It may not seem obvious at first but design is everything. From the sleek design of your AirPods to the posters and infographics you see on your Instagram feed, design touches every aspect of your life. So, if you’re looking for a future-proof field to focus on, you can’t go wrong with design.

But how exactly do you go into the design field? You can start with a Foundation in Design programme.

In this guide, learn everything you need to know about the Foundation in Design programme including what it is, its entry requirements, the subjects you'll learn and the top universities for Foundation in Design.

So if design has always been your passion, keep on reading for more insights.

#1. What is Foundation in Design?

Foundation in Design is a post-secondary school programme that focuses on introductory subjects related to the field of design. It is structured to help prepare you for a direct entry into a design degree such as graphic design, multimedia design, interior design or animation.

With a Foundation in Design, you will learn various design topics to build your creativity, enhance your drawing and sketching skills, and hone your skills to visualise ideas. All of these will serve as fundamental blocks for your design degree, ensuring that you’re well prepared for its creative demands and challenges.

Similar to most foundation programmes, the Foundation in Design course will take approximately 12 months to complete. You can take this programme as soon as you complete SPM, IGCSE or an equivalent qualification. Upon completion, you can then pursue a design degree.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

APU Foundation Programme (Design)

✓Direct pathway to dual-award design degrees at APU such as industrial design, visual effects and animation

More Info

#2. Entry Requirements for Foundation in Design

a) Subjects required

There are no specific subjects you must have studied at the SPM level to be eligible for a Foundation in Design programme. However, having a background in this subject is advisable:

• Art (recommended by some universities)

b) Requirements for Foundation in Design

These are the general entry requirements for a Foundation in Design:

• SPM (or equivalent): Minimum 5Cs

#3. Studying a Foundation in Design Course

a) What subjects will you study in Foundation in Design?

The Foundation in Design programme will prepare you for entry into a design degree. As such, the modules will focus on fundamental topics and skills you will need in your degree.

Depending on the university, here are some of the subjects that you may learn:

• Design basics
• Design and art history
• Fundamental drawing
• 3d design
• Portfolio design
• Introduction to photography
• Social psychology
• Introduction to marketing
• Colour studies
• Creative technologies

b) How will you be assessed in a Foundation in Design programme?

Most universities will grade you based on a combination of coursework and final exams. As part of your programme, you will spend a significant amount of time working on assignments and presentations, which can involve design and art projects.

In addition, you will also have opportunities to compete in design competitions and put together design showcases.

c) How long is a Foundation in Design course?

A Foundation in Design programme is typically about 12 months long.

d) How much does it cost to study Foundation in Design in Malaysia?

A Foundation in Design programme costs around RM6,500 – RM28,000.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

APU Foundation Programme (Design)

✓Direct pathway to dual-award design degrees at APU such as industrial design, visual effects and animation

More Info

#4. Your Education Pathway for Foundation in Design

Step 1: First, complete a Foundation in Design programme. This will take you 1 year.

Step 2: Next, enrol into your chosen degree course. The Foundation in Design programme is a great stepping stone into many design degrees. You will have the option of choosing from a wide variety of specialisation within the design field including multimedia design, graphic design, digital animation, interior design and fashion design.

The degree will take you 3 years to complete. Afterwards, you can start applying for a job in your chosen field.

In summary, your entire journey from Foundation in Design to a design degree will take you about 4 years to finish.

#5. Should You Study Foundation in Design?

a) Is Foundation in Design right for you?

If you’re wondering whether you should study Foundation in Design, here are some questions to think about:

• Do you consider yourself an artistic and creative person?
• Do you enjoy expressing yourself either through art, photos, videos or music?
• Do you have strong attention to detail?
• Do you constantly keep an eye out for good designs, whether it’s the label on a product, the seamless interface of an app or the opening credits of a TV show?
• Are you proficient in digital design tools and software?
• Are you planning to pursue a degree in design and subsequently a career in the design field?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, Foundation in Design may be right for you!

b) Skills required to be a designer

Here are some key skills a good designer should have:

• Proficient in digital design tools
• Creative and artistic mind
• Able to work long and extended hours
• Able to adapt to ever-changing trends
• Able to work well under pressure
• Able to emulate design styles to cater to the employer’s needs

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

APU Foundation Programme (Design)

✓Direct pathway to dual-award design degrees at APU such as industrial design, visual effects and animation

More Info

#6. Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation in Design

a) Can you switch universities after completing a Foundation in Design?

Contrary to popular belief, taking a Foundation in Design at one university does not mean that you’re stuck at the same university for your degree. In general, as long as your Foundation in Design is accredited by MQA, you should have no trouble switching universities.

However, it’s important to note that universities have the final say on whether or not to accept your Foundation in Design qualification. There’s also a possibility that they will want to conduct an assessment to see if the foundation that you studied meets their standards and requirements.

Therefore, it’s best to select a university that offers both a Foundation in Design and the design degree of your choice.

b) Can you switch to a non-design degree?

This would depend on the degree that you want to pursue and the university.

