MG University MA Graphic Design: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Kottayam, KeralaState UniversityEstd 1983NAAC Grade A++
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Master of Arts [MA] in Graphic Design is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered through affiliated colleges of Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, Kerala. The programme is structured under the Choice Based Credit and Semester System (CBCSS) across 4 semesters and is designed to develop professional designers with strong aesthetic, analytical, and technical skills in communication design. The curriculum covers visual design theory, typography, interaction design, motion design, package design, publication design, and a final thesis project with an industry internship. The programme is offered as a self-financing (unaided) course with a fee of Rs. 40,320 per semester (total tuition: Rs. 1,61,280). Admission is through the MGU Centralized Allotment Process (CAP) based on merit in the qualifying degree. The course is popular among graduates in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Visual Communication, and related fields who wish to build careers in branding, advertising, UI/UX design, and visual communication.

Admission for the 2026-27 academic year is upcoming. Based on the 2025 schedule, the online application window is expected to open in May 2026, with the last date for submission in June 2026. Classes are expected to commence in July 2026.

Key Points

  • The MA Graphic Design programme is offered as a self-financing (unaided) course in MGU-affiliated colleges; it is not available at the university campus itself.
  • St. Joseph College of Communication (SJCC), Changanacherry is the primary affiliated college offering MA Graphic Design under MGU, with an intake of 12 seats.
  • The programme follows the MGU CBCSS with 4 semesters over 2 years, culminating in a Final Thesis Project and Portfolio Exhibition in the fourth semester.
  • Students undergo a mandatory industry internship at a professional design firm during the fourth semester, providing real-world exposure.
  • Admission is purely merit-based through the MGU PG CAP portal; there is no separate entrance examination for this course in affiliated colleges.
  • 75% of seats are reserved for candidates who have studied Graphic Design or a related field as their core/main subject at the UG level.

MGU MA Graphic Design Fees

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentAmount (Per Semester)Amount (Total - 4 Semesters)
Tuition Fee (Unaided/Self-Financing)Rs. 40,320Rs. 1,61,280
University Allotment Fee (General)Rs. 703 (one-time)Rs. 703
University Allotment Fee (SC/ST)Rs. 50 (one-time)Rs. 50
Total Fees (General Category)Rs. 1,61,983
Total Fees (SC/ST Category)Rs. 1,61,330

Hostel Fees (St. Joseph College of Communication, Changanacherry):

  • Hostel is available for both boys and girls (Boys intake: 180; Girls intake: 100).
  • Hostel fees are charged separately by the college and are not included in the above total.
  • Students are advised to contact the college directly for current hostel fee details.
  • Hostel is optional and not mandatory for the programme.
  • The tuition fee of Rs. 40,320 per semester is the revised fee as per the MGU CAP fee structure for unaided PG programmes.
  • As per UGC Guidelines (implemented by MGU vide Order No. 5805/AC A1/2024/MGU dated 28.06.2024): Full refund of fees is applicable for cancellations up to 30 September of the admission year.
  • Cancellations between 01 October and 31 October attract a deduction of not more than Rs. 1,000 as processing fee.
  • For cancellations after 31 October, the refund is as per the UGC Notification of October 2018 (100% if 15+ days before last admission date; 90% if less than 15 days before; 80% if within 15 days after; 50% if 16-30 days after; 0% if more than 30 days after the last admission date).
  • The MGU CAP application fee is Rs. 750 for General category and Rs. 350 for SC/ST candidates (non-refundable).
  • No EMI facility is officially offered by the university; students may explore education loan options through their respective banks.

