Checkout the Graphic Design Courses and Colleges in UAE....
Apr 22, 2025 02:49:25
Program Offered:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Communication – Graphic Design
Intake:
Fall (September)
Spring (January)
Tuition Fees:
Approx. AED 85,000/year (~USD 23,000)
Ranking:
Ranked among top private universities in the UAE (QS Regional Rankings)
Known for a strong American-style curriculum
Highlights:
Accredited in both the UAE and USA
Well-equipped design labs and industry connections
Program Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication (with a Graphic Design track)
Intake:
Fall (September)
Tuition Fees (International Students):
Approx. AED 84,000/year (~USD 22,800)
Ranking:
Nationally ranked, government-supported university
Known for strong emphasis on arts and design
Highlights:
Female-friendly environment (was originally women-only)
Well-structured internships and studio experiences
Program Offered:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Multimedia
Intake:
Fall and Spring
Tuition Fees:
Approx. AED 45,000–50,000/year (~USD 12,200–13,600)
Ranking:
One of the top academic institutions in the UAE
Highly regarded arts and design faculty
Highlights:
Strong regional reputation
Facilities include Mac labs, print studios, and galleries
Program Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Design Management
Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design (with courses in graphic design)
Intake:
Fall and Spring
Tuition Fees:
Approx. AED 95,000/year (~USD 25,900)
Ranking:
QS Top Arab Universities
Accredited in the US and UAE
Highlights:
Excellent campus infrastructure
Diverse international student body
Program Offered:
Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design)
Intake:
January
May
September
Tuition Fees:
Approx. AED 60,000–65,000/year (~USD 16,000–17,500)
Ranking:
Specialist creative media institute
Internationally recognized (part of Navitas group)
Highlights:
Focus on practical and industry-based training
Small class sizes and personalized attention
Program Offered:
BA (Hons) in Fashion Marketing and Retailing (includes visual communication & branding)
BA (Hons) in Communication Design (launching soon or via UK campus)
Intake:
September
January (limited courses)
Tuition Fees:
Approx. AED 63,000–67,000/year (~USD 17,000–18,200)
Ranking:
QS Top 300 globally (parent UK campus)
Strong in creative and engineering programs
Highlights:
British curriculum
Campus in Dubai Knowledge Park
Course Offered:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Communication – Graphic Design
Eligibility:
12th grade completion (CBSE/ICSE accepted)
English proficiency (IELTS 5.5+ / TOEFL 550+ / Duolingo accepted)
Duration:
4 years
Fees:
AED 85,000/year (~19.4 lakhs)
Intake:
September (Fall), January (Spring)
Why Indian Students Choose AUD:
American curriculum
Active Indian student community
Dubai’s creative industry hub
Course Offered:
Bachelor of Design – Graphic Design
Eligibility:
12th pass (CBSE/State board)
English: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
Duration:
3 years (fast-track option available)
Fees:
AED 60,000–65,000/year (~13.7–14.8 lakhs)
Intake:
January, May, September
Why Indians Prefer It:
Practical, hands-on learning
Industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite, 3D design
No portfolio required for admission
Course Offered:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design & Multimedia
Eligibility:
Indian 12th pass with good grades
IELTS/TOEFL for English medium
Duration:
4 years
Fees:
AED 45,000–50,000/year (~10.3–11.5 lakhs)
Intake:
September, January
Why Indian Students Like It:
Affordable
Strong reputation in arts education
Multicultural environment
Course Offered:
BA (Hons) in Communication Design (may run in UAE or through flexible delivery)
Eligibility:
CBSE/ICSE with 65%+
IELTS 6.0
Duration:
3 years
Fees:
AED 63,000/year (~14.4 lakhs)
Intake:
September, January (limited)
Highlights:
British curriculum
Recognized degree in India and globally
Dubai Knowledge Park campus
Course Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication – Graphic Design Focus
Eligibility:
12th standard (CBSE accepted)
English proficiency test
Duration:
4 years
Fees:
AED 84,000/year (~19.1 lakhs)
Intake:
September only
Pros:
Government university with modern facilities
Strong female student support (mainly female campus)
Course Offered:
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Eligibility:
12th pass (minimum 55% for CBSE)
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
Duration:
3 years
Fees:
AED 58,000/year (~13.2 lakhs)
Intake:
September, January
Why Indians Go Here:
London-based university with Dubai campus
Affordable and flexible
Internship and career support
Usually sponsored by the university
Medical exam and Emirates ID required
Annual renewal
Many universities offer:
Merit-based scholarships (for 85%+ in 12th)
Early application discounts
Indian community support scholarships (at AUD, Middlesex, etc.)
