Graphic design courses

Build a career that’s as bold as your ideas

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Introduction to Graphic design

Ready to see your designs on the cover of a magazine, or an advertising billboard in the middle of the city? Dream big with an online graphic design course.

Compare short courses and degrees across print, digital, animation or interactive design, so you can get qualified in the area that interests you most.  You’ll build a strong portfolio while you study, which is a must for launching your career as a graphic designer.

Explore graphic design courses
Two graphic designers collaborating in an office.

Discover graphic design courses

Online graphic design subjects and short courses

Academy Xi

Visual Design: Transform

Professional trainingAXI-VD-T

Duration:
From 12 weeks
Price:
From $8,999
Start dates:
Any time
University of South Australia

Design for Digital Technologies

UndergraduateUSA-COMM2087

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 22 Sep 2025
University of South Australia

Introduction to Digital Media

UndergraduateUSA-INFT1028

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all subjects

Online graphic design degrees

Curtin University

Create a new world with game design or animation

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Torrens University Australia

Diploma of Graphic Design

UndergraduateTUA-DGD-DIP

Learn graphic design to craft compelling visuals

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
University of South Australia

Bachelor of Digital Media

UndergraduateUSA-BDM-DEG

Get creative about your digital career.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Southern Queensland

Become a professional visual artist

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

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Graphic design study FAQs

What will I learn in a graphic design course?

A graphic design degree covers both the creative and practical sides of the design process.

You’ll learn:

  • Industry design tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator)

  • Print and digital production processes

  • Design fundamentals, including brand and identity, typography, and design research

What software will I need during my studies?

The software you’ll need depends on the course you choose, but in most cases, you’ll be using the Adobe Creative Suite, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These are the go-to tools in the design world and used for digital imaging, layout and branding projects.

The good news? You won’t have to buy them yourself—your university will give you access.

Will I have the chance to work on practical projects and build a portfolio of work?

Most courses place a strong emphasis on building a graphic design portfolio, so you have something tangible to share with employers. Depending on the course you choose, there may also be opportunities to partake in industry projects or complete work experience.

Check the list of subjects offered in your preferred course to find out if these things are offered, or you can ask our student advisors.

How long does it take to complete a graphic design course online?

It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide: 

Course

Duration

Single subject

10-18 weeks

Short course

10-18 weeks

Undergraduate certificate

6 months (if full time)

Diploma

1 year (if full time)

Associate degree

2 years (if full time)

Bachelor degree

3 years (if full time)

Graduate certificate

6 months (if full time)

Graduate diploma

1 year (if full time)

Masters degree

2 years (if full time)

If you study your graphic design degree online through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.

Do I need to be artistic to study graphic design?

Not necessarily. Graphic design is as much a technical skill as an artistic one. While an eye for composition may be helpful, it’s certainly not a prerequisite for studying graphic design.

Can I study graphic design online while working part- or full-time?

The flexibility you’ll have when you complete an online graphic design course makes it ideal if you’re working full or part-time. Online students aren’t required to attend classes at set times, so they have more freedom to study at a time that suits them. You could consider finding a job as a junior graphic designer while you’re studying to gain real-world experience. Once you graduate, you’ll be able to step straight into the industry.

What career opportunities are available for graphic design graduates?

Most graphic designers in Australia work for marketing and advertising agencies, publishers and corporate brands. There’s no shortage of demand for graphic design skills.

Your qualification could also lead to a related career as a:

Many graphic designers opt to be their own bosses as freelancers.

How do I enrol?

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

2. Start your enrolment

  • When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

  • Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

  • You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

I’m not sure graphic design is right for me. Are there related fields?

There are plenty of related fields to explore. Use this table to discover what courses to check out next:

I’m interested in: 

Consider: 

Bringing my imagination to life

Animation & visual design courses

Creating art using different media

Fine art courses

Developing programs, websites, and apps from scratch

Programming & coding courses

Developing online games

Game design & development courses

The psychology of selling

Advertising courses

Using my online skills for business

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Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

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