PC or Mac—both work fine. The Schoolyard (our student platform) runs on any operating system, just like any website.

But: You’ll be using design software (Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva), which has minimum system requirements to run fast and efficiently.

Minimum Requirements (Windows)

Below are the minimum system requirements taken directly from Adobe to run the Creative Cloud design platform:

Spec	Minimum	Recommended
Processor	Multicore Intel (64-bit) with SSE 4.2+ OR AMD Athlon 64 with SSE 4.2+	Same
Operating System	Windows 11 (64-bit) or Windows 10 (64-bit)	Same
RAM	8GB	16GB
Storage	7GB for software + space for your work	SSD for faster load times
Display	1024×768	1920×1080
Graphics	OpenGL 4.x with 1GB VRAM (optional)	Same
Internet	Stable connection required	Same

Touch workspace (optional): To use Touch Workspace in Illustrator, you need a touch-screen-enabled tablet/monitor running Windows 10 (Microsoft Surface Pro recommended by Adobe).

Minimum Requirements (Mac)

Spec	Minimum	Recommended
Processor	Multicore Intel (64-bit) with SSE 4.2+ OR ARM-based Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3)	Same
Operating System	macOS 10.15 (Catalina), 11.0 (Big Sur), or 12.0 (Monterey)	Same
RAM	8GB	16GB
Storage	7GB for software + space for your work	SSD
Display	1024×768	1920×1080
Graphics	1GB VRAM, must support Metal	2GB VRAM
Internet	Stable connection required	Same

Not Sure If Your Computer Will Work?

Email us: admin@thegraphicdesignschool.com

Tell us your computer’s specs (processor type, RAM amount, operating system version) and we’ll let you know if it’s suitable for your chosen course.

Planning to buy a new computer? We can give you recommendations based on your budget and course requirements. Mac or PC, laptop or desktop—we’ll help you choose.

For Certificate IV, Intensive Foundation, Design@Work

You’ll need to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Required programs:

• Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, icons)
• Adobe Photoshop (photo editing, digital imaging, compositing)
• Adobe InDesign (layout, page design, multi-page documents)
• Adobe Acrobat Pro DC (PDF creation, editing, and portfolio assembly)

Cost: ~$80/month (standard rate) or ~$30-40/month (student rate—see below)

Not included in course fees. You subscribe and pay Adobe directly.

For Design for Social Media Course

You’ll need:

• Canva Pro (cloud-based design platform)

Cost: ~$18/month (AUD)

Student discount: Canva does not offer student discounts.

Free trial: Canva offers a 30-day Pro trial—perfect for completing Module 3 assessments before deciding whether to subscribe.

Adobe Student Discount

Good news: Students enrolled with TGDS are eligible for Adobe’s student discount (usually 60% off regular price).

How to get it:

1. Enrol in your TGDS course
2. Email us: admin@thegraphicdesignschool.com with subject “Adobe Student Discount Request”
3. We’ll send you a letter proving your enrolment with TGDS
4. Present the letter to Adobe when subscribing (upload during checkout process)

Discount eligibility is at Adobe’s sole discretion (not controlled by TGDS). Visit Adobe’s website for current student pricing.

Typical student pricing: ~$30-40/month instead of ~$80/month (saves ~$500-600 per year).

Required: You need internet access to:

• Access The Schoolyard (student portal)
• Download modules and videos
• Submit assessments
• Activate and validate Adobe software
• Participate in School Forum

Speed Requirements

No minimum speed required. All modules can be downloaded and saved to your computer for offline work. Videos can be downloaded for offline viewing.

Recommended: High-speed internet (cable or broadband) makes it easier to:

• Stream instructional videos without buffering
• Research design inspiration online
• Download large files (module PDFs, video tutorials) faster
• Submit large assessment files (PSD, AI, INDD can be 100MB+)

Have slow internet? You can still complete the course. Download materials in advance when you have good connection, then work offline.

You’ll be sketching designs throughout your course.

Throughout your studies, you’ll complete design sketches as part of the professional design process. We ask that students have:

• Pencils: Lead pencils in range HB, 2B, 3B, 4B (for different line weights and shading)
• Sketchpads: A4 size (for quick sketches and thumbnails) and A3 size (for detailed concept work)

Cost: ~$20-40 total (available at any stationery store, art supply store, or Officeworks)

Why sketching matters: Professional designers sketch before jumping into software. It’s faster for brainstorming, exploring concepts, and refining ideas. We’re teaching you real-world design process.

