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.
Want to hear more about our courses or chat to a Course Advisor
Career courses for international students

Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
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Certificate IV in Design (Styling)
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Diploma of Interior Design
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Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
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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.
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.
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.
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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.