Studying Interior Design Abroad | Requirements and Top Universities of 2025

Interior Design Studies Abroad

In recent years, interior design has become highly sought after and is one of the most popular fields of study worldwide. This field is taught at many of the best interior design universities globally. Interior design involves creating functional spaces in both commercial and residential buildings. It is considered one of the most in-demand careers in countries like Canada, Australia, and India. To learn more about the conditions for studying interior design abroad, continue reading this article.

Introduction to Interior Design Studies Abroad

Overall, interior design is one of the best fields for creative, dynamic, and artistic individuals. It is both an artistic and technical field and studying interior design at the top universities in the world is exciting and enjoyable. Today, various societies have a significant need for professional interior designers. Given the growing population and the necessity to design spaces with limited resources, this need is vital for many communities. Additionally, the increasing demand for comfortable and luxurious homes has further raised the demand for specialized interior designers.

Thus, those who choose to study interior design abroad are investing in their professional future. Graduates in this field can quickly enter the job market after earning their degrees and certifications. Furthermore, interior designers generally enjoy a high income. Like every profession, interior designers have specific responsibilities, which are outlined below:

• Researching and analyzing client needs and requirements, developing documents, plans, and diagrams that outline those needs.
• Creating initial interior space plans and providing two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs based on client needs and interior design principles.
• Selecting colors, materials, and finishes to appropriately convey the design concept.
• Providing project management services, including budgeting and project scheduling.
• Preparing building documents to comply with relevant building laws and regulations.
• Preparing contracts, proposals, and negotiations on behalf of the client.

Admission to Interior Design Studies Abroad

International students who wish to study interior design at the best interior design universities worldwide must have a strong academic background. Having good transcripts and a high GPA can significantly help applicants during the admission process to foreign universities for studying interior design. It is worth noting that obtaining admission to a bachelor’s program in this field is quite challenging, but not impossible.

Additionally, applicants with high scores on English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL will have a better chance of receiving admission. Applicants can visit the website of their chosen university to obtain the necessary information regarding language proficiency requirements. Some universities may invite students who meet the requirements for an interview after reviewing their academic resumes. During the interview, the student is reassessed, and the final decision is communicated to the student after a few weeks. Below are the details regarding the admission requirements for different levels of interior design studies abroad:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design

The bachelor’s degree in interior design abroad is a 3 or 4-year program. During this period, students learn both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the field. The primary goal of this program is to impart knowledge on interior design solutions and architectural understanding. In the bachelor’s program, students are introduced to the basic concepts of interior design and expand their skills. The emphasis of the program is on artistic, architectural, creative, and scientific subjects. The courses offered in this field abroad include:

• Using photography as a tool for design
• Digital mapping and design data recording
• 2D and 3D visualization strategies
• Analog and digital construction processes
• Graphic design
• History of architecture
• Design Rendering
• Color and composition
• Design technology
• Construction technology
• Environmental technology
• Lighting design
• Design Theory
• Communication skills
• Building Geometry
• Introduction to design
• Physiology and psychology of colors

2. Master’s Degree in Interior Design Abroad

Generally, the Master’s degree in Interior Design is a 2-year program. This program is designed for individuals who wish to expand their knowledge and acquire more skills in the field of interior design. During this course, students aiming to study at the best interior design universities worldwide are introduced to more specialized concepts of their field and, upon completion, become professional interior designers.

Since the program provides both theoretical and practical education, students are assessed based on theoretical discussions as well as practical work in design studios. The program includes various seminars, conferences, and lectures in different areas of interior design. The curriculum for the Master’s degree in Interior Design may vary slightly between universities; however, some subjects are consistent, though the names of the courses may differ. The general curriculum for the Master’s degree in Interior Design abroad is as follows:

• Advanced construction
• Temporary structures
• Cable structures / Catenary structures
• Pneumatic structures
• Advanced computer-aided design
• Step-by-step exercises in 3D modeling
• Creation of still images advanced graphics and animation
• Communication and graphic signage
• Graphics and visual communication systems
• Signage systems
• Graphics and image creation
• Studio work
• Preservation and Urban Design
• The importance and need for the preservation of historical buildings or sites
• Approaches and techniques for preservation, landscape management, and the management of protected buildings
• Aesthetic theory
• Western aesthetics and Indian aesthetics
• The relationship between spaces, surfaces, and interior design with aesthetics
• The relationship between architectural traditions and aesthetics

3. Doctorate in Interior Design Abroad

The primary goal of a Doctorate in Interior Design abroad is to teach the techniques and artistic principles for designing professional residential and commercial spaces. The duration of the Doctorate program varies between universities, but it usually lasts between 2 to 3 years. The main subjects in the Doctorate program in Interior Design include:

• Art and design
• Design methods
• Research methods
• Interior design systems and techniques
• Communication design
• Housing, neighborhood design, and sustainability
• Organizational systems and design
• Facility management and design
• Design planning and analysis
• Interior design systems
• Global design and accessibility
• Philosophical foundations of housing design

Specializations in Interior Design Abroad

Interior design is a field that offers various specializations and sub-disciplines. Many fields are directly connected to interior design, and the role of these disciplines in the profession cannot be ignored. Some of the interior design-related fields include:

• Graphic Design
• Industrial Design
• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Landscape Architecture

Students studying at some of the best interior design universities worldwide can continue their education at higher levels in related fields such as interior architecture, landscape architecture, and more. Furthermore, this field has many sub-specializations and students can choose one based on their interests and talents. In the future, they may work in the specialization they pursued.

Top Countries for Studying Interior Design

Interior designers have ample opportunities for career advancement. With the global growth of the housing and construction market, as well as an increased focus on the aesthetics of the environments where people live and work, there is expected to be a significant demand for interior designers in the future. This demand is particularly prevalent in developing countries such as the UAE, China, Japan, etc. On the other hand, many countries such as Spain, Italy, and the United States offer numerous educational programs in interior design and architecture with strong theoretical backgrounds, intensive training, and the necessary tools to educate future interior designers.

The countries mentioned in this article are considered among the best for interior design graduates or those planning to continue their education in this field. However, when it comes to the best country for immigration as an interior designer, Canada is undoubtedly the top choice. Some of the best countries for studying interior design abroad include:

• Canada
• Switzerland
• Japan
• Italy
• France
• China
• Turkey
• Russia

1. Studying Interior Design in China

Interior design is one of the most sought-after fields for international students, and China stands out as a top destination for studying interior design in Asia. The country’s universities have significantly improved over the past decades, surpassing Japanese universities in many academic areas. Today, China holds top rankings in various academic fields within Asia and globally, including interior design.

China is considered one of the best countries for studying interior design, offering some of the best opportunities in the field. The importance of interior design has grown globally, especially as the architecture field has somewhat weakened over time. Interior design now holds a prominent place in the global market, with professionals securing significant roles worldwide. Some of the top Chinese universities for interior design based on rankings include:

• Beijing Agricultural University
• Tsinghua University
• Huazhong University of Science and Technology
• Peking University
• Tongji University
• Harbin Institute of Technology
• Zhejiang University
• Nanjing Agricultural University

2. Studying Interior Design in Turkey

Interior design is offered at many universities across Turkey, both public and private. Students can choose between Turkish and English language programs, with tuition fees typically being higher for English-taught courses. Turkey offers interior design programs at all academic levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The presence of all three academic levels in some of the best Turkish universities highlights the importance and high quality of interior design education in the country.

Some well-known universities in Turkey for studying interior design include:

• Bahçeşehir University
• Bilkent University
• Izmir University
• Istanbul University
• Ankara University
• Mersin University
• Maltepe University
• Yeditepe University
• Uludağ University (public)
• Yeni Yüzyıl University (private)
• Selçuk University (public)
• Mimar Sinan University (public)
• Kocaeli University (private)
• Atılım University
• Çankaya University (private)
• Altınbaş University (private)

3. Studying Interior Design in Russia

Interior design is a fascinating field of study that combines both art and technical skills, and many students around the world are eager to pursue this discipline. Russia, with its reputable universities, offers a great academic environment for studying interior design, especially with its combination of high academic standards and low tuition fees. The country is home to numerous prestigious universities offering interior design programs, which also emphasize the importance of artistic courses.

