Founded in North Sydney
with one class
Make spaces
Shape experiences
Transform lives
Where interior design education meets real-world practice
At Sydney Design School we’re passionate about delivering cutting-edge, industry-focused interior design courses combined with a personal and inspiring learning experience so every student graduates highly skilled, confident, and connected.
20 years +
Accredited
Nationally accredited
qualifications
DIA
Recognised by the
Design Institute of Australia
35+
Countries in our vibrant
student community
Real connections. Real projects. Real pathways.
Explore our nationally accredited career courses. They are hands-on and highly collaborative, designed to mirror the energy and pace of a real design studio. Work on industry-relevant design briefs and develop your skills with confidence in a space where creativity thrives.
Our accredited career courses
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
FIND OUT MORE
Certificate IV in Design (Styling)
Certificate IV in Design (Styling)
FIND OUT MORE
Diploma of Interior Design
Diploma of Interior Design
FIND OUT MORE
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
FIND OUT MOREPathway to a degree
If you have your heart set on an interior architecture degree, we have a pathway to university, no ATAR required. Sydney Design School and UNSW Sydney have partnered to offer graduates of the Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Interior Design direct entry into the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons), saving them 12 months and 18 months of study, respectively.
It means you can start building real design skills and a portfolio from day one, then step straight into university with credit for what you’ve already achieved. No ATAR, no starting from scratch, just a clear, practical pathway from vocational training to a recognised degree.
3 flexible ways to learn
Study your way. Self-paced online, live in real time in our virtual studio from anywhere, or on campus at our North Sydney campus. Whichever way you choose to learn, you’ll follow the same industry-aligned curriculum with the same pathway to real opportunities.
On Campus
If you thrive in a social, creative environment, learning face to face on campus is for you. Soak up the atmosphere, get to know our community, dive into our sample library, attend events and make lifelong friendships.
We’re not just another design school – we’re an inclusive community of like-minded creatives
Looking to upskill?
Already working in the industry? Stay ahead of it. We teach the exact software studios are hiring for, so you can sharpen your skills without stepping away from your career. Fit study around your life, not the other way around: join us on campus, step into our real-time virtual studio, or work at your own pace online.
Photo: Graduate Laura Downie.
Whether you’re exploring a passion, building your portfolio or upskilling for work, we have a creative workshop for you
Not sure where to start? Our creative short courses and workshops are the perfect way to test the waters, whether you’re curious about interiors or considering a career change.
Study in Sydney as an international student
Live and learn in Sydney! We have welcomed students from over 15 countries to our on campus creative community.
Find out more about joining us on campus or study with us from anywhere in the world in our virtual studio or self paced with our partner Interior Design Online.
We understand that every career looks different
Our career service sets us apart. We work with students to understand their strengths and carve out a personal career path. Whether you’re starting out or changing careers, we’ll help you build the tools you need to move forward: your resume, portfolio, LinkedIn and professional presence.
You’ll learn how to research studios and employers, approach the job market strategically, prepare for interviews and build relationships through networking. Career changers get extra support translating past experience into a strong design story.
Check out our career guides
Guide for school leavers
Your options after leaving school can be a little overwhelming! If you’re a creative thinker, a future in interior design may be something worth investigating. We’ve designed this guide for you.
Guide for career changers
Life gets busy and it’s easy to fall into a job we don’t love. We’ve designed our Careers Changers Guide for restless creatives with an undeniable passion for interiors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sydney Design School reputable?
Yes. We’re a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 91446), accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and recognised by the Design Institute of Australia (DIA). Our graduates have a direct entry pathway into UNSW’s Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons), and our alumni community includes recent DIA Australian Graduate of the Year winners.
Can I apply for a VET Student Loan?
VET Student Loans are available for eligible students studying the Diploma or Advanced Diploma on campus or via virtual studio, not for self-paced online, which is paid unit by unit instead.
Does virtual studio run all year round?
Virtual studio runs during NSW school terms and pauses over school holidays, which makes it easy to plan around if you’re studying alongside family life. Self-paced online has no term breaks, so you can keep working through your units at any time.
Can I switch between delivery modes?
Yes. You can switch between on campus, virtual studio and self-paced online once you have completed your current unit. Keep in mind that on campus and virtual studio run to scheduled class times, so you will need to join classes for that unit rather than studying entirely at your own pace.
Who delivers self-paced online?
Self-paced online is delivered through Interior Design Online (IDO), our dedicated online partner school. IDO students learn from Sydney Design School Educators and graduate with the same Sydney Design School qualification.
Which time zones work best for virtual studio?
Virtual studio runs 9.30am to 4.30pm Sydney time, so it suits students in Perth, New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Manila, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul best. Check your own time zone using our online time zone converter.
