Graphic Design & Creative Arts
Study graphic design and creative arts in Malaysia — visual storytelling and design thinking — with studio-based, English-taught, portfolio-driven degrees for the creative industries.
16 universities
Studying Graphic Design & Creative Arts in Malaysia
Graphic design and creative arts is the craft of communicating ideas visually — typography, branding, illustration, digital design and increasingly UI/UX and motion. Malaysian programs are studio-based, English-taught and portfolio-driven, at a fraction of Western tuition.
In the creative industries, your portfolio is everything, so the hands-on, project-led approach matters most. With digital design and UI/UX demand growing, the skills are versatile and current. YSTC will help you find a studio-strong program that builds a standout portfolio.
For international students, the appeal is the combination of a globally relevant, English-taught qualification, real affordability, and a welcoming place to live and study. Whatever you'd like to study, YS Training & Consultancy can help you choose the right Graphic Design & Creative Arts program, confirm the current official fees, and apply with confidence — talk to us free to get started.
A note on the numbers: fees, rankings and intake dates change over time. We always confirm the current official figures with the university before you apply.
What you'll study
Graphic design and creative arts is about communicating ideas visually. You'll develop skills in typography, branding, illustration, layout, digital design and often UI/UX, motion or animation — through studio projects that build a strong portfolio. It's a hands-on, craft-and-concept field driven by what you can make.
Around 3 years for a bachelor's (honours); foundation, diploma and master's routes available.
Careers & outcomes
- Graphic / visual designer
- UI/UX and digital design
- Branding, advertising and illustration
- Animation and motion design
- Roles across studios, agencies and tech
Creative and design skills — especially digital and UI/UX — are in steady demand, and a strong portfolio is one of the biggest factors in landing work. YSTC will help you find a studio-strong program.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A recognised pre-university qualification (STPM, A-Levels, foundation, matriculation, diploma, or equivalent)
- Meet the minimum subject grades set by your chosen university
- Meet the English language requirement for your chosen course
- A foundation or pathway route is available if you don't yet meet direct-entry requirements
English requirement
Most programs ask for IELTS (commonly around 6.0) or an accepted equivalent, with the exact band set by each university. English and foundation pathways are available if you're not there yet. YSTC will confirm what your chosen course needs.
How YSTC helps you apply
From choosing the right course to your offer letter and student visa, we guide you through every step — and getting started is completely free.
Indicative fees
Fees vary by university and intake. We confirm the exact current official fee for your chosen course before you commit — for free.
Fees vary by university and intake — we confirm current fees with you for free.
Universities offering this in Malaysia
These universities in our database offer this field. We'll help you compare them and pick the right fit — free.
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory)
City University Malaysia
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Curtin University Malaysia
Miri, Sarawak
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Gombak, Selangor
INTI International University
Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
Multimedia University (MMU)
Cyberjaya, Selangor
SEGi University
Kota Damansara / Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
Kuching, Sarawak
Taylor's University
Subang Jaya, Selangor
UNITAR International University
Petaling Jaya (Kelana Jaya), Selangor
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
Kota Bharu (City Campus), Bachok (Main Campus), Jeli (Third Campus), Kelantan
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Kota Samarahan, Sarawak
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
Tanjung Malim, Perak
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Penang (George Town area), Penang
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Shah Alam, Selangor
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
Batu Pahat, Johor
Why study this in Malaysia
Portfolio is everything
Studio-based programs help you build the body of work that actually lands creative jobs.
Digital and UI/UX growth
Demand for digital design, UI/UX and motion keeps expanding across tech and media.
Affordable and English-taught
A globally relevant creative education at a fraction of Western tuition.
Versatile creative skills
Branding, illustration, digital and motion skills apply across many industries.
Related fields
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an art background to study design?
Creative interest and aptitude help, and some programs consider a portfolio, but foundation routes can build your skills from the start. The degree itself develops your craft. YSTC will help you find the right entry point.
Is graphic design a stable career?
Creative and design skills — especially digital and UI/UX — are in steady demand, and a strong portfolio is one of the biggest factors in getting hired. YSTC can connect your interests to real pathways.
What are the entry requirements?
A recognised pre-university qualification and the English requirement; a portfolio or design aptitude may be considered, and foundation/diploma routes exist. YSTC will check your eligibility for free.
Which universities in Malaysia offer Graphic Design & Creative Arts?
Several Malaysian universities offer Graphic Design & Creative Arts — the "Universities offering this" section on this page lists the ones in our database. YSTC will help you shortlist the best fit for your grades, budget and goals, completely free.
How much does it cost to study Graphic Design & Creative Arts in Malaysia?
Tuition depends on the university and intake, and fees change over time, so we don't want to quote an out-of-date figure. Studying in Malaysia is generally far more affordable than in the UK, US or Australia. Your free YSTC consultation includes a clear, current cost estimate for your shortlist, plus a realistic living-cost budget.
Are there scholarships for Graphic Design & Creative Arts in Malaysia?
Scholarship and tuition-award availability changes each intake and by university. The best move is a free YSTC consultation, where we'll check what you might qualify for and help you apply at no cost — rather than relying on outdated information.
Can YSTC help me apply for Graphic Design & Creative Arts in Malaysia?
Yes — and getting started is completely free. We'll help you choose the right university and course, prepare and submit your application and documents, confirm current fees, and manage your Malaysian Student Pass (visa) via EMGS from start to finish.
Thinking about Graphic Design & Creative Arts? Talk to us free.
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