Course Delivery & Duration

Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50218)

• On Campus
• Full time study 3 days per week (Wed – Fri 9.30am – 4.30pm)
• 12 month duration

Advanced Diploma of Interior Design (MSF60118)

• On Campus
• Full time study 3 days per week (Wed – Fri 9.30am – 4.30pm)
• 18 month duration

Click here for a link to our Term dates and holidays.

Our Facilities

Our campus is located north of the city over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, access is just 15 minutes by train from the heart of the city. Our studios are spread over an entire floor comprising of six classrooms and 2 computer labs. Our students enjoy a beautiful breakout space with outdoor balcony and their own kitchen facilities.

Level 2, 40 Oxley St, St Leonards, Sydney 2065

Find us on Google Maps here.

Entry Requirements & Prerequisites

• Over 18 years of age
• Passionate about interiors
• Available to study interior design three days per week on campus
• You will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) to complete your course successfully. All international students must provide evidence of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test here or an equivalent. Students must achieve a score of at least 6.5. You will be required to upload your test result as part of the application process online. During your Skype interview your English language proficiency will also be assessed by our Course Advisor.
• Eligible to apply for an International Student Visa

You will need to provide a portfolio of work or present your own response to a small design brief. Your portfolio may be artworks, textiles, graphics or evidence of a renovation or work you have undertaken in the industry.

No portfolio? Complete the design brief here.

 

Enrolment Process

Please familiarise yourself with our enrolment process before you begin your application.

Step 1

Watch our online Information Session here.

Step 2

Review the entry requirements for our courses and prepare your portfolio or response to our design brief, more info here. Check whether you are eligible to apply for an International Student Visa to study in Australia. More info here.

Step 3

Complete your enrolment form here. You will need to upload a copy of your passport and your English language competency test (IELTs or equivalent). More info here.

Step 4

You will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received. We will assess your application and eligibility and request a Skype interview to discuss this further.

Step 5

We will respond to applicants within 3 working days of their Skype interview to advise whether their application has been successful. If you have been accepted to the School you will receive a Letter of Offer.

Step 6

You will need to sign your Letter of Offer and email it back to us. At this stage you will pay a deposit on your course to secure your place. If you are unable to obtain an International Student Visa your deposit will be partially refunded (see Refund Policy here).

Step 7

Our team will send your Certificate of Enrolment within 5 working days of your deposit being received. You will need this document to apply for your International Student Visa and Overseas Student Health Cover Insurance, more info here.

Step 8

Provide evidence of your International Student Visa and Overseas Student Health Cover Insurance.

Once you’ve completed these steps we look forward to seeing you on campus!

 

Student Support

Living in Australia will be a new environment for some students, with different laws, culture and customs. We provide the following information to support you while studying with us:

• Support and welfare services available
• Legal services
• Emergency and health services
• Facilities and resources
• Complaints and appeals processes
• Student visa conditions that relate to the course you are studying
• Services you can access for information on your employment rights and conditions, how to resolve workplace issues and the role of the Fair Work Ombudsman

We’re passionate about providing a positive experience and supportive learning environment for our students. Sydney Design School recognises that all people learn differently and acknowledges that some students may require additional support.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on +61 2 9437 1902 to talk further.

For a full list of our policies please visit our Student Support page here.

Living in Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, vibrant city with a warm climate. We love our city and know you will too. Here’s some links to help you get the best from your experience.

What’s On

Sydney is thriving with creativity. We love these online guides for the best places to eat, drink and play.

Broadsheet
Concrete Playground
Lonely Planet

Transport

Sydney has a network of ferries, trains and buses to get you from A to B.  Our campus is just a few minutes walk from St Leonards train station with trains and buses (on the Pacific Highway) connecting you into the city in 15 minutes.

Transport NSW

Sydney operates under an Opal Card system whereby you tap on and off during your journey to determine the cost of your trip. Information on international travel concessions and the Opal Card system can be found here.

International students are generally not entitled to transport concessions in NSW. However, tertiary institutions are now able to offer international student discounted MyMulti passes, allowing students to save up to 35 per cent on the cost of travel on buses, trains, light rail and most ferries throughout Greater Sydney. More information here

Accommodation

You’ll need to take responsibility for finding your own student accommodation whilst studying. Some things to consider when selecting accommodation include;

• Costs vary depending on suburb and type of accommodation
• There may be addition expenses you may be required to pay such as a bond, or utilities bill including gas and electricity
• The distance from our campus and accessibility to public transport
• Shopping facilities, hospitals, emergency facilities and other amenities nearby

There are many different types of accommodation available;

Student-Only Accommodation:

YHA
Arundel House
Unilodge
Iglu
Urbanest
Cozzystay

Shared Accommodation:

Flatmate Finders
Easy Roommate

Homestay Accommodation:

Homestay Network
Global Experience
2Stay
Homestay Plus

For more information about accommodation in Australia visit Study in Australia

Costs of living

Find out more about how much it costs to live and study in Sydney using this online calculator

Insider Guides Cost of Living Calculator

Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. For your reference, here are some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia (all costs are in Australian dollars) and have come from the Study in Australia website here.

