Best Design Universities In Australia: 2025 Student’s Guide

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Choosing the best design universities in Australia is one of the most crucial decisions you will make in shaping your creative journey, expanding your skillset, and building your career prospects in the design industry.

Whether you are aiming for graphic, product, UX/UI, interior design, animation, or visual communication, Australia offers globally recognised programs that blend theory with practice, industry connections that open doors to real-world opportunities, and creative labs that foster experimentation and innovation.

This Design Journal guide will help you deeply understand what each design university in Australia offers, including their unique strengths, learning environments, and career outcomes, to help you make an informed and confident decision for your design future.

10 best design universities in Australia

When it comes to pursuing a career in design, Australia boasts some of the world’s leading universities. Here, we highlight the top 10 universities that offer exceptional programs to nurture your creativity and skills.

1. Deakin University

Deakin University stands out among the best design universities in Australia for its industry-aligned, future-focused design courses.

Offering majors like Visual Communication, 3D Animation, and Digital Technologies, Deakin blends theory and practical experience, allowing students to work on real-world briefs while developing technical skills in state-of-the-art labs.

Students gain access to advanced facilities like Deakin Motion.Lab, equipped for motion capture and animation, supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate exploration.

The curriculum emphasises critical thinking and creativity while preparing students for diverse roles within Australia’s creative industries.

Why choose Deakin?

• Industry partnerships offering live project experience.
• Access to advanced labs and fabrication studios.
• Flexible pathways for design specialisations and postgrad options.

2. The University of Melbourne

Recognised globally, the University of Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the best design universities in Australia for its research-led approach to design education.

Through the Melbourne School of Design, students engage in architectural design, spatial systems, and urban design, while customising electives in areas like graphic and interaction design.

Students benefit from facilities like the FabLab, where prototyping and digital fabrication become integral to the learning process.

The focus on design theory, critical inquiry, and applied practice ensures graduates are prepared for impactful careers across Australia’s design sector.

Why choose Melbourne?

• Studio-based, hands-on learning environment.
• Internationally recognised faculty and global alumni network.
• Advanced research and interdisciplinary opportunities.

3. RMIT University

RMIT University is a leading design university in Australia, offering specialised programs in communication design, industrial design, digital media, and interior design.

Located in the heart of Melbourne, RMIT’s design courses emphasise practical, hands-on learning supported by a vibrant creative community and industry collaborations.

Students gain experience in advanced digital labs and have opportunities to engage in live projects with industry partners, helping them build portfolios aligned with employer expectations.

RMIT’s design research init4iatives also encourage students to innovate across emerging technologies.

Why choose RMIT?

• Central Melbourne location with industry access.
• Studio-led, project-based learning model.
• Strong global reputation in design research and innovation.

4. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

UTS is considered one of the best design universities in Australia, offering programs in animation, visual communication, product design, and interaction design.

The curriculum is human-centred while embracing cutting-edge technology, ensuring students gain future-ready design skills.

Located in Sydney, UTS’s design courses are structured around collaboration with industry leaders, innovation labs, and entrepreneurship-focused studios.

This environment enables students to build strong professional networks and work on projects that mirror industry challenges.

Why choose UTS?

• Strong links with Sydney’s creative and tech industries.
• Focus on entrepreneurship and design innovation.
• Studio-based learning with industry-led projects.

5. UNSW Sydney

UNSW Sydney is highly regarded as a design university in Australia for its Art & Design faculty, offering programs in digital media, graphics, interaction, and spatial design.

Its design degrees encourage students to blend creativity with technology while fostering a mindset of design thinking.

Located in Paddington, UNSW’s campus offers a dynamic environment for experimentation through studio projects and interdisciplinary learning.

Students gain opportunities for industry internships and international exchange, enhancing global employability.

Why choose UNSW?

• Studio-led, collaborative learning environment.
• Access to a creative hub in Sydney.
• Strong alumni network and global career pathways.

6. Box Hill Institute

Box Hill Institute is ideal for students seeking a practical, employment-focused design university in Australia.

Programs cover graphic design, interior design, digital media, and fashion, all with an emphasis on practical skills and building strong design portfolios.

Students benefit from smaller class sizes, enabling personalised mentorship and direct access to industry-standard equipment.

Real-world projects with clients during studies prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce upon graduation.

Why choose Box Hill?

• Personalised learning with smaller cohorts.
• Hands-on projects with live clients.
• Focus on employability and practical design skills.

7. Victoria University

Victoria University offers programs in digital design, visual arts, and screen media, positioning itself as a notable design university in Australia for creative and technically driven students.

Its design courses integrate conceptual learning with practical application through hands-on projects and exhibitions.

With flexible pathways from vocational to higher education, Victoria University supports students throughout their educational journey, including internships with local agencies for on-the-ground experience.

Career development is emphasised, ensuring graduates are job-ready.

Why choose Victoria University?

• Flexible pathways and progression options.
• Focus on employability and practical training.
• Opportunities to exhibit work and build portfolios.

8. Curtin University

Curtin University in Perth is recognised among the best design universities in Australia, offering programs in digital design, animation, and visual communication.