Russia’s strong educational system and the affordable cost of studying make it an attractive option for international students. Some of the top Russian universities for studying interior design include:

• Ivanovo State University
• Kazan Federal University
• Moscow State University
• Moscow Institute of Engineering Structures and City Communications
• Moscow State University of Civil Engineering
• Penza State University
• Rostov State Academy
• Saint Petersburg State University
• Samara State University
• Tomsk State University
• Tyumen State University
• Ural State Academy
• Volgograd State University
• Voronezh State University

Top Interior Design Universities in the World

As you may know, QS World University Rankings is one of the most respected academic ranking systems globally. Every year, QS ranks the best universities for various disciplines, including interior design. Many students rely on this ranking when selecting their universities. Some of the top global universities for interior design based on the 2024 QS ranking include:

• Royal College of Art, London
• University of the Arts London
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), USA
• Parsons School of Design, USA
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
• Aalto University, Finland
• Pratt Institute, USA
• Politecnico di Milano, Italy
• Design Academy Eindhoven, Netherlands
• Tongji University, China

Cost of Studying Interior Design at Top Universities Worldwide

Interior design has become one of the most popular and modern academic fields in recent decades. The cost of studying interior design abroad depends on the country and the university chosen by the student. Below are the estimated tuition fees for studying interior design in various countries in 2024:

• United States: Between $40,000 to $60,000 per year
• United Kingdom:
  • Undergraduate: Between £15,000 to £28,000 per year (approximately $18,955 to USD 35,382)
  • Postgraduate: Between £17,000 to £28,000 per year (approximately $21,482 to USD 35,382)
• Canada: Between CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 per year (approximately $14,711 to USD 29,423)
• Italy:
  • Undergraduate: Between €7,000 to €15,000 per year (approximately $7,595 to USD 16,275)
  • Postgraduate: Between €7,000 to €25,000 per year (approximately $7,595 to USD 27,126)

Scholarships for Interior Design Students

Many international students face challenges in covering tuition and living expenses abroad. As a result, they seek scholarships from reputable universities around the world. Every year, numerous talented students apply for scholarships, and typically, only those with strong academic records succeed in receiving them.

Additionally, having a high score on language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL can increase a student’s chances of securing a scholarship. Many universities across the globe offer scholarships for interior design students. Some notable scholarships for interior design students include:

• ASID Foundation Heritage Scholarship
• Women in Architecture Foundation Scholarship
• Ruth Clark Furniture Design Scholarship

Countries in Demand for Interior Designers and Salary Expectations

For many students, understanding the job prospects and salary expectations in their field of study is crucial. Some countries are facing a shortage of interior designers, making them attractive destinations for professionals in this field. One such country is India, which, as a developing nation, has a significant demand for interior designers. Other developing countries like the United Arab Emirates, as well as countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, are also eager to hire experienced interior designers from around the world.

Interior designers who wish to work abroad can find job opportunities through reputable online international job platforms. Additionally, interior design is one of the highest-paying professions worldwide. Graduates from the top interior design universities can earn substantial incomes based on their skills and work experience.

Interior designers in both developed and developing countries earn attractive salaries, and the demand for them in these countries is high. Below are the average salaries for interior designers in various countries:

• United States: $4,921 per month
• Canada: $3,370 per month
• Australia: $4,188 per month
• United Kingdom: $3,473 per month
• India: $270 per month

Conclusion

As mentioned, studying interior design abroad offers many benefits, including the opportunity for temporary residence in the chosen country. After graduation, students can convert their student visas to work visas by securing a job offer from an employer in their chosen country, allowing them to continue their stay and work there.

Conditions for studying interior design abroad vary between countries, and students are advised to visit the official websites of their target universities for more detailed information. For assistance with studying abroad and receiving accurate guidance, feel free to contact our immigration consultancy, Elm Vira, where we strive to offer the best possible advice and support.