The costs below are an approximate guide only. Students should be aware that these costs can vary depending on your study location.

Accommodation

• Hostels and Guesthouses- $90 to $150 per week
• Shared Rental- $85 to $215 per week
• Homestay- $235 to $325 per week
• Rental- $165 to $440 per week
• Boarding schools- $11,000 to $22,000 a year

Other living expenses

• Groceries and eating out- $80 to $280 per week
• Gas, electricity- $35 to $140 per week
• Phone and Internet- $20 to $55 per week
• Public transport- $15 to $55 per week
• Car (after purchase)- $150 to $260 per week
• Entertainment- $80 to $150 per week

Minimum cost of living

The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive an International Student Visa for Australia. From 1st February 2018 the 12 month living cost is:

• You- $20,290
• Partner or spouse- $7,100
• Child- $3,040

All costs are per year in Australian dollars. To convert to your own currency, click here

The Australian Government provides information and guidance on managing your finances. You can read more here.

Climate

Sydney enjoys a sunny climate with mild winters and warm summers, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors.

Summer (December – February)
18.6 – 25.8°C (65.5 – 78.4°F). Average humidity spikes to 65%.

Autumn (March – May)
14.6 – 22.2°C (58.3 – 72°F).

Winter (June – August)
8.8 – 17°C (47.8 – 62.6°F).  Sydney’s rainfall is generally highest in June.

Spring (September – November)
11 – 23°C (51.8 – 73.4°F).

Emergency Information

The assistance and emergency networks in Australia are widespread and well equipped for any potential emergencies. Fire, Ambulance, and Police services will be able to provide you with any health and safety assistance you may need.

Wherever you are in Australia, if there’s a life-threatening emergency, call ooo (zero zero zero). It’s a free call, even from your mobile. An operator will answer and will ask which of the following services you need:

• Police
• Fire
• Ambulance

If you’re not sure which one you need just tell the operator what you are calling about and they will help guide you. If you don’t speak English, tell the operator your language and you will be connected to a translator who will be able to assist.

It is important to remain calm. The operator will ask questions, such as: where are you located, what is the emergency, and how many people are involved.

Here are some examples of when you should call 000:

• Someone has been seriously injured or is in urgent need of medical help
• If your life or property is being threatened
• If you have just witnessed a serious accident or crime

Need more info? Contact one of our International Student Advisors on +61 2 9437 1902

 

Studying in Australia

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring you have an excellent education experience in Australia.  Their new fact sheet for international students contains important information about your rights and responsibilities while studying in Australia.

The fact sheet gives you information on:

• Choosing and enrolling in a course of study
• Support services available in Australia
• The rights and responsibilities of students on a student visa
• Working in Australia
• Making complaints and getting help

For more information about studying in Australia visit Study in Australia.

If you’d like to join us, you’ll need to ensure that you are eligible to study in Australia before applying.  Please note all immigration requirements are your personal responsibility. Failure to comply will require Sydney Design School to report any breaches of your visa conditions to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

More information on immigration matters is available at the Department of Home Affairs

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)

Sydney Design School operates according to The Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act). This legislation has been established to ensure a high quality learning experience in Australia. For more information, visit the government website Australian Education International here.

Visa compliance

Once you have received your visa, there are requirements you must meet in order for it to remain valid, including;

• You must remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance
• If you wish to change your qualification level you will need to apply for a new International Student Visa
• Provide your Australian address to us so that we can contact you, and advise us if you change address
• You must continue to be able to support yourself financially while you’re in Australia
• Do not breach the working conditions applicable to your visa

Visa help and assistance

• The Department of Home Affairs website provides all information in relation to visa requirements, responsibilities and compliance. More information here.
• Our international student support staff can provide you with assistance about the type of visa you’ll need for your course
• Education agents can also help with your visa application and paperwork (as well as your course application)

Working in Australia

You are limited to 40 hours of work per fortnight when your course is in session and unlimited hours in out of session periods. This is to ensure that you are mainly focused on your studies. Work conditions for student visa holders can be found on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website here.

Australian workplace laws provide basic protection and entitlements for all workers in Australia, including workers from overseas. International students have the same entitlements to minimum wages and conditions as Australian workers, as well as superannuation and workers’ compensation under Australian workplace laws. Find out more about minimum wage requirements and conditions at Fairwork here.

Australian laws also protect you from being discrimination when you are applying for a job, about to begin a job, or any time during your employment. For more information about discrimination at work, visit Fairwork here.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) helps employers and employees to understand their rights and responsibilities at work. The FWO can also investigate suspected breaches of workplace laws. To find out what you should be paid and learn more about your minimum workplace entitlements you can visit Fairwork here or call 13 13 94 from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday inside Australia (except public holidays).

Note: Getting help to resolve a workplace issue will not automatically affect your International Student Visa.

 

Making Complaints and Getting Help

If you have a complaint about our institution, we encourage you to talk to us first. We have a complaints and appeals process in place to help students resolve any issues.

As we are a private (non-government) organisation, you can also take your complaint to the Overseas Students Ombudsman (OSO) if you feel your complaint has not been actioned appropriately. Refer to the Overseas Students Ombudsman website here or call 1300 362 072.