Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous groups. This rich cultural diversity is reflected in its art and design, providing students with a unique and inspiring environment to study and create.
Malaysian universities and colleges offer high-quality education in Art & Design. Many institutions have strong international collaborations and accreditation, ensuring that the curriculum meets global standards.
Compared to Western countries, Malaysia offers more affordable tuition fees and living costs. This makes it an attractive destination for international students seeking quality education without the high price tag.
Malaysian institutions are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology. Students have access to modern studios, computer labs, and other resources necessary for a comprehensive education in Art & Design.
While Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken and is often the medium of instruction in higher education institutions. This makes it easier for international students to adapt and thrive academically.
Malaysia has a vibrant and growing art scene with numerous galleries, exhibitions, and cultural events. Students have ample opportunities to engage with the local art community, showcase their work, and gain practical experience.
Malaysia's strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a gateway to exploring the region. Students can travel easily to neighboring countries, enriching their cultural and artistic perspectives.
Many Malaysian institutions have strong connections with the creative industry, providing students with valuable internship opportunities and exposure to real-world projects. This helps in building a professional network and gaining practical experience.
Malaysian universities offer comprehensive support services for international students, including orientation programs, accommodation assistance, and academic support, ensuring a smooth transition and successful academic journey.
The Malaysian government supports the creative industry through various initiatives and funding programs, fostering a conducive environment for art and design students to grow and succeed.
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
Bachelor of Graphic Design and Digital Media |
Graphic Design, Digital Media, Advertising |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Textiles |
|
Taylor's University |
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media |
Animation, Visual Effects, Motion Graphics |
|
The One Academy |
Diploma in Digital Animation |
2D Animation, 3D Animation, Visual Effects |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design |
Residential Design, Commercial Design, Exhibition Design |
|
SEGi University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Multimedia Design |
Web Design, Interactive Media, Digital Imaging |
|
UCSI University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design |
Branding, Packaging, Advertising |
|
Sunway University |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Design) |
Media Design, Visual Communication, Digital Design |
|
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) |
Diploma in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons) (Media Innovation) |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Digital Media |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
Bachelor of Graphic Design and Digital Media |
Graphic Design, Digital Media, Advertising |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Textiles |
|
Taylor's University |
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media |
Animation, Visual Effects, Motion Graphics |
|
The One Academy |
Diploma in Digital Animation |
2D Animation, 3D Animation, Visual Effects |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design |
Residential Design, Commercial Design, Exhibition Design |
|
SEGi University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Multimedia Design |
Web Design, Interactive Media, Digital Imaging |
|
UCSI University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design |
Branding, Packaging, Advertising |
|
Sunway University |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Design) |
Media Design, Visual Communication, Digital Design |
|
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) |
Diploma in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons) (Media Innovation) |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Digital Media |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Visual Effects |
Visual Effects, Animation, Game Development |
|
KDU University College |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Production |
Film, Animation, Visual Effects |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
Bachelor in Creative Multimedia |
Digital Media, Animation, Game Design |
|
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) |
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Design |
Fine Arts, Industrial Design, Graphic Design |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
Bachelor of Graphic Design and Digital Media |
Graphic Design, Digital Media, Advertising |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Textiles |
|
Taylor's University |
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media |
Animation, Visual Effects, Motion Graphics |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design |
Residential Design, Commercial Design, Exhibition Design |
|
SEGi University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Multimedia Design |
Web Design, Interactive Media, Digital Imaging |
|
UCSI University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design |
Branding, Packaging, Advertising |
|
Sunway University |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Design) |
