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1 min read11 June 2026

Interior Design in Australia: Top Universities, Requirements, Costs & Jobs for Interior Design Courses in Australia

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Interior Design in Australia: Top Universities, Requirements, Costs & Jobs for Interior Design Courses in Australia

Focusing on creative concepts and a design-driven framework for experimentation and research, studying interior design in Australia equips you with the necessary expertise and capabilities to operate across various settings and utilize interior design as a driver for cultural and societal transformation. Interior design programs in Australia offer hands-on learning environments through creation, practical execution, experimentation, and independent inquiry.

As the third most favored educational hub, Australia is well-known for providing both full degrees and shorter programs in the domain of interior design. Therefore, if you are eager to learn about the methodologies and practices applied in interior design, this article is ideal for you. Here, we outline everything regarding studying this discipline at interior design institutions in Australia, along with entry criteria, available programs, professional prospects, and much more.

Why Study Interior Designing Courses in Australia

Pursuing an interior design qualification in Australia allows you to align yourself with contemporary industry practices through peer networking, client engagement, and collaboration with professionals. Several reasons to study interior design in Australia are detailed below:

  • Academics : Interior Design programs in Australia concentrate on design theory, research, and practice, granting you a profound insight into the dynamic and innovative design landscape. Australian universities deliver interior design education across multiple tiers, ranging from short certificate programs up to doctoral studies, thereby cultivating abilities in crafting project proposals and conveying information.
  • On Demand Profession: Interior Designing is a vast yet dynamic discipline expanding at an impressive rate worldwide. As a high-demand career, individuals holding an accredited interior design qualification can unlock boundless professional opportunities within the sector.
  • Scope: According to research, interior designers are anticipated to experience an 8.5% growth rate by the conclusion of 2024, pushing the Australian market value to approximately 292,516 AUD. Furthermore, the typical earnings for an interior designer in Australia sit around 75,000 AUD and can scale up to 139,000 AUD based on experience. Holders of a master's degree in interior design in Australia generally command higher remuneration than bachelor's degree holders.

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Top Specializations For Interior Designing Courses in Australia

Interior Designing programs in Australia span from diploma to postgraduate levels. Universities across Australia feature a wide array of specializations across different academic tiers. All specializations are designed to foster excellence in the discipline. Below is a selection of specializations available for interior design courses in Adelaide, Australia:

  1. Interior Architecture
  2. Built Environment
  3. Spatial Design
  4. Interior Design and Decoration
  5. Design: Spatial Experiences
  6. Design, Architecture, and Building
  7. Arts, Design, and Architecture

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Eligibility Criteria and Requirements For Interior Designing Courses in Australia

If you intend to enroll in an interior design program in Adelaide, Australia, you must fulfill specific criteria to secure admission. These admission standards and prerequisites may differ depending on your academic level and chosen institution. For instance, gaining entry into interior design programs at Melbourne University may require a distinct educational background compared to another university.

Nevertheless, the fundamental interior design qualifications in Australia for overseas students remain consistent across the universities outlined below:

  • Academic Education
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Work Experience
  • Passport and Student Visa

Let us discuss each of them below:

  • Academic Education

The academic prerequisites for interior design programs vary according to your study level. For example, enrolling in an undergraduate interior design degree necessitates a higher secondary school certificate from an accredited institution.

Additionally, a bachelor's degree in a related field is mandatory for master's programs in interior design in Australia. Relevant subject areas encompass interior design, interior architecture, spatial design, landscape architecture, and service design. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale will support your application evaluation.

  • English Language Proficiency

The majority of Australian universities expect candidates to take language proficiency exams for admission. These test results are compulsory for applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds. The minimum accepted scores at the university level are:

  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 79
  • PTE: 58
  • Work Experience

Given that interior design is a practical, output-driven field, holding some prior work experience will strengthen your submissions. While professional experience is not strictly compulsory for admission, it will certainly enhance your candidacy.

  • Passport and Student Visa

A valid passport copy and an Australian student visa are essential for international students wishing to study interior design programs in Australia. Possessing a student visa is mandatory for all Australian institutions. If you do not have one, ensure you submit your visa application at least three months prior to your planned departure date.

