Raffles Design Institute
Raffles Design Institute is the Singapore flagship campus of Raffles Education Limited, a private education group operating 16 colleges across 9 countries. It delivers specialized design and business programmes (diploma through master's) to individual students seeking industry-oriented creative education with international transfer pathways.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersSingapore, Singapore
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Raffles Design Institute does
Raffles Design Institute operates in Singapore as Raffles College of Higher Education, the flagship Singapore campus of Raffles Education Limited, a privately-held education group founded in 1990. The Singapore campus is located at 111 Somerset Road and delivers specialized design and business programmes including Animation, Digital Media, Fashion, Game, Graphic, Interior, Jewellery, and Product Design at diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor's and master's levels, alongside merchandising, management, and postgraduate offerings such as the Master of Science in International Business Management. Preparatory English Language, Foundation Studies, and IGCSE programmes serve as feeder pathways. Operationally, the campus runs four annual intakes (January, April, July, October) and is part of a broader Raffles Education Network of 16 colleges across 9 countries in Asia-Pacific and Europe, supported by 8 international admissions offices in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand.
The institution's revenue model is tuition-based and recurring, with annual billing across programme tiers and no publicly disclosed fee schedule; financing is facilitated through POSB Further Study Assist education loans and Top Student Awards applied to top-up degree fees. Technology infrastructure consists of Mac-equipped digital media labs, the Pluto Student Management System for academic administration, and a digital credential issuance service for graduates. Distribution is multi-channel: direct admissions in Singapore, overseas representative offices recruiting internationally, retail partnerships (Design Orchard, SocietyA, RISIS, Eli J Fine Jewelry) that commercialize student and alumni brands, and an inter-campus transfer scheme enabling students to study across the Raffles network. Curriculum is enriched by 153 industrial attachment partners and faculty ("Creative Practitioners") drawn from 12 countries, with industry collaborations including a 2025 student volunteer programme for the Chanel Cruise 2025/26 Repeat Show and a degree-articulation partnership with Coventry University.
Customer acquisition leans on event-driven GTM (open houses, info days, design workshops) and community-led showcasing through fashion shows and design competitions, with the institution accumulating 307+ student competition participations and recognition across SDC, Mittelmoda, D&AD, Harper's BAZAAR, Vogue Singapore, and Grand Prix of Akoya Pearl Jewellery between 2019 and 2025. Compliance posture includes PDPA (Singapore) and GDPR cookie-consent frameworks. No AI/ML capabilities, patents, or proprietary technology platforms are disclosed in the available data.
Raffles Design Institute firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Raffles Design Institute
- Legal name
- Raffles Education Limited
- Website
- https://raffles-college.edu.sg
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Raffles Design Institute is the Singapore flagship campus of Raffles Education Limited, a private education group operating 16 colleges across 9 countries. It delivers specialized design and business programmes (diploma through master's) to individual students seeking industry-oriented creative education with international transfer pathways.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Raffles Design Institute industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Higher Education / Design Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Subject-Specific Short Courses & Academies (e.g., STEM, Business, Arts) (EDAIAIAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Undergraduate Business Schools (BBA/BSBA Programs) (EDAHAHAA)
Keywords
Where Raffles Design Institute is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Singapore
- HQ country
- Singapore
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices9 records
Markets served
Raffles Design Institute business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Tuition Fees: Revenue generated from tuition fees for design and business programs including diplomas, advanced diplomas, bachelor's degrees, and postgraduate programs in design disciplines
- Top Student Awards: Academic excellence awards that are applied towards top-up degree course fees for graduates
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Design Programs |
| Subscription | Annual | Management Programs |
| Subscription | Annual | Postgraduate Programs |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Raffles Design Institute product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Raffles College of Higher Education (operating as Raffles Design Institute) is a private education provider in Singapore delivering specialised diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor's, and postgraduate programmes in design disciplines (Animation, Digital Media, Fashion, Game, Graphic, Interior, Jewellery, Product Design), merchandising (Fashion Marketing), management (Advertising & Digital Marketing, Business Studies, Global Business Management), and an MSc in International Business Management. It also offers preparatory English Language, Foundation Studies, and IGCSE courses, with four annual intakes and a flexible inter-campus transfer scheme across its 16-college network.
