International illustration and design students Your creative journey starts here!
The AID Berlin is a private school for Illustration and Design, located in Berlin – The German City of Design.
Location and facilities
Located in Lichtenberg, the academy resides in an elegant expressionist brick building from 1925. The school offers a high standard of facilities to meet both the creative and technical requirements of a design professional or student.
The school is equipped with Apple computers running the latest graphics software, a powerful Wi-Fi and a wide range of technical equipment for scanning, printing, plotting and model making that students can use free of charge.
Discounted student licenses for Adobe Creative Cloud can be purchased through the Academy for students' own computers.
Language of institution
Our courses are taught in German and we offer language classes from beginner level upwards. On average international students make up about one-third of our student body.
Language skills
Entry to AID Berlin does not require a German language certificate. Most of our students and teachers are fluent in English, however you should be able to follow lectures and classes in German. Additionally, official exams and dissertations in the Illustration Design course are to be completed in German.
Language Courses (only on demand)
The AID Berlin offers German language classes from beginner level upwards. All classes are synchronized with the design course program and are compatible with its timetable. A minimum of 5 participants is required for the course to take place.
Trial study
Two days of design insights, including design workshops, Q&As with students, feedback on your portfolio, and studio visits with professional designers. More details here.
Visa information
If you are non-EU citizen or from a non-Schengen country you may need a visa. The German embassy or consulate in your home country is in charge of granting a visa in cooperation with the foreign registration office. We support you by sending an invitation letter for your interview and, in case the admission committee of the AID Berlin has positively evaluated your artworks, a admission certificate as well as a letter of recommendation.
Further information
If you have any questions or need more details, please contact us!
Phone: +49 (0) 30 91 20 66 55
E-Mail: info@aidberlin.de
Study Program Illustration Design
The world of images is changing, and the traditional idea of illustration is outdated. Today, being an illustration designer means much more than adding an image to an existing text. Your images are the center, sometimes even the starting point of communication.
Illustration designers work for advertising agencies and publishing houses, scientific and cultural institutions, media and film companies. A degree in illustration design from AID Berlin qualifies you as a specialist in illustration and design.
The program for Illustration Design is divided into two parts:
1–4 semesters
Studies in the basics of visual communication (such as drawing, color, geometry, formats and materials) as well as projects in design-techniques typography, web, photo and motion design.
5–7 semesters
Project-based studies in Illustration Design (such as 2D print-media: magazines, tabloids etc., also 3D visual communication in packaging design and motion design) – all accompanied by a comprehensive introduction to all the applications that designers and illustrators need today (Adobe Creative Suite, Maxon Cinema 4D, Adobe After Effects).
Application
Entry criteria and application procedure:
For us, talent and creativity (shown in a portfolio or via work samples) are more important than any grades achieved in school or college. The first step for applicants is to show their portfolio. If you are unable to bring in your portfolio in person, you may send it via post or apply via our online-tool at this link.
Language skills
Entry to AID Berlin does not require a German language certificate. Most of our students and teachers are fluent in English, however you should be able to follow lectures and classes in German. Additionally, official exams and dissertations in the Illustration Design course are to be completed in German.
Costs
Course fees are currently 490 Euros per month.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
In addition to AID Berlin Illustration Design certificate, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree can be obtained with our partner the DIPLOMA University.
To find out more about the Study Program Illustration Design visit our showcase or contact us.
Phone: +49 (0) 30 91 20 66 55
E-Mail: info@aidberlin.de
Study Program Foundation Course Design
Find out what suits your talent best and get off to a successful start after your preliminary studies in design!
Are you interested in studying design, but don't yet know which field of study and university to choose, or which creative profession you would like to pursue after graduation?
This pre-study program gives you a comprehensive insight into the diverse professions in the design industry and helps you choose the right course of study.
In two semesters we make you fit for a creative study or workplace. The general design basics are an important prerequisite for all design courses and your later career. During the Foundation Course Design you will gain the basic knowledge you need for a successful application.
