Explore Courses

Graphic Design Courses Abroad

Graphic design has become a crucial aspect of modern businesses and organizations that seek to stand out in the competitive market. From designing logos, websites, and product packaging to creating social media posts and advertisements, graphic designers play a vital role in communicating messages and building brand identities. The duration of graphic design courses depends on the level of study and the institution offering the program. Students can enroll in certificate, diploma, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree programs that take anywhere from one to four years to complete. Some institutions also offer master's degree programs in graphic design for those who want to specialize further in the field.

Why Study Graphic Design?

Studying graphic design has several benefits, including

  • Offering a range of career options in various industries
  • Allowing individuals to express their creativity through design
  • Helping individuals develop skills in digital tools and software, which are in high demand
  • Providing the opportunity to work independently or as part of a team
  • A global scope, with job opportunities available worldwide

Graphic Design Course Highlight

The following table provides an overview of graphic design courses:

Details

Information

Duration 

1-4 years

Study Levels

Bachelor, Master, Doctorate

Course Type 

Part-time, Full-time

Mode of Study

Online/Offline

Average Tuition Fee for International Students

$5,000 - $40,000

Top Universities & Colleges

  • Royal College of Art
  • University of the Arts London
  • Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
  • The New School
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Popular Programs Offered

Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Interaction Design

Specializations Offered (if any)

Typography, Branding, Motion Graphics, UI/UX Design

Best Universities for Graphic Design in the World

The following are some of the best universities for graphic design in the world, along with their world rankings, country, fees, programs offered and admission deadlines:

University/College

QS World Ranking 2023

Country

Tuition Fees (avg. for international students)

Programs Offered

Admission Deadlines

Royal College of Art

#1

United Kingdom

£20,200

Graphic Design, Animation, Art & Design Portfolio Development, and more

Varies by program

University of the Arts London

#2

United Kingdom

£9,250

BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Communication Design, Graduate Diploma Graphic Design and more

Varies by program

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

#3

United States

$58,690

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and more

Varies by program

The New School

#4

United States

$27,794

Communication Design, Fashion Marketing and Communication, Fashion Design and more

Varies by program

Level of Study

Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor’s degree in graphic design typically takes 3-4 years to complete and provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of graphic design. Students learn to use various software tools and develop strong visual communication skills.

Students usually need a high school diploma or equivalent qualification to be eligible for a bachelor's degree in graphic design. In addition, they may need to submit a portfolio of their previous work.

Master's Degree: A master's degree in graphic design usually takes 1-2 years to complete and allows students to specialize in a specific area of graphic design. Students learn advanced design skills and how to manage design projects and teams.

To be eligible for a master's degree in graphic design, students usually need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field and a strong portfolio of previous work.

Doctorate Degree: A doctorate in graphic design is a research-focused degree that usually takes 3-4 years to complete. Students conduct original research in a specific area of graphic design and produce a thesis or dissertation.

To be eligible for a doctorate degree in graphic design, students usually need a master's degree in graphic design or a related field, as well as a strong research proposal.

Job Scope for the Specialization

Students who have finished their education in the discipline of graphic design have access to a variety of work prospects. The need for graphic designers is only growing as graphics take on more significance in today's society. Some popular job roles students can pursue after completing their studies in graphic design are:

  • Graphic Designer: A graphic designer is in charge of producing visual layouts and designs across various media, including print, internet, and social media. They work on various projects, including websites, brochures, ads, and logos.
  • Art Director: An art director is responsible for managing the visual style and content of various media such as advertising, magazines, newspapers, and more. They work closely with graphic designers, photographers, and writers to create visual content that meets the needs of clients.
  • Web Designer: A web designer creates visually appealing and user-friendly websites. They work on projects such as website layouts, user interfaces, and more.
  • Multimedia Designer: A multimedia designer is responsible for creating visual designs and layouts for multimedia projects such as video games, animations, and more.
  • Brand Identity Designer: A brand identity designer is responsible for creating visual designs and layouts that represent a brand's identity. They work on projects such as logos, color schemes, typography, etc.
  • UX/UI Designer: A UX/UI designer is responsible for creating user-centered designs for websites and apps. They work on website layouts, user interfaces, and more projects.
  • Advertising Designer: An advertising designer is responsible for creating visual designs and layouts for advertisements such as billboards and print ads. 

Graphic design is a versatile field, and students can find employment opportunities in various industries such as advertising, publishing, media, and more. The average salary for graphic designers varies depending on their job roles, experience, and location, with the average being a staggering ₹303,185/year in India. 

Job Roles with Average Salaries for Graphic Designers

Job Role

Average Salary

Graphic Designer

$50,710 per year

Art Director

$72,839 per year

Web Designer

$$58,198 per year

Multimedia Designer

$$57,262. per year

UX/UI Designer

$76,016 per year

Advertising Designer

$49,092 per year

Conclusion

Pursuing a graphic design course can open up many opportunities for students with a passion for design and creativity. With the demand for graphic designers increasing in various industries, students can explore various career paths in advertising, publishing, web design, packaging design, and more. By pursuing a graphic design course abroad, students can gain exposure to international design trends and work with a diverse group of students and faculty members. Additionally, studying abroad can provide students with the opportunity to explore new cultures and develop their language and communication skills.

...Read more
  • Level of study
  • Streams
  • Countries
  • Cities
  • Fees
  • Exams Accepted
  • Course Duration
276 results found

Art - Graphic Design

Illinois State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.38L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Art with Graphic Design Concentrations (BA)

Indiana State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 15.68L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Bachelor of Finr Arts in Graphic Design

Portland State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 96.37L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design, B.F.A.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 13.34L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

BA in Art Studio (Concentration: Graphic Design)

The University of Texas at EL Paso, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 16.40L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

BFA in Graphic Design

California State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 57.99L/yr
  • EXAMS
    TOEFL-61
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JAN 2025

BA with a concentration in Graphic Design

Florida Atlantic University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 15.52L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Art - Graphic Design Concentration, (B.F.A.)

The University of Memphis, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Graphic Design (BFA)

Appalachian State University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 18.56L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Diploma of Graphic Design - Billy Blue College of Design

Torrens University Australia, Australia

  • DURATION
    1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    INR 19.22L (Total)
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-5.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design MA

York St John University, UK

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 13.20L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

ANIMATION AND GRAPHIC DESIGN BA HONS

University of Worcester, UK

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 13.70L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design PG Dip

Falmouth University, UK

  • DURATION
    1 Year 2 Months
  • FEES
    INR 7.71L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design BA (Hons)

University of Sunderland, UK

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 13.20L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design BA HONS

University of Gloucestershire, UK

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 15.15L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design (Visual Communication and Illustration) BA (Hons)

University of West London, UK

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 13.26L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design BA (Hons)

Liverpool Hope University, UK

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 12.48L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Graphic Design (BFA)

The University of the Arts, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 36.52L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

Graphic Design (BS)

Full Sail University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 8 Months
  • FEES
    INR 40.11L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

BFA Graphic Design

California College of the Arts, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 41.00L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
Disclaimer

All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.