F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

tudent’s Application process for Fab Academy: Fill the online application form The local tutor will contact you to have a personal interview (in-person or via skype). Fab Academy Coordination will contact you to let you know the results of the process. Once you receive the confirmation letter, you must make a deposit of 3500 USD/€ to secure your place, before the program stars You can find the Student’s Handbook here.

I want to apply to the Fab Academy. What should I do?

To apply for the Fab Academy course you must fill the online application form. After you send your application, the Fab Lab manager will contact you to make an interview (in-person or via skype). In the following weeks after the interview, Admissions will contact you with the results of the selection process. Check Calendar

What are the admissions requirements? Do I need a minimum education qualification?

Although there is no specific qualification required, it is necessary to have general knowledge in 2D and 3D design, in digital fabrication, in electronic programming and web design and development. If you rate your proficiency in them between Low and Medium, the course should be considered a full-time dedication program. If you rate your proficiency between High and Expert, you can consider the program to be part-time.

Once I have applied, does it mean I’m a student of the program?

After you send your application, the Fab Lab manager will contact you to make an interview (in-person or via skype). In the following weeks after the interview, Admissions will contact you with the results of the selection process.

Should I contact the Fab Lab I chose to follow the program?

Not necessarily. During the online application process, you will be asked to select a Fab Lab (node) to follow the program. After your submission, the chosen Fab Lab manager will contact you to make an interview (in-person or via skype).

Can I apply for only 1 certificate?

Although we strongly recommend to take the full course, you can take one or more individual certificates. Application process for individual certificates is the same as for the whole Fab Academy program. Each certificate has a cost of 500 USD/€. Students have the possibility to take several individual certificates, but if the plan is to take them all, be aware that paying individually will increase the costs 100%

Diploma

20 certificates = 5.000USD

Individually

(500USD/each)

20 certificates = 10.000USD

Is the application fee refundable?

Once students receive their acceptance letter, a down payment of 2000 USD/€ must be done to secure the place. The remaining part of the tuition fees might be paid either in one installment or two installments. The 2000 USD or € confirmation fee is non-refundable. The rest of tuition fees may be refunded if the student notifies his/her withdrawal before the start of the course. Fab Academy reserves the right to cancel or postpone the Diploma course due to low number of enrolled students in each lab. In case of cancellation of the Diploma course in specific locations, the full tuition will be refunded without any type of additional compensations. In case of postponement the tuition fee will be refunded to students that applied for it.

Is it a University Master or Post degree? Does it has University credits?

The Fab Academy is a Digital Fabrication Program directed by Neil Gershenfeld of MIT’s Center For Bits and Atoms and based on MIT’s rapid prototyping course, MAS 863: How to Make (Almost) Anything. There is no global accreditation for these skills. Instead, each student builds a portfolio that documents their mastery of them individually, and their integration. The Fab Diploma is awarded by the Fab Academy. It has no institutional connection with MIT (and none should be claimed), but a number of the participating sites offer it overlaid with their local accreditation. It recognizes readiness to work in, and establish, a fab lab. The Fab Diploma has led to students obtaining employment, investment, admission, and recognition.

Can I take the course distance-learning mode?

Fab Academy is a 5-months program, face-to-face, part-time with at least 30hs a week dedication. Global lectures happen on Wednesdays at 9:00 on the US East Coast (ranging from 6:00 on the West Coast to 23:00 in Japan). Then, there is between 2 or 3 days of hands-on work in the lab.

What funding is available? Are there scholarships available?

What funding is available? Are there scholarships available?

Can I take the Fab Academy in a city other than mine?

Yes, you can take the Fab Academy in any of the listed Fab Labs. But, have in mind that Fab Academy fees only cover the education and does not cover the expenses of living abroad.

I have a specific theme/project i’d like to carry on during the courses.

For the Project Development certificate you must document a final project that integrates the range of units covered. The final project topic is chosen by you.