Study Interiors in Australia

Sydney Design School is a world class leader in interior design education, and we welcome the diverse energy international students bring to our school.

Sydney Opera House harbour reflection

Come to one of the world’s most livable cities

Studying in Australia means learning interior design in a country renowned for its design culture, liveability and connection to the Asia-Pacific region, with Sydney itself offering a rich mix of architecture, style and creative industry right on your doorstep. It’s a beautiful, energetic city with a warm climate and spectacular beaches.

Our campus sits in the heart of North Sydney, just ten minutes by train from the Sydney Opera House. It is a state of the art space with eight studios, a custom designed breakout area and a sample library.

Beyond the classroom, Sydney offers world-class galleries, design studios and showrooms to draw inspiration from.

Award winning Australian design school

CRICOS accredited
courses

Creatives from
35+ countries

A world class education

We’re passionate about providing a high quality, industry-led education that feels personal and produces confident, dynamic graduates who are able to apply their skills and knowledge anywhere in the world.

You’ll join a genuinely international student community, learn from industry-practicing Educators, and graduate with a nationally recognised qualification respected by employers both in Australia and abroad.

Our curriculum stays in constant conversation with industry, always evolving to reflect international trends and the latest design software.

Interior design student reading a design magazine in an armchair

Want to hear more about our courses or chat to a Course Advisor

Career courses for international students

Two Certificate IV in Interior Decoration students chatting on a bench at Sydney Design School
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Create inspirational residential interiors, whether you're starting a new career, planning to renovate your own home, or simply wanting to explore your creative side this course is for you.
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Certificate IV in Design (Styling) student styling a potted plant and artwork against a grey wall
Certificate IV in Design (Styling)

Certificate IV in Design (Styling)

Master the art of visual storytelling, evoke emotion, capture attention, and communicate a brand, lifestyle or concept for a photoshoot, a client space or an event.
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Diploma of Interior Design student working on a laptop in a mustard armchair
Diploma of Interior Design

Diploma of Interior Design

Design spaces that shape how people live and work, meeting real-world project demands while bringing your vision to life with the skill and confidence of an industry-ready Designer.
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Advanced Diploma of Interior Design student reading a design book in a modern interior
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Advanced Diploma of Interior Design

Push your conceptual thinking and design complex interior environments, building the confidence to work across multiple residential and commercial sectors.
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Not ready to relocate?

You don’t have to put your interior design education on hold. You can choose to study in our Virtual Studio or Self-paced Online from anywhere in the world. Both pathways give you access to the same nationally recognised qualification and expert instruction as our on-campus students, so wherever you’re studying from, you’re building the same skills and credentials employers recognise.

Virtual Studio

Our Virtual Studio brings the same expert teaching and collaborative studio culture with live classes, real-time feedback and a community of fellow students, all without leaving home. Two days a week, 9.30am to 4.30pm Sydney time.

Self-Paced Online

Flexible, self-paced learning to fit around work, family or time zones from anywhere in the world, backed by real support when you need it. Delivered by our online partner Interior Design Online.

Gabby Diaz, international interior design student, by Sydney Harbour

How do I apply for a student visa?

Sydney Design School is accredited to accept international students by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students, CRICOS Provider 03759F. To study on campus you will first need to check whether you are eligible for an Australian student visa, which can take 2 to 6 months to process.

If you’re joining us from New Zealand, you’re categorised as a domestic student and no visa is required. We also work with a list of approved agents who can help you manage the process of applying to live and study in Australia.

Meet an international student: Harley Wallace

Harley crossed the world from Canada to chase a career in interior design, and found it at Sydney Design School. Her Advanced Diploma led to an internship at Alexander & Co, one of Sydney’s most celebrated studios, and a finalist spot in the Dulux Colour Awards. Watch her story, from application to graduation, and see what a life changing move to Australia could look like for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sydney Design School accredited and recognised?

Yes. We are accredited by the Australian government’s Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), RTO 91446. Our qualifications are nationally recognised across Australia, internationally acknowledged as Australian government approved programs, and recognised by the Design Institute of Australia. We are also registered on CRICOS (Provider 03759F) to teach international students on a student visa.

Do I need a student visa to study on campus?

Most international students need an Australian student visa to study on campus in North Sydney. If you’re joining us from New Zealand, you’re categorised as a domestic student and no visa is required.

Can I study without a student visa?

Yes. Our virtual studio and self-paced online options let you study from anywhere in the world with no student visa required.

Can I use an agent to process my visa and application?

Yes. We work with a list of approved agents who help students manage the process of applying to live and study in Australia.

AMS Global Inc · Expert Education · Gamba Migration and Education · Go Study Australia · Information Planet  · RACC Australia · Think Beyond Education · Trip Study Pty Ltd · We Move Experience · YouTooProject

When can I start studying on campus?

Our on campus career courses have two intakes each year, in January and July. Applications are open now.

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Do I need health insurance to study in Australia?

Yes. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a mandatory condition of your student visa and needs to be arranged for the full length of your course.

Where will I live while studying in Sydney?

We don’t arrange accommodation directly, but our Guide to Living in Sydney covers share housing, student accommodation and homestay options to help you find your feet before you arrive.

What are the English language requirements?

English language requirements are set as part of your Australian student visa application and vary depending on your course and country of study. Visit the Study in Australia website to check the current requirements for you.

Can I work while I study?

Work rights are set by the Department of Home Affairs as a condition of your student visa, with most students able to work part time during term and more during course breaks. Check your visa grant for the specific conditions that apply to you.

What does it cost to live in Sydney as a student?

Costs vary depending on your accommodation and lifestyle, so it’s best to check our Guide to Living in Sydney, which has a full breakdown of typical accommodation and living costs to help you plan your budget.

Come and live your design story

Start planning your move to Sydney today.