Malaysia is one of Asia’s most exciting places to study Art & Design. International students can choose from Malaysian public universities, private universities and international branch campuses. Programmes cover everything from Graphic Design and Animation to Interior Architecture, Fashion Design, Game Design, Music and Performing Arts.
But choosing a creative degree is about more than tuition fees. In this guide, we compare Art & Design fees across Malaysian universities, look at QS Art & Design subject rankings, explain the main creative specialisations and show what a typical degree looks like year by year.
Summary
An Art & Design bachelor’s degree in Malaysia usually takes 3 years, with some programmes, such as Interior Architecture, taking up to 4 years. Total tuition fees range from approximately RM50,500 to RM144,480.
Students can choose from 84 Art & Design programmes across 21 Malaysian universities, with specialisations in Graphic and Visual Communication Design, Animation and Visual Effects, Game Design, Multimedia Design, Interior Architecture, Industrial and Product Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Music and Performing Arts.
QS-Ranked Universities for Art & Design
Malaysia performs strongly in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for creative subjects, especially at private universities.
| University | QS Art & Design Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| UCSI University | #29 |
| Taylor’s University | #61 |
| Monash University | #87 |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | #101–150 |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | #101–150 |
| Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) | #101–150 |
| University of Cyberjaya | #101–150 |
| Swinburne University of Technology | #101–150 |
More QS subject rankings 2026:
- Music: UCSI University #24
- Performing Arts: UCSI University #24, Monash University #101–150
- Architecture / Built Environment (relevant for Interior Architecture): Universiti Teknologi Malaysia #50, Monash University and University of Nottingham #51–100
Rankings for Monash University, University of Nottingham and Swinburne University of Technology are for the parent university.
Art & Design Fees in Malaysia
Tuition is one of the biggest differences between creative programmes in Malaysia. Students can find Art & Design degrees at very different price points across public universities, private universities and international branch campuses.
Here are examples of Art & Design programmes and their approximate total tuition fees:
| University | Programme | Duration | Approx. Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Arts with Honours | 4 years | RM50,500 |
| Lincoln University College | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Multimedia Technology | 3 years | RM56,604 |
| City University Malaysia | Bachelor of Graphic Design (Hons) | 3 years | RM60,500 |
| UTAR | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Digital Animation | 3 years | RM61,410 |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Bachelor of Performing Arts | 3 years | RM62,500 |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | Bachelor of Science with Honours (Industrial Design) | 3 years | RM63,000 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Bachelor of Industrial Design with Honours | 4 years | RM65,000 |
| Management and Science University (MSU) | Bachelor in Graphic Design (Honours) | 3 years | RM68,610 |
| University of Cyberjaya | Bachelor in Creative Multimedia with Honours | 3 years | RM69,000 |
| TAR UMT | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Graphic Design | 3 years | RM73,400 |
| UNITAR International University | Bachelor of Animation Design with Game Art (Honours) | 3 years | RM75,060 |
| Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Industrial Design | 3 years | RM76,141 |
| UCSI University | BA (Hons) Graphic Design | 3 years | RM83,796 |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | Bachelor in Animation (Honours) | 3 years | RM85,000 |
| MAHSA University | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Multimedia Design | 3 years | RM88,020 |
| INTI International University | BA (Hons) Graphic Design (with Sheffield Hallam University, UK) | 3 years | RM90,824 |
| SEGi University | Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Visual Communications Design (Kota Damansara) | 3 years | RM95,253 |
| Sunway University | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Design Communication | 3 years | RM102,000 |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation | 3 years | RM108,500 |
| Taylor’s University | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media | 3 years | RM124,080 |
| Swinburne University Sarawak | Bachelor of Graphic Design | 3 years | RM144,480 |
Good to know: UCSI University, ranked #29 in the world for Art & Design, offers Graphic Design for approximately RM83,796, well below many universities with lower creative rankings.
Art & Design Specialisations in Malaysia
Graphic & Visual Communication Design
What you learn: typography, branding, illustration, layout, digital design and visual storytelling.
