BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication Berlin International University of Applied Sciences

The Bachelor's programme in Graphic Design & Visual Communication is completely taught in English.

The BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication programme provides students with the skills and specialised knowledge to develop and apply creative and responsible solutions in the field of graphic design. The programme is firmly grounded in the vibrant city of Berlin but taught exclusively in English and designed to prepare graduates for an international and creative career. In comprehensive hands-on projects, students experience the entire workflow from research and ideation to technical implementation. They design projects across a variety of media (apps, animations, posters, books, magazines, brand identities, and websites) and learn to communicate their ideas in shifting contexts.

In a practice-driven and supportive learning atmosphere, an internationally experienced team of lecturers and professors encourages students to explore their individual talents and forge their own professional paths.

Start in the summer semester (only for students transferring into a higher semester):
1 December until 31 January

Start in the winter semester (for new and transfer students):
1 December until approximately 31 August

EU nationals

• Tuition fee: 745 EUR per month, monthly instalment
• Registration fee: 250 EUR one-time, non-refundable fee

Non-EU nationals

• Tuition fee: 4,640 EUR per semester, payable per semester
• Registration fee: 600 EUR one-time, non-refundable fee

The first year of the BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication programme provides students with a broad foundation in basic design skills, typographic and photographic fundamentals, layout and web design skills, and a historical framework. In the second year, students deepen their strategic and intercultural knowledge, tackle graphic design projects, learn about interaction design and motion graphics, and reflect on the discipline of graphic design from a theoretical vantage point. During the third year, students collaborate with peers from other programmes on an interdisciplinary design project to develop a tailored design solution for a real-life client. In addition, they complete an internship and hone their research skills. During the last semester, students apply and deepen their acquired skills by completing a Bachelor's thesis and a Bachelor's design project with a topic of their own choice.

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An internship of approx. 10 weeks (15 credits) is to be completed by the end of the fifth semester. Programme advisers and staff members at the Internship Office will assist students in finding an appropriate internship placement in Germany or abroad.

4,470 EUR

EU nationals

• Tuition fee: 745 EUR per month, monthly instalment
• Registration fee: 250 EUR one-time, non-refundable fee

Non-EU nationals

• Tuition fee: 4,640 EUR per semester, payable per semester
• Registration fee: 600 EUR one-time, non-refundable fee

Included in tuition fees

You will generally need to hold a German "Abitur/Fachabitur" or equivalent to meet the German university entrance level requirements. These are set by the German Central Office for Foreign Education and apply to most German-accredited higher education institutions.

The requirements for the equivalence vary from country to country. We have summarised a few for the most frequently asked education systems:

• US high school diploma
• IB diploma
• GCE A levels

The required documents for all BA programmes at the Faculty of Architecture and Design are as follows:

• Official senior high school diploma with transcript (German "Abitur/Fachabitur" or equivalent)
• Official university certificates and transcript of grades – if applicable
• Passport
• English language test (level B2 or above)
• Portfolio with a minimum of 10 works – for Design and Architecture programmes only

Since all of our programmes are fully taught in English, we will require a proof of your language skills. German knowledge is not required.

If your language skills are at B2 level or above, one of the following language test certificates and scores can be accepted for your application:

• TOEFL ITP: 543
• TOEFL IBT: 74
• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall
• Cambridge FCE: B2
• PTE Academic: 59
• BAU "English Language Proficiency Exam": 60/100
• IB Diploma: English A or B at HL or SL
• German "Abitur" after 2011

If you have not completed high school in a majority-English-speaking country (i.e. USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand), an approved language exam is required in order to qualify for admission.

You are welcome to attend the internal Berlin International language proficiency exam. It will be hosted via the software MS Teams and participation can only be offered after application to one of our programmes.

Start in the summer semester (only for students transferring into a higher semester):
1 December until 31 January

Start in the winter semester (for new and transfer students):
1 December until approximately 31 August

All funding opportunities offered at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences can be found here.

Furthermore, Berlin International proudly announces its scholarship programme in celebration of the 10th year anniversary. This scholarship opportunity paves the way for remarkable educational experiences by covering up to 50% of tuition fees.

The application process for the 10th anniversary scholarship follows our usual procedure. Interested students are warmly invited to apply through our online portal. Depending on the programme of interest, applications will be assessed based on either the portfolio or the overall grade point average.

Berlin offers ample opportunities for a wide range of student jobs. German language skills are advantageous.

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is a state-recognised and non-profit German university of applied sciences located in the centre of Berlin. We are determined to offer a challenging, innovative and practice-oriented education that advances the academic, cultural and linguistic potential of our students and prepares them for international careers in a globalised world.

With our diverse student body and academic staff from more than 93 countries, our university embodies internationality and offers an open-minded, intercultural and inspiring study atmosphere.

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is also part of growing international university networks including universities, campuses, and academic centres in Istanbul, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Batumi, thus offering ample opportunities for study and internship exchanges. Our students may also participate in various Erasmus+ programmes.

The language of instruction in all study programmes is English. For students who still need to improve their English skills, we offer an English Preparatory Programme. Additionally, in order to further advance international career opportunities, language courses are offered as elective courses.

All our programmes have been positively evaluated and accredited by the German Accreditation Council ("Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat"), attesting to their quality. The institution is accredited by the German Science and Humanities Council ("Wissenschaftsrat").

It is no coincidence that Berlin has been chosen to host the Berlin International University of Applied Sciences campus. Berlin is one of the most innovative and exciting cities in contemporary Europe, as well as the city that is most attractive and in demand specifically for university students. Students at Berlin International will have the opportunity to learn about German culture, politics, history, and daily life while getting to know their new home easily with the help of many internationally oriented businesses and services throughout the city.

Additionally, life in Berlin is made easy for the students at Berlin International thanks to the opportunity to book a place in one of the university's student apartments. Berlin is a city of science and research. More than 200,000 people from all over the world work, study, and do research at more than 30 universities and 60 research institutions throughout Berlin. Excellent university and state libraries as well as museums provide a stimulating intellectual atmosphere.

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences maintains partnerships with many universities and scientific institutions in Berlin and organises joint activities for our students. The special atmosphere and charm of Berlin are a result of its very distinct urban character. It is the largest and most lively urban centre in Germany – a hub of government, business, and culture – and at the same time, it is Germany's greenest city, with two large rivers, hundreds of parks, and large forests that offer great opportunities to spend time outdoors.

The city boasts more than 170 museums, many theatres, and three state operas. Throughout the year, festivals of music, theatre, and cinema take place in Berlin. In addition, the city has become known all over the world for its young lifestyle, nightlife, cafés, and bars.