BA in Design preparation course

All the top design schools in the world have their own portfolio and entrance exam requirements — This course prepares you to meet them all.

Through live lessons, creative practice projects, personal feedback, and targeted portfolio and entrance exam preparation, you'll learn how to think creatively, communicate visually, and develop strong projects that make your application stand out in any design school in the world.

Our students have been accepted to programs like:

Aalto University (FI) – BA in Design and Media
Design Academy Eindhoven (NL) – BA in Design
Umeå Institute of Design (SE) – BA in Industrial Design
Unversity of Arts London (UK) – Foundation and BA level
Politecnico di Milano (IT) – BA in Interior and Product Design
Fashion institute of Technology (USA)
And many more...

Aalto University is among the world’s top-ranked design schools – in 2023, only 6.8% of applicants were admitted to the BA in Design and Media. Similarly, Design Academy Eindhoven has a demanding application process, including two required assignments and a portfolio.

Success in these processes requires creativity, clarity, and a strong personal voice – all of which we help you develop. We support you in tailoring your application to each school – from assignments to portfolio.

Master creative assignments, build a powerful portfolio, and prepare for the world’s leading design schools – with expert guidance every step of the way.

One course

All the tools

Tailored for top international schools

A clear understanding of different fields of design and entrance expectations
Practice with typical application assignments from leading universities
A stronger, more focused creative portfolio
Expert feedback and one-on-one guidance from experienced instructors
Encouraging peer interaction and idea development

Portfolio preparation
Entrance exam coaching with feedback
Practice assignments based on real exams.
Design thinking & Concept development
Design basics
Visual art & drawing foundation
Application & Interview Support

We offer professional guidance, practice assignments, and experienced teachers' feedback to improve your project focus. You will get tutoring and comments on your application process to ensure your work meets the school's requirements. Peer support and discussions about your ideas are also provided and encouraged, as design most often is teamwork!

We follow each school’s rules regarding tutoring and feedback, ensuring your work remains authentic and aligned with application guidelines.

7 video lectures and lesson slides immediately at your disposal
7 subject related quick tasks to ease you into the ideas
7 homework projects relevant to the admission process
Teacher's feedback on your returns
Personal tutoring on your admission process

7 Zoom lessons with Teacher - group interaction 3 hours/lesson, 21 in total
7 video lectures and lesson slides to get back to at any time
7 subject related quick tasks to ease you into the ideas
7 homework projects relevant to the admission process
Teacher's feedback on your returns
Personal tutoring on your admission process

Course guarantee - if you don't get a study place in this admission round, you can join the course for free next year.
MAIN LEARNING PACKAGE:
Live Intensive zoom course with all it's content and learning benefits (see left)
Teacher's feedback on your returns
Personal tutoring on your admission process
EXTRA LEARNING PACKAGE 1: Digital Design foundation course to enhance your presentation skills
EXTRA LEARNING PACKAGE 2: Your chosen SDS Foundation course for more extensive training with 10 lessons and 20 projects

Scandinavian Design School is located in Finland. We have guided our students to successfully enter Finnish and International creative degree programs for almost two decades now. Our professional teachers have a solid understanding of the qualities and requirements the programs are looking for in their potential students.

In joining the course you will attain skills and capabilities to apply to any Design BA program in the world.

Fixed-time zoom classes

Study from anywhere in the world in a teacher-led zoom class

Teacher’s feedback

Get live feedback from your teacher and fellow students

Peer support

Similar minded study group motivates and provides different perspectives for your learning!

Of our students were invited to the second stage in their application process

Of our students applying to DAE in 2024 were offered a study place.

Of our students applying in 2023 were accepted to Aalto University.
(6% of all applicants)

Of our students got a study place in one of their destination universities

Our most popular course!