A Foundation in Design will allow you to pursue degrees such as business, communication, culinary arts and hospitality. However, with science degrees such as medicine, dentistry or engineering, you will likely be required to complete a Foundation in Science instead.

c) What’s the difference between Foundation in Design and other foundation programmes?

A Foundation in Design is structured to equip you with the skills and knowledge for a degree in design. Therefore, topics that you will cover may include design basics, design and art history, fundamental drawing and visual communication.

You may also choose a Foundation in Arts as a precursor to your design degree. However, as some Foundation in Arts programmes act as pathways to degrees such as business, communication or even psychology, it may not serve you as well if a design degree is your ultimate goal.

d) What’s the difference between Foundation in Design and pre-university programmes like A Level?

A Foundation in Design offers a straightforward path into a design degree programme. The subjects are often predetermined and you’ll only be required to choose a handful of elective subjects. This ensures that you’ll be well prepared for the challenges of your design degree.

Pre-university programmes such as A Level and SACEi or AUSMAT require you to choose a combination of subjects (e.g. mathematics, design technology, art) that you think will best prepare you for your intended undergraduate degree. The benefit to this is that you have a higher level of flexibility; however, the topics that you cover are more broad-based and may not be as tailored to your design degree.

#7. Best Universities for Foundation in Design in Malaysia

Interested in pursuing Foundation in Design? Check out some of the best universities offering the programme in Malaysia here.

• Featured

• Featured

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur

APU Foundation Programme (Design)

Intake

Feb, Apr, Jul, Aug, Sep

Tuition Fees

RM26,300

A rebate of RM500 is available for all EduAdvisor students enrolling in this programme. Contact us to find out more.

More Info

Malaysia's award-winning Premier Digital Tech University

More Info

• Highlights
• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Direct pathway to dual-award design degrees at APU such as industrial design, visual effects and animation
• Programme emphasises on 4 key areas to ensure student success – leadership & teamwork, problem-solving skills, social skills & responsibilities, and practical skills
• Strong partnerships with key industry players such as Microsoft, IBM, MDEC, Salesforce, CISCO, AWS, KPMG, Oracle, SAS, Hilti, and CompTIA
• Ranked top 2.2% university in the world with a 5 Stars Plus rating in the QS World University Rankings 2024

• Bukit Jalil: RM26,300

SPM:

• 10A+: 100% tuition fee waiver
• 9(A+/A/A-): 50% tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): 40% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): 30% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 4(A+/A/A-): 10% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 9(A*/A): 50% tuition fee waiver
• 8(A*/A): 35% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 4(A*/A): 10% tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• Direct pathway to dual-award design degrees at APU such as industrial design, visual effects and animation
• Programme emphasises on 4 key areas to ensure student success – leadership & teamwork, problem-solving skills, social skills & responsibilities, and practical skills
• Strong partnerships with key industry players such as Microsoft, IBM, MDEC, Salesforce, CISCO, AWS, KPMG, Oracle, SAS, Hilti, and CompTIA
• Ranked top 2.2% university in the world with a 5 Stars Plus rating in the QS World University Rankings 2024

Campus

• Bukit Jalil: RM26,300

Scholarships

SPM:

• 10A+: 100% tuition fee waiver
• 9(A+/A/A-): 50% tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): 40% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): 30% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 4(A+/A/A-): 10% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 9(A*/A): 50% tuition fee waiver
• 8(A*/A): 35% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 4(A*/A): 10% tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

More Details

View other institutions

Taylor's College

Subang Jaya, Selangor

Foundation in Design

Intake

Feb, Apr, Aug

Tuition Fees

RM27,850

A further discount of RM1,000 is available for eligible students enrolling in this programme. Contact us to find out more.

More Info

A pioneer in pre-university education

More Info

• Highlights
• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Personalised design education to develop your communication, observation and visual thinking skills
• Experiential learning with hands-on assessments (80% coursework) and interactive experiences such as field trips, workshops, seminars and class activities
• Diverse articulation pathways to progress seamlessly to a degree at local or overseas universities, including those in the UK and Australia
• Access to Taylor's First-Year Learning & Mentoring (FLAME) programme that helps you transition to college, achieve learning goals, and overcome social and academic challenges

• Subang Jaya: RM27,850

SPM:

• 8A+ / 9(A+/A/A-): RM12,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): RM7,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8A* / 9(A*/A): RM12,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A*/A): RM7,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• Personalised design education to develop your communication, observation and visual thinking skills
• Experiential learning with hands-on assessments (80% coursework) and interactive experiences such as field trips, workshops, seminars and class activities
• Diverse articulation pathways to progress seamlessly to a degree at local or overseas universities, including those in the UK and Australia
• Access to Taylor's First-Year Learning & Mentoring (FLAME) programme that helps you transition to college, achieve learning goals, and overcome social and academic challenges

Campus

• Subang Jaya: RM27,850

Scholarships

SPM:

• 8A+ / 9(A+/A/A-): RM12,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): RM7,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8A* / 9(A*/A): RM12,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A*/A): RM7,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

More Details

Multimedia University (MMU)

Cyberjaya, Selangor

Foundation in Creative Multimedia

Intake

Mar, Jul, Oct

Tuition Fees

RM6,500

Fees indicated include a special discount that is available for all EduAdvisor students enrolling in this programme. Contact us to find out more.