For Certificate IV, Intensive Foundation

Modules 6 and 9 require photography work.

What you need:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera (minimum 7 megapixels)

When you need it:

Module	Usage
Module 6	Photography module (required for several days)
Module 9	Layout design module (may need for project photography)
Modules 10-11	Portfolio photography (optional—most students use ready-made mockups instead)

Don’t Own a Camera?

No problem. You only need it for a few days. Here are your options:

Option 1: Borrow

• Ask a friend, family member, or colleague
• Free (just say thanks!)

Option 2: Rent

• Camera rental companies charge ~$50-100 for 3-5 days
• Search for camera rentals near you

Option 3: Use a Smartphone (Check First)

• Some modern smartphone cameras are acceptable (iPhone 12+, Samsung Galaxy S21+, Google Pixel 6+)
• Ask your tutor first before relying on smartphone camera
• Not all phones meet quality requirements for assessments

Cost to rent: ~$50-100 for a few days (much cheaper than buying a $800+ camera you’ll only use twice)

For Certificate IV, Intensive Foundation

You’ll need access to:

• Scanner: To digitize sketches, hand-drawn work, and physical design evidence
• Printer: To print evidence of your design process, proofs, and mockups

Colour printer? Personal preference. Black-and-white printing is acceptable for assessments (you’re assessed on design quality, not printer quality).

Don’t Own a Printer or Scanner?

No problem. You can use:

• Office supply stores: Officeworks, Staples (scanning ~$0.50/page, printing ~$0.20/page)
• Local libraries: Many offer free or low-cost scanning and printing
• Smartphone scanning apps: Adobe Scan (free), CamScanner, Microsoft Lens—all work well for digitizing sketches

Cost: ~$10-30 total throughout your course (if using print shops instead of owning equipment)

For Design@Work

Scanner: Required (for digitizing non-digital media, optional)

Printer: Required for one assessment (you don’t need to own it—use a professional print shop like Officeworks for that one project)

Computer or Tablet

Canva works on:

• Desktop computers (Windows or Mac)
• Laptops
• Tablets (iPad or Android devices)

No high-powered machine needed. Canva is cloud-based and runs in your web browser. As long as you have internet and a modern browser, you’re good to go.

Camera Equipment (For Module 3, Optional Assessments Only)

If you decide to submit assessments, Module 3 Assessment 3 requires product photography. You’ll need:

Camera & Support:

• DSLR, mirrorless camera, OR really good camera phone (iPhone 12+, Samsung Galaxy S21+)
• Tripod (for stability and consistent framing)

Lighting:

• 1 or 2 LED camera lights (softbox lights recommended, ~$50-100 each)
• Light modifier: softbox and reflector (white foam board works as cheap reflector, ~$5-10)

Backdrops:

• Seamless matte paper backdrops (available on Amazon, ~$20-40 per roll)
• OR DIY backdrops: particle board (MDF), paint, and creativity (~$30-50)

Props & Tools:

• Bull clips, spring clips, wire, double-sided tape, or white tack (to hold items and backdrops in place)
• Additional photography props of your choosing (depends on your product concept)

Cost: ~$100-300 total (depending on what you already own and whether you go pro or DIY)

Why optional? Many students skip assessments and just learn the skills. If you’re submitting assessments, you’ll create portfolio-worthy product photography—professional quality work you can show clients.

Essentials (Everyone Needs These)

Item	Cost
Computer (meet minimum specs)	$500-2000 (if buying new)
Internet connection	~$50-100/month (typical home internet)
Software subscription	Adobe CC: ~$30-80/month / Canva Pro: ~$18/month
Pencils and sketchpads	~$20-40 (one-time purchase)

Total upfront cost (if buying new computer): ~$600-2100

Ongoing monthly cost: ~$30-100/month (software + internet)

Course-Specific Extras

Certificate IV / IFC:

• Camera (borrow or rent for a few days): ~$0-100
• Printer/scanner access: ~$10-30 throughout course (or $100-300 to buy)

Design@Work:

• Scanner access: ~$5-15 throughout course
• Professional printer access for one assessment: ~$20-50

Design for Social Media (if submitting assessments):

• Camera + photography equipment: ~$100-300