Earn your graduate degree in the South of France
Complete your graduate degree requirements living amid the lush Luberon Valley at SCAD Lacoste, where you'll live and learn within richly preserved medieval maisons that merge time-honored architectural marvels with modern technology and resources. Through SCADnow's residential graduate program, you can advance your degree online while gaining firsthand insight into Europe's luxury, design, film, animation, and hospitality culture. Build a global perspective that sets you apart with clients and employers as you start your next chapter in Provençal France.
About the residential graduate program
Eligibility
If your graduate degree is offered online through SCADnow, you're eligible to participate in the residential program.
Academics
You'll remain enrolled in your eligible, graduate program of choice and complete a portion of your degree requirements through SCADnow while living in Lacoste. For an M.A., you can take up to four courses in person. For an M.F.A., you can take up to eight.
- Animation: M.A., M.F.A.
- Creative business leadership: M.A., M.B.I.
- Design for sustainability: M.A., M.F.A.
- Design management: M.A., M.B.I.
- Graphic design and visual experience: M.A., M.F.A.
- Illustration: M.A., M.F.A.
- Interactive design and game development: M.A., M.F.A.
- Interior design: M.A., M.F.A.
- Luxury and brand management: M.A., M.F.A.
- Motion media design: M.A., M.F.A.
- Painting: M.F.A.
- Photography: M.A., M.F.A.
- Service design: M.A., M.B.I.
- Writing: M.F.A.
Experience
Your access to next-level resources goes beyond the classroom. At SCAD Lacoste, graduate studio spaces, critiques, mentorship from visiting professionals, and curated excursions elevate your education — and give you direct entrée into European luxury industries.
Housing
SCAD owns beautifully renovated, historic residences throughout picturesque Lacoste, all within walking distance of key university environments, including chic apartments, studios, and digitally connected shared spaces.
Fees
Fees cover room, board, and excursion costs associated with three academic quarters in France.
- US$23,483 for double-occupancy housing, plus tuition
- US$26,771 for single-occupancy housing, plus tuition
Tuition is not included. Note that you'll need to take at least one course per quarter.
Visa requirements
SCAD encourages starting the process early, as it can take several months to complete. Be sure to select the long-stay visa (type D) during your application process.
Start your year abroad
Whether your SCAD graduate journey starts soon or you're already enrolled, contact SCADnow Lacoste to take the next step!
Explore all that Lacoste has to offer
Set amid a richly preserved medieval village, SCAD Lacoste offers old-world charm with modern resources to reenergize your creativity and give you direct entreé into Europe's most celebrated industries.
Frequently asked questions
Jump to: Visas and eligibility | Housing and living in Lacoste | Academics and programming | Logistics and student experience
Visas and eligibility
Who is eligible to participate in the SCAD Lacoste graduate experience?
This experience is designed for enrolled SCAD graduate students who can remain on track in their degree through SCADnow online coursework during academic quarters in Lacoste.
Do I need a visa to participate?
Most non-EU students will require a French long-stay visa (or equivalent authorization) to live in France for an academic year. Students should confirm requirements based on their citizenship and intended length of stay.
Does SCAD assist with the visa process?
SCAD provides documentation and general guidance to support visa applications, but students are responsible for submitting their materials, scheduling appointments, and complying with all French and home-country regulations.
When should I begin the visa application process?
Students should plan to begin the visa process at least six months before departure to allow time for document collection, appointments, and potential processing delays.
Can I work while I am in France?
French long-stay visas typically do not permit visitors to work. However, authorization depends on visa type and French regulations. Students must review the current rules to determine whether any paid or unpaid work is permitted during their stay.
Housing and living in Lacoste
Where will I live during the program?
Students are housed in SCAD Lacoste-owned historic residences in the village, within walking distance of studios, shared spaces, and key university buildings. Housing is coordinated through SCADhome and SCAD study abroad as part of the program. Students won't need to secure private lodging unless they choose to live independently and receive approval.
What are the housing amenities?
Residences typically include furnished rooms, shared common areas, Wi-Fi, and basic kitchen and laundry access. Specific configurations vary by building and assignment.
Can I select my roommate or request a single room?
Roommate matching and single-room availability depend on space and enrollment. Students may submit preferences, but assignments are not guaranteed.
Is housing available during breaks and between quarters?
Housing availability during breaks is determined by the SCAD Lacoste calendar. Students will receive clear dates for move-in, move-out, and any periods when housing is closed.
Academics and programming
How does the Lacoste experience integrate with my graduate degree?
Students in the residential graduate program complete the majority of their degree online through SCADnow, with the opportunity to take select courses on-ground at SCAD Lacoste. M.A. students may take up to four courses on-ground, and M.F.A. students may take up to eight.
Which programs and disciplines are best suited for this experience?
Any SCAD graduate program offered via SCADnow is eligible for participation.
Will my time in Lacoste delay my graduation?
The SCADnow residential graduate program experience is designed to keep students on track for timely degree completion, provided they follow advised course sequences and meet all academic requirements.
What kind of programming will be offered in Lacoste?
Programming will include access to graduate studio spaces, critiques, visiting professionals, and curated excursions that connect students to European luxury industries.
Are there opportunities to engage with European brands or industry partners?
Students can benefit from site visits, regional excursions, and exposure to brand environments and cultural institutions that inform luxury, design, film, animation, and hospitality practices.
Logistics and student experience
What is the typical weekly schedule?
Students balance SCADnow coursework with on-site studio time, critiques, and scheduled programming, with time reserved for independent work and regional exploration.
What support services are available on-site?
SCAD Lacoste provides on-site staff, student services, and academic support to help students navigate life in France and maintain progress in their graduate program.
How will this experience enhance my career readiness?
Living and working in Lacoste positions students within a European brand ecosystem, strengthening their ability to develop market-ready work, communicate with global clients, and operate in international contexts.
Contact
For additional questions, contact [email protected].