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Study illustration abroad

: We maximize your chance of getting admitted to your chosen universities

The smart alternative to applying direct for illustration degrees abroad and the easy way to find programs that match your eligibility and aspirations

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.

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

How we maximize your chance of studying illustration abroad

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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

    Fee in university's local currency 45,144 USD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Art, Illustration
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    Art, Studio with specialization in Medical & Scientific Illustration - BA Oglethorpe University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    39,300 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 39,300 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Art, Studio with specialization in Medical & Scientific Illustration
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    Art: Illustration - BFA California State University, East Bay, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,499 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,499 USD

    Start date
    January, August
    Show program overview about Art: Illustration
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    Art: Illustration/Animation - BFA California State University, Long Beach, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,404 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,404 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Art: Illustration/Animation
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    Illustration - BA SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    42 months
    Annual tuition fee
    9,778 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,167 EUR

    Start date
    March, November
    Show program overview about B.A. Illustration (Berlin)

Associate in illustration

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

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,305 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,305 USD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Graphic Communication: Illustration
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    Illustration - AAS-T Lake Washington Institute of Technology, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,635 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,635 USD

    Start date
    July, September, January, April
    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

    Fee in university's local currency 10,740 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Botanical Illustration
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    Digital Imaging: Digital Illustration - Cert Berkeley City College, 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 Digital Imaging: Digital Illustration

Pathway in illustration

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    Illustration (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,513 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,700 GBP

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Illustration (Foundation)

Illustration graduate programs

Master's in illustration

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    Design (Illustration) - MA Bath Spa University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    21,051 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,970 GBP

    Start date
    January
    Show program overview about Design (Illustration)
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    Graphic Novels and Children’s Book Illustration - MA University of Cumbria, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    16,839 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,575 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Graphic Novels and Children’s Book Illustration
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    Illustration - MFA University of Hartford, USA

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

    Fee in university's local currency 28,115 USD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Illustration
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    Illustration - MA Teesside University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    18,607 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 15,000 GBP

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

    Illustration - MA University of Portsmouth, UK
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,613 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,750 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about 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.