More Info

A Premier Digital Tech University

More Info

• Highlights
• Campus
• Duration

• Provides suitable ground and basic skills in analogue (sketching, drawing, painting) and digital, basic computer graphics application and media production technique
• Awarded Premier Digital Tech Institution Status by MDEC and MoHE

• Cyberjaya: RM6,500

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• Provides suitable ground and basic skills in analogue (sketching, drawing, painting) and digital, basic computer graphics application and media production technique
• Awarded Premier Digital Tech Institution Status by MDEC and MoHE

Campus

• Cyberjaya: RM6,500

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

More Details

City University

Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Foundation in Arts (Graphic Design & Multimedia)

Intake

Jan, May, Sep

Tuition Fees

RM19,800

A 100% tuition fee waiver is available for students that commit to continuing their degree studies at City. Contact us to find out more.

More Info

More Info

• Highlights
• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• The programme's fundamental graphic design and multimedia modules prepare you to deal with solid design concepts
• Learn to turn your thoughts and visions into actual materials with the help of computers with contemporary graphic design capabilities
• Over 3 decades of experience, with more than 35,000 graduates to date

• Petaling Jaya: RM19,800

SPM:

• 7(A+/A/A-): 70% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): 50% tuition fee waiver
• 3(A+/A/A-): 30% tuition fee waiver
• 1(A+/A/A-): 20% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 7(A+/A): 70% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A): 50% tuition fee waiver
• 3(A+/A): 30% tuition fee waiver
• 1(A+/A): 20% tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• The programme's fundamental graphic design and multimedia modules prepare you to deal with solid design concepts
• Learn to turn your thoughts and visions into actual materials with the help of computers with contemporary graphic design capabilities
• Over 3 decades of experience, with more than 35,000 graduates to date

Campus

• Petaling Jaya: RM19,800

Scholarships

SPM:

• 7(A+/A/A-): 70% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): 50% tuition fee waiver
• 3(A+/A/A-): 30% tuition fee waiver
• 1(A+/A/A-): 20% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 7(A+/A): 70% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A): 50% tuition fee waiver
• 3(A+/A): 30% tuition fee waiver
• 1(A+/A): 20% tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

More Details

First City University College

Bandar Utama, Selangor

Foundation in Art & Design

Intake

Jan, May, Sep

Tuition Fees

RM14,000

More Info

More Info

• Highlights
• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Gain experience in practical studio work such as drawing, experimentation and exploration of media and material, and model making
• Direct pathway to First City UC's design degrees which include graphic design, interior architecture, furniture and product design, and fashion marketing
• Over 3 decades of experience
• Located in the modern and vibrant township of Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya

• Bandar Utama: RM14,000

SPM:

• 9(A+/A/A-): RM15,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 4(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 3(A+/A/A-): RM3,000 tuition fee waiver
• 2(A+/A/A-): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 9(A*/A): RM15,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 4(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 3(A*/A): RM3,000 tuition fee waiver
• 2(A*/A): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• Gain experience in practical studio work such as drawing, experimentation and exploration of media and material, and model making
• Direct pathway to First City UC's design degrees which include graphic design, interior architecture, furniture and product design, and fashion marketing
• Over 3 decades of experience
• Located in the modern and vibrant township of Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya

Campus

• Bandar Utama: RM14,000

Scholarships

SPM:

• 9(A+/A/A-): RM15,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 4(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 3(A+/A/A-): RM3,000 tuition fee waiver
• 2(A+/A/A-): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 9(A*/A): RM15,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 4(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 3(A*/A): RM3,000 tuition fee waiver
• 2(A*/A): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

More Details

UCSI University

Kuala Lumpur Campus, Kuala Lumpur

Foundation in Arts

Intake

Jan, May, Sep

Tuition Fees

RM19,800

More Info

More Info

• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Kuala Lumpur Campus: RM19,800

SPM:

• 9(A+/A) with 8A+: RM18,000 tuition fee waiver
• 9(A+/A) with 6A+: RM10,000 tuition fee waiver
• 9(A+/A/A-): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM3,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8(A*/A) with 6A*: RM18,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A) with 4A*: RM10,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 4(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 3(A*/A): RM3,000 tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Campus

• Kuala Lumpur Campus: RM19,800

Scholarships

SPM:

• 9(A+/A) with 8A+: RM18,000 tuition fee waiver
• 9(A+/A) with 6A+: RM10,000 tuition fee waiver
• 9(A+/A/A-): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM3,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8(A*/A) with 6A*: RM18,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A) with 4A*: RM10,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 4(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 3(A*/A): RM3,000 tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

More Details

Not sure which college to choose? Check out our Foundation in Design comparison page to compare across all colleges.