AE · Bachelor's
American University in Dubai
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication
American University in Dubai
Course Overview
American University in Dubai (AUD) is a private US-curriculum university accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and the WSCUC (Western Senior College and University Commission — US regional accreditor) — meaning AUD degrees are recognised in the US, UAE, and across the GCC. The BFA Visual Communication is housed in the Mohammed bin Rashid School for Communication and offers four tracks: Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, Advertising, and Animation.
Dubai's creative economy is one of the most concentrated in the Middle East — the city hosts regional HQs of Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, Wunderman Thompson, Publicis, BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi, plus a fast-growing UX / product-design pipeline at Careem, Talabat, Noon, Souq, and the Dubai DIFC innovation district. AUD's location in Dubai Media City puts undergraduates literally within walking distance of the regional advertising and media industry.
The four-year BFA is structured around studio-intensive core (typography, image-making, brand systems, motion design) plus business / strategy electives (consumer behaviour, marketing communications, digital strategy). The portfolio is the final-year capstone — exhibition + industry critique with Dubai-based creative directors. For Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium creative-arts backgrounds, this is the most accessible globally-recognised design degree in the GCC.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan A/Ls: 3 passes (C grade or better) — any stream. Strong creative portfolio compensates for non-arts academic background. Cambridge International / Edexcel A-Levels accepted.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 26 points.
- check_circle Creative portfolio: 10-15 pieces of visual work — sketches, photography, digital work, print collateral, packaging concepts. Reviewed by the BFA Programme Director.
- check_circle Personal interview (online for international applicants).
- check_circle Personal essay (500 words) on creative motivation and Dubai-specific career interest.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall.
- check_circle EmSAT English: 1250 Overall.
- check_circle SAT Critical Reading: 500+.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification (A/Ls, IB, Cambridge International, Edexcel) was taught and assessed entirely in English — most Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium streams qualify with an MOI letter from the school.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AED) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, 2026) | AED 90,000 | Rs. 7,830,000 |
| Studio Materials + Lab Fees (per year) | AED 6,000 | Rs. 522,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Dubai — off-campus) | AED 42,000 | Rs. 3,654,000 |
| Student Visa + Health Insurance | AED 5,000 | Rs. 435,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AED 143,000 | Rs. 12,441,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
UAE offers a 1-year post-study Green Visa for graduates (extendable). AUD Visual Communication grads place into Dubai-based agencies (Ogilvy MEA, Leo Burnett MEA, Wunderman Thompson, BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis), in-house creative teams (Emirates Airline, Etihad, Jumeirah, Almarai, Majid Al Futtaim), plus Dubai's product / UX pipeline (Careem, Talabat, Noon, e&). UAE creative-design starting salary AED 9,000-14,000/month tax-free (LKR 780K-1.2M/month gross).
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