Media Design, Visual Communication, Digital Design |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons) (Media Innovation) |
Game Design, Interactive Media, Digital Media |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Visual Effects |
Visual Effects, Animation, Game Development |
|
KDU University College |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Production |
Film, Animation, Visual Effects |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
Bachelor in Creative Multimedia |
Digital Media, Animation, Game Design |
|
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) |
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Design |
Fine Arts, Industrial Design, Graphic Design |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
Master of Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
Master of Design Technology |
Design Management, Industrial Design, Fashion Design |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Master of Arts in Digital Film and Television |
Digital Film Production, Television Production |
|
Taylor's University |
Master of Design (MDes) |
Creative Media, Interior Architecture, Product Design |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
Master of Design |
Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design |
|
SEGi University |
Master of Arts (MA) in Visual Communication Design |
Visual Communication, Graphic Design, Digital Media |
|
UCSI University |
Master of Arts in Design |
Branding, Interactive Design, Advertising Design |
|
Sunway University |
Master of Arts in Visual Arts |
Contemporary Art, Art Theory, Studio Practice |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
Master of Multimedia (MM) |
Interactive Multimedia, Digital Media, Animation |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
Master of Arts in Visual Effects |
Visual Effects, Animation, Game Development |
|
KDU University College |
Master of Design (MDes) |
Product Design, Interior Design, Communication Design |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
Master in Creative Multimedia |
Digital Media, Animation, Game Design |
|
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) |
Master of Applied Arts and Design |
Fine Arts, Industrial Design, Graphic Design |
University |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
PhD in Fine Arts |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
PhD in Art and Design |
Design Technology, Visual Communication |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
PhD in Creative Arts |
Digital Film, Fashion Design, Graphic Design |
|
Taylor's University |
PhD in Design |
Creative Media, Interior Architecture |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
PhD in Creative Multimedia |
Interactive Multimedia, Digital Media |
|
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) |
PhD in Arts |
Visual Arts, Performance Arts |
|
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) |
PhD in Design and Visual Communication |
Design Innovation, Visual Culture |
|
UCSI University |
PhD in Design |
Branding, Interactive Design |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
PhD in Creative Multimedia |
Digital Media, Animation, Game Design |
|
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) |
PhD in Art Education |
Art Theory, Art Practice |
|
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) |
PhD in Industrial Design |
Product Design, User Experience Design |
University/College |
Course Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
The One Academy |
Diploma in Digital Animation |
2D Animation, 3D Animation, Visual Effects |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Diploma in Fashion & Retail Design |
Fashion Design, Retail Management |
|
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) |
Diploma in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
SEGi University |
Diploma in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Digital Media |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
Diploma in Visual Communication |
Visual Communication, Graphic Design |
|
UCSI University |
Diploma in Graphic Design |
Branding, Packaging, Advertising |
|
Sunway University |
Diploma in Interior Design |
Residential Design, Commercial Design |
|
Dasein Academy of Art |
Diploma in Creative Multimedia |
Digital Media, Animation, Interactive Design |
|
TOA (The One Academy) |
Diploma in Illustration |
Comic Art, Digital Illustration, Concept Art |
|
New Era University College |
Diploma in Art and Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design |
|
ALFA College |
Diploma in Graphic Design |
Advertising, Branding, Packaging |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
Diploma in Design and Media |
Digital Media, Game Design, Animation |
|
KDU University College |
Diploma in Entertainment Arts |
Animation, Visual Effects, Game Design |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
Diploma in Multimedia |
Digital Media, Animation, Game Design |
Institution |
Course Program |
Specializations |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The One Academy |
Short Course in Digital Illustration |
Digital Illustration, Concept Art |
1-3 months |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Short Course in Fashion Design |
Fashion Sketching, Pattern Making |
1-3 months |
|
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) |
Short Course in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
1-3 months |
|
SEGi University |
Short Course in Graphic Design |
Branding, Advertising, Web Design |
1-3 months |
|
Raffles College of Higher Education |
Short Course in Interior Design |
Space Planning, Interior Styling |
1-3 months |
|
UCSI University |
Short Course in Photography |
Digital Photography, Photo Editing |
1-3 months |
|
Dasein Academy of Art |
Short Course in Creative Multimedia |
