachelor information specifies an English level equivalent to B2.
Do Indian Students Need French?
It depends on the program.
English-taught international programs can allow students to study academically in English, while French-language programs require the applicable French proficiency.
Even for an English-taught course, basic French can be useful for daily life, internships and wider professional integration in France.
Design Portfolio
A portfolio is central to many design-school admission processes, especially for students seeking entry after previous design study.
A strong portfolio should demonstrate:
- Original thinking.
- Research process.
- Sketching.
- Iteration.
- Problem solving.
- Prototyping.
- Final outcomes.
- Reflection on design decisions.
What Should a Portfolio Contain?
Students should avoid filling a portfolio only with polished final images.
Admissions teams often need to understand how the candidate thinks.
Show:
- Problem statement.
- Research.
- Early ideas.
- Sketches.
- Experiments.
- Failed or revised concepts where useful.
- Prototype.
- Final design.
- Learning from the project.
Study Abroad Costs Students Should Calculate
International design education involves more than tuition.
Students should budget for:
- Tuition.
- Application charges.
- Visa.
- Health insurance.
- Flight tickets.
- Accommodation.
- Food.
- Local transport.
- Design materials.
- Laptop/software.
- Personal expenses.
France Student Visa
Indian students undertaking a qualifying study period in France may need the applicable French student visa depending on program duration and mobility structure.
Visa requirements should be checked only after confirming the actual admission and study period.
ECTS Credits Explained
ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.
It is widely used in European higher education to represent academic workload and facilitate recognition and mobility.
Why ECTS Matters for Exchange Students
For exchange and mobility programs, ECTS can help institutions map academic work completed abroad back to the student's home curriculum, subject to the approved learning agreement.
Internships in Design Education
Professional experience is an important part of design education because design is strongly project- and industry-oriented.
L’École de Design's five-year curriculum includes internship opportunities at different stages, including international/professional experience within its broader program structure.
Design Career Options
Graduates from design programs can pursue roles such as:
- Product Designer.
- Industrial Designer.
- UX Designer.
- UI Designer.
- Graphic Designer.
- Communication Designer.
- Interior/Space Designer.
- Service Designer.
- Design Researcher.
- Design Strategist.
- Experience Designer.
- Creative Entrepreneur.
Does International Study Guarantee a Job Abroad?
No. International academic exposure does not guarantee employment in France or another country.
Employment depends on factors including:
- Portfolio quality.
- Skills.
- Internships.
- Language ability.
- Professional network.
- Immigration/work authorization.
- Employer demand.
How to Verify a Dual-Degree Claim
Before paying fees for any international program advertised using the phrase “dual degree,” ask the institution to provide the following in writing:
- Name of Degree 1.
- Name of Degree 2.
- Institution awarding Degree 1.
- Institution awarding Degree 2.
- Recognition/accreditation status.
- Required credits.
- Years spent in India.
- Years or semesters spent abroad.
- Additional international tuition.
- Eligibility to progress abroad.
- What happens if the student cannot travel.
- Whether every admitted student receives both degrees.
Questions to Ask The Design Village Before Applying
- Is my exact intake covered by the France partnership?
- Is international mobility guaranteed or competitive?
- How many students can participate?
- What academic GPA/grade is required?
- What portfolio standard is required?
- Which semester is spent in France?
- Who pays French tuition?
- Are credits transferred automatically?
- Which qualification will appear on my final certificate?
- Will I receive one degree or two?
Questions to Ask About International Fees
Students should request a complete written fee structure covering:
- Indian tuition.
- French tuition if applicable.
- Exchange fee.
- Registration fee.
- Accommodation.
- Insurance.
- Visa.
- Travel.
- Materials.
The Design Village–L’École de Design FAQs
Is The Design Village a partner of L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique?
Yes. The Design Village is currently listed among the French school's partner higher-education institutions in India.
Where is The Design Village?
The Design Village is based in Delhi-NCR, India.
Where is L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique?
It is based in Nantes, France.
Does a partnership mean every student gets a French degree?
No. Partnership, exchange and dual-degree arrangements are different. Students must verify their exact program.
Does every TDV student automatically study in France?
Students should not assume automatic international mobility. Eligibility and availability depend on the applicable institutional arrangement.
Can Indian design students study at L’École de Design?
The French institution offers multiple international admission and mobility pathways, each with its own eligibility requirements.
Does L’École de Design offer English-taught programs?
Yes. It currently lists English-taught international programs.
What English level is required for the International Bachelor?
The current program information specifies a B2-equivalent English level.
How long is the International Bachelor?
Three years, carrying 180 ECTS under the current program information.
When does the new International Bachelor begin?
The current program page lists September 2027 as the course start.
Can students enter after two years of design education?
L’École de Design currently offers an international third-year route for applicants with two years of relevant undergraduate design study.
What should I verify before joining a dual-degree program?
Verify both degree names, awarding institutions, recognition, tuition, duration, international study requirement and whether receiving both qualifications is guaranteed or conditional.
The Design Village and L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique: Final Takeaway
The international relationship between The Design Village and L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique is relevant for Indian students seeking global design exposure. The French institution officially lists The Design Village within its international partner network, and its international ecosystem supports student mobility and cross-cultural design learning.
However, students should not treat the word “partnership” as automatic proof that every student receives two degrees. Anyone specifically interested in a dual-degree pathway should obtain the exact degree structure, international study period, eligibility, tuition and degree-awarding conditions for the relevant intake before enrolling.
For students who can access the applicable international pathway, the larger value lies in combining Indian design education with exposure to French and European design practice, international peers, portfolio development and cross-cultural project experience.
