17 Masters Programs in Interior Designing - Universities, Deadlines, Eligibility & Fees

Want to study interior design at the master’s level outside India? A Master’s in Interior Design Abroad helps you build technical skills, design thinking, and industry-ready portfolios. In 2024, the median salary for interior designers stood at $63,490 (approx. ₹52.8 lakhs/year) or $30.52/hour (₹2,540/hour). Students can choose from accredited interior design programs in the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, among other countries.

Continue reading as we explain how to apply for interior design master’s programs overseas, compare tuition fees, and shortlist the best universities for interior design based on rankings and specializations.

Planning to study interior design abroad? Explore bachelor’s programs in interior designing or dive into specialized interior design courses from top global institutions.

Want to explore destination-specific options? Check out interior design programs in
– UK,
– Australia, and
– USA (Interior Architecture).

Master's in Interior Design Abroad – Overview

Key Detail	Information
Course Duration	1 – 2 years (full-time)
Top Specializations	Interior Architecture, Sustainable Design, Lighting Design, Exhibition & Set Design
Top Universities	University of the Arts London, Parsons School of Design, Savannah College of Art and Design, Politecnico di Milano, RMIT University
Top Countries	United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Germany, Italy
Tuition Fees	$20,000 – $50,000 per year (₹16.6 – ₹41.5 lakh approx.)
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree in design/architecture/related field, portfolio, IELTS/TOEFL
English Tests	IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 80+, Duolingo 105+
Scholarships	Merit-based scholarships, tuition fee waivers, departmental grants
Career Roles	Interior Designer, Lighting Consultant, Spatial Planner, Set Designer, Design Researcher
Average Salary	$45,000 – $70,000 (₹37.3L – ₹58L approx.)
Work Visa	Graduate Route (UK: 2 years), OPT (USA: 1 year), PSW Visa (Australia: 2–3 years), Job-Seeker Visa (Europe)

The employment of interior designers is expected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, which aligns with the national average for all jobs. Around 8,800 job openings are projected annually, mostly due to workforce turnover, career shifts, or retirements.

Read: Top Universities for Master's in Interior Design
Suggested Read: Bachelor's-Level Universities for Interior Design

Curriculum Overview of Master’s in Interior Design Abroad

Core Subjects	Popular Electives
Interior Design Studio (residential, commercial)	Retail and Exhibition Design
History and Theory of Interior Architecture	Hospitality and Luxury Interiors
Lighting Design and Environmental Systems	Interior Styling and Visual Merchandising
Construction Detailing and Technical Drawings	Set Design and Experiential Environments
Sustainable Interior Materials and Methods	Smart Interiors and Technology Integration
Ergonomics and Human-Centered Design	Heritage Conservation and Restoration
Digital Tools: AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Suite	Furniture and Product Design
Research Methods and Design Thesis	UX/UI in Interior Environments
Professional Practice and Project Management	Healthcare and Wellness Spaces

Universities offering interior architecture master's abroad also include collaborative projects with urban planners, architects, or lighting engineers.

Many programs allow students to choose electives in the second year, which can include business modules, user experience design, or material innovation. This flexibility helps align your academic path with industry demands and job roles.

Not sure where to begin your search?
Read: Best Interior Design Colleges in the World
Suggested Read: MS in Interior Design in USA

Top Countries to Study Master's in Interior Design Abroad

Every country offers a different learning experience. Some focus on design heritage and studio craft. Others lead in tech, sustainability, or commercial interiors.

Below is a comparison of the best countries for interior design studies:

Country	What Makes It Stand Out
United Kingdom	Home to top-ranked interior design schools for international students like UAL and RCA. Offers 1-year degrees and 2-year Graduate Route. Strong in interior architecture master's abroad programs.
United States	Offers flexible interior design master's programs with internships and elective choices. High job prospects and alumni networks. Known for studio-intensive postgraduate courses.
Australia	Popular for affordable interior design degrees abroad with creative-focused curriculums. Kob links in Melbourne and Sydney.
Germany	Known for global interior design education with low or no tuition fees. Design schools often combine traditional craft with modern tech.
Italy	Focused on art, material studies, and cultural interiors. Ideal for students aiming for boutique design or exhibition careers. Several interior design master's programs in Europe are based here.

