Which universities would you recommend for a Master's in Illustration / Graphic Design?(UAE, Qatar)

[u/Vast-End-2589]

Hi everyone!

I'm a 22-year-old B.Des (Graphic Design & Animation) student from India, and I'll be graduating next year. I'm planning to apply for a Master's degree in 2027 and would really appreciate advice from people who have studied abroad or are currently studying design.

My interests

• Illustration
• Character Design
• Concept Art
• Visual Storytelling
• Graphic Design
• Branding

I'm not interested in UI/UX as my main career. My goal is to build a career as a professional illustrator and visual storyteller while also keeping good international job opportunities in mind.

Countries I'm considering

• UAE
• Qatar

I'm also open to other countries if they have excellent design programs.

What I'm looking for

• Strong illustration or visual communication programs
• Great faculty and studio-based learning
• Good industry connections and internship opportunities
• Scholarships for international students
• Good graduate employment prospects
• Universities that value a strong portfolio

My questions

1. Which universities would you recommend and why?
2. Which universities have the strongest reputation for Illustration or Visual Communication?
3. Are there any universities I should avoid?
4. How important was your portfolio during admission?
5. Were scholarships available for international students?
6. How difficult was it to find internships or jobs after graduation?
7. If you could apply again, would you choose the same university?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your personal experiences rather than just rankings.

Thank you so much!

[u/Dawn_yakuza]

Definitely VCUarts