Where to study it: City University Malaysia (RM60,500), UTAR (Graphic Design and Multimedia, RM61,910), MSU (RM68,610), University of Cyberjaya (Graphic Design (Advertising), RM69,000), TAR UMT (RM73,400), UCSI (RM83,796), INTI with Sheffield Hallam University, UK (RM90,824), SEGi (RM95,253), Sunway (Design Communication, RM102,000) and Swinburne Sarawak (RM144,480).
Animation, Visual Effects & Game Design
What you learn: 2D and 3D animation, character design, visual effects, game art and interactive storytelling.
Where to study it: UTAR (Digital Animation, RM61,410; Game Design, RM62,010), University of Cyberjaya (3D Animation, RM69,000), MSU (Games Design and Animation, RM72,570), UNITAR (Animation Design with Game Art, RM75,060), UCSI (3D Animation Design, RM77,914; Game Design, RM85,102), MMU (Animation and Visual Effects, RM85,000), City University Malaysia (Animation and Game Design, RM96,800), UniKL (Computer Animation, RM103,500) and APU (Animation and Visual Effects, RM108,500).
Multimedia & Digital Media Design
Where to study it: Lincoln University College (RM56,604), City University Malaysia (RM60,500), University of Cyberjaya (RM69,000), MSU (RM72,510), TAR UMT (RM74,100), UniKL (RM79,559), MMU (Immersive Media Design, RM85,000), MAHSA (RM88,020), UCSI (RM90,721), SEGi (RM95,253), Sunway (Digital Media Design, RM103,255) and Swinburne Sarawak (RM144,480).
Interior Architecture & Spatial Design
What you learn: interior spaces, materials, lighting, spatial planning and design for buildings.
Where to study it: City University Malaysia (Interior Design, RM61,400), USM (Interior Architecture, RM72,720), TAR UMT (RM80,900), UCSI (RM83,540), INTI with Sheffield Hallam University, UK (RM97,556), SEGi (RM105,116), Sunway (RM110,950), Taylor’s (Interactive Spatial Design, RM118,140; Interior Architecture, RM132,396).
Industrial & Product Design
What you learn: designing everyday products, prototyping, materials and user-centred design.
Where to study it: USM (Product Design, RM50,500), UTM (RM63,000), UPM (RM65,000), UniKL (RM76,141), APU (RM108,500) and MSU (Product Design, RM110,910).
Fashion Design
Where to study it: City University Malaysia (RM60,500), TAR UMT (RM73,400) and Taylor’s University (Fashion Design Technology, RM117,698).
Fine Arts
Where to study it: Universiti Sains Malaysia offers Bachelor of Fine Arts programmes in Fine Arts, Graphics Communication, New Media Design and Technology, Product Design, and Acting and Directing, all at approximately RM50,500 for 4 years.
Music & Performing Arts
What you learn: performance, composition, music technology, theatre production and dance.
Where to study it: USM (Music, RM50,500), UPM (Music Performance, RM60,000), UM (Music, Dance and Performing Arts, RM62,500), INTI (Music Production and Audio Technology, RM85,835), SEGi (Music, RM95,253), Sunway (Theatre Production, RM98,700; Music Performance and Contemporary Music, RM100,900), MSU (Music Technology, RM99,720), Taylor’s (Performing Arts, RM107,124) and UCSI University (Classical Music and Contemporary Music, RM127,650). UCSI is #24 in the world for both Music and Performing Arts.
Portfolios, Flexible Routes & Intakes
Portfolio: Many creative programmes ask applicants to submit a portfolio of artwork or design projects. Some, such as music and performing arts programmes, may ask for an audition. Requirements vary by university.
International degrees in Malaysia:
- UK degrees: INTI with Sheffield Hallam University (Graphic Design and Interior Architecture & Design)
- Australian degrees: Swinburne University Sarawak (Graphic Design and Multimedia Design)
- Year 2 entry for diploma holders: INTI and SEGi University
- Online learning: SEGi University offers online Multimedia Design and Visual Communication Design degrees for approximately RM56,798.
Intakes:
- Public universities: usually March and October. USM‘s creative programmes list October only.
- Private universities often have 3 or more intakes a year. Examples: City University Malaysia (Jan, May, Sep), MMU (Mar, Jul, Oct), Taylor’s University (Feb, Apr, Sep)
What Does an Art & Design Degree Look Like?
