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Study design abroad

Find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations then apply with reduced application fees, a free assessment and access to a dedicated advisor.

Find your perfect design programs abroad

Find design programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Find other programs in design

Design degrees abroad

A design degree will encompass a huge number of areas, offering a broad curriculum that encourages you to identify and develop your own focus. Most programs cover design across different materials, including ceramics, metal and textiles, and you’ll be able to work in creative studios using the latest technology.

Design is a way of understanding and engaging with the world through making and doing, and is an ideal subject if you have a practical and artist mind. You’ll get to explore the role of design within society and culture, and think innovatively about its future.

Studying design abroad opens up many great opportunities. You have the chance to study in locations that can inspire you, for example studying animation in Japan, or fashion in Italy. Design degree programs are available all over the world, so you won’t be short of options.

Why use Studee?

We maximize your chance of being admitted with our free, 48 hour fast-track assessment (worth $185*)
  1. Find your ideal program

    Filter 10,000s of programs down to a shortlist perfect for you, where you have a strong chance of getting admitted

  2. Apply online via Studee

    Complete our application form and enjoy reduced application fees and access to unique Studee scholarships for many universities

  3. We assess within 48hrs

    We complete an 85-point assessment within 2 business days, help you with improvements then submit to your university

  4. University offer in 2-4 weeks

    We chase the university for your admission decision and keep you updated. We all celebrate your admission!

Carbon compensation - We'll plant trees in your name to compensate for the carbon generated by all your flights to and from university.

All our services are 100% free as we're funded by universities. You pay deposits and tuition fees directly to the university.

* Price based on similar application assessment services from other providers

Design program structure

All design programs will have their on unique structure and curriculum. Many programs start by covering a broad base of design subjects, before allowing you to specialize in an area you’re most interested in and best suits your aspirations.

There are a wide range of design specializations you can choose to focus on, including graphic design, fashion design, interior design, furniture design or illustration. You could choose to study a program that covers these areas specifically, or study a more general design course that allows you to specialize.

Design is offered at a range of degree levels, including foundation, bachelor’s and master’s. A bachelor’s in design is offered as a BA, and will usually take three to four years to complete depending on where you study.

At postgraduate level you can study design as an MA, or some programs like building design or product design are offered as an MSc. Most master’s will take between one and two years to study full time.

Design programs are usually very practical, and will involve a lot of time spent in studios and working on your portfolio. You will also spend some time in lectures, seminars, tutorials and on placements. You’ll be assessed through written assignments, portfolios, projects and your dissertation.

The main subjects and areas that you will study on a design degree program include:

  • Introduction to design
  • Art and design history
  • Contemporary practices in design
  • Materials tools and processes
  • Communication design
  • Fashion and textile design
  • Three dimensional design
  • Professional practice
  • Design project / dissertation

Types of design degrees

Design study abroad programs

Design undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in design

  • false

    Theatre Design and Technology - BFA Baylor University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    44,544 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 44,544 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Theatre Design and Technology
  • false

    Theatre: Design / Technology - BFA Auburn University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    32,220 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 32,220 USD

    Start date
    January, May, August
    Show program overview about Theatre - Design / Technology
  • false

    Media Arts and Design: Digital Video and Cinema - BA/BSc James Madison University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    24,150 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 24,150 USD

    Start date
    January, June, August
    Show program overview about Media Arts and Design (Digital Video and Cinema)
  • false

    Art, Visual Communication Design - BFA University of Hartford, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    45,144 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 45,144 USD

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Art, Visual Communication Design
  • false

    Architectural Technology and Design - BSc (Hons) (with foundation) University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    19,343 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,250 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Architectural Technology and Design (with Foundation Year)

Associate in design

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    Apparel Design and Merchandising - AA College of Alameda, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,740 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,740 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Apparel Design and Merchandising
  • false

    Landscape Technology Design - AASc Portland Community College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    26 months
    Annual tuition fee
    9,290 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,290 USD

    Start date
    January, March, June, September
    Show program overview about Landscape Technology Design
  • false

    Civil Design Drafting Technology - ASc Diablo Valley College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    8,304 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 8,304 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Civil Design Drafting Technology
  • false

    Art: Design - AA Seattle Central College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,687 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

    Start date
    January, April, June, September
    Show program overview about Art: Design
  • false

    Interior Decoration and Design - AA RMIT University, Australia

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    21,706 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 33,600 AUD

    Start date
    February, July
    Show program overview about Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design

Diploma in design

  • false

    Building Design: Architectural - AdvDip Gordon Institute of TAFE, Australia

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,731 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,150 AUD

    Start date
    January
    Show program overview about Building Design: Architectural
  • false

    Civil Construction Design - AdvDip Outsource Institute Australia, Australia

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,254 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,500 AUD

    Start date
    February, April, July, October
    Show program overview about Civil Construction Design
  • false

    Civil Construction Design (Sydney Campus) - AdvDip Salford College, Australia

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,448 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,500 AUD