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Documents Required For Interior Designing in Australia

In addition to meeting the aforementioned criteria, you will also need to provide specific documents to pursue interior design programs in Adelaide, Australia. Below is an inventory of the required paperwork:

  1. Official High School Transcripts
  2. Bachelor's Degree
  3. Language test scores
  4. GRE or GMAT scorecards
  5. Personal Essay
  6. Statement of Purpose
  7. A letter of recommendation
  8. Resume or CV
  9. Work experience certificate (if any)
  10. Proof of your financial resources
  11. Copy of your passport

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Admission Process of Interior Design Courses in Australia

Now that you have satisfied all prerequisites and compiled your paperwork for Australian universities offering interior design, your next phase is submitting an application. You can follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Research the leading interior design institutions in Australia and compile a comprehensive list.
  2. Browse their official web portals to review qualification criteria and application cycle details.
  3. Verify whether your educational qualifications align with the university program standards.
  4. Upload all requested documents, including transcripts, scorecards, and academic mark sheets.
  5. Fill out the appropriate application form and pay the mandatory application charges.
  6. Following submission, university officials will evaluate your profile and issue an interview invitation.
  7. Participate in the interview to demonstrate your interpersonal abilities. Upon selection, you will receive an official admission offer letter from the institution.
  8. Confirm your enrollment by paying the deposit fees to secure your placement at the university.

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List of Top Universities and Colleges to Study Interior Design in Australia

Australia hosts numerous interior design institutions celebrated for their academic excellence and robust infrastructure. All of these universities are widely recognized for their interior design curricula. Below are the premier Australian universities for interior design education:

  • The University of New South Wales
  • RMIT University
  • TAFE NSW
  • Swinburne Institute of Technology
  • Torrens University

Let us examine each institution in detail below:

1. The University of New South Wales

UNSW provides bachelor programs, professional development short courses, and research-focused postgraduate doctorates, alongside social and career avenues for students. Its interior design programs are offered across multiple levels within a creative community dedicated to reimagining and transforming interior spaces in residences, workplaces, and urban centers. The curriculum encompasses majors such as computational design, industrial design, and landscape architecture.

University of New South Wales World Ranking 2025

19

Type of University 

Public 

Average Annual Fees 

31,680 AUD

Program Offered 

  • Bachelor of Design
  • Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)
  • Master of Design

2. RMIT University

RMIT is a globally renowned university recognized for design, technology, and commerce, placing among the Top 250 institutions worldwide. It delivers interior design instruction at vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate tiers. Its interior design offerings foster an advanced comprehension of residential and commercial interiors, spatial arrangement, furnishings, decorative finishes, and documentation procedures. The program equips you to formulate and articulate design concepts for diverse domestic and commercial initiatives.

RMIT University World Ranking 2025

123

Type of University 

Public 

Average Annual Fees 

24,000 AUD - 44,160 AUD 

Program Offered 

  • Diploma of Interior Design
  • Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)
  • Master of Interior Design
  • Associate Degree in Interior Decoration and Design

3. TAFE NSW

TAFE interior design training instructs you in formulating innovative, original concepts for commercial design projects while investigating the spatial, structural, and material dimensions of built environments. The institution's interior design courses grant a thorough understanding of the dynamics between humans and spaces. These programs are accessible across various tiers, ranging from certificate credentials to bachelor degrees.

QS World University Rankings 2023

—

Type of University 

Public 

Average Annual Fees 

21,440 AUD

Program Offered 

  • Diploma of Interior Design
  • Bachelor of Interior Design

4. Swinburne Institute of Technology

Swinburne Institute of Technology is a world-class institution situated in Melbourne celebrated for its interior design curriculum. The program centers on how everyday commercial, residential, and industrial spaces must adapt to shifting demands. Its interior design studies are available across different specializations, such as interior architecture and urban design, delivering insight into foundational principles and concepts of interior design and their application across diverse settings.

