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Applications — PG Program

Apply for the
PG Program in
Design Education

Applications are reviewed by the faculty panel. Shortlisted candidates are invited to Puducherry for an interview and teaching seminar. 12 seats only — applications open 1 August 2026.

Application status
Open
Accepting applications for Module I — October 2026.
Modules II–VI bookings also accepted in advance.
Commences 15 September 2026
Seats per module 12 — selective admissions, interview required
Duration One year, two semesters, in person
Location Villa Appavou, Puducherry
Payment Bank transfer on seat confirmation

What happens after you apply

1
Submit the form
Submit your application with your background, statement of intent, CV, and portfolio. You will receive an acknowledgement within 24 hours.
2
Shortlisting
The faculty panel reviews all applications. Shortlisted candidates are contacted for the next stage. Sponsored candidates given preference at this stage.
3
Interview and teaching seminar — in person, Puducherry
Shortlisted candidates attend an extended personal interview and teaching seminar at Villa Appavou. This is not a presentation of work — it is a demonstration of how you think about design education.
4
Offer and enrolment
Offers made to 12 candidates. Bank transfer details issued on acceptance. Program commences 15 September 2026.

Payment is by bank transfer only. Details are issued by the admissions team after a seat is confirmed — not at the application stage. If company formation is complete before your module date, payment via Razorpay may also be offered.

Refund policy: full refund if a seat cannot be confirmed. 50% refund if you cancel more than 14 days before the module. No refund within 14 days of the module.

Frequently asked

Do I need to be currently teaching to apply?
No — the program is open to designers with a BDes, MDes, or PhD in Design, or equivalent professional experience. You do not need to be actively teaching, though the program is designed for those who intend to.
What does 'sponsored candidate' mean?
A sponsored candidate is supported by an institution, studio, or organisation that has committed to have them apply. SAKS gives preference to sponsored candidates because it increases the chance that program learnings are applied back in a real institutional context. The sponsoring body does not need to fund the program fee.
Is accommodation provided?
Participants arrange their own accommodation in Puducherry. Guidance is provided on acceptance. A guest house on the Villa Appavou campus is available for visiting faculty only.
Are international participants welcome?
Yes. The courses are open to participants from anywhere. The application and all communication is in English.
Something else?
Use the Enquire form and the team will respond.

Application form

All fields are required unless marked optional. The form takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.

Tally / Google Form embed

Fields: full name · email · phone
Professional background / current role
Module selection (all six / specific module)
Prior exposure to Sugiura's work (short text)
Travel & accommodation needs (yes/no)
How did you hear about SAKS (optional)

Also at SAKS

Apply — PG Program in Design Education Apply — International Fellowships
Currently
PG Program — Applications open 1 August 2026
PG Program applications — open 1 August 2026
Fellowship — commencing September 2026