Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Master of Design [M.Des] in Graphics and Communication Design at AURO University, Surat is a 2-year full-time, on-campus postgraduate design program offered under the School of Design. The program is designed for creative thinkers who want to lead and innovate in the visual communication and graphic design industry, offering topical specializations in Animation Design, Advertising Design, and Interaction Design. The total fees for the program are Rs. 5,51,000 for the full 2-year duration (inclusive of tuition and one-time charges), with a seat intake of approximately 30-32 students per batch. The program is popular for its research-led practice, project-based learning with real-world briefs, state-of-the-art design studios, and strong industry linkages.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently ongoing, with applications being accepted from February 1, 2026 to April 30, 2026 (tentative). Classes are expected to commence by July 31, 2026. The admission process involves portfolio evaluation and a personal interaction round, making early preparation of a strong design portfolio essential.

Key Points

The M.Des Graphics and Communication Design program offers topical specializations in Animation Design, Advertising Design, and Interaction Design.
The curriculum is structured around three phases: Immersion (mastering senses and skills), Expansion (experimentation and making), and Specialisation (building expertise in chosen area).
Students work on real-world project briefs with leading brands and organizations, building a strong portfolio through hands-on studio practice.
The program includes a research component, guest lectures from industry professionals, and workshops.
No mandatory national entrance exam is required; admission is based on portfolio review and personal interaction.
NATA scores are accepted for merit-based scholarship consideration under the School of Design.
Graduates are prepared for careers as UI/UX Designers, Graphic Designers, Creative Directors, Art Directors, Advertising Designers, Animators, and Design Strategists.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

Auro University M.Des Fees

The total fees for the M.Des (Graphics and Communication Design) program at AURO University is Rs. 5,51,000 for the entire 2-year program. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 2,65,000 (Odd Semester: Rs. 1,72,000 + Even Semester: Rs. 93,000), and a one-time payment of Rs. 21,000 (comprising Rs. 10,000 refundable security deposit, Rs. 6,000 orientation charges, and Rs. 5,000 alumni charges) is payable with the first semester fees. Hostel accommodation is optional and available on campus at an additional cost.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fees - Odd Semester (per odd semester)	1,72,000
Tuition Fees - Even Semester (per even semester)	93,000
Annual Tuition Fees	2,65,000
Total Tuition Fees (2 years)	5,30,000
Orientation Charges (One-time)	6,000
Alumni Charges (One-time)	5,000
Refundable Security Deposit (One-time)	10,000
Total Fees (excluding hostel)	5,51,000
Hostel Fees - Non-AC Twin Sharing (per semester)	71,000
Hostel Fees - AC Twin Sharing (per semester)	93,500
Hostel Fees - Non-AC Twin Sharing (per year, 2 semesters)	1,42,000
Hostel Fees - AC Twin Sharing (per year, 2 semesters)	1,87,000

The Rs. 10,000 security deposit is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
Hostel fees are optional and not included in the Total Fees row above.
Hostel fees once paid are non-refundable, irrespective of the days of stay.
A one-time hostel security deposit of Rs. 15,000 (refundable) is payable at the time of hostel admission.
Transport fees range from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,500 per semester depending on the pickup/drop-off point.
The university reserves the right to increase fees by up to 5% annually, subject to approval by the competent authority.

Auro University M.Des Admission 2026

Admissions to the M.Des (Graphics and Communication Design) program at AURO University for the 2026 batch are currently ongoing. The process does not require a mandatory national entrance exam; instead, candidates are evaluated through portfolio submission and a personal interaction round with subject experts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until seats are filled.

College Admission Dates

Event	Date
Application Start Date	February 1, 2026
Application End Date	April 30, 2026 (Tentative / Until seats are filled)
Date of Commencement of Classes	July 31, 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
NATA 2026 Phase 1	Exam Date	April 4 - June 13, 2026
NATA 2026 Phase 2	Exam Date	August 7-8, 2026
CEED 2026	Exam Date	January 18, 2026
CEED 2026	Result Date	March 4, 2026

NATA scores are accepted for merit-based scholarship consideration at AURO University's School of Design. No mandatory entrance exam is required for M.Des admission at AURO University.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree (10+2+3 or 10+2+4) from a relevant design stream (B.Des, B.F.A., B.Arch, or equivalent) from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Students awaiting final year results may apply for provisional admission based on previous semester performance.
Faculty may require portfolio presentation as part of the selection process.