Intakes for Master's in Interior Design Abroad

Country	Major Intakes	Notes
United Kingdom	September, January	Portfolio deadlines may close 2–3 months earlier
United States	August (Fall), January (Spring)	Fall intake offers more scholarship and internship opportunities
Australia	February, July	February is the primary intake; July offers fewer seats
Germany	March, September	Some public universities have only one intake per year
Italy	October, February	Design schools may run rolling admissions; early application is advised

Most interior design master's programs overseas offer two major intakes each year—Fall (August–October) and Spring (January–March).

Always check the intake deadlines for your shortlisted universities. Some top-ranked interior design schools for international students also require interviews or pre-admission tasks.

Exploring study destinations or course planning?
Read: Advantages of Studying Abroad
Suggested Read: How to Choose Where to Study Abroad
Suggested Read: Cheapest Countries to Study for Indian Students

Top Universities for Master’s in Interior Design Abroad (2025)

If you’re planning to study interior design abroad, selecting a globally ranked university can strengthen your profile and improve career outcomes. The table below features the top-ranked interior design schools for international students.

Best Universities for Master's in Interior Design Abroad – Ranked List

Rank	University	Avg Fees (Per Year)
1	Royal College of Art (United Kingdom)	₹31–₹33 lakh
2	University of the Arts London (UAL) (United Kingdom)	₹27–₹30 lakh
3	The New School – Parsons(United States)	₹40–₹41 lakh
4	Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (United States)	₹45–₹46 lakh
5	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (United States)	₹44–₹45 lakh
6	Politecnico di Milano (Italy)	₹3.6–₹8 lakh
7	Pratt Institute (United States)	₹42–₹43 lakh
8	Aalto University (Finland)	₹10–₹11 lakh
9	School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) (United States)	₹41–₹42 lakh
10	Design Academy Eindhoven (Netherlands)	₹9–₹10 lakh

How to Choose the Right Master’s in Interior Design Abroad Program

Use these key filters to compare interior design postgraduate courses based on your goals—not just rankings.

Decision Factor	What to Look For
Studio Time vs Lecture Hours	Choose programs where over 50% of your weekly schedule is in the studio. Avoid courses heavy on lectures with limited workspace access.
Portfolio Outcome	Check if the final semester includes a full design thesis or public exhibition. A well-made portfolio is often your only job application material.
Internship Track Record	Ask where students interned last year. A program is only as strong as the firms that offer its students real projects.
Specialisation Depth	If you're interested in lighting design or exhibition design, make sure the program has full studio modules—not just one elective.
Software Use in Graded Projects	AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit must be part of your assessed submissions. Software should not be optional or side-courses.
Visa Support and Job Outcomes	Check graduate stay-back duration and placement statistics. Some universities publish alumni employment data and average salary ranges.

Ask before you apply:

Can I see examples of final-year student work?
Are client-based projects part of the core curriculum or optional add-ons?
What firms regularly hire from this program?

Looking for scholarship support?
Read: How to Get Scholarships to Study Abroad

Master's in Interior Design Abroad – Eligibility Criteria

Each university sets specific entry benchmarks. Here’s what most interior design postgraduate courses expect before you apply.

Eligibility Factor	Requirement
Educational Background	A full-time bachelor’s degree in interior design, architecture, spatial design, fine arts, or a related field. Some interior design master’s programs overseas accept applicants with furniture design or product design backgrounds.
Minimum GPA/Academic Marks	A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 60–70% aggregate (varies by country and university). Competitive schools like RCA or Parsons may expect higher.
Portfolio	Mandatory for all applicants. You must showcase 10–15 works that reflect spatial thinking, creativity, and technical ability. Live client work or internships are an advantage.
English Language Tests	IELTS: 6.5+
Additional Requirements	Some interior design master's programs in the USA or UK may ask for an SOP, LORs, or a short design task or video interview. MIT, for example, includes a research statement.

Tip: If you studied a general arts program (like B.A. in Visual Arts), apply only if you have a portfolio and optional coursework in interiors, architecture, or 3D design.