Animation, Digital Media, Web Design |
1-3 months |
|
ALFA College |
Short Course in Animation |
2D Animation, 3D Animation, Storyboarding |
1-3 months |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
Short Course in Game Design |
Game Development, Level Design |
1-3 months |
|
KDU University College |
Short Course in Visual Effects |
Visual Effects, Motion Graphics |
1-3 months |
|
Sunway University |
Short Course in Communication Design |
Visual Communication, Digital Design |
1-3 months |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
Short Course in Web Design |
HTML, CSS, UX/UI Design |
1-3 months |
University |
Course Programs |
|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Fine Arts, PhD in Fine Arts |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
Bachelor of Graphic Design and Digital Media, Master of Design Technology, PhD in Art and Design |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design, Master of Arts in Digital Film and Television, PhD in Creative Arts |
|
Taylor's University |
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media, Master of Design (MDes), PhD in Design |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons) (Media Innovation), Master of Multimedia (MM), PhD in Creative Multimedia |
|
UCSI University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design, Master of Arts in Design, PhD in Design |
|
Sunway University |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Design), Master of Arts in Visual Arts |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Visual Effects, Master of Arts in Visual Effects |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design, Master of Design (MDes) |
|
SEGi University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Multimedia Design, Master of Arts (MA) in Visual Communication Design |
|
Dasein Academy of Art |
Diploma in Creative Multimedia, Short Course in Creative Multimedia |
|
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) |
Diploma in Fine Art, Short Course in Fine Art |
|
KDU University College |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Production, Master of Design (MDes) |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
Bachelor in Creative Multimedia, Master in Creative Multimedia, PhD in Creative Multimedia |
|
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) |
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Design, Master of Applied Arts and Design, PhD in Applied Arts and Design |
|
New Era University College |
Diploma in Art and Design, Short Course in Art and Design |
University |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
February, September |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
March, September |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
February, August |
|
Taylor's University |
March, August |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
April, October |
|
UCSI University |
January, May, September |
|
Sunway University |
January, March, August |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
April, September |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
January, May, September |
|
SEGi University |
January, May, September |
|
Dasein Academy of Art |
January, April, August |
|
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) |
January, July |
|
KDU University College |
January, May, September |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
February, July, October |
|
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) |
February, September |
|
New Era University College |
January, May, September |
University |
Course Program |
Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
Bachelor of Fine Arts |
$5,000 - $6,000 |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
Bachelor of Graphic Design and Digital Media |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Fashion Design |
$6,000 - $7,500 |
|
Taylor's University |
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media |
$8,000 - $9,500 |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons) (Media Innovation) |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
UCSI University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design |
$5,500 - $7,000 |
|
Sunway University |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Design) |
$7,000 - $8,500 |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Visual Effects |
$5,000 - $6,500 |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Interior Design |
$8,500 - $10,000 |
|
SEGi University |
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Multimedia Design |
$4,000 - $5,500 |
|
Dasein Academy of Art |
Diploma in Creative Multimedia |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) |
Diploma in Fine Art |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
KDU University College |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Production |
$7,000 - $8,500 |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
Bachelor in Creative Multimedia |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) |
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Design |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
New Era University College |
Diploma in Art and Design |
$2,000 - $3,000 |
Educational Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Diploma |
Completion of secondary school (SPM, O-Level, or equivalent) |
|
|
Minimum of 3-5 credits in relevant subjects |
|
|
Portfolio of artwork (if required by the institution) |
|
|
English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) for international students |
|
|
|
|
Bachelor's Degree |
Completion of pre-university program (STPM, A-Level, Foundation, or equivalent) |
|
|
Minimum CGPA of 2.0-2.5 or equivalent |
|
|
Portfolio of artwork |
|
|
English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) for international students |