    Start date
    February, August
    Show program overview about Civil Construction Design (Sydney Campus)
  • false

    Communication Design: Design and Media Stream - UGDip North Island College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,403 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,045 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Communication Design: Design and Media Stream
  • false

    Design Formation - Dip Langara College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,176 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 19,138 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Design Formation

Certificate in design

  • false

    Metal Jewellery Design - Cert North Island College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    7,711 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,410 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Metal Jewellery Design Certificate
  • false

    Apparel Design and Merchandising - Cert College of Alameda, USA

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    10,740 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,740 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Apparel Design and Merchandising
  • false

    Art & Design Essentials - Cert College of the North Atlantic, Canada
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,056 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,488 CAD

    Start date
    January, May, September
    Show program overview about Art & Design Essentials
  • false

    Art and Design Foundation - OCCert George Brown College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    13,195 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,823 CAD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Art and Design Foundation (G108)
  • false

    Art and Design Foundations - OCCert Mohawk College, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    13,072 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,648 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Art and Design Foundations - 270

Pathway in design

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    Art, Design and Media - UGP Nottingham Trent University, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    21,184 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,300 GBP

    Start date
    January, February, May, September
    Show program overview about Art, Design and Media
  • false

    Integrated Foundation of Arts and Design - FD Bath Spa University, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    21,309 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,800 GBP

    Start date
    January
    Show program overview about Integrated Foundation of Arts and Design
  • false

    Art and Design - FD Arts University Plymouth, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    14,586 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,500 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Design graduate programs

Master's in design

  • false

    Design Innovation - MA Domus Academy, Italy

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    22,124 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 20,900 EUR

    Start date
    October
    Show program overview about 2-Year Master of Arts in Design Innovation
  • false

    Art and Design - MRes KdG University of Applied Sciences, Belgium

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    3,100 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 2,856 EUR

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Advanced Master: Master of Research in Art and Design
  • false

    Design Thinking - MDes Cranfield University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    26,002 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 20,500 GBP

    Start date
    January, May
    Show program overview about Design Thinking
  • false

    Architectural Engineering: Integrated Building Design - MArchEng University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    26,252 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 44,000 NZD

    Start date
    January, February
    Show program overview about Architectural Engineering: Integrated Building Design
  • false

    Digital Art & Design: Fine Arts & Technology - MFA New York Institute of Technology, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    25,000 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 25,000 USD

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Digital Art & Design, M.F.A. – Fine Arts & Technology Concentration

Doctorate in design

  • false

    Design and Planning - PhD University of Manitoba, Canada

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    5 years
    Annual tuition fee
    6,567 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 8,859 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Design and Planning (Architecture, PhD)
  • false

    Architecture & Design - PhD RMIT University, Australia

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    25,427 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 39,360 AUD

    Start date
    February, July
    Show program overview about PhD (Architecture & Design)

Diploma in design

  • false

    Communication Design (Exchange District Campus) - PGDip Red River College Polytechnic, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    13,333 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 17,966 CAD

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about Communication Design
  • false

    Design: Photography - GradDip Massey University, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    20,065 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 33,630 NZD

    Start date
    November, February, July
    Show program overview about Design: Photography
  • false

    Web and Mobile App Design and Development - PGDip Langara College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,900 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,065 CAD

    Start date
    January, May, September
    Show program overview about Web and Mobile App Design and Development

Certificate in design

  • false

    Applied Manufacturing Management - Design Integration - Electronics Manufacturing - GradCert Conestoga College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    6,715 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,064 CAD

    Start date
    May
    Show program overview about Applied Manufacturing Management - Design Integration - Electronics Manufacturing
  • false

    Art and Design - GradCert Ulster University, UK

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    20,091 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,840 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Art and Design
  • false

    Web Development: Front-End Design - OCGCert George Brown College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,213 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 21,899 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Web Development – Front-End Design (Postgraduate) (G418)
  • false

    Digital Design and Development - PGCert North Island College, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    10,948 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,780 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Digital Design and Development Post Graduate Certificate Mobile App Development.
  • false

    Event Management: Creative Design - OCGCert Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, Canada

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    12,199 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,478 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Event Management – Creative Design

Pathway in design

  • false

    Art, Design and Media (Pre-Masters) - PGP University of Brighton, UK

    Program type
    Postgraduate pathway
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    18,074 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,250 GBP

    Start date
    January, July, August, September
    Show program overview about Art, Design and Media, Pre-Master’s

Future design careers

Most students with design degrees will look to find employment in the creative and cultural industries, and many even set up their own business and work freelance. Here’s some of the most popular roles for design graduates:

  • Creative director
  • Print maker
  • Fashion designer
  • Art director
  • Graphic designer
  • Interior designer
  • Production designer
  • Game designer
  • UX designer

Which role and area you choose to go into will depend on the program you choose and what specialization you pursue. Therefore, if you know what design career you want, make sure the program you choose to study covers that area.