Swinburne University of Technology World Ranking 2025

291

Type of University 

Public 

Average Annual Fees 

13,800 AUD - 27,600 AUD

Program Offered 

  • Diploma of Interior Design
  • Bachelor of Design (Interior Architecture) (Honours)
  • Master of Architecture and Urban Design
  • Master of Design
  • Graduate Certificate of Design

5. Torrens University

Interior design instruction at Torrens University imparts practical design techniques and fundamental theory to help you address contemporary living challenges. It builds a solid foundation in design best practices, preparing you to launch a creative profession as an interior designer. The program readies you to initiate your career in numerous dynamic and demanding roles within interior design firms, architectural offices, or property development companies.

QS World University Rankings 2023

—

Type of University 

Private 

Average Annual Fees 

20,587 AUD - 30,880 AUD

Program Offered 

  • Diploma of Design
  • Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration
  • Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial)
  • Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential)
  • Master of Design 

If you are enthusiastic about creative design professions, browse our comprehensive handbook on Study Interior Designing in Germany to discover top institutions, admission prerequisites, tuition expenses, and employment prospects.

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Cost to Study Interior Design in Australia

The expense of obtaining an interior design education in Australia fluctuates depending on the academic tier you choose. Furthermore, these expenditures are divided into distinct categories, with tuition charges and living expenses being the two most influential factors determining the overall budget.

Tuition Fees

Tuition costs for interior design institutions in Australia also fluctuate based on the specific institution type. Nonetheless, undergraduate tuition for interior design in Australia typically spans from 21,000 AUD to 53,000 AUD, whereas pursuing an interior design master's degree in Australia can command tuition rates reaching up to 88,320 AUD.

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Living Costs

Living expenditures represent another critical component shaping your overall budget in Australia. These expenses depend heavily on your personal lifestyle choices and geographical setting. Below is an overview of anticipated expenditures while undertaking an interior design degree in Sydney or alternative regions:

Expense

Average Costs per week

Accomodation single 

500 AUD

Rent (shared)

200 - 300 AUD 

Electricity, gas and water

30 - 60 AUD

Food

80 - 150 AUD

Phone and Internet

15 - 30 AUD

Public Transport

50 AUD

Entertainment

30 - 100 AUD

Restaurant meal

17 - 30 AUD 

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Career Opportunities After Completing Interior Designing in Australia

Graduates with an interior design degree from Australia can pursue roles in architectural and interior design firms, engaging in tasks such as concept creation, design advancement, and execution. Additionally, they can secure positions within building firms, interior styling companies, and various enterprises supporting the construction and design sectors, ranging from corporate furniture providers to public relations and marketing agencies.

Below are several sought-after career paths for interior design graduates in Australia:

Job Profile 

Average Salary 

Interior Designer

70,000 AUD

Design and Decoration Assistant

57,000 AUD

Commercial and Industry Design

62,019 AUD

Creative Designer

65,783 AUD

Architectural designer

75,078 AUD

Design manager

95,307 AUD

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Pursuing interior design studies in Australia offers access to remarkable creative environments, premium education, and a variety of pleasant lifestyle experiences. For those eager to enjoy student life in one of the premier international study locations globally, Australia stands out as an exceptional option. Students who have already chosen to study in Australia and seek top-tier institutions can reach out to our Ashiraj experts for proper direction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Australia good for interior design?

<p>The nation down under ranks among the global top 10 for pursuing interior design education. Packed with world-class institutions, Australia hosts several of the most prestigious and forward-thinking design universities on the planet.</p>

Are interior designers in demand in Australia?

<p>Interior designers experience strong demand nationwide, particularly within metropolitan and residential hubs like Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne.</p>

What do you study in interior design?

<p>Students can also pursue a foundation course, higher national diploma, or a degree in related fields including: 1) Interior design 2) Art and design 3) Interior architecture 4) Landscape architecture 5) Spatial design</p>

How much is Bachelor in Interior Design in Australia?

<p>Obtaining a bachelor degree in interior design at Australian universities typically costs from 21,000 AUD up to 53,000 AUD.</p>

What are the most popular bachelor in interior design degree in Australia?

<p>Several prominent bachelor of interior design programs offered across Australian universities include: 1) Bachelor&#039;s in Interior Design Honours 2) Bachelor of Built Environment (Interior Architecture) 3) Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Interior Design</p>

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