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Study illustration 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 illustration programs abroad

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

Find other programs in illustration

Illustration degrees abroad

Illustration is the academic study of visual images and the messages they communicate. Programs in illustration provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to get ahead in this creative industry.

As well as studying the principles and processes behind powerful illustrations, you’ll trace the evolution of the industry throughout history. You’ll experiment with a range of artistic methods and media, from drawing and digital, to painting and printmaking. These experiences will help you to master your own visual style.

Illustration is a practice that varies tremendously between countries and cultures. By studying abroad, you’ll encounter new illustrative styles, techniques, processes, and concepts that’ll enrich your artistic education. You’ll become a more original, versatile, and well-rounded artist.

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

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Illustration program structure

You can study illustration at various undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels. Two-year associate degrees introduce students to the fundamentals of the field, equipping you for entry-level employment or further study.

The majority of illustration students choose to enroll in a bachelor’s program. These degrees are offered as a BA across most of the world and you’ll study for a minimum of three years.

However, if you choose to study in the US or Canada, you might pursue a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) course. This four-year program has a more intensive illustration focus, so you’ll take fewer liberal arts classes.

Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s, you can enroll in an MA or master of fine arts (MFA) program. Both programs can be studied over one or two years, but they differ slightly in content. MA programs are structured around critical study and research, whereas MFA courses focus on professional artistic practice.

PhDs in illustration are available and can take anywhere between four and seven years to finish. Doctorate degrees are particularly useful if you’re hoping to work in higher education.

Illustration programs are normally taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and studio-based workshops. Most universities will also arrange guest presentations from industry specialists, relevant field trips, and on-campus exhibitions.

Thanks to the wide range of elective modules offered as part of illustration programs, you can easily tailor your degree to suit your interests. However, most courses will cover these key topics:

  • Introduction to visual communication
  • Theories and practice of visual communication
  • Illustration techniques
  • History of art and illustration
  • Contemporary illustration
  • Illustrations for publications
  • Fundamentals of digital illustration
  • Color theory

Illustration study abroad programs

Illustration undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in illustration

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    Art: Illustration - BFA University of Hartford, USA

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

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Art, Illustration
  • false

    Art: Illustration - BFA California State University, East Bay, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,509 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Art: Illustration
  • false

    Art: Illustration/Animation - BFA California State University, Long Beach, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,392 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Art: Illustration/Animation
  • false

    Illustration - BA SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    42 months
    Annual tuition fee
    9,450 EUR

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    October, April
    Show program overview about B.A. Illustration (Berlin)
  • false

    Illustration (with Foundation) - BA (Hons) (with foundation) Buckinghamshire New University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    15,150 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about BA (Hons) Illustration

Associate in illustration

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    Graphic Communications: Illustration - AASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,743 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Graphic Communications: Illustration
  • false

    Illustration - AAS-T Lake Washington Institute of Technology, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,485 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January, April, July
    Show program overview about Illustration, AAS-T

Diploma in illustration

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    Illustration - OCDip Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    20,604 CAD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    January, September
    Show program overview about Illustration

Certificate in illustration

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    Botanical Illustration - Cert Merritt College, USA

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

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Botanical Illustration

Illustration graduate programs

Master's in illustration

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    Illustration - MA Teesside University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    15,000 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Illustration
  • false

    Illustration - MFA University of Hartford, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    28,115 USD

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Illustration
  • false

    Illustration and Animation - MA Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    16,000 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Illustration & Animation - MA
  • false

    Illustration: Authorial Practice - MA Falmouth University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    17,950 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Illustration: Authorial Practice MA
  • false

    Illustration - MA Arts University Plymouth, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    16,500 GBP

    Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about MA Illustration

Future illustration careers

Over the course of your education, you’ll have built up an impressive portfolio of work and a transferable artistic skillset. Therefore, you’ll be able to showcase your talent and potential to employers across several creative sectors.

Illustration graduates go on to land a range of exciting positions, including:

  • Illustrator
  • Animator
  • Graphic designer
  • Printmaker
  • Concept artist
  • Cartoonist
  • Lecturer
  • Fashion designer

Participating in relevant work experience is one of the best ways to extend your knowledge, demonstrate your passion, and step-up your employability. Speak to your university’s career service about the benefits of securing placements and internships.