Our hands-on design courses focus on practical skills that matter. SAE grads have created visual solutions for major brands like Nike, Amazon, Expedia and Walmart, and world-class events like Byron Bay Blues Festival.
Develop professional design skills from anywhere with our 100% online courses. Access industry-standard software and learn directly from experienced designers who bring real world expertise to your virtual classroom.
Transform your creative eye into professional expertise through typography, layout design and visual storytelling. Create a standout portfolio featuring collaborative work and industry-relevant projects.
Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available
Qualification: Bachelor degree
Available to: Domestic students
Campus: Online
Gain practical design foundations across brand identity, UX/UI design and digital illustration. Learn essential technical skills alongside creative business knowledge in this flexible online program.
Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available
Qualification: Associate degree
Available to: Domestic students
Campus: Online
Launch your design career in just seven months. Master core visual communication skills and industry software including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign to secure entry-level creative positions.
Duration: Full time, full time fast track and part-time options available
Qualification: Diploma
Available to: Domestic students
Campus: Online
Fernanda Gerdes - Bachelor of Design
"The amazing thing about SAE was the real-life projects that we worked on; it meant I actually had things in my portfolio that really happened and that I was able to showcase to the outside world. And I left SAE with a job, which was pretty amazing."
Fernanda Gerdes - Bachelor of Design
Bethany Moran | UX Designer (NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment)
“I absolutely loved my time at SAE; it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. All the teachers I had were very different in terms of their skills – some were knowledgeable in graphic design while others had a business mindset. I felt my tutors really knew me and cared about my career and where I was wanting to go.”
Bethany Moran | UX Designer (NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment)
"The cross pollination of my final project was really valuable. Getting to work with animation students on 3D stuff was awesome - SAE is great for that."
Transform your creative eye into marketable design skills with our online design courses. Bring studio-quality education to your screen, with industry-active mentors guiding your development through practical projects and professional feedback.
Gain real design experience through industry projects
Collaborate digitally with peers across creative disciplines
Build a portfolio that showcases your visual style & technical skills
Connect with design professionals through online networking
Get expert career guidance for a smooth transition to the industry
Access exclusive placement opportunities
We don’t just talk the talk – we walk the walk.
And SAE students agree.
Developed industry-ready skills
(2.4% above national average)*
Valued our expert mentors & hands-on learning
(1.1% above national average)*
Loved our tech, tools & facilities
(3.1% above national average)*
Felt supported inside & outside the classroom
(10.4% above national average)*
Don’t take our word for it. Book a call back or in-person tour and see for yourself.
Access campus facilities
Access professional tech and tools like Adobe Creative Suite, high-end computers and printers, and specialised design tools – everything you need to produce professional-quality work and nail your projects.
Hang out in the green room
Unwind between classes, join student-led activities, or spark new collaborations in The Green Room – your dedicated creative hub for connecting, creating, and building community with fellow students.
Showcase your work during exhibition week
Display your projects in professional on-campus and online exhibitions where you’ll gain real-world exposure, receive valuable feedback, and connect with industry pros.
Join our creative community
Immerse yourself in SAE’s vibrant creative culture that’ll boost your confidence and expand your network. Build lasting friendships at student meetups, learn from guest speakers, dive into hands-on workshops, and enjoy casual catchups.
Corinna brings over a decade of tertiary teaching and academic leadership experience to her role, specialising in creative pedagogies and inclusive curriculum design. As Australia's leading expert in Commedia dell'Arte, she combines traditional theatrical knowledge with innovative digital approaches.
Winner of the inaugural Progetto Donna Arts Award 2023
TEDx speaker with internationally published research on creative industries education
Pioneered virtual reality applications in live theatre during the early development of immersive technologies
Louise brings international perspective to design education, having grown up in Denmark and New Zealand before studying in London and Amsterdam. Her doctoral research on visual taboos in Australian HIV prevention campaigns informs her thought-provoking approach to design education and cultural studies.
PhD from UNSW Sydney exploring taboo concepts in visual communication
Senior Fellow of Advance HE, demonstrating leadership in higher education
Published research in Design Research Society conference papers and The Conversation
Majella works at the fascinating intersection of art, science and technology, specialising in experimental conducting with technology alongside traditional classical music direction. Her interdisciplinary approach combines creative innovation with scientific methodology, inspiring students to explore new frontiers in creative practice.
Advanced Higher Education Fellowship recognising commitment to teaching excellence
Multiple grants and awards including EcoSonicX Prize and EEBIOMASS Bursary from Max Planck Institute
Work showcased at prestigious venues including Espoo Museum of Modern Art and Ars Electronica
Hear more about Fernanda’s journey and how she turned her work placement at SAE into a full-time job as Head Designer at Bluesfest.
Graphic designers craft visual communication materials including logos, posters, and marketing collateral. They use typography, imagery, and layout principles to create designs that effectively convey messages and strengthen brand identity across both digital and print media.
Average Industry Salary: $70,000-$85,000**
Art directors oversee the visual style and creative direction of projects across advertising, film, publishing, and digital media. They guide creative teams to ensure visuals align with the project's concept while making key artistic decisions that create cohesive visual storytelling.
Average Industry Salary: $95,000-$115,000**
UX designers ensure digital products are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use. They research user behaviour, create wireframes and prototypes, and refine interfaces through testing to improve usability and enhance customer satisfaction with digital experiences.
Average Industry Salary: $90,000-$110,000**
Multimedia designers create visual and interactive content across various digital and traditional platforms. They work with graphics, animation, video, and sound to design engaging experiences that bring concepts to life in dynamic and visually compelling ways.
Average Industry Salary: $75,000-$95,000**
Download our Course Guide to access:
The inside scoop on our courses and career paths
Exclusive industry insights
Alumni success stories to get your inspiration flowing
The lowdown on our fees, including FEE-HELP and scholarships.
* QILT Data Source (Undergraduate / Creative Arts)
** Salaries sourced from various websites including Seek.com.au, Indeed Australia, PayScale Australia, JobOutlook.gov.au, LinkedIn Salary Insights, Australian Bureau of Statistics, and Screen Australia
