The Inspiring Rise of GLS Design Faculty Creative Hub
With over 3,000 Applications, GLS Design Faculty Emerges as Top Choice
for Creative Aspirants
Ahmedabad is buzzing with a quiet creative energy this year, and at the centre of it is GLS University’s Faculty of Design, where nearly 3,000 aspiring designers have stepped forward with one shared ambition: to turn imagination into a career. Out of thousands, only 250 have made it to the next stage, the April written examination marking the beginning of a journey that is less about textbooks and more about ideas, experimentation, and real-world creation.
Key Insights: GLS University & Faculty of Design
- Top-Tier Accreditation: GLS University holds a prestigious ‘A+’ grade from NAAC (3.44 CGPA), the highest in its category, confirming its status as a premier educational hub in Gujarat.
- First-of-its-Kind Partnership: The university hosts India’s first SAE Institute campus. This collaboration with SAE Australia allows students to access a global curriculum and transfer to campuses in over 20 countries.
- Cutting-Edge Specialisations: The Global B. Design (Hons.) programme focuses on high-growth digital industries, specifically 3D Animation, VFX, and Game Development, which are currently outpacing traditional media sectors.
- “Studio Culture” Learning: The Faculty of Design uses a hands-on methodology. Students move away from textbooks to work in high-tech labs and filmmaking studios, simulating real-world industry environments.
- Elite Industry Network: Through the SAE partnership, students gain exposure to global giants such as Netflix, Warner Bros., and Ubisoft, bridging the gap between classroom projects and international professional standards.
- Strategic Location: Based in the heart of Ahmedabad, the 10-acre campus is designed as a “creative playground,” fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and freelance readiness.
GLS University has established a strong global network through partnerships with more than 50 foreign institutions. These collaborations primarily focus on “Global Pathways,” allowing students to start their degrees in Ahmedabad and complete them abroad.
Key University Partners
Australia:
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS): A major partnership where students earn a diploma from UTS College in India before transferring to Sydney.
- University of Newcastle & Curtin University: Collaborations for academic exchange and global exposure.
Canada:
- Seneca Polytechnic (Toronto): A landmark “1st in India and 1st in Canada” partnership for Business and Computer Science degrees.
- Georgian College: An active liaison for student immersion and leadership programmes.
United Kingdom:
- Leeds Beckett University: A key partner for the Global Pathway programme in Business and IT.
- Essex University & University of Aberdeen: MoUs focused on research and academic development.
USA:
- California Baptist University: Active student exchange and immersion programmes.
- New Jersey City University: Part of the university’s international collaborative network.
Europe:
- Wismar University (Germany): Collaboration for technical and design-oriented exchange.
- Luiss Business School (Italy) & NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti): Partnerships focused on business management and high-end design education.
Core Benefits for Students
- Start Local, Finish Global: Students typically complete their first year at GLS and transfer to the partner university for the final two years, saving significantly on tuition and living costs.
- Visa & English Prep: The university provides hands-on support for visa paperwork and integrates IELTS/TOEFL preparation directly into the first-year curriculum.
- Immersion Programmes: Short-term (2 to 4 weeks) international trips to destinations like the USA, Canada, and Dubai to gain quick global perspective.
A significant driver behind this growing interest is the Global B. Design (Hons.) programme being offered in collaboration with SAE Institute, Australia, at the of GLS University, Ahmedabad, the SAE’s first campus in India. The programme is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in creative disciplines while enabling access to global learning pathways, allowing them to begin their academic journey in Ahmedabad and potentially continue across SAE campuses in over 20 countries, thereby fostering international exposure and industry readiness. With specialisations such as 3D Animation & VFX and Game Development, it introduces students to high-growth creative sectors, enabling early access to industries that are increasingly shaping the future of design and digital content.
With cutting-edge labs, filmmaking studios, and collaborative spaces, the faculty has built more than infrastructure it has built a playground for ideas.
As Dr. Chandni Kapadia, Executive Director, GLS University, puts it,” This is not just another admission season. It’s a glimpse into how young minds are redefining what education looks like. The overwhelming response reflects a shift. Today’s students don’t just want careers; they want to create, influence, and innovate. And institutions that understand this are becoming launchpads for something much bigger than degrees.
At GLS Faculty of Design, the story isn’t about numbers. It’s about a generation choosing creativity not as a hobby, but as a future.
Step inside the studios, and you’ll notice something different. There are no rigid boundaries here, just ideas taking shape. Students sketch, build, shoot, edit, and experiment. One day, they’re working on a live industry brief; the next, they’re collaborating with mentors who’ve spent years in the field. It’s messy, exciting, and real, exactly what creativity demands.
The impact of this approach is already visible. Recruiters are noticing. Startups are emerging. Freelancers are carving their own paths. Some graduates are even choosing to take their ideas further into global education spaces. It’s not just about placements, it’s about possibilities.
Behind it all is a simple but powerful belief: creativity thrives when given the right environment.