MGU MA Graphic Design Admission 2026

MGU PG CAP 2026 - Important Dates

EventDate
Online availability of Application Forms and Prospectus (MGU PG CAP)May 2026 (Tentative)
Last date for online payment of application fee17 June 2026 (Tentative)
Last date for final submission of online application17 June 2026 (Tentative)
Publication of Provisional Rank List and Trial Allotment19 June 2026 (Tentative)
Data modification / option rearrangement by applicants19-20 June 2026 (Tentative)
First Allotment25 June 2026 (Tentative)
Admission in colleges and fee payment (First Allotment)25-26 June 2026 (Tentative)
Second Allotment01 July 2026 (Tentative)
Admission in colleges and fee payment (Second Allotment)01-02 July 2026 (Tentative)
Third Allotment05 July 2026 (Tentative)
Admission in colleges and fee payment (Third Allotment)05-07 July 2026 (Tentative)
Commencement of Classes08 July 2026 (Tentative)
Special Allotment I for SC/ST15 July 2026 (Tentative)
Special Allotment II for SC/ST22 July 2026 (Tentative)
Supplementary Allotment I04 August 2026 (Tentative)
Supplementary Allotment II08 August 2026 (Tentative)
Date of Closing of Admissions12 September 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

EventDate
MA Graphic Design admission at MGU-affiliated colleges is entirely merit-based through the MGU PG CAP process.There is no mandatory entrance examination for this course.
Candidates are ranked based on their UG marks (standardised to 1000) with applicable weightages.
  • MA Graphic Design admission at MGU-affiliated colleges is entirely merit-based through the MGU PG CAP process.
  • There is no mandatory entrance examination for this course.
  • Candidates are ranked based on their UG marks (standardised to 1000) with applicable weightages.

The above dates are tentative and based on the MGU PG CAP 2025 official schedule.

Exact dates for 2026 will be published on cap.mgu.ac.in.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must have a graduation in Graphic Design / Multimedia / Visual Communication / Animation and Graphic Design / Animation and Visual Effects / Visual Arts, OR a graduation in any field with a Diploma in Multimedia / Visual Communication / Animation and Graphic Design / Animation and Visual Effects / Visual Arts, with aptitude in the media field and adequate software knowledge, with a minimum CGPA of 1.8 out of 4 (CBCSS 2009 pattern) / CCPA of 4.5 out of 10 (CBCSS 2013/2017 pattern) / 45% marks in Part III subjects (other patterns).
  • 75% of the total seats are reserved for candidates who have studied Graphic Design or a related field as their core/main subject at the UG level.
  • There is no upper age limit for applying to PG programmes at MGU-affiliated colleges.

Admission Process

  • Register online at cap.mgu.ac.in and pay the application fee (Rs. 750 for General; Rs. 350 for SC/ST).
  • Fill in academic details and upload required documents; submit the online application before the deadline.
  • A provisional rank list is published based on UG marks (Part III, standardised to 1000) with applicable weightages.
  • Candidates can modify/rearrange their college and programme options after the trial allotment.
  • Seat allotment is done in multiple rounds (First, Second, Third, Special for SC/ST, and Supplementary allotments).
  • Allotted candidates must pay the university fee online and report to the allotted college for admission within the stipulated dates.
  • Management quota seats (50% in unaided colleges) are filled directly by the college management.

MGU MA Graphic Design Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

ScholarshipEligibilityAmount / BenefitHow to Apply
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Central Government)SC students with family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumTuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance (as per course group)Apply via National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students (Central Government)ST students with family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh per annumTuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowanceApply via National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students (PM-YASASVI)OBC/EBC/DNT students with family income up to Rs. 1 lakh per annumTuition fee and maintenance allowance supportApply via National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
E-Grantz (Kerala State Government)SC/ST/OBC/SEBC students domiciled in KeralaFee reimbursement and maintenance allowance as per Kerala government normsApply via egrantz.kerala.gov.in
DCE Scholarship (Directorate of Collegiate Education, Kerala)Students from economically weaker sections in KeralaFinancial assistance towards tuition and maintenanceApply via dcescholarship.kerala.gov.in
Vidyasammunnathi Scholarship (Kerala State Welfare Corporation)Students from minority communities in KeralaFinancial assistance for higher educationApply via kswcfc.org
MGU University Stipend for StudentsStudents enrolled in MGU-affiliated programmes (merit/need basis)Stipend as per university normsApply through the college/university portal
  • SC/ST students must produce a valid caste certificate from the revenue authorities at the time of admission.
  • E-Grantz applications are typically open at the beginning of each academic year; students should apply promptly after admission.
  • The non-creamy layer certificate for SEBC/OBC scholarships must not be older than 12 months at the time of application.
  • Students are advised to check the National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in) for updated deadlines and amounts each academic year.

