About The Graphic Design School

We’re The Graphic Design School (TGDS), and we’re here for one reason: to help you become a confident, skilled graphic designer—whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up your existing skills.

We’re a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #91706) registered with ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority). This means our courses meet national standards and lead to qualifications that are recognised across Australia under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

But here’s what really sets us apart: we genuinely care about your success. Not just about ticking compliance boxes—about YOU actually learning, growing, and landing the career you want.

What Makes Us Different?

We only do design. We eat, breathe, sleep, and love graphic design. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re specialists, and that focus means you get the best.

Our tutors are the real deal. Every tutor is hand-selected, currently working in the industry, and passionate about teaching. They’re not just qualified assessors—they’re practicing designers with strong portfolios and genuine industry insight. You’ll have one dedicated tutor throughout your entire course, plus access to our whole team through the School Forum.

You learn at your own pace, online. No rigid schedules. No commuting to classes. You study when it suits you, from wherever you are in the world. Perfect if you’re juggling work, family, or just prefer learning on your own terms.

Our mission: Deliver quality training and assessment that meets the needs of learners and industry.

That’s not just a slogan on our website. It’s how we operate every single day. Here’s what that means in practice:

People

We attract, recruit, and keep talented, competent, committed staff. We promote excellence through leadership and ongoing professional development.

Safety & Equality

We provide an environment that’s safe, equitable, and promotes confident, productive learning. Everyone is welcome here—no exceptions.

Integrity & Ethics

We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards. Honesty, transparency, and doing the right thing aren’t optional.

Quality Committed

We deliver consistent, high-quality services and apply quality systems that support training excellence. We’re always improving.

Learner Centred

You’re at the heart of everything we do. We respect you, support you, and thrive on creating training experiences that genuinely help you succeed—time after time.

Industry Engagement

We recognise that industry drives what we teach. Our training and assessment are founded on real industry needs and expectations. We consult with working professionals to keep our curriculum relevant.

Everything happens online in The Schoolyard—that’s our student portal and learning management system. When you enrol, you get access to:

• Learning materials and assessments for your course
• Your records (grades, certificates, progress tracking)
• Units of Competency information
• Written software training and video tutorials
• Templates to complete your assessments
• E-library and resource links
• Gallery to showcase your work
• Uploader to submit assessments directly to your tutor
• School Forum for peer support and tutor Q&A

You’ll have one dedicated tutor who guides you through the whole course. They’ll give you expert, industry-relevant feedback on every assessment. Plus, you can connect with our full team and other students through the Forum—ask questions, network, share tips, get inspired.

No face-to-face attendance required. Everything you need is online.

Flexible, Self-Paced Learning

Study when it suits you. Morning person? Night owl? Working full-time? Raising kids? You control the schedule.

One-on-One Support

You’re not lost in a crowd. Your dedicated tutor knows your name, your work, and your goals. They’re invested in your success.

Industry-Relevant Skills

All our tutors are working designers. The skills you learn are the skills industry actually needs—not outdated textbook theory.

Real Portfolio Work

Every assessment you complete can go straight into your portfolio. By graduation, you’ll have a professional-quality body of work to show employers or clients.

Nationally Recognised Qualifications

Our Certificate IV in Design (CUA40720) is recognised Australia-wide. It can contribute toward further study (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or even university degrees).

We comply with the Standards for RTOs 2015 and the new ASQA 2025 conditions of registration. This isn’t just bureaucracy—it’s about ensuring you get high-quality, fair, transparent training.

What does that mean for you?

• Clear information about courses, fees, and what you’ll learn
• Fair assessment based on industry standards
• Support services when you need help
• Your data protected and records kept securely for 30 years
• Complaints handled fairly and quickly

We’re regularly audited by ASQA to make sure we’re doing what we say we’ll do. We take that seriously.

We’re always getting better. Here’s how:

We listen to you. Every student survey, forum post, and piece of feedback helps us improve. If something’s not working, we fix it.

We consult with industry. Our curriculum is shaped by working professionals who know what employers need. When industry trends change, we update our courses.

You see updates in real-time. We use a versioning system in The Schoolyard. When we improve course materials, you’ll see what changed and why. No mysteries.

We give examples:

• Based on student feedback, we added more video tutorials for complex software techniques. Students told us written instructions alone weren’t enough—so we filmed step-by-step guides.
• Industry consultation told us employers wanted graduates who understand client briefs better. We revised Module 1 to include more real-world brief interpretation exercises.

This commitment to continuous improvement means you’re always getting the best, most current training we can offer.

We support students of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. That includes:

Disability Support Services

We provide reasonable adjustments for learning needs. Need extra time? Alternative formats? Assistive technology? Just ask. Contact our disability support coordinator at support@thegraphicdesignschool.com.

Language, Literacy & Numeracy (LLN) Support

During enrolment, we assess your LLN needs. If you need extra support—simplified readings, glossaries, writing help, more tutor time—we provide it. No judgment. Everyone learns at their own pace.

Flexible Deadlines

Life happens. Health issues, family emergencies, work commitments—we get it. We offer extensions and special circumstances support with no penalty.

Diverse & Inclusive

Whatever your age, gender, cultural background, or prior experience—you’re welcome here. We celebrate diversity and create an inclusive learning environment for everyone.

Ready to start? Here’s how enrolment works:

1. Explore our courses on the website. Make sure you understand what’s involved.
2. Read this Student Handbook (you’re doing that now—great!)
3. Go to Prices & Enrolments and fill in the enrolment form
4. Complete checkout and payment
5. Receive confirmation email immediately
6. Get your access codes within 48 hours (business days)
7. Log in to The Schoolyard and start Module 1!

Need special support? If you indicated special support needs on your enrolment form, a staff member will contact you within 48 hours to discuss how we can help.

Under 18? You’ll need permission from your legal guardian to enrol.