Its curriculum adapts to the evolving needs of the design industry, ensuring students acquire skills relevant to current market demands.

Curtin’s Design and Art Precinct provides an inspiring environment, while industry collaborations offer real-world project experience.

The university’s strong focus on digital technologies, creativity, and innovation prepares graduates for diverse roles in design.

Why choose Curtin?

• Access to advanced design labs and the Curtin Design Precinct.
• Industry-integrated projects and collaboration.
• Courses aligned with industry trends and future skills.

9. La Trobe University

La Trobe University offers design degrees in creative arts, screen, and digital media, making it a preferred design university in Australia for students who want to combine critical thinking with creativity.

Its design programs foster conceptual development while equipping students with practical skills across various media.

Students at La Trobe gain interdisciplinary experience through collaborative projects and public exhibitions, showcasing their capabilities to industry stakeholders.

Learning is guided by experienced faculty with industry knowledge, providing a strong foundation for a career in design.

Why choose La Trobe?

• Interdisciplinary approach to design education.
• Public exhibitions for showcasing student work.
• Balance of theory and practice in learning.

10. Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne University of Technology, while not on your initial list, is highly recommended to complete your top 10 best design universities in Australia.

It offers programs in industrial design, communication design, and digital media, focusing on emerging technologies and industry relevance.

Students benefit from industry partnerships, real-world projects, and access to creative labs and prototyping facilities, making Swinburne an excellent choice for aspiring designers wanting to build job-ready skills while working on innovative projects.

Why choose Swinburne?

• Strong industry linkages and real-world project exposure.
• Advanced labs and prototyping facilities.
• Courses designed with future design industry needs in mind.

How to choose the best design university in australia?

Choosing the best design university in Australia is a critical step in shaping your creative career, and it goes beyond rankings or brand names.

It requires a thoughtful evaluation of your personal goals, preferred learning style, and the specific design disciplines you wish to pursue.

Australia offers a diverse range of design programs, from UX/UI and communication design to interior and product design, across its top universities, each with unique strengths and cultures.

Start by identifying your primary design interests and long-term career goals. Do you want to focus on digital and interactive design, or are you drawn toward physical product design or spatial design?

Research each design university in Australia to see if they specialise in your chosen discipline, as some universities have stronger industry connections in specific areas, while others excel in research-led or experimental design education.

Next, consider the learning environment and facilities. The best design university in Australia for you will offer hands-on studio experiences, advanced labs, and opportunities for real-world projects and internships.

Look for universities with strong industry partnerships, as these will provide exposure to live projects and enhance your employability.

Check for facilities like fabrication labs, motion capture studios, and prototyping centres, as they will allow you to experiment and build a diverse portfolio during your studies.

Lastly, visit open days (in-person or virtual), attend university webinars, and connect with current students or alumni on LinkedIn to gain insider insights into the student experience.

Remember, choosing the best design university in Australia is about finding a place that aligns with your creative aspirations and will support you in building a fulfilling design career.

Conclusion

Australia offers a range of globally recognised design programs that prepare you for a dynamic creative career.

Whether you are looking for a design university in Australia with strong industry connections or one that encourages experimentation and entrepreneurship, these universities offer the facilities, faculty, and networks to support your growth.

Take your time to explore each option, align it with your creative interests and career goals, and leverage this guide to dive deeper into each program. Your choice of the best design universities in Australia can set the foundation for a fulfilling and impactful design career.

Frequently asked questions

Is Australia a good place to study design?

Yes, Australia is an excellent place to study design, offering globally recognised programs that blend creativity, technology, and practical experience. The country’s design universities provide hands-on learning through advanced labs, industry collaborations, and live project opportunities.

Studying at a design university in Australia also offers exposure to a multicultural environment, access to growing creative industries in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, and pathways for post-study work opportunities, making it an attractive choice for aspiring designers.

Which career is best in designing?

The best career in designing depends on your interests and market demand. Some of the in-demand design careers in Australia include

• UX/UI Designer – crafting intuitive digital experiences
• Graphic Designer – creating visual branding and marketing materials
• Product Designer – designing physical products with functionality and aesthetics
• Motion Graphics Designer – producing animations for media and advertising
• Interior Designer – working on residential and commercial spaces
• Interaction Designer – focusing on how users interact with digital interfaces

What is the best university to study design?

The best university to study design depends on your chosen specialisation and learning preferences. However, top institutions consistently recognised include

• RMIT University – for its hands-on, industry-led design approach
• The University of Melbourne – for research-led design programs
• University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – for future-focused, human-centred design
• UNSW Sydney – for digital media and innovation in design
• Deakin University – for its industry-oriented design curriculum

These universities are considered among the best design universities in Australia, providing strong faculty support, excellent facilities, and industry connections for your creative career.

Which university is top 1 in Australia?

The University of Melbourne is frequently ranked as the top university in Australia across various global rankings due to its academic excellence, research output, and graduate outcomes.

In the design field, it offers high-quality, research-led programs through the Melbourne School of Design, making it one of the best design universities in Australia for students who value academic rigour combined with creative exploration.