Behind every successful model is often more than just looks; many top models have proven that academic achievement can go hand in hand with modeling. Whether it’s Gigi Hadid pausing her criminology studies to focus on modeling or Cindy Crawford initially pursuing chemical engineering before her rise to fame, these models show that education complements a career in fashion.
Gigi Hadid, a Victoria’s Secret model, temporarily suspended her criminology studies at The New School in New York to dedicate herself fully to modeling. Likewise, Kate Grigorieva, also a Victoria’s Secret model, holds a degree in marketing from Murmansk State Technical University. Russian model Sasha Pivovarova studied art at the Saint Petersburg Academy before making her runway debut at Prada, maintaining her artistic vision in campaigns for Dior.
Renowned models like Iman, who began her career in the 1970s, earned a political science degree from the University of Nairobi. Anna Selezneva graduated in psychology from Moscow State University, while Cameron Russell, famous for her TED talk, majored in economics and political science at Columbia University. Christy Turlington earned a Bachelor of Arts in comparative religion and Eastern philosophy, later pursuing a master’s in public health.
Other notable models, such as Kendra Spears, Cindy Crawford, Edie Campbell, and Lily Cole, balanced studies in sociology, chemical engineering, art history, and more with their modeling careers. Joan Smalls, Bridget Malcolm, Amanda Murphy, Julia Nobis, Karlie Kloss, Brooke Shields, Lyndsey Scott, Saskia de Brauw, Sara Ziff, and Kinga Rajzak all show that successful models often have impressive academic backgrounds. Many continue to collaborate with leading model agencies worldwide, proving that professional modeling and education are not mutually exclusive.
Whether you aspire to work with a top model agency or pursue modeling while studying, these examples highlight the versatility and ambition of today’s models. Their careers demonstrate that modeling isn’t just about runway walks—it’s about intelligence, creativity, and determination.
