Graphic Design
Overview
Graphic design is the subject of visual communication. Graphic designers use text, images, and other visual elements to create visually appealing and informative designs. Graphic design is applicable in various industries, including advertising, marketing, publishing, and web design.
Studying graphic design abroad can be a great way to learn from world-renowned designers and gain experience working in a global environment. Many different graphic design courses are available abroad, so you can find a program that fits your interests and career goals.
Why Study Graphic Design Courses Abroad?
There are many benefits to studying graphic design abroad:
- Learn from world-renowned designers: Many of the best graphic designers in the world are based outside of the United States. Studying abroad allows you to learn from these designers and get insights into their creative processes.
- Gain experience working in a global environment: The graphic design industry is becoming increasingly globalized. Studying abroad can help you develop the skills and experience you need to work in a global team and serve international clients.
- Expand your horizons: Studying abroad is a beautiful way to learn about different cultures and perspectives. This can help you become a more well-rounded and creative designer.
Course Structure
Graphic design courses abroad typically follow a similar structure. The program’s first year is generally focused on the graphic design basics, such as typography, colour theory, and layout. In the second year, students begin to specialize in a particular subject of graphic design, such as branding, typography, or web design. The third and fourth years typically focus on developing students’ portfolios and preparing them for the workforce.
Course Subjects
Some of the common subjects taught in graphic design courses abroad include:
- Typography
- Color theory
- Layout
- Branding
- Typography
- Web design
- Motion graphics
- Photography
- Illustration
- Drawing
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving
Course Duration
The duration of graphic design courses abroad can vary depending on the level of the program and the specific structure of the curriculum. Bachelor’s degree programs in graphic design typically have a duration of three to four years. And, Master’s degree programs in graphic design, such as Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Arts (MA) in Graphic Design, usually last for one to two years.
Types of Graphic Design Courses Abroad degrees
Two main types of graphic design degrees are offered abroad: bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor’s degrees in graphic design typically take four years. These programs teach students graphic design basics and prepare them for entry-level positions.
- Master’s degrees: Master’s degrees in graphic design typically take two years. These programs are designed for students who want to specialize in a particular area of graphic design or who want to advance their careers.
Top Specializations
Some of the most popular graphic design specializations include:
- Branding
- Typography
- Web design
- Motion graphics
- Photography
- Illustration
- UX/UI design
- Game design
- Environmental graphic design
- Product design
Admission Process (Steps in Detail)
The admission process for graphic design courses abroad varies depending on the country and university. However, there are some general steps that most students will need to follow:
- Research programs and universities: The first step is researching different graphic design programs and universities abroad. Consider factors such as the program’s reputation, location, and cost.
- Contact universities: Once you have chosen a few programs, contact the universities to request information about the admission requirements.
- Gather your application materials: The most common application materials for graphic design programs abroad include a high school transcript, a portfolio of your work, and letters of recommendation.
- Please submit your applications: Once you have gathered your application materials, submit them to the universities of your choice.
- Apply for a visa: If you are accepted to a program abroad, you must apply for a student visa.
Document Requirements
The document requirements for graphic design programs abroad vary depending on the country and university. However, some common requirements include:
- High school transcript
- Portfolio
- Letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency exam scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo)
- Visa (if required)
English Language Proficiency Exams Score Requirements
The English language proficiency exam score requirements for graphic design programs abroad vary depending on the country and university. However, some common requirements include:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall band score with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-band
- TOEFL: 80 overall with a minimum of 20 in each section
- PTE: 50 overall band score with a minimum of 42 in each skill
- Duolingo: 105 overall with a minimum of 100 in each skill
Cost of Studying (Average Tuition fees)
The average tuition for graphic design courses abroad varies depending on the country and university. However, the following table provides a general overview of the costs:
Country | Average Tuition Fees (USD) |
United States | $20,000-$40,000 |
United Kingdom | £10,000-£20,000 |
Australia | $20,000-$30,000 |
Canada | $15,000-$25,000 |
New Zealand | $20,000-$30,000 |
Singapore | $10,000-$20,000 |
Italy | €5,000-£10,000 |
Germany | €0-£10,000 |
Cost of living and other expenses
The cost of living and other expenses for graphic design students abroad varies depending on the country and city. However, the following table provides a general overview of the costs:
Country | Cost of Living and Other Expenses (USD) |
United States | $10,000-$15,000 |
United Kingdom | £10,000-£15,000 |
Australia | $15,000-$20,000 |
Canada | $10,000-$15,000 |
New Zealand | $15,000-$20,000 |
Singapore | $10,000-$15,000 |
Top Scholarships with amounts of scholarship offered
Several scholarships are available to graphic design students who want to study abroad. Some of the top scholarships include:
- Chevening Scholarship: The UK government offers this scholarship and takes care of tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Erasmus+ Scholarship: The European Union offers this and covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for students who want to study in Europe.
- Fulbright Scholarship: The US government offers this scholarship and covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for students who want to study in the United States.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation offers this and manages tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for students who want to study at the University of Cambridge.
- Rhodes Scholarship: It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for students who want to study at the University of Oxford.
Popular jobs with average annual salaries in US dollars
Some of the most popular jobs for graphic design graduates include:
- Graphic designer: $50,000
- Web designer: $55,000
- Motion graphic designer: $60,000
- UX/UI designer: $65,000
- Art director: $70,000
- Creative director: $80,000
Best Countries to study Graphic Design courses Abroad
Some of the best countries to study graphic design abroad include:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Italy
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Sweden
Best Universities to study Graphic Design courses Abroad
Some of the best universities to study graphic design abroad include:
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Yale University
- Parsons School of Design
- Pratt Institute
- ArtCenter College of Design
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
- Royal College of Art (RCA)
- Central Saint Martins
- University of the Arts London (UAL)
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
- Swinburne University of Technology
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
FAQs with answers
Q1) What are the prerequisites for studying graphic design abroad?
A1) The prerequisites for studying graphic design abroad vary depending on the country and university. However, most programs will require students to have a high school diploma and a portfolio of their work. Some programs may also require students to take an English language proficiency exam, such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
Q2) What are some of the challenges of studying graphic design abroad?
A2)Â Some of the challenges of studying graphic design abroad include:
- Language barrier: If you are not fluent in the language of the country where you will be studying, it can be not easy to communicate with your classmates and professors.
- Cultural differences: Studying abroad can be a culture shock. It is important to be open to new experiences and to be respectful of the local culture.
- Cost: Studying abroad can be expensive. It is important to factor in the cost of tuition, living expenses, and travel costs when making your decision