Product overview
Raffles College of Higher Education is a premier design and business education provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialized educational programmes. The institution delivers programmes across Design (Animation, Digital Media, Fashion, Game, Graphic, Interior, Jewellery, and Product Design), Merchandising (Fashion Marketing), Management (Advertising & Digital Marketing, Business Studies, Global Business Management), and Postgraduate studies (Master of Science International Business Management). Preparatory courses include English Language Programmes, Foundation Studies, and IGCSE. The institution operates from 111 Somerset campus in Singapore and is part of the RafflesEducation network spanning 16 colleges across Asia-Pacific and Europe. Student support services include the Pluto Student Management System for academic administration and Raffles Digital Certificates for credential issuance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Animation Design Programme An Animation Design programme covering animation principles, digital animation techniques, and visual storytelling, aimed at students pursuing careers in animation.
- Digital Media Design Programme A programme covering digital media creation, interactive design, and multimedia content development for various digital platforms.
- Fashion Design Programme A programme teaching fashion design skills including garment construction, fashion illustration, pattern making, and fashion industry knowledge.
- Game Design Programme A programme focusing on game development, game mechanics, interactive design, and game production pipeline.
- Graphic Design Programme A programme covering visual communication design, typography, branding, and digital design tools for print and digital media.
- Interior Design Programme A programme teaching interior space planning, residential and commercial interior design, materials, and sustainable design practices.
- Jewellery Design Programme A programme focusing on jewellery design, metalwork techniques, gemology, and jewellery manufacturing processes.
- Product Design Programme A programme covering industrial design, product development, prototyping, and user-centered design methodologies.
- Fashion Marketing Programme A merchandising programme focusing on fashion retail, marketing strategies, visual merchandising, and fashion business operations.
- Advertising & Digital Marketing Programme A management programme covering advertising concepts, digital marketing strategies, brand management, and marketing communications.
- Business Studies Programme A foundational business programme covering general business principles, management concepts, and business operations.
- Global Business Management Programme A programme focusing on international business, cross-cultural management, and global business strategy.
- Master of Science International Business Management A postgraduate degree programme in international business management for advanced business education.
- English Language Programmes English language courses for students needing language support, including English Placement Test preparation.
- Foundation Studies Programme Foundation programme preparing students for higher education with fundamental academic skills.
- IGCSE Programme International General Certificate of Secondary Education preparation programme as an entry requirement pathway.
Quantifiable outcome
- 307+ design competition participations by students
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Raffles Design Institute
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Raffles Design Institute technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Raffles Design Institute partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- ACTIVATION GROUPflagshipACTIVATION GROUP is Chanel's appointed partner for the Cruise 2025/26 Repeat Show in Singapore. Raffles students worked under ACTIVATION GROUP's direction supporting the luxury fashion show at Raffles Hotel Singapore, participating in fittings, rehearsals, backstage preparations, and post-show garment care.
- Design OrchardcoreDesign Orchard is a retail boutique that showcases and retails Raffles Designers' labels. Student and alumni brands like Reckless Ericka (founded by Raffles Designer Afton CHEN) are featured alongside established designers.
- SocietyAcoreSocietyA is a boutique retail partner showcasing Raffles Designers including SeanSheila (by Raffles Fashion Designers Sean LOH and Sheila AGATHA), a brand that has won multiple awards including the Singapore Good Design Award (SG Mark) 2023.
- RISIScoreRISIS is a jewellery boutique partner where Raffles Jewellery Designers' collections are retailed. Notable collaboration includes Mifuyu FUKAI's Midori collection inspired by Japanese bamboo forests, crafted with prasiolite and currently available in white gold and rose gold.
- Eli J Fine JewelrycoreEli J Fine Jewelry partners with Raffles for jewellery design competitions. Co-Founder and Designer Joanne SIM has been crafting timeless pieces since 2005. Winning designs from Raffles students are produced and featured at their boutique in 111 Somerset.
- ION OrchardminorPartnership for fashion shows and exhibitions including the Raffles x RISIS x ION Orchard Spring Garden Fashion Show 2023 and hoarding design projects for ION Orchard B2 & B3.
- MUJIminorMUJI partnered with Raffles for the Re-inspire Exhibition during MUJI's reopening at Plaza Singapura, showcasing student design work.
- AesopminorAesop Store Design Project Manager Mr Gabriel NG conducted a talk on sustainable retail design for Raffles students, sharing insights on the brand's commitment to environmental consciousness and innovative retail experiences.
- Wanbo Institute of Science & TechnologyminorAn institute of RafflesEducation. Delegates visited the Singapore campus for education and teaching development seminars, sharing pedagogical approaches and investigating areas to improve student learning experiences.