Equipped with knowledge of your own interests and strengths, a broad range of prior knowledge and an outstanding portfolio, nothing stands in the way of a successful application for an artistic-creative study program, internship or job.
The program for the Foundation Course Design covers the following aspects: Studies in the basics of visual communication (such as drawing, color, geometry, formats and materials), projects in general design-disciplines, workshops to give an overview and insight into the different fields of design, individual coaching to find your field of design and create a portfolio, application-studies (Adobe Creative Suite). The course prepares students for a wide range of design studies including the following fields:
Communication Design
Illustration and Illustration Design
Graphic Design
Fashion Design
Product Design
Industrial Design
Textile Design
Digital Design
Interface Design / Media Design
Motion Design / Animation
Interior Design
Architecture
Stage and Set Design
Photo Design
Game Design
Application
Since the Foundation Course Design prepares students for entry into design education no previous experience or portfolio is required. You can apply at the following link. Full details about the course will then be sent to you. The application includes an interview in person at AID Berlin. In this interview we will want to learn more about your interests and goals and all questions regarding the course will be answered. We recommend bringing samples of your artworks, if possible. To start the course in the summer-semester (April 1st) your application should be handed in at the 1st of March latest. For an entry into the winter-semester (October 1st) applications should be handed in until the 1st of September.
Language skills
Entry to AID Berlin does not require a German language certificate. Most of our students and teachers are fluent in English, however you should be able to follow lectures and classes in German. Additionally, official exams and dissertations in the Illustration Design course are to be completed in German.
To find out more about the Foundation Course Design visit our showcase or contact us.
Phone: +49 (0) 30 91 20 66 55
E-Mail: info@aidberlin.de
Language Courses (only on demand) German for design students
German for Daily Life 1 –
Start your design studies and improve your German language skills at the same time
Maybe you come with little knowledge of German and want to start learning the language as soon as possible. If you are able to understand and answer simple questions, the course "German for everyday life 1" will help you to follow the AID Berlin design courses from the beginning. The language classes take place daily and run parallel to the design courses during the first semester. You will acquire a basic level of German for everyday life and a rich vocabulary in design.
Duration: 12 weeks, daily lessons, parallel to design courses (10 h per week)
Start: April and October
Contents: Frequently used expressions concerning all areas of everyday life; Acquisition of a vocabulary related to the field of your studies; Deepening of grammar structures
Level: A2
Costs: 600 € (equals 5 € per lesson)
A minimum of 5 participants is required for the course to take place.
German for Daily Life 2 –
Refresher course in German with a focus on the language of design
If you already feel confident taking part in general conversations the "German for Daily Life 2" course will enable you to actively take part in discussions in the design courses. Classes run on a daily basis parallel to the design courses in the second semester. With this course you should achieve a level of language skills that will enable you to talk fluently about your design projects.
Duration: 12 weeks, daily lessons, parallel to design courses (10 h per week)
Start: April and October
Contents: Understanding the main issues in standard language; Opinion on personal interests and your design projects; Intensifying grammatical and stylistical means of expression
Level: B1
Costs: 600 € (equals 5 € per lesson)
A minimum of 5 participants is required for the course to take place.
You can then continue your language studies in preparation for the standard language exams. If you are enrolled in the AID Berlin Foundation Year Design, we will prepare you for the standard language exams that are required for application procedures at German universities. The exams are usually administered by an external body.
Upon completion of a language course at AID Berlin, a certificate is issued confirming the level of language proficiency achieved.
Choose the language course that best suits you. Please note that you must be enrolled in one of our design courses before taking our language courses. If you are unsure which of the courses is right for you, simply contact us to discuss. This can also be done together with your application interview for the design courses at AID Berlin.
Your application should be submitted four weeks before the start of the semester. Applications received later can only be considered if there are still places available.
AID Berlin reserves the right not to start or to postpone courses.
Further information
If you have any questions or need more details, please contact us!
Phone: +49 (0) 30 91 20 66 55
E-Mail: info@aidberlin.de