Admission Process

Fill the online application form at https://admissions.aurouniversity.edu.in
Submit portfolio of design work (as required by the faculty)
Eligibility verification based on graduation marks and academic record
Language assessment (written, conducted on campus)
Mandatory Personal Interaction / Counselling with subject expert (on campus or telephonic for outstation candidates)
Submission of mandatory documents and payment of semester fees to confirm admission

Auro University M.Des Scholarships 2026

AURO University offers multiple scholarship options for M.Des students, including merit-based scholarships at the time of admission, NATA score-based scholarships, ongoing performance-based scholarships, sports scholarships, and need-based financial aid. All scholarships are applicable on tuition fees only, and only one scholarship can be availed at a time.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefit
AURO Merit Scholarship (at admission)	90%-95% in qualifying degree	20% on first semester tuition fees
AURO Merit Scholarship (at admission)	Above 95% in qualifying degree	25% on first semester tuition fees
NATA Meritorious Scholarship	NATA Score 151 and above	100% on tuition fees
NATA Meritorious Scholarship	NATA Score 131-150	25% on tuition fees
NATA Meritorious Scholarship	NATA Score 100-130	20% on tuition fees
Sports Scholarship (Category A+)	International level Gold/Silver/Bronze	100% fee concession + free food and stay + Rs. 10,000/month diet money
Sports Scholarship (Category A)	National level Gold Medal	100% fee concession + free food and stay + Rs. 4,000/month diet money
Sports Scholarship (Category B)	West/North Zone Inter-University Gold Medal	60% fee concession
Student Performance-Based Scholarship	SGPA 9-9.49 (Top 3 or top 10% of class)	15% on tuition fees per semester
Student Performance-Based Scholarship	SGPA 9.50-10.00 (Top 3 or top 10% of class)	25% on tuition fees per semester
Need-Based Financial Aid	Min. 70% in qualifying exam; family income up to Rs. 5,00,000/year	Partial to full tuition fee waiver

Scholarship percentage is calculated on tuition fees only, not on other charges.
Only one scholarship can be availed at a time; clubbing is not allowed.
Merit scholarships at admission apply to the first semester only; subsequent semesters are governed by the Student Performance-Based Scholarship.
Scholarship is not applicable for lateral entry, migration, or students with a gap year.
Need-based financial aid recipients are expected to contribute 15 hours/week in university support activities.
Applications for scholarships must be submitted along with supporting documents by the last date of admissions.
For queries, contact: admissions@aurouniversity.edu.in

Auro University M.Des FAQs

Ques. What is the official name of the Graphic Design M.Des program at AURO University, and what specializations does it offer?

Ans. The program is officially called M.Des in Graphics and Communication Design at AURO University. It offers three topical specializations: Animation Design, Advertising Design, and Interaction Design. Students choose their topical specialization during the program, allowing them to build focused expertise in their area of interest within the broader field of visual communication.

Ques. Is a portfolio mandatory for M.Des (Graphics and Communication Design) admission at AURO University?

Ans. Yes, a portfolio of design work is typically required as part of the M.Des admission process. The faculty may require portfolio presentation during the personal interaction round. A strong portfolio demonstrating visual communication skills, typography, layout design, and creative thinking significantly strengthens the application.

Ques. What is the total cost of the M.Des (Graphic Design) program at AURO University including hostel?

Ans. The total academic fees for the 2-year M.Des program is Rs. 5,51,000. If you opt for hostel accommodation, Non-AC Twin Sharing costs Rs. 71,000 per semester (Rs. 1,42,000 per year, Rs. 2,84,000 for 2 years) and AC Twin Sharing costs Rs. 93,500 per semester (Rs. 1,87,000 per year, Rs. 3,74,000 for 2 years), inclusive of food charges. An additional one-time refundable hostel security deposit of Rs. 15,000 is also required.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing M.Des (Graphics and Communication Design) from AURO University?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as UI/UX Designers, Graphic Designers, Creative Directors, Art Directors, Advertising Designers, Motion Graphics Artists, Animators, Brand Identity Designers, Design Strategists, and Design Researchers. The program's focus on real-world briefs and industry linkages prepares students for roles in advertising agencies, design studios, tech companies, media houses, and as independent design consultants.

Ques. How does the M.Des program at AURO University differ from a regular graphic design course?

Ans. The M.Des program at AURO University is a research-led, postgraduate program that goes beyond technical skills. It is structured around three phases: Immersion, Expansion, and Specialisation, encouraging students to develop independent design thinking, conduct design research, and work on complex real-world briefs. Unlike undergraduate programs, the M.Des focuses on leadership, innovation, and strategic design thinking, preparing graduates for senior roles in the design industry.

Ques. Can students from a non-design background (e.g., Fine Arts, Mass Communication) apply for M.Des at AURO University?

Ans. Students with a Bachelor's degree from a relevant stream, including B.F.A., B.A. in Visual Arts, Mass Communication, or equivalent programs, may be considered for the M.Des program at AURO University, provided they have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. The university evaluates each application on its merits, and a portfolio presentation is required to assess design aptitude and suitability for the program.