- Tianjin University of Commerce Boustead CollegeminorAn institute of RafflesEducation. Delegates visited the Singapore campus for education and teaching development seminars, viewing Raffles Designers' collections at RISIS boutique.
- Coventry UniversitycoreRaffles offers degree programs in partnership with Coventry University including BA (Honours) in Fashion and International Fashion Business, and Raffles-Coventry MA Design Management. Students participate in international field trips and degree shows.
- Industrial Attachment PartnerscoreOver 153 industrial attachment partners providing students with work experience opportunities as part of their curriculum.
- FerticlayminorEco-friendly clay solutions company. Raffles Interior Designers conducted workshops exploring sustainable building materials, creating prototypes for sustainable tiles using recycled materials.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Raffles Design Institute competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Shillington Education: Global private design school with campuses in Australia, UK and US offering intensive graphic and UX design bootcamps. Emerging competitor targeting price-sensitive design students who might otherwise enroll in longer diploma programmes at Raffles.
Direct peers
- Domus Academy: Milan-based postgraduate design and fashion school. Comparable to Raffles' postgraduate and master's offerings in design management and fashion, serving a similar international cohort.
- LASALLE College of the Arts: Singapore-based private arts college offering diplomas and degrees in design, fashion, fine arts, and creative industries. Direct domestic competitor to Raffles' Singapore campus, serving similar international student segments with comparable tuition-funded design programmes.
- Istituto Marangoni: Global private fashion and design school with campuses in Milan, Paris, London, Shanghai, Mumbai and other cities. Directly comparable to Raffles in its multi-country boutique design school model and international student recruitment.
- Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA): Singapore private arts institution providing diplomas and degrees in design, fashion, interior, and visual arts. Closest peer to Raffles Design Institute within Singapore, competing for the same pool of local and international design students.
Broad incumbents
- Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London): Premier UK-based art and design college with strong fashion and jewellery credentials. Competes with Raffles for top-tier international design students and sets the benchmark for global creative school brands.
- Parsons School of Design (The New School): Established US-based design school with global brand recognition in fashion, interior and graphic design. A broader incumbent whose degree programmes compete with Raffles for international students seeking globally portable design credentials.
- RMIT University: Australian public university with strong design, fashion and media programmes and Asia-Pacific recruitment footprint. Competes with Raffles for international students seeking design degrees from English-language institutions in the region.
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): US-based private university with comprehensive design, fashion, and jewellery programmes. Comparable to Raffles in multi-discipline design portfolio and international student recruitment model.
Regional players
- Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI): Hong Kong-based public design school offering diplomas and degrees across design and business disciplines. Regional peer competing for the same cross-border Greater China student pool as Raffles' China network.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Raffles Design Institute social profiles
Digital presenceRaffles Design Institute compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Raffles Design Institute financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Raffles Design Institute leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Raffles Design Institute subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries9 records
Raffles Design Institute funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Raffles Design Institute M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Raffles Design Institute
What does Raffles Design Institute do?
Raffles College of Higher Education (operating as Raffles Design Institute) is a private education provider in Singapore delivering specialised diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor's, and postgraduate programmes in design disciplines (Animation, Digital Media, Fashion, Game, Graphic, Interior, Jewellery, Product Design), merchandising (Fashion Marketing), management (Advertising & Digital Marketing, Business Studies, Global Business Management), and an MSc in International Business Management. It also offers preparatory English Language, Foundation Studies, and IGCSE courses, with four annual intakes and a flexible inter-campus transfer scheme across its 16-college network.
Is Raffles Design Institute a public or private company?
Raffles Design Institute is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Raffles Design Institute founded?
Raffles Design Institute was founded in 1990.
Where is Raffles Design Institute based?
Raffles Design Institute is headquartered in Singapore, Singapore, in the Asia region.
How does Raffles Design Institute make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition Fees are the primary driver. The others are top Student Awards.
Who are Raffles Design Institute's main competitors?
Shillington Education is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Domus Academy, LASALLE College of the Arts, Istituto Marangoni and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). Broad incumbents are Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London), Parsons School of Design (The New School), RMIT University and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is listed as a regional player.
Does Raffles Design Institute have an API?
No public API is recorded for Raffles Design Institute.
What industry is Raffles Design Institute in?
Raffles Design Institute's product category is Higher Education / Design Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAIAIAC, Subject-Specific Short Courses & Academies (e.g., STEM, Business, Arts), with a secondary code of EDAHAHAA, Undergraduate Business Schools (BBA/BSBA Programs). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.