9 Best Countries to study Interior Design Course

The best Countries to study interior design courses would be the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America, Canada, Spain, Japan, Turkey, China, Italy and Cyprus. People want interior designers everywhere to beautify and design their places, thereby opening up multiple jobs and internship opportunities with a good potential for growth across the world. Hence many study abroad colleges promote these interior design programs with solid theoretical backgrounds, intensive training, and competent teaching to educate future interior designers effectively.

Career as an Interior designer is demanding and is expected to hit its peak by 2025. To set an exciting career path, interior design can be studied at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree level. However, it depends on the country you prefer to study. Read this article till the end to know the 8 best countries to study interior design.

Interior Design: Course Brief

When you study interior design abroad, you will be exposed to new techniques and trends, including those from the local culture. A degree in Interior design creates a scope for cross-collaboration with other students studying arts and science degrees. Most interior design programs consist of various modules covering topics such as,

• Architecture
• Aesthetics
• Project Management
• Research
• Materials
• Portfolio work

Interior design degrees assess students through practical work or projects, portfolios, and essays covering theory, creativity, specific themes, styles or artists.

9 Best Countries to study Interior Design Abroad

9 best countries for learning interior design are

1. United Kingdom (UK)
2. United States of America (USA)
3. Canada
4. Spain
5. Japan
6. Turkey
7. China
8. Italy
9. Cyprus

These countries have also developed various training programs to maximize the aspirant’s knowledge in the interior design field.

1. United Kingdom (UK)

The best Country to study interior design would be the United Kingdom (UK) due to its top-ranking universities, world-class research, and top-notch curriculum. The UK constituent country, England is best for studying interior design program. If you wish to study in Europe, England will be the best choice as the country offers a wide range of programs in interior design & fine arts and also very near to London - a city with historic monuments,places, and the popular  institutions . Another reason is England located in the UK is home to world-class universities, also producing outstanding research and quality education. Some of the leading universities are:

• The University of the Arts London - globally appreciated for its best interior design and fine arts courses.
• Royal College of Art - famous institution in the world for art programs, including interior design.
• The Interior Design School, London

2. United States of America (USA)

The United States of America (USA) has top ranked design schools that offer world class course work in interior design. They highly focus on creative design aspects, management skills, and developing business capabilities among students. The United States offers the best interior design courses at bachelor’s level that is recognized by Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).  Some US states such as California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, Colorado, Michigan, and New Jersey have a growing environment for interior designers and offer many full-time and part-time employment opportunities. Here are some of the globally recognized universities:

• New York School of Interior Design
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Parsons School of Design
• Pratt Institute
• Art Institute of Atlanta
• Boston Architectural College
• Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, Denver

3. Canada

Canada is in the race for interior design overseas education and studying here has a great ROI. Interior design in Canada is offered at various levels of degree like a diploma or advanced diploma, certificate, and professional Masters. Interior design colleges in Canada are especially best known for their groundbreaking approaches, world class academic facilities, and hands-on experiences which elevate students to excellence. Some of the Canada provinces such as Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec have a thriving environment for interior designers and interior decorators, over the period 2022-2031. Here are the best Canadian universities for international students to learn Interior design

• The Visual College of Art and Design, Vancouver
• Georgian College
• University of Manitoba
• University of Calgary
• University of Guleph
• Humber College

4. Spain

Spain emerges as an excellent option if you have a limited budget and aspire to study interior design in a European country. Universities in Spain offer quality education at an affordable tuition fee. One can expect to adapt easily as the international student community in Spain is enormous. Barcelona, Valencia, San Sebastian, Madrid, and Seville are the top student cities in Spain for international students. Studying interior design course in this multicultural country will broaden your perspectives, exposing you to a Westernized style. Here are some of the best universities to study interior design in Spain:

• IED School of Design and Fashion
• Ramon Lull University
• Elisava Higher School of Disseny
• ESNE University School of Design

5. Japan

Japan, located on the Asian side, is another innovative country that encourages interior design courses among its students. The country is best known for its historical yet modernized combination of houses. Japan makes an attractive study destination for international students with its advanced technology and high value for education. The country’s English-taught courses designed for international students is a major plus point. Interior design students can sharpen their skills in Arts and experience hands-on training from their mentors in Japanese universities. The best colleges to get trained in interior and graphic design are:

• ICS College of Arts, Tokyo
• Kyoto Seika University

6. Turkey

Turkey is a part of the Middle East Region and has world class educational institutions that produce local and international graduates in different fields. In addition to that, Tuition fees are also cheaper in the country. One plus point to study here is it is near Istanbul- one of the oldest cities in this country that reflects history and culture. As an interior design student, you will discover how art impacts their culture, various design perspectives, and gain practical learnings, skills you need for this field. The top universities to study interior design in Turkey are:

• Istanbul Medipol University
• Istanbul Bilgi University
• Bahcesehir University

7. China

China offers students many educational experiences to broaden their education and career. It is an ideal country to study and work as an interior designer. Also, China offers English-taught programs and has colleges located in business-centered places. Students can expect more job opportunities after their graduation in China due to innovative changes made in various fields such as housing, infrastructure, and education as well. The best Chinese universities to study interior design and related programs are:

• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Shanghai International College of Fashion and Innovation

8. Italy

Italy is a good option for art-related programs, specifically interior design. This country is well known for its rich culture, history, and especially the furniture industry. Hence, international students choosing to study here will have a chance to learn new from furniture companies and designers. Italian colleges have a strong educational system designed for local and international students and are taught in the English language. Italian world-renowned universities offer a variety of programs of different degrees, helping your future career as an interior designer. Some of the reputed Universities to study interior design in Italy are:

• Florence Institute of Design International
• Istituto Europeo di Design

9. Cyprus 

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is a part of the European continent. Along with the natural beauty, the country is well known for its high graduation rates and internationally recognized universities. Cyprus is renowned for its quality higher education to local and international students, especially in interior design. The Cyprus International University offers leading interior design specializations for both undergraduates and graduates, with recognized local and European accreditations.

Interior designers Job Prospects and Expected Salary

Interior designer salaries are always rewarding. The average salary of an interior designer in the United States is $57,799 per year. However, the salary range varies from country to country and state to state. Interior design students may find suitable roles in various sectors. Popular careers include:

• Designer
• Event planner
• Design Journalist
• Merchandiser
• Consultant
• Creative

Hope this article helped you to find the best country to study interior design  abroad to set an exciting career path. If you have any other queries regarding this, feel free to contact our Kanan Professionals.

Frequently asked questions

1. Which country is in demand for Interior Design?

The best countries to study interior design courses are the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Canada, Spain, Japan, Turkey, China, Italy and Cyprus. The duration of the course ranges from one to six years depending on the nature of the program you choose.

2. What are the skills required for Interior Designers?

Basic skills required for interior designers to ace their profession are:

• Creative vision
• Ability to check minute details
• Be updated with recent trends
• Strong communication skills
• Understanding of colour combinations
• Time Management
• Precise budgeting
• Sound knowledge of Spatial balance

3. What are the best interior design schools in Europe?

The best interior design schools in Europe are

• University of the Arts London
• Florence Design Academy
• Royal College of Art
• London Metropolitan University
• IED Instituto Europeo di Design
• Kingston University London

4. Who are the highest paid interior designers in the world?

The highest paid interior designers in the world are Kelly Hoppen, Kelly Wearstler, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Nate Berkus, Phillippe Starck and Peter Marino.