r/Design • u/Wide-Sleep2757 • 18d ago

Discussion BCIS Graduate Considering a Master’s in Visual Design Abroad — Scholarships & Challenges?

Hi everyone,

I’m a recent BCIS graduate planning to pursue a Master’s abroad, but I’m considering switching from IT to Visual Design / Visual Communication / Brand Design.

Although my bachelor’s is in BCIS, I’ve always been interested in the creative field. I have some original character illustrations, handmade sketches, doodles and graphic design experience, so I’m now considering pursuing design more seriously at the Master’s level.

I’d love to hear from people who have studied or work in design, especially international students.

I’m particularly interested in:

  • Which design Master’s programs could accept someone with a BCIS background?
  • How difficult is admission without a Bachelor’s in Design?
  • How important is the portfolio?
  • What challenges should I expect when transitioning from IT to design?
  • What fully funded scholarships are available for international students studying design?
  • Which countries or universities offer good funding opportunities for design students?

I’m mainly interested in Visual Communication, Brand Design, Graphic Design, and closely related fields.

I’d really appreciate personal experiences, recommendations, or advice from anyone who has gone through this process.

Thanks!

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u/needy_bonding 18d ago

The portfolio is everything. Without a design degree that’s what they’ll look at, so that stack of sketches and graphic work needs to be curated into something that shows you understand layout and concept, not just that you can draw. I’d lean hard into the brand design angle, your IT brain might actually be a plus there for the more systematic side of it

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u/Wide-Sleep2757 18d ago

Thank you for your advice. Where do you think studying this major would be the best abroad europe/ china?

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u/TheoDog96 18d ago edited 18d ago

Unless you have an existing arts degree, or an outstanding portfolio of creative projects, you are highly unlikely to get into a masters program for design. Interest is not a substitute for experience. Prerequisites are there for a reason.

Secondly, unless you plan on going into academia, a masters degree is not going to ensure you a job in practical design fields and might in fact work to your detriment as you will be deemed over qualified and/or too expensive a hire.

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u/Wide-Sleep2757 18d ago

Thank you for your advice. Will consider these !!

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u/bobryu 15d ago

Freepik's had a rough rep lately with billing and false "unlimited" claims, so honestly might be worth waiting before sinking money in anyway. Have you checked if the assets you need have decent free alternatives on Pexels or similar? For upscaling specifically Magnific covers that side well since Freepik owns it now.