Table of Contents

MGU MA Graphic Design FAQs

Ques. What is the intake for MA Graphic Design at MGU-affiliated colleges, and is it difficult to get a seat?

Ans. The MA Graphic Design programme at SJCC Changanacherry, the primary MGU-affiliated college offering this course, has an intake of 12 seats. Given the small intake, competition can be significant, especially since 75% of seats (approximately 9 seats) are reserved for candidates who have studied Graphic Design or a related field as their core/main UG subject. The remaining seats are open to other eligible candidates with a relevant diploma. Students are advised to apply early and ensure their UG marks are strong, as the rank list is purely merit-based.

Ques. What subjects are covered in the MA Graphic Design programme at MGU?

Ans. The 4-semester programme covers a comprehensive range of subjects including Elements of Visual Design, History of Art and Design, Design Studio, Interaction Design (I and II), Photo Communication, Typography, Information Design, Motion Design, Package Design, Publication Design, Advanced Typography, Programming for Designers, and Media Ethics. The fourth semester is dedicated to a Final Thesis Project, a Seminar, and a Portfolio Exhibition. Students also undergo a mandatory industry internship at a professional design firm during the fourth semester, giving them hands-on industry exposure.

Ques. Is there any entrance test or portfolio review for MA Graphic Design admission at MGU?

Ans. For admission through the MGU PG CAP (Centralized Allotment Process) to affiliated colleges, admission is entirely merit-based on UG marks; there is no separate entrance test or portfolio review. However, the original MGU syllabus document mentions that final selection at the college level may involve a qualifying examination, interview, and portfolio review (in a 40:40:20 ratio). Students are advised to confirm the current admission process directly with the college (SJCC) at the time of application, as practices may vary between the CAP process and management quota admissions.

Ques. What career options are available after completing MA Graphic Design from MGU?

Ans. Graduates of MA Graphic Design from MGU can pursue careers across a wide range of industries. Common job roles include Graphic Designer, Brand Identity Designer, UI/UX Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Publication Designer, Packaging Designer, Art Director, and Creative Director. Employers include advertising agencies, branding firms, digital media companies, publishing houses, corporate in-house design departments, and film/television production companies. With the growing demand for visual communication professionals in Kerala and across India, MA Graphic Design graduates are well-positioned for both employment and freelance opportunities.

Ques. Can students from non-design backgrounds (e.g., BA English or BCom) apply for MA Graphic Design at MGU?

Ans. Students from non-design backgrounds can apply for MA Graphic Design at MGU, provided they hold a Diploma in Multimedia / Visual Communication / Animation and Graphic Design / Animation and Visual Effects / Visual Arts along with their graduation, and demonstrate aptitude in the media field with adequate software knowledge. However, 75% of seats are reserved for candidates with Graphic Design or related fields as their core UG subject, making it highly competitive for non-design graduates. The remaining 25% of seats are open to other eligible candidates, but securing admission without a design background requires a strong academic record and a relevant diploma.

Ques. What is the significance of the internship and thesis project in the MA Graphic Design programme?

Ans. The internship and thesis project in the fourth semester are central to the MA Graphic Design programme at MGU. The internship requires students to work at a reputed design firm for a fortnight, gaining practical exposure to professional design workflows, client briefs, and production processes. Students prepare a comprehensive report attested by the organisation. The Final Thesis Project is an independent, semester-long project where students develop an innovative body of work demonstrating their creativity, aesthetic sense, and technical skill, culminating in a Portfolio Exhibition. Together, these components ensure that graduates are industry-ready and have a professional portfolio to present to potential employers.

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