Art & Design programmes in Malaysia usually take 3 years. They move from drawing and design basics to specialised studio work and a professional portfolio.
The exact curriculum varies by university, but a typical journey may look like this:
Year 1: Creative Foundations
Students develop core creative skills. Subjects may include Drawing and Visual Studies, Colour Theory, Design Principles, Art and Design History, Digital Imaging and Typography.
Year 2: Studio Practice & Specialisation
Students focus on their chosen field, such as Graphic Design, Animation, Interior Architecture or Fashion. Most learning happens in studio projects, working on real design briefs and learning industry software.
Year 3: Professional Portfolio & Industry Experience
The final year focuses on professional practice. Students complete a major final-year project, often shown at a graduation exhibition, and build a professional portfolio. Many programmes include an internship with design studios, agencies or creative companies.
This is a general example of how an Art & Design degree may be structured. Subjects, studio projects, internships and the timing of each component vary by university.
Entry Routes: How to Get Into Art & Design in Malaysia
Most international students enter an Art & Design degree in one of three ways:
- Foundation in Art & Design (1 year) → Bachelor’s degree. Creative foundation programmes range from approximately RM12,000 (Multimedia University, Foundation in Creative Multimedia) to RM30,950 (Taylor’s University, Foundation in Design). Other options include City University Malaysia, UniKL, MSU, INTI, APU and Swinburne Sarawak.
- Diploma in Design, Multimedia or Animation → Bachelor’s degree. Diplomas in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Interior Design, Fashion Design and Animation are widely available, and some universities offer Year 2 entry for diploma holders.
- Direct entry. Students with A-Levels, STPM, a recognised foundation or an equivalent pre-university qualification may enter Year 1 directly.
General entry requirements: Most universities ask for a recognised pre-university qualification, proof of English proficiency such as IELTS or an equivalent test, and often a portfolio or audition. Exact requirements vary by university and programme. A TJS StudySteps counsellor can check your high school certificate (for example, from Saudi Arabia or Qatar) against each university’s requirements.
Next Step: Master’s in Art & Design
| University | Master’s Programme | Duration | Approx. Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Master of Design in Creative Industry | 1 year | RM19,800 |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | Master in Creative Multimedia | 1 year | RM24,650 |
| TAR UMT | Master of Art and Design | 2 years | RM25,800 |
| Sunway University | Master of Arts in Creative Arts and Media (Full-Time) | 2 years | RM38,600 |
| UCSI University | Master of Art, Design and Creative Media | 1 year | RM60,550 |
| Management and Science University (MSU) | Master of Design (by Research) | 2 years | RM73,448 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Art & Design in Malaysia
How much does it cost to study Art & Design in Malaysia?
Total tuition for an Art & Design bachelor’s degree in Malaysia ranges from approximately RM50,500 (Universiti Sains Malaysia) to RM144,480 (Swinburne University Sarawak). Most private university programmes cost between approximately RM56,000 and RM125,000.
How long is an Art & Design degree in Malaysia?
Usually 3 years. Some programmes take longer, including USM‘s Fine Arts degrees and Interior Architecture at SEGi, Sunway and Taylor’s (4 years).
Which universities in Malaysia are QS-ranked for Art & Design?
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Art & Design: UCSI University (#29), Taylor’s University (#61) and Monash University (#87), followed by APU, MMU, UiTM, University of Cyberjaya and Swinburne (#101–150).
Where can I study Animation in Malaysia?
Animation is offered at UTAR, University of Cyberjaya, MSU, UNITAR, UCSI, MMU, City University Malaysia, UniKL and APU, with fees from approximately RM61,410 to RM108,500.
Where can I study Music in Malaysia?
Do I need a portfolio to study Art & Design in Malaysia?
Many creative programmes ask for a portfolio, and music and performing arts programmes may ask for an audition. Requirements vary by university, so check with a TJS StudySteps counsellor before applying.
Can international students study Art & Design in Malaysia?
Yes. Public universities, private universities and international branch campuses all accept international students into Art & Design programmes.
What are the entry requirements for Art & Design in Malaysia?
Usually a recognised pre-university qualification (Foundation in Art & Design, A-Levels, STPM or equivalent), proof of English proficiency, and often a portfolio or audition. Requirements vary by university.
