Interior Design courses abroad offers a chance to learn in a new culture while preparing for a creative career. Top destinations include the UK, Italy, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Leading colleges provide thorough programmes covering design history, drafting, space planning, lighting, and furnishings. Students gain practical experience through projects, studio visits, guest lectures, and internships. This article covers key aspects when it comes to studying Interior Design abroad.
Best Countries To Study Interior Design Abroad
A career as an interior designer is demanding and expected to peak by 2025. A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in interior design can lead to a rewarding career path. However, it varies from country to country. Given below are the top countries to study interior design abroad:
| Sr.No. | Country | Top Universities for Interior Design | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | United Kingdom | Central Saint Martins Kingston University London Manchester Metropolitan University | Programmes here expose students to new trends, technologies, and international work experience. |
| 2. | Canada | Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) | Programmes focused on sustainable and technical Interior Design. |
| 3. | Germany | Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Hochschule Anhalt Hochschule Mannheim | Combine arts, technology and sustainability in their Interior Design programmes—emphasis on engineering excellence. |
| 4. | Australia | RMIT University University of Technology Sydney Curtin University | Offer hands-on learning experience for Interior Design with a focus on residential, commercial and hospitality projects. |
| 5. | United States | Parsons School of Design California College of the Arts Savannah College of Art and Design | Through cultural exchanges and study trips, students gain exposure to design trends around the world. |
| 6. | Italy | Politecnico di Milano IUAV University of Venice La Sapienza University of Rome | Italy is regarded as a global hub for design. Universities focus on historic preservation, craftsmanship, sustainability and urban planning. Students gain international exposure through study trips and collaborations with international designers. |
Top Universities For Master’s In Interior Design Abroad
When planning to pursue Master’s courses in Interior Design abroad, selecting the right University can make or break your experience and learning. In the table below, we have compiled a list of the best colleges for Interior Designing abroad based on the reputation of their programmes –
| University | Interior Design Courses | Duration | Fees (annual) |
| Royal College of Art, UK | MA, MRes in Interior design, Spatial design | 1-2 years | £19,000-23,000 |
| Parsons School of Design, New York, USA | MFA in InteriorDesign | 2 years | £40,000-50,000 |
| Politecnico di Milano, Italy | Master in Interior and Spatial Design | 2 years | No tuition fees |
| Aalto University, Finland | Master of Arts inInterior Architecture | 2 years | No tuition fees |
| HDK – Academy of Design and Crafts, University of Gothenburg, Sweden | Master of Arts inInterior Architecture | 2 years | No tuition fees |
| Kingston University London, UK | MA in Interior Architecture & Design | 1-2 years | £20,000-25,000 |
| University of Minnesota, USA | Master of Interior Design | 2 years | £25,000-30,000 |
| National University of Singapore, Singapore | Master of Interior Architecture and Design | 2 years | £15,000-20,000 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology, USA | Master of Design in Interior Architecture | 2 years | £35,000-45,000 |
| Osaka University, Japan | Master of Interior Design | 2 years | No tuition fees |
Admission Requirements For Interior Design Courses
The admission requirements depend on the individual country of the university. However, students will be required to fulfil specific minimum admission requirements, which are as follows –
- A bachelor’s degree (4 years) in the relevant field of design/fine arts/architecture from a recognised university is desirable. For some colleges, work experience is also a requirement.
- Meeting the minimum academic score criteria set by colleges. This includes qualifying exams like GATE, GRE, and portfolio scores. IELTS/TOEFL score is also mandatory for English proficiency.
- Preparing all application documents well in advance, such as:
- Transcripts
- Statements of purpose
- Resumes
- Portfolios
- Reference letters
- Exam scores.
- The portfolio is crucial, and it should showcase the applicant’s problem-solving and creative abilities through previous projects and design work.
