Best Interior Design Schools in the World: Top Colleges, Universities

Best Interior Design Schools in the World: Top Colleges, Universities

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Apr 30, 2024 10:08 AM IST | #B.Des

Studying interior designing needs the student to choose the perfect college because besides the theoretical knowledge, the practical knowledge a college provides is very important. The equipment and studios available in the college can be a determinant in the success of a candidate. Students who pursue a career in interior design abroad must choose one of the top interior design colleges in the world in order to have a career that stands out.

Best Interior Design Schools in the World: Top Colleges, Universities
Best Interior Design Schools in the World: Top Colleges, Universities

Careers360 brings some of the best interior design schools in the world a student can opt to pursue the interior designing degree in. With the list of top interior design institutes in the world, candidates can also check courses offered at top interior design schools and their fees.

Top 10 Interior Designing Schools in World

Best interior design schools in world

Country

QS Ranking

University of New South Wales, Sydney

Australia

19

The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

United Kingdom

22

University of Texas, Austin

United States of America

58

University of Technology, Sydney

Australia

90

Purdue University, West Lafayette

United States of America

99

Michigan State University, East Lansing

United States of America

136

University of Florida, Gainesville

United States of America

168

Curtin University, Perth

Australia

183

Queensland University of Technology, Brisban

Australia

189

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

United States of America

195

Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh CampusUnited Kingdom

235

Top 10 Interior Design Colleges in the World - Highlights

Students studying in the top interior design schools in the world not only have multiple opportunities but can also gain a wider perspective. Here is a list by Careers360 especially curated for best interior design schools in the world which aspirants who want to kick start their careers with an education abroad.

1) University of New South Wales, Sydney:

The University of New South Wales in Sydney is one of the best interior design colleges in world and it offers an undergraduate degree that students can pursue for interior designing. The public University has 4 campuses and a 19th rank in QS World University Ranking, 2024. The course is a full-time undergraduate course with the duration of 4 years. The fee is almost Rs.22.69 Lakhs per year.

Course Offered: BA Hons Interior Architecture

Duration: 48 months

Fees: Rs. 22.69 L/yr

2) The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest universities located in Scotland. This University offers to be one of the top interior design schools in the world. The University of Edinburgh offers two types of courses in interior design that the students can pursue. The BA interior design course is a 4-year course with a fee of Rs. 32.67 Lakhs per year. Whereas if BA honours in interior design course it is a 3 year course with a fee of Rs.32.11 lakhs per year.


Course Offered

Duration

Fees

BA Interior Design

48 months

Rs. 32.67 L/yr

BA Hons Interior Design

36 months

Rs. 34.11 L/yr


3) University of Texas, Austin

The University of Texas offers hundreds of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. There is one undergraduate level interior designing programme with the duration of 4 years. The fee of this course is Rs. 54.83 lakhs per year. This falls under the list of some of the best interior design colleges in world.

Course Offered: BS Interior Design

Duration: 48 months

Fees: Rs. 54.83 L/yr

4) University of Technology, Sydney

Another Australian university in the list is University of Technology in Sydney. There are 2 different courses in interior design that this university offers for students. The first one is a BDes in interior architecture which is a three-year course with a fee of Rs. 20.95 lakhs per year. Another degree is BDes honours in interior architecture which is a 12-month course of Rs. 10.47 lakhs per year.


Course Offered

Duration

Fees

B.Des Hons Interior Architecture

12 months

Rs. 10.47 L/yr

B.Des Interior Architecture

36 months

Rs. 20.95 L/yr

Apeejay Institute of Design, Delhi B.Design Admissions 2025

100% Placement Assistance. Ranked among top 5 Design Institutions in the Country

Indian Institute of Art & Design Admissions 2025

Associated with FDCI, CII & IIFTI | Merit-cum-means scholarships to deserving students


5) Purdue University, West Lafayette

With over 200 undergraduate and 150 postgraduate courses, this university in the USA is well known for its wide-ranging courses. It's also famous as being one of the best interior design colleges in world In terms of interior designing this University offers a BFA Interior design professional program of a duration of 4 years. The fee per year is Rs. 25.78 lakhs.

Course Offered: BFA Interior Design Professional Program

Duration - 48 months

Fees: Rs. 25.78 L/yr

6) Michigan State University, East Lansing

Michigan State University is a government university established in 1855. There is one interior design course offered in the University which is BA Interior Design. The duration of the scores is 4 years and it is a full time course. The fear of this course is approximately Rs. 36.07 lakhs per year.

Course Offered: BA Interior Design

Duration - 48 months

Fees: Rs. 36.07 L/yr

7) University of Florida, Gainesville:

The University of Florida is one of the oldest and largest Universities in the state. It is well known for being one of the top colleges for interior design in the world. This university is famous for its high research activity which suggests that the students applying here must have a similar mindset. This university offers one degree in interior design which is BDes Interior Design. The duration of the schools is 4 years and it is a full time course with a fee of Rs. 23.75 lakhs per year.

