Interior design is a popular course for those who are passionate about making spaces visually stunning and useful. The dynamic discipline of interior design intrigues thousands of students who want to pursue an interior design course after the 12th.
These courses entail a detailed understanding of aesthetics, color theories, designing and planning spaces, and design principles. These courses also provide students with technical training for a successful career in the field that comprises teaching drafts, computer-aided designing, understanding of software and tools, and project management.
Interior decoration courses after the 12th promise a stable and thriving career ahead. The students have access to a wide range of job opportunities to choose from. The increasing demand for aesthetic, modern, and inventive designs in residential and commercial projects has given a boost to the interior industry, making interior design courses after the 12th a popular career choice for many.
Here is a list of top interior design courses you can consider after 12th and important details that you should have in mind:
Top Interior Design Courses after the 12th
The following table entails a list of some of the popular design courses you can consider after the 12th grade. Several prestigious universities across the globe offer these unique courses having a distinctive curriculum and opening doorways to numerous lucrative career opportunities globally.
| Diploma in Interior Design | Bachelor of Design in Environmental Design in Interior Design |
| Bachelor of Science in Design- Interior Design | Certificate Course in Interior Design |
| Bachelor of Applied Design in Interior DesignBachelor of Art (Honours) in Spatial and Interior Design | Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) in Interior Design
Bachelor of Art (Honours) in Interior Design |
| Bachelor of Design in Interior Architecture (Honours) | Certificate Courses in Computer-aided Interior Design |
| Bachelor of Art (Honours) in Interior Architecture and Design | Diploma in Interior Design and Architecture |
Top interior design colleges to consider
Below are listed some of the top institutions across various study destinations offering design courses popularly opted for by international students.
| College name | QS World Ranking 2025 | Courses | Average annual tuition fees |
| Cardiff University, UK | 186 | Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design | £9,000 |
| University of West of England, UK | NA | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Design | £9,250 |
| Manchester Metropolitan University, UK | 601-610 | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Design | £9,250 |
| OCAD University, Canada | NA | Bachelor of Design in Environmental Design in Interior Design | $8,300 |
| University of Kent, UK | 380 | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Spatial and Interior Design | £9,250 |
| Bowling Green State University, USA | NA | Bachelor of Science in Interior Design | $27,320 |
| Technological University of the Shanon, Ireland | NA | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Design | €12,500 |
| University of Nebraska, USA | 701-710 | Bachelor of Science in Design- Interior Design | $27,320 |
| Coventry University, UK | 526 | Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture and Design | £17,700 |
| Queensland University of Technology, Australia | 213 | Bachelors in Built Environment in Interior Design | $39,000 |
| University of Minnesota, USA | 203 | Bachelor of Science in Interior Design | $36,402 |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology, Canada | NA | Bachelor of Interior Design | CAD 28,582 |
| Ohio State University, USA | 208 | Bachelor of Science in Design- Interior Design | $38,365 |
| University of North Texas, USA | 1001-1200 | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design | $21,244 |
| RMIT, Australia | 123 | Bachelors in Interior Design | AUD 40,320 |
| Kingston University, UK | 601-610 | Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design | £18,400 |
| LaSalle College, Canada | NA | Bachelors in Applied Design in ID | CAD 33,000 |
| Swinburne Institute of Technology, Australia | 291 | Bachelors in Interior Design | AUD 35,230 |
| Northumbria University, UK | 535 | BA in Interior Design | £18,250 |
Please note: The tuition fees mentioned in the above table are subject to change and are at the discretion of university management. For the latest updates on tuition fees for the desired course, visit the relevant official university website.
Eligibility criteria to pursue interior decoration courses after the 12th
An interior decoration course after the 12th requires theoretical and practical learning experiences. To be eligible to study in the course, the key prerequisites are:
- A high school degree with excellent grades(GPA of 3.0 or above is beneficial)
- Proof of English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score. The specifics of this may vary from university to university, as some universities offer waivers based on their criteria.
- A portfolio of related projects undertaken, if available
- Score of entrance exams conducted by the university or standardized exams such as the SAT, GATE, GRE, and portfolio scores may be required for some courses.
Please note: The admission requirements and eligibility criteria might vary across different universities. To learn about the precise eligibility criteria, visit official university websites.
Work opportunities for interior decoration courses
After the course is completed, the students can easily get placed in many public and private sector brands worldwide. Many students also launch their businesses. The job market offers competitive packages to interior design graduates. Here are some popular jobs after pursuing an interior decoration degree:
| Job positions | Average annual salary in USD |
| Art Directors | $54,760 |
| Craft and Fine Artists | $93,750 |
| Furniture Designers | $86,550 |
| Floral Designers | $112,690 |
| Exