Last Updated on May 21, 2025
Wondering which are the best countries tо study interior design? Here’s your answer upfront: the USA, Italy, the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, France, and Sweden rank among the top destinations for interior design and architecture education. These countries offer globally ranked universities, strong creative industries, and excellent job prospects—making them ideal for both bachelor’s and master’s іn interior design.
Whether you are searching for the best country tо study interior design іn Europe, top interior architecture schools, оr where tо get the highest paid interior design jobs, this guide has іt all. Discover the 10 best countries to study interior design with top schools, creative careers, and global recognition for interior architecture students.
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Countries to Study Interior Design Abroad!
While we’re listing the best countries to study interior design in this blog, remember—’best’ depends on your goals, learning style, and career path. Here’s what to look for:
- Globally ranked design institutions
- Curriculum focused on practical, hands-on projects
- Programs aligned with sustainability and smart design
- Strong portfolio-building opportunities
- Availability of paid internships or real-world collaborations
- English-taught programs for international students
- Post-study work visa options
- Urban campuses in design-forward cities
- Affordable tuition and cost of living
- Access to global networks and creative industries
10 Best Countries to Study Interior Design
Following are the 10 best countries to study interior design in 2025—take note:
| Country | Top Universities (Examples) |
| Italy | University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome |
| USA | Harvard University, MIT, Stanford University |
| UK | University of Oxford, University of Cambridge |
| Canada | University of Toronto, UBC |
| Australia | University of Melbourne, ANU |
| Germany | Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University |
| France | Sorbonne University, École Polytechnique |
| Netherlands | Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam |
| Spain | University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid |
| Japan | Musashino Art University, Tokyo University of the Arts |
Italy
Why Italy is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Global fashion and design hub
- Strong roots in classical and contemporary architecture
- Home to Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile
- Deep cultural immersion in aesthetics and craftsmanship
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Politecnico di Milano | #1 in Italy | €3,500 – €3,900 |
| Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) | Top Private Design School | €13,000 – €18,000 |
| Domus Academy | Top 3 in Milan | €17,500 – €23,000 |
| Florence Institute of Design International | Boutique Global School | €14,800 |
| Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) | Highly Ranked | €14,000 – €18,000 |
USA
Why the USA is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Leading programs with strong industry ties
- Opportunities for specialisation (e.g. set design, healthcare spaces)
- Access to top internships in NYC, LA, and beyond
- Diverse faculty and student body
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | #1 in Interior Design (US) | $39,105 |
| Parsons School of Design | Top 5 Worldwide | $49,844 |
| Pratt Institute | #2 in NYC | $57,599 |
| Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | #4 in US | $57,505 |
| UCLA – Architecture & Urban Design | Top Public Option | $47,767 |
UK
Why the UK is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Renowned for design-led architecture schools
- Shorter degree durations
- London offers unparalleled exposure to design events and studios
- English-taught, globally recognised degrees
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Royal College of Art | #1 in the UK | £34,000 |
| University of the Arts London (UAL) | #2 in Europe | £19,450 |
| Glasgow School of Art | Design-Focused | £17,980 |
| Nottingham Trent University | Top for Interior Architecture | £15,600 |
| Manchester School of Art | Modern, Urban Design | £16,500 |
Canada
Why Canada is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Growing demand for creative professionals
- Co-op programs with hands-on experience
- Post-graduation work visa options
- Safe, inclusive student cities
Top Universities
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Ryerson University (TMU) | Top 3 in Canada | $26,000 – $33,000 |
| OCAD University | Creative Core in Toronto | $22,000 – $30,000 |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology | Applied Focus | $21,000 |
| Humber College | Industry-Ready Curriculum | $18,000 – $24,000 |
| LaSalle College, Montreal | Popular Private Option | $17,000 – $19,000 |
Australia
Why Australia is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Design schools with strong industry partnerships
- Focus on sustainability and real-world practice
- Paid internships and live projects
- High employability in Asia-Pacific
| University | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| RMIT University | #1 in Australia | AUD 40,320 |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Top 100 Globally | AUD 42,960 |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | Hands-On Learning | AUD 34,400 |
| Billy Blue College of Design | Strong Industry Links | AUD 36,400 |
| University of Technology Sydney (UTS) | Future-Focused | AUD 41,520 |
Germany
Why Germany is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Tuition-free or low-cost education
- Bauhaus legacy in design thinking
- Strong focus on engineering and aesthetics
- English-taught options increasing
