Your options after leaving school can be a little overwhelming! You don't need experience to start here. You need curiosity, an eye for detail, and the willingness to learn. We'll teach you everything else from the ground up.
No ATAR
No experience required
No ATAR or work experience is required, but you do need a genuine passion for design. We care far more about your attitude and willingness to learn than your school results.
Once you’ve applied for your course through our website, a Course Advisor will invite you to an informal interview to make sure it’s the right fit for you. You are most welcome to bring parents with you.
We’ll also give you more information about VET Student Loans and instalments.
Get direct entry to university
with credit when
you graduate
Study now, pay later with
VET Student Loans
Be career ready with
a polished portfolio
Keep university
on the table
If you complete the Diploma of Interior Design or the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design, you can use these qualifications as credit into a university course, whether that’s here in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia, with universities outside Sydney assessing credit on a case by case basis.
In Sydney, we have a formal direct entry partnership into the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours) with the University of New South Wales, with either one year or eighteen months of credit.
Get all of the practical industry skills early, giving you the option to work with your qualification in the industry while you complete your degree.
How you’ll learn
From day one, you’ll work on practical, hands-on projects rather than sitting through years of abstract study.
Our classes are small, and you’ll be supported by working Interior Designers and Architects who genuinely love to teach. They’ll help you build your skills and confidence step by step, from beginner to industry-ready professional. There are no lectures, tutorials or exams, just real design work.
We follow the NSW school calendar, so you’ll get four breaks a year.
Our accredited career courses
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
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Certificate IV in Design (Styling)
Certificate IV in Design (Styling)
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Diploma of Interior Design
Diploma of Interior Design
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Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
FIND OUT MORECurious to see if interiors
is for you?
Not sure yet if interiors is a career path for you but curious to see what it’s really like to be an Interior Designer? Now’s your chance to find out.
Designer for a Day is a fun, hands-on taster course built for high schoolers giving you a real taste of the industry before you even finish school.
“I knew that I wanted to do something creative when I finished school, but I didn’t know it was interiors until I walked into Sydney Design School. It was the first Open Day that I went to and I knew straight away that I wanted to study here. It has such a friendly vibe and it’s highly specialised. I love how hands on everything’s been – when you’re a creative person you need to be hands on everyday!”
Jessica Panetta / Diploma of Interior Design graduate
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ATAR or portfolio to get in?
No. There are no entry requirements and no portfolio needed, just bring your passion for design. However, if you have a portfolio from courses you have completed at school or privately, we’d love to see it.
We’ll arrange a friendly, informal interview to check it’s the right fit and tell you more about our courses.
How much homework is there?
It depends on which mode of study you choose and which course.
For the Certificate IV on campus and virtual studio we recommend 4-6 hours per week.
For the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Interior Design we recommend between 6-10 hours a week. When you are learning software and doing larger projects the homework increases.
If you study self-paced online you can choose how much time you spend studying.
Are the courses full or part time?
For our Certificate IV in Interior Decoration, you can choose to study 2 days a week for 6 months or 1 day a week for 12 months (on campus Fridays in January only).
For the Diploma of Interior Design, you can choose to study either 2 days a week for 18 months or fast-track 3 days a week for 12 months.
For the Advanced Diploma of Interior Design, you can fast-track over 21 months or take your time over 27 months.
If you select our fast-track courses, you will need an additional 2 days a week to complete your homework.
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Do you have VET Student Loans available?
Yes. The Diploma and Advanced Diploma for on campus and virtual studio are VET Student Loan approved, so there’s nothing to pay upfront, the loan covers most of your course fees and the remainder can be paid in instalments as you study.
We’ll talk to you about eligibility at your interview.
Do I have to be 18 to enrol?
No. But you do need to be focused and mature enough to manage this level of study. You can enrol after Year 10.
We will interview you with your parents/guardians to ensure that you understand the commitment needed to complete our courses.
What's the difference between your courses and a degree?
We are a vocational school with a focus on preparing students to work in the industry by exposing them to practical real-world projects and the skills and knowledge needed to work in the industry.
University courses take a more theoretical approach to design education.
Completing the Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Interior Design with us means that you can work in the industry should you continue your study to a degree.
Explore our Career Courses FIND OUT MORE