Admission Process for Master's in Interior Design Abroad

The application process for interior design master's programs overseas is detailed and portfolio-driven. Here's how most top universities structure it:

Step	Details
1. Application Portal	Apply through the official university website or centralized portals like UCAS (UK), Common App (USA), or uni-assist (Germany). For Australia, apply directly or via an education agent.
2. Intake Timeline	UK: Main intake in September; deadlines between Jan–April USA: Fall intake (Aug); deadlines typically Nov–Feb Europe: Intakes in March or Sept; deadlines Feb–May Australia: Feb and July intakes; deadlines vary by university \|
3. Portfolio Submission	You’ll need to upload 10–15 curated works—CAD layouts, mood boards, sketches, renders, or model photos. All top-ranked interior design schools for international students treat this as a critical filter.
4. SOP and LORs	SOP: Focus on your design interest, past projects, and future goals LORs: Usually 1–2 from design faculty or work supervisors
5. Interview (if applicable)	Some interior design master’s programs with internships or specialisations may conduct interviews. Questions cover your portfolio, thinking process, and career goals.
6. Results Timeline	Offers are usually made within 4–8 weeks. For rolling admissions (like in Italy or some US schools), decisions can come sooner. Accepted students receive visa support letters soon after.

Note: Some interior design master's programs in Europe may ask for translations or notarised academic records. Always check the checklist on each university’s site.

Preparing your application documents?
Read: Statement of Purpose Format
Suggested Read: SOP Samples for MS
Read: Letter of Recommendation for Master’s
Suggested Read: Letter of Recommendation Format

Cost of Studying Master's in Interior Design Abroad

The total cost of a master’s in interior design abroad includes more than just tuition. You’ll need to account for materials, studio expenses, visa processes, and your daily living needs.

Average Tuition and Living Costs for Interior Design Master’s Abroad

Country	Tuition Fees (Per Year)	Living Expenses (Per Year)
UK	₹27–₹33 lakh	₹10–₹14 lakh
USA	₹40–₹46 lakh	₹12–₹16 lakh
Australia	₹28–₹35 lakh	₹9–₹12 lakh
Germany	₹3–₹8 lakh (public)	₹7–₹9 lakh
Italy	₹3.5–₹9 lakh	₹6–₹8 lakh
Netherlands/Finland	₹9–₹11 lakh	₹8–₹10 lakh

Source: University websites and Numbeo

Hidden Costs When Pursuing a Master's in Interior Design Abroad

Expense Type	Estimated Range (Annual)	Notes
Design Software Licenses	₹30,000–₹60,000	AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Suite—some may be free via university
Materials & Prototyping	₹40,000–₹1.2 lakh	Depends on program type and studio access
Health Insurance	₹40,000–₹80,000	Mandatory in most countries
Visa Fees	₹52,000 (UK), ₹15,400 (USA), ₹86,400 (Australia)	Based on latest embassy rates
Flights (round trip)	₹75,000–₹1.2 lakh	Varies by location and time of booking

Part-Time Work Rules for Interior Design International Students

Yes, students enrolled in accredited interior design programs abroad can work up to:

20 hours/week during term and full-time during breaks in the UK, Australia, and Canada
Up to 20 hours/week with CPT/OPT options in the USA
120 full days or 240 half days/year in Germany

Part-time work can offset living expenses but won’t cover tuition. Choose a location that offers enough hours and flexibility without affecting your coursework.

Budgeting your education?
Read: What Is the Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students

Scholarships for Master's in Interior Design Abroad

Many students pursuing a master's in interior design international program receive financial support through merit- or portfolio-based scholarships. These awards often reduce tuition, cover material costs, or offer monthly stipends.