|
|
|
|
Master's Degree |
Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent |
|
|
Portfolio of artwork |
|
|
Work experience in a related field (preferred but not always required) |
|
|
English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) for international students |
|
|
|
|
PhD |
Master's degree in a related field with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or equivalent |
|
|
Research proposal in a relevant area of study |
|
|
Portfolio of research and/or creative work |
|
|
English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) for international students |
|
|
|
|
Short-Term Courses |
Completion of secondary school (SPM, O-Level, or equivalent) |
|
|
Portfolio of artwork (if required by the institution) |
|
|
English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) for international students |
Institution |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Scholarship Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
University of Malaya Art & Design Scholarship |
Outstanding academic performance, portfolio submission |
Tuition fee waiver, living allowance |
|
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) |
UiTM Merit Scholarship |
High academic achievement, excellent portfolio |
Full/partial tuition fee coverage |
|
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology |
Limkokwing Creativity Scholarship |
Exceptional creative portfolio, strong academic record |
Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
|
Taylor's University |
Taylor's University Talent Scholarship |
Strong portfolio, academic excellence |
Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
|
Multimedia University (MMU) |
MMU High Achievers Scholarship |
High academic grades, portfolio submission |
Full/partial tuition fee coverage, stipend |
|
UCSI University |
UCSI University Trust Scholarship |
Academic excellence, creative portfolio |
Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
|
Sunway University |
Sunway Excellence Scholarship |
High academic achievement, portfolio submission |
Full/partial tuition fee coverage |
|
Asia Pacific University (APU) |
APU Merit Scholarship |
Academic excellence, strong portfolio |
Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
|
Raffles University Iskandar |
Raffles Design Scholarship |
Outstanding portfolio, academic achievement |
Tuition fee waiver, living allowance |
|
SEGi University |
SEGi High Achievers Scholarship |
Academic excellence, creative portfolio |
Full/partial tuition fee coverage |
|
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) |
MIA Talent Scholarship |
Exceptional portfolio, academic performance |
Tuition fee waiver, material costs |
|
Dasein Academy of Art |
Dasein Art Excellence Award |
High academic grades, strong portfolio |
Partial tuition fee waiver |
|
KDU University College |
KDU Talent Scholarship |
Outstanding portfolio, academic excellence |
Up to 50% tuition fee waiver |
|
Management & Science University (MSU) |
MSU Creative Arts Scholarship |
High academic achievement, excellent portfolio |
Full/partial tuition fee coverage |
|
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) |
IIUM Merit Scholarship |
Academic excellence, creative portfolio |
Full/partial tuition fee waiver |
|
New Era University College |
New Era Art & Design Scholarship |
Outstanding portfolio, academic performance |
Partial tuition fee waiver |
Career Path |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Graphic Designer |
Create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers using computer software. |
|
Interior Designer |
Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. |
|
Fashion Designer |
Design clothing, accessories, and footwear, keeping up with current fashion trends and consumer preferences. |
|
Animator |
Create animations and visual effects for movies, television, video games, and other forms of media. |
|
Illustrator |
Produce drawings, paintings, or diagrams for books, magazines, advertisements, and digital media. |
|
Art Director |
Responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. |
|
Multimedia Artist |
Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools. |
|
Web Designer |
Design, create, and modify websites, ensuring functionality, user experience, and aesthetic appeal. |
|
Industrial Designer |
Develop concepts and designs for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. |
|
Product Designer |
Design and develop new products, considering functionality, aesthetics, user experience, and marketability. |
|
Exhibition Designer |
Plan and design exhibitions, trade shows, and events, focusing on layout, visual appeal, and user experience. |
|
Fine Artist |
Create original works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, and installations, to be displayed and sold in galleries. |
|
Photographer |
Capture images for a variety of purposes, including commercial, fashion, news, and artistic projects. |
|
UX/UI Designer |
Design user interfaces and user experiences for websites, mobile apps, and other digital products. |
|
Creative Director |
Oversee the creative process of advertising campaigns, product designs, and marketing initiatives. |
|
Art Educator/Teacher |
Teach art and design subjects at schools, colleges, or universities, or offer private lessons. |
|
Set Designer |
Design and create sets for theater productions, television shows, films, and other performances. |
|
Art Therapist |
Use the creative process of making art to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. |
|
Advertising Designer |
Develop visual concepts and designs for advertising campaigns across various media, including print, digital, and broadcast. |
|
Gallery/Museum Curator |
Manage collections of artwork, organize exhibitions, and work on educational programs within galleries and museums. |
