Five individuals in cream-colored attire standing in a colorful garden under a cloudy sky.
UC Davis students, left to right, Brandon Mammon, Sara Lindstrom, Izzy Goldschneider, Carmen Franco and Perla Guzman show off their designs in the Queen Elizabeth II Walled Garden at the Dumfries House estate in Scotland during their residency in fall 2025. (Courtesy photo)

Dumfries House Residency Application 2026

  • by The Staff

Quick Summary

  • Application Due April 3
  • Residency is Aug. 30 to Sep. 11, 2026
  • Scholarships by the Maria Manetti Shrem Foundation

The Maria Manetti Shrem Institute for Sustainable Design, Fashion and Textiles at UC Davis invites students focusing on fashion and textile design to apply for an immersive residency at the King’s Foundation, Dumfries House in Scotland. This prestigious opportunity will provide ten selected students with hands-on experience and deep insights into sustainable practices within the U.K. fashion industry supported by the scholarships by the Maria Manetti Shrem Foundation.

Residency Overview: The residency will take place at Dumfries House, Scotland, and will span seven days, plus travel days, from Aug. 30 to Sep. 11, 2026. The program will focus on circular fashion and textile design, emphasizing sustainability and waste reduction in the industry. Participants will engage in a project-based learning approach, which includes hands-on workshops and lectures from expert guest speakers. By the end of the residency, students will have developed a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their expanded knowledge of sustainable fashion practices.

Support and Logistics: Selected students will have their travel, lodging, and meals fully covered during the residency. However, visa arrangements will not be provided, and students must determine and secure their own visa requirements if applicable. This residency offers a rare opportunity to engage with sustainability practices in the fashion industry while experiencing an immersive, hands-on learning environment.

Eligibility:

  • Current UC Davis students with a focus in fashion and textiles design
  • Minimum grade of B or above in DES 77 for undergraduate students
  • Portfolio showcasing skills in fashion and textile design
  • Official or unofficial transcript

Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated based on:

  1. Demonstrated Interest & Commitment: A clear passion for sustainable fashion and circular design principles as expressed in the personal statement.
  2. Technical & Creative Skills: Strength of portfolio showcasing innovation, craftsmanship, and design thinking in fashion and textiles.
  3. Academic Performance: Minimum B grade in DES 77 and overall academic standing (For undergraduate student applicants).
  4. Potential Impact: How participation in this residency aligns with the student’s future goals and contributions to the field of sustainable fashion. 

Application