Types of Scholarships for Interior Design Master’s Programs Overseas

Type	Who Can Apply	Covers
Merit-Based	Students with good academic or studio performance	Tuition fee reductions of 25–75%
Portfolio-Based	Students with a standout design portfolio	Tuition, materials, sometimes housing or travel
Need-Based	Students with documented financial limitations	Partial tuition support or monthly allowances
Country-Specific Grants	Based on home country or destination	Examples: Commonwealth (UK), DAAD (Germany), Fulbright (USA), Endeavour (Australia)

Country-Wise Scholarships for Interior Design International Programs

Country	Popular Scholarships	Typical Benefits
UK	GREAT Scholarship, UAL International Postgraduate Scholarships	Up to ₹10–₹14 lakh; based on both portfolio and academic merit
USA	Fulbright-Nehru, Dean’s Scholarships at Parsons or Pratt	Covers tuition + stipend; highly competitive
Australia	UTS International Scholarships, Griffith Remarkable Scholarship	Up to 50% tuition coverage
Europe (Germany, Italy)	DAAD, Politecnico Milano Merit Scholarships	100% tuition + living costs in some cases

Note: Scholarship deadlines are usually 6–9 months before intake. Prepare your portfolio early.

How to Strengthen Your Master's in Interior Design Scholarship Application

Submit a well-documented portfolio tailored to your specialisation
Include a focused SOP that outlines your interest in global interior design education
Choose universities with interior design master’s programs with internships—these often attract external funding and project-based awards

Career Scope After Master's in Interior Design Abroad

A master’s in interior design abroad prepares students for specialized roles. The scope depends on your specialization, country of graduation, and whether your program includes internships or live projects.

Job Roles After Master's in Interior Design Abroad

Design Job Role	Key Responsibilities and Focus
Interior Designer	Residential, hospitality, office, and healthcare interiors
Spatial Planner	Commercial and public space flow design
Lighting Designer	Retail, stage, museum, and event lighting systems
Exhibition/Set Designer	Museum, film, retail display, or temporary installations
Interior Stylist	Visual storytelling for print, retail, or media interiors
Sustainable Design Consultant	Eco-materials, energy-efficient layouts, and green certifications

Industries Hiring Master's in Interior Design Graduates

Graduates from top interior design schools globally are often hired by:

Architecture and design firms
Furniture brands and design consultancies
Real estate developers
Museums, cultural institutions, and production houses
UX/AR/VR companies working on spatial experience

Freelance and Self-Employment Scope After Studying Interior Design Abroad

Many students from interior design master’s programs with internships transition into freelance work. International locations like London, New York, and Berlin offer project-based contracts and co-working hubs for independent designers. Having a portfolio and network from university helps.

Interior Design Salary After Master’s Abroad – Country-wise Comparison

Study Destination	Average Salary Range (INR)
United States	₹40 – ₹58 lakh
United Kingdom	₹32 – ₹48 lakh
Australia	₹28 – ₹45 lakh
Canada	₹30 – ₹42 lakh

Visa and Post-Study Work Rules After Master's in Interior Design Abroad

Planning to study interior design abroad? Most countries allow students to stay and work after completing a master's in interior design international program.

Post-Study Work Visa Rules for Interior Design Graduates

Country	Post-Study Work Duration	Key Conditions
United Kingdom	2 years (Graduate Route)	No sponsorship needed; apply within student visa period
United States	1 year OPT (non-STEM)	Apply early through DSO; extensions limited
Australia	2–3 years PSW visa	Based on city/tier; work hours unrestricted
Germany	18-month Job-Seeker Visa	Must apply within visa validity; allows full-time work
Netherlands	1-year Orientation Year	For graduates of Dutch universities; no employer sponsorship needed

Part-Time Work Rules During Master's in Interior Design Abroad

Study Destination	Weekly Work Limit (During Term)	Internship Policy
United Kingdom	20 hours/week	Internships allowed during and after the course
United States	20 hours/week (on-campus); CPT/OPT available	Pre-approval required
Australia	24 hours/week	Internships can be for credit or paid
Germany	120 full or 240 half days/year	Internships allowed without work permit
Italy	20 hours/week	Internships encouraged in design firms or exhibitions

How to Apply for Post-Study Work Visas After Interior Design Programs

Apply before your student visa expires
Submit proof of graduation (degree or final transcript)
Show financial capability (only required in some countries)
Submit biometric data and updated passport
Some countries may require health insurance or a job offer letter

Is a Master's in Interior Design Abroad Worth It?

Yes—if you want a career in global design, access to international projects, and a portfolio that gets noticed. The programs covered above combine creative learning with real-world outcomes.

Still wondering how to choose or where to begin?