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach | Leading Public School | €0 – €1,500 |
| Berlin International University of Applied Sciences | English-Taught | €9,000 – €11,000 |
| University of the Arts Bremen | Interdisciplinary Approach | Free (public) |
| Bauhaus University Weimar | Historically Influential | €1,500 |
| Köln International School of Design (KISD) | Innovative Programs | €0 – €1,000 |
France
Why France is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Paris is a global design capital
- Affordable public university fees
- Emphasis on creativity and fine arts
- Home to top-tier design expos and firms
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| École Camondo | Premier Design School | €11,500 |
| LISAA – L’Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués | Private Institution | €10,500 – €13,500 |
| Strate School of Design | Paris-Based | €13,000 |
| ENSAD (Paris) | National Art & Design School | Low Fees |
| L’École de Design Nantes Atlantique | Innovative Curricula | €8,500 – €10,000 |
Netherlands
Why the Netherlands is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- English-taught programs are widely available
- Focus on human-centred and sustainable design
- Creative freedom and experimentation are encouraged
- Strong industry links with Europe’s design sector
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Design Academy Eindhoven | Globally Acclaimed | €2,530 – €11,000 |
| Gerrit Rietveld Academie | Creative Freedom | €3,500 – €10,000 |
| Utrecht University of the Arts | Modern Approach | €4,000 – €8,000 |
| Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences | Practical Learning | €8,500 |
| Amsterdam University of the Arts | Strong Community Focus | €7,200 – €10,000 |
Spain
Why Spain is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Fusion of heritage and modern design
- Affordable living and tuition
- Design hubs like Barcelona and Madrid
- Emphasis on color, space, and form
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| IED Barcelona | Top Design School | €13,500 |
| ELISAVA – Barcelona School of Design and Engineering | Industry Partnerships | €14,500 |
| Madrid School of Design (ESD Madrid) | Modern Curriculum | €11,000 |
| EINA University Centre of Design | Artistic Emphasis | €9,200 |
| Instituto Europeo di Design (IED Madrid) | Creative Freedom | €12,000 – €14,000 |
Japan
Why Japan is one of the best countries to study interior design abroad:
- Minimalist and innovative design philosophies
- Technologically advanced learning environment
- Rich cultural influences in design
- Growing demand for creative professionals
| Top Universities | Global Ranking (2025) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Musashino Art University | Top Design Institution | ¥1,200,000 |
| Tokyo University of the Arts | Government Funded | ¥800,000 |
| Kyoto Seika University | Niche Creative Focus | ¥1,000,000 |
| Tama Art University | Established Legacy | ¥1,300,000 |
| Osaka University of Arts | Industry Exposure | ¥950,000 |
General Procedure for Applying to an Interior Design Program Abroad
Here are some general steps to follow if you’re aiming to apply for an interior design course abroad:
- Research & shortlist schools based on curriculum and location
- Check eligibility and portfolio requirements
- Prepare documents – transcripts, SOP, portfolio, English test scores
- Apply directly or via portals like UCAS, Common App, uni websites
- Prepare for interviews or design challenges (if required)
- Apply for a visa and scholarships
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Final Thoughts
Your dream job prospects and the quality of education you expect determine the best countries to study interior design for you. Design is flourishing in countries such as the USA, Italy, the UK, Germany, Canada and Australia. If you wish to study at the top masters in interior design or at the top schools for interior architecture, these global cities should be on your list. Whether you aim to land high-paying interior design jobs or study in the best interior design schools in Europe, this list guides you toward the right destination.
FAQs
Which country is best for interior design studies?
The USA ranks highest due to its globally recognized programs like Parsons and SCAD, followed by Italy, UK, and Germany for their rich design heritage and innovation.
What is the best country to study interior architecture in Europe?
Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands offer top-notch interior architecture programs with a blend of modern design, historical context, and affordable tuition.
Which country offers the highest paid interior design jobs?
The USA, Australia, and Canada top the list, especially in metropolitan areas where interior designers earn significantly above global averages.
Where should I study interior design for a master’s degree?
Top choices include Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Royal College of Art (UK), and RMIT (Australia) – renowned for cutting-edge postgraduate programs in design.
Which country has the best interior design schools?
The USA, UK, and Italy host some of the world’s best interior design institutions, consistently ranked in QS World Rankings for Art & Design.
Bhaskarjyoti Paul is a seasoned content writer with over three years of experience within the ed-tech space. Specialising in study abroad and academic content, Bhaskarjyoti excels at creating SEO-optimized articles that drive traffic and engagement and blog and website content that engages and informs readers. Bhaskarjyoti handles social media content for Admissify, designs compelling narratives and spearheads engagement across multiple platforms. With a desire to help students and a keen eye for detail, Bhaskarjyoti brings a wealth of knowledge to every project.
