Graphic and media design
Graphic and media designers create logos, posters, websites and social media appearances. Good ideas count just as much as precise work with design software.
Typical tasks
- developing ideas for logos, posters or websites
- producing designs with design software
- choosing suitable fonts, colours and images
- preparing print files or files for the web
- discussing designs with clients and revising them
Where people work
Graphic and media designers work in advertising and design agencies, print shops, publishers, company marketing departments or as freelancers.
A good fit if
- you like drawing, designing or taking photos
- you have ideas and enjoy experimenting
- you work carefully until every detail is right
- you can handle criticism of your designs
Education pathways in Austria
In Austria there is a Lehre (apprenticeship) in media, for example as a media specialist focusing on media design. An HTL (higher technical college) specialising in graphic and communication design or media technology ends with the Matura (school-leaving exam), after which you can study at an FH (university of applied sciences). In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung, the Fachoberschule Technik or a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ), the Berufsmaturität Technik or a Fachhochschule.
- Lehre
- Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
- HTL (Höhere Technische Lehranstalt)
- Matura and technical vocational training in one. 5 years
- Fachhochschule (FH)
- Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor
Matching schools in Austria
A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.
- HTL PinkafeldHTL, 7423 Pinkafeld, BurgenlandCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL MössingerstraßeHTL, 9020 Klagenfurt, KärntenCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL MödlingHTL, 2340 Mödling, NiederösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL LeondingHTL, 4060 Leonding, OberösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL SalzburgHTL, 5020 Salzburg, SalzburgCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL BULME Graz-GöstingHTL, 8051 Graz, SteiermarkCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL AnichstraßeHTL, 6020 Innsbruck, TirolCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HTL DornbirnHTL, 6850 Dornbirn, VorarlbergCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a portfolio?
Many schools and degree programmes have admission procedures where you show your own work. Starting a portfolio early is worth it.
Do I have to be good at drawing?
Drawing helps but is not everything. Ideas, an eye for design and handling software matter.
Is there a lot of competition?
Yes, the field is popular. A good portfolio, practical experience and special skills, for example in websites or animation, help.
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