10th & 12th mark sheets
Passport
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Portfolio (some programs)
Application form + fee (~AED 300–500)
Course:
Diploma in Graphic Design
Duration:
1 year (full-time)
Eligibility:
High school (Grade 12) completion
English proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent)
Fees:
Approx. AED 30,000–35,000 (~6.9–8 lakhs)
Intakes:
January, May, September
Highlights:
Industry-standard Adobe training
No portfolio required for admission
Pathway to Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design)
Course:
Professional Diploma in Graphic Design
Duration:
6 to 9 months (part-time or evening classes)
Eligibility:
Open to high school graduates or working professionals
Basic English skills
Fees:
AED 15,000–20,000 (~3.5–4.6 lakhs)
Intakes:
Flexible year-round
Highlights:
Focuses on Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, branding
Ideal for career switchers or hobbyists
Certification recognized by local employers
Course:
Diploma in Graphic & Web Design
Duration:
12 months (can vary by track)
Eligibility:
10th or 12th pass
Basic computer knowledge
Fees:
AED 12,000–18,000 (~2.8–4.1 lakhs)
Intakes:
Monthly or quarterly batches
Highlights:
Internationally recognized diploma
Strong presence in India, so smooth transition
Adobe certification pathways
Courses:
Short-Term Certificate Courses in Graphic Design (Photoshop, Illustrator, Branding)
Duration:
6–12 weeks
Eligibility:
Open to all (no academic background required)
Fees:
AED 5,000–8,000 (~1.1–1.8 lakhs)
Intakes:
Multiple intakes per year
Highlights:
Focused on practical skills
Ideal for quick upskilling or freelancers
Taught by industry professionals
Course:
Diploma/Foundation in Creative Media
Duration:
8–12 months (leads into bachelor’s in design)
Eligibility:
Grade 11 or 12 pass
English proficiency
Fees:
AED 45,000–50,000 (~10–11.5 lakhs)
Intake:
September, January
Highlights:
Offers a pathway into full degree
Australian curriculum
Creative studio access
Program:
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Communication – Graphic Design
Duration:
4 years
Eligibility:
12th grade (CBSE/ICSE/State Board)
English: IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent
Creative aptitude (portfolio may be requested)
Fees:
Approx. AED 85,000/year (~19.4 lakhs/year)
Intakes:
September (Fall), January (Spring)
Highlights:
American-accredited degree
Strong industry links, internships, and exhibitions
Diverse international student body
Program:
Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design)
Duration:
3 years
Eligibility:
Grade 12 (all Indian boards accepted)
English proficiency (IELTS 6.0)
No portfolio required
Fees:
Approx. AED 60,000–65,000/year (~13.7–14.8 lakhs/year)
Intakes:
January, May, September
Highlights:
Practical and project-based learning
Strong industry software training: Adobe CC, InDesign, UX/UI tools
Recognized worldwide
Program:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design & Multimedia
Duration:
4 years
Eligibility:
Indian 12th pass
IELTS 5.0+
May require basic design aptitude/portfolio
Fees:
AED 45,000–50,000/year (~10.3–11.5 lakhs/year)
Intakes:
September, January
Highlights:
Affordable government university
Modern Mac labs and media studios
Focus on Arabic & international design perspectives
Program:
Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication (Graphic Design Track)
Duration:
4 years
Eligibility:
12th pass (Indian students welcome)
IELTS 5.5+
Women-only campus in Dubai
Fees:
AED 84,000/year (~19.1 lakhs/year)
Intake:
September
Highlights:
Emphasis on cultural and social impact of design
Strong visual arts faculty
Studio-based, hands-on learning
Program:
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Duration:
3 years (British system)
Eligibility:
12th pass with 55%+
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
Portfolio recommended (not mandatory)
Fees:
AED 58,000/year (~13.2 lakhs/year)
Intakes:
September, January
Highlights:
UK degree in Dubai
Affordable and well-structured program
Great for portfolio development and internships
Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Industries – Graphic Design Track
Duration:
4 years
Eligibility:
Indian high school diploma (CBSE/ICSE/State Board)
IELTS 5.5+
Fees:
AED 66,000–70,000/year (~15.1–16 lakhs/year)
Intakes:
September, January, May (limited)
Highlights:
Canadian curriculum
Pathway to transfer to Canada
Interdisciplinary creative industries training
Program:
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Communication
Duration:
2 years
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s in design or related field
Portfolio of creative work
English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
Fees:
Approx. AED 95,000–100,000 total (~21.7–22.9 lakhs)
