International Study Options After B.Des/M.Des

Published by Shikha Kumari on Sep 09, 2025

International study is a great option after completing B.Des/ M.Des. You can pursue higher studies in fields such as Fashion Design, UI/ UX, Graphic Design, etc. You can learn more about these study options in this blog.

Pursue a Master’s Degree after

A master’s degree is the most popular choice when it comes to international study. Programs like an MFA (Master of Fine Arts), MA in Design, or specialized M.Des degrees enhance your expertise in these areas. To opt for such a course one must have a great portfolio, GRE score and recommendation letters from industry experts. 

Go for a Specialized Course

Specialized short-term courses or certifications offer focused learning in niche areas of design without the commitment of a full degree. These programs, often lasting a few weeks to a year, are ideal for M.Des graduates or B.Des students looking to upskill quickly. These programs are cost-effective, flexible, and enhance your portfolio with specialized skills, making you more competitive in the global job market. These courses are usually a mix of hands on projects and industry insights

Exchange Programs

Exchange programs are really common these days, many colleges and universities offer exchange programs to their students. Exchange programs provide an opportunity to study at an international design school for a semester or year while remaining enrolled in your home institution. These programs, often facilitated through partnerships between Indian design institutes (like NID or NIFT) and global universities, allow you to experience new teaching methodologies, collaborate with international peers, and explore diverse design cultures. To participate, check with your institute for exchange partnerships, maintain a strong academic record, and prepare a portfolio that aligns with the host institution’s requirements. Exchange programs are ideal for broadening your perspective without pursuing a full degree abroad.

Research in Specific Domain

A PhD in Design helps you to become an expert in a specialized field like Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Strategic Design, Sustainable Design, or Interaction Design. It involves in-depth research, contributing to design theory, methodologies, or applications. A design researcher researches and works on how users perceive designs and what inclines them more. They create maps for firms on what designs would attract more audience and test designs for usability. Commercial Research in design involves working in R&D departments to innovate products, services, or processes. Researchers explore user behavior, emerging technologies, and market trends to develop cutting-edge design solutions.

Participate in Competitions

Participating in competitions is an easy way to gain international exposure. International design competitions provide a platform to showcase your skills, gain recognition, and network with global design communities. Competitions like the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, or A’ Design Award are open to B.Des/M.Des graduates and cover fields like product design, fashion, UI/UX, and graphic design. Participating involves submitting innovative projects or prototypes, which are to be accompanied by a design brief or portfolio. Winning or being shortlisted in such competitions adds credibility to your resume and opens doors to scholarships, internships, or job opportunities abroad. For participating in such competitions you must regularly check competition websites, refine your portfolio to meet submission standards, and collaborate with peers or mentors to polish your entries.

Conclusion

International study options after B.Des/M.Des offer diverse paths to streamline your design career, from pursuing advanced degrees and specialized courses to engaging in exchange programs, research, and competitions. Each option has unique benefits, whether it’s deepening your expertise, gaining global exposure, or building a strong professional network. To make the best use of these opportunities, research properly, make a portfolio that aligns with your goals, and prepare for language tests and work on your finances as well.