present THE PININFARINA SCHOLARSHIP AN INTEGRATED EXPERIENCE

A new collaboration between Istituto Marangoni Miami and Pininfarina is creating exciting opportunities for the next generation of interior designers. As part of this partnership, new applicants can now apply for the Pininfarina Scholarship, which will award scholarships to three exceptional candidates pursuing the Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design at Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM).

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to creativity, innovation, and greater accessibility in design education. Recipients of the scholarship will have the opportunity to study at IMM, located in the heart of the Miami Design District—a global hub for design, art, and culture.

The Pininfarina Scholarship is an integrated design experience. As part of the scholarship challenge, students will be asked to combine two distinct areas of a home, each with different functions, and envision an interior that enhances both. This unique concept invites candidates to think beyond aesthetics and explore how thoughtful design can seamlessly unite lifestyle and performance.

The Pininfarina Scholarship is intended for students who demonstrate outstanding creativity, dedication, and leadership in the field of interior design. Selected recipients will become part of an international community of designers, work alongside industry leaders, and gain the skills and experience needed to shape the future of interior spaces.

U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency: This scholarship is open to students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, supporting emerging talent across the country.

Academic Excellence: This scholarship is open to students who are in good academic standing, with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Educational Background: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree and be prepared to pursue advanced studies in interior design.

Application to the Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design Program: The scholarship is exclusively for students applying to the Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design at Istituto Marangoni Miami. Applicants must provide a official transcripts and diploma, resume, a valid form of identification, and a personal statement outlining their career goals and reasons for applying for this scholarship.

Creative Assignment and Portfolio Submission: As part of the application process, candidates must submit a portfolio and a crossover design assignment showcasing their work and design potential via email scholarships@immiami.com.

All applicants must submit their application by September 1st, 2025.

To apply for the Pininfarina Scholarship, follow these steps to get started:

Visit the application page:  Visit immiami.com/apply to complete the application form, select “Graduate” → “MFA in Interior Design,” enter your accurate personal details, and pay the $100 non-refundable fee.

Prepare and upload your creative assignment: Participants are asked to design a hybrid interior that merges two distinct but complementary functions into one cohesive space, exploring how performance, emotion, and lifestyle can coexist. Applicants should select a pair of the following uses/functions and envision an interior that enhances both:

Home + Gym
Garage + Lounge
Workspace + Hospitality
Atelier + Retail

Applicants will be evaluated based on their innovation and creativity in interpreting hybrid functionality, overall design quality—including spatial logic, materiality, and atmosphere—and narrative and storytelling giving a clarity and emotional impact of their concept. Submissions should embody the Pininfarina spirit of elegance, performance, and visionary thinking. Additionally, 50% of the evaluation will be based on the applicant’s portfolio, reflecting their design maturity, personal style, and creative potential.

The final result should be a synthesis that reflects contemporary living needs and aesthetic ambition.

Requirements:
Up to 3 boards (11.7 x 16.5, free technique, collage, drawings, renderings, etc.),
The size of each board must not exceed 3MB
One essay (max 300 words) describing the concept, approach, and design vision

Prepare and upload your portfolio: A curated selection of previous works that demonstrate creativity, spatial awareness, and design capability.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps—bringing you closer to joining Miami’s leading design community.

Once your application is complete, send your portfolio to scholarships@immiami.com for review. The deadline for portfolio submission is September 1st.

The admissions team will carefully evaluate each submission and contact selected applicants for an interview. Finalists will be reviewed by the Pininfarina team, and the scholarship recipient will be announced on September 10th, 2025.

Upon acceptance, the scholarship winner will receive guidance on enrollment, course registration, and preparation for their journey at Istituto Marangoni Miami.