Application Process For Interior Design Courses
Once you have all your documentation handy, it is the right time to apply to your preferred Interior Designing courses abroad. The following are essential steps in the application process that you must keep in mind –
- Carefully choosing programmes and applying online before the deadline (Usually 6-8 months before the programme starts)
- Shortlisted applicants may be called for a personal interview via video call to assess their communication, presentation skills, and passion for the subject.
- Once admitted, students must submit the offer acceptance letter and advance tuition fees to confirm their seats before the given deadline.
- Securing a study visa from the university is also mandatory to formally join the Master’s in Design programme abroad.
Cost To Study Masters In Interior Design Abroad For Indian Students
The average cost of pursuing a postgraduate degree in Interior Design from abroad ranges between INR 15-40 lakhs depending on the country, university and cost of living. Additionally, students will need to secure funds for living expenses, books, visas and insurance. Some universities also provide partial or complete tuition fee waivers through merit-based scholarships.
| Country | Cost of studying interior design |
| UK | INR 25-35 lacs |
| USA | INR 20-40 lacs |
| Canada | INR 20-40 lacs |
| Australia | INR 15-25 lacs |
| New Zealand | INR 15-20 lacs |
Scholarships to Study Masters in Interior Design Abroad
Scholarships are available for international students, especially Indian students who want to pursue their Masters in Interior Design from universities abroad. These scholarships help lower the costs of obtaining this advanced degree from top institutions overseas. Some of the prominent scholarships with their brief details are –
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award/Amount |
| Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) | Full-time research Masters or PhD students in Australia | Stipend of $28,854 annually for up to 2 years |
| Chevening Scholarships | Study for an eligible master’s at a UK university | Full financial support including tuition fees and living expenses for one year |
| James Maskell Scholarship | Undergraduate or postgraduate study in architecture, built environment, or design | £6,000 to support study related to specified fields |
| Aziz Foundation Scholarships | Pursuing one-year master’s programmes related to sustainable development/environment at specified UK universities | Full coverage of tuition fees for the master’s programme |
| Kellas Midstream Clean Energy Scholarship | MSc Clean Energy Technologies programme at Teesside University | Full fee waiver for the one-year programme starting in September |
| Mitacs Globalink Research Award | International students for research training in Canada | Support for 6-12 months collaborative research in specified fields |
| RIBA President’s Medals | Excellence in architectural design | Assistance for postgraduate programmes in UK universities |
Career Prospects of Masters in Interior Design Abroad
A Master’s in Interior Design opens up diverse career opportunities globally. Graduates can work as interior designers in renowned design/architecture firms around the world like –
- IA Interior Architects
- Perkins Eastman
- Gensler
- HOK
- Corgan, and
- Stantec
Students can specialise in residential, commercial, healthcare or retail interior design projects or even pursue an MBA in Interior Designing abroad. Some may even start their interior design consulting practice after a few years of experience. Other options include teaching interior design at colleges, working with furniture manufacturers as design consultants, curating exhibits for design societies and museums, or becoming a technical advisor for interior finish material suppliers.
FAQs
Which country is in demand for studying Interior Design?
The UK, Europe, and Australia have a high demand for interior designers due to a robust design industry and growing construction sector.
What are the skills required for pursuing Interior Design courses abroad?
Key skills required are creativity, spatial solid skills, technical drawing expertise, knowledge of architectural standards and building codes, and materials along with AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Revit and 3D visualisation software is also essential.
What are the best interior design schools in Europe?
Some of the top interior design schools in Europe include the Royal College of Art in London, UK, Aalto University in Finland, Politecnico di Milano in Italy, Hochschule Anhalt in Germany, and OsloMet in Norway.
Who are the highest-paid interior designers in the world?
Some of the highest-paid interior designers in the world include Kelly Hoppen (UK) at $18 million; Paris Forino (US) at $10 million per year; and David Collins Studio (UK) principal David Collins at $7-8 million annually.
Which is the best country to study interior design courses abroad?
Italy is likely the first destination to top the list when considering where to study interior design abroad.
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