Course Offered: B.Des Interior Design

Duration - 48 months

Fees: Rs. 23.75 L/yr

8) Curtin University

Curtin University was known as Curtin University of Technology and Western Australian University of Technology is a University established in 1966 which offers several programmes for postgraduate and undergraduate students. This university has one of the top interior design colleges in world. In interior designing it offers a B.Sc applied interior architecture course which has the duration of 4 years and the fee is Rs. 18.31 lakhs per year.

Course Offered: B.Sc Applied Interior Architecture

Duration - 48 months

Fees: Rs. 18.31 L/yr

9) Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane:

The Queensland University offers more than 100 courses across the faculties at undergraduate postgraduate as well as doctroll levels. This college is known for being one of top colleges for interior design in the world. The B.Des in Interior Architecture is a 3 years full-time course which this university offers.

Course Offered: B.Des Interior Architecture

Duration - 36 months

10) University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

University of Minnesota is famous for its thousands of research and internship opportunities to the students. It ranks in the list of top interior design schools in the world. The interior design course offered by this university is BS Interior Design. It is an undergraduate course with the duration of 4 years. The fee for this course is Rs. 30.40 lakhs per year.

Course Offered: BS Interior Design

Duration - 48 months

Fees - 30.40 L/yr

Also Read: Difference Between Interior Designer and Interior Decorator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the best country to study interior design?

To study interior design a student needs to choose the college which offers the best education. Other factors may also determine a student's choice of college such as fee and accessibility.

2. Which is the best university for interior design?

The University of New South Wales in Australia is one of the best choices for interior designing.

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Certifications By Top Providers

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University of Essex, Colchester
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University College London, London
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The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
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University of Nottingham, Nottingham
 University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD

Questions related to B.Des

Have a question related to B.Des ?

Hello Saumya,

As of now, Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) has not officially released the specific opening and closing UCEED ranks for B.Des admissions for candidates from outside the Delhi region. The available information primarily focuses on the selection process and seat allocation.

Selection Priorities for B.Des at NSUT:

  1. First Priority: Candidates who have cleared the UCEED exam conducted by IIT Bombay.

  2. Second Priority: Candidates with a rank in a national-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any centrally funded institute/university.

  3. Third Priority: Candidates with a rank in a state-level design entrance examination (or allied fields) for a four-year course at any state government-funded institute/university.

For Outside Delhi Region Candidates , 15% of the seats are allocated.

Given the limited availability of seats and the prioritization criteria, securing admission as an outside Delhi candidate is competitive. It's advisable to aim for a high UCEED rank to enhance your chances.

Recommendations:

  • Regularly Check Official Sources: Keep an eye on NSUT's official website and the UCEED portal for any updates on cutoff ranks and admission criteria.

  • Prepare Thoroughly for UCEED: Achieving a high score will significantly improve your prospects, especially given the competitive nature of the program.

  • Consider Backup Options: Explore other reputable design institutes that accept UCEED scores to broaden your opportunities.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to ask. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank You and wishing you a bright future ahead.


No, IPU (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) does not accept NID DAT Prelims score for admission to the B.Des (Bachelor of Design) program.

Instead, IPU conducts its own entrance test or may consider CUET (UG) scores for B.Des admissions, depending on the latest admission guidelines. Always refer to the university's official prospectus for the year you're applying to for the final admission criteria.

NIT DAT (https://www.shiksha.com/design/articles/nid-admissions-2025-colleges-accepting-nid-entrance-exam-scores-for-bdes-mdes-courses-blogId-13097)

Hello Daksh,

Your son narrowly missed the UCEED Part 1 cutoff but can still explore private design colleges that accept UCEED scores, such as MIT Pune, UPES Dehradun, Srishti Bangalore , and Anant National University .

Alternatively, he can apply for B.Des programs through NID DAT, NIFT, or other private universities offering strong design courses. If he’s passionate about design, he can also prepare for UCEED 2026 and reattempt.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

Hello Kritika,

This will not affect your NIFT B.Des examination result. Here’s why:

  1. Common Issue – Many candidates forget extra photos, and NIFT provides a standard declaration form for such cases.
  2. Declaration Form Signed – Since you filled and submitted the declaration, your attendance is recorded.
  3. Admit Card Taken – Authorities collected it as part of their procedure, ensuring no rule violation.
  4. No Impact on Evaluation – Results depend on your performance, not administrative formalities.
  5. Confirm with NIFT – If concerned, contact NIFT's admission office for reassurance.

You're safe, but keep extra photos next time!

Wishing you the best !

Hello

the B.Des Common Entrance Test (CET) to aid in your exam preparation. While specific sample papers for B.Des CET may not be readily available , practicing with sample papers from similar design entrance exams can be highly beneficial. Here are some resources you can utilize:

1. NID Sample Papers : The National Institute of Design (NID) entrance exam assesses design aptitude and creativity, similar to B.Des CET. Practicing these papers can help you get a feel for the types of questions you might encounter.

2. UCEED Sample Papers : The Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) is another exam that evaluates design skills. Reviewing these sample papers can provide additional practice.

3. MAH-AAC-CET Sample Papers : The Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test (MAH-AAC-CET) includes sections on design aptitude and general knowledge, which can be relevant for your preparation.

hope this helps you .

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