Intakes:
September (Fall)
Best For:
Designers seeking a research-based creative career or academic role
Portfolio builders or professionals moving into art direction
Program:
MA in Interior Architecture and Design
(Not graphic-specific but accepts design backgrounds; offers design theory and visual communication elements)
Duration:
1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
Eligibility:
Bachelor's in a design/creative field
Portfolio and statement of purpose
IELTS 6.5+
Fees:
AED 67,000–70,000 (~15.5–16.2 lakhs total)
Intakes:
September
Best For:
Graphic designers looking to expand into interior/brand spatial design
Creative professionals seeking a British-accredited degree
Program:
Master of Creative Industries (MCI) – with electives in Graphic Design, Visual Culture & Branding
Duration:
1.5–2 years
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree in related field
IELTS 6.5+
Creative portfolio or industry experience may help
Fees:
Approx. AED 80,000–90,000 total (~18.3–20.6 lakhs)
Intakes:
September, January, May
Best For:
Mid-career creatives & marketers
Aspiring creative directors or media entrepreneurs
Program:
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art and Design
(Choose a concentration like Graphic Design or Visual Communication)
Duration:
2 years
Eligibility:
Bachelor's in design, arts, or similar
Portfolio submission
IELTS 6.0+
Fees:
Approx. AED 60,000 total (~13.8 lakhs)
Intakes:
September (Fall)
Best For:
Designers interested in research, academia, or experimental practice
Affordability + recognized public university
Program:
MA in Graphic Design (via UK campus, online/blended may be available)
Alternative in Dubai: MA in Digital Media or Creative Industries
Duration:
1 year full-time
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s in Graphic Design or relevant field
Portfolio & IELTS 6.5+
Fees:
AED 55,000–65,000 (~12.5–14.8 lakhs)
Intakes:
September, January (depending on program)
Best For:
Indian students wanting a UK-accredited master’s
Those looking for digital media + graphic overlap
High School Diploma (or equivalent, e.g., A-Levels, IB, GED)
Minimum GPA: Typically 2.0 or higher (out of 4.0)
English Proficiency:
IELTS: 5.5 – 6.5
TOEFL: 500 (paper-based) or 61 (internet-based)
Some institutions accept EmSAT scores.
Portfolio: Many universities require a creative portfolio to assess your design skills.
Interview: Some programs may ask for an in-person or online interview.
American University in Dubai (AUD)
Zayed University
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
SAE Institute Dubai
Canadian University Dubai
Minimum Age: Usually 17 or 18+
High School Completion (Not always mandatory for short courses)
Basic English Proficiency: Not as strict as degree programs
No Portfolio Needed (in most cases)
SAE Institute Dubai
Lotus Educational Institute
Inscape Education Group Dubai
Orbit Training Center
Adobe-authorized training centers
Student Visa: Sponsored by the institution
Attested Transcripts: From home country
Health Insurance: Required during your stay
Proof of Funds: To support tuition and living expenses
Starts: September
Application Deadline: May to July (some accept late applications till August)
Starts: January
Application Deadline: October to December
Starts: May or June
Application Deadline: March to April
Not all institutions offer a full intake during summer—some might offer short courses or bridging modules only.
Institution |
Estimated Total Fees (AED) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
American University in Dubai (AUD) |
180,000 – 210,000 |
Around AED 55,000 – 70,000 per year |
|
University of Sharjah |
100,000 – 130,000 |
More affordable as it's semi-government |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
160,000 – 190,000 |
UK-affiliated, international curriculum |
|
Canadian University Dubai |
180,000 – 200,000 |
Offers scholarships for creatives |
|
Zayed University (for UAE nationals) |
Free / Covered by government |
One of the top public unis in the UAE |
|
Murdoch University Dubai |
150,000 – 170,000 |
Offers creative industries programs |
Institution |
Estimated Fees (AED) |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
SAE Institute Dubai |
40,000 – 70,000 |
1–2 year diploma |
|
Pearson BTEC at various colleges |
35,000 – 60,000 |
1–2 years |
|
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) |
200,000+ |
Bachelor’s with design specializations |
|
International short courses (e.g., at SAE or private design schools) |
5,000 – 15,000 |
6 weeks – 6 months |
Registration Fees: AED 500 – 2,000 (one-time, non-refundable)
Studio & Lab Fees: AED 1,000 – 5,000 per year
Materials & Software: AED 2,000 – 4,000 annually
Student Visa (for international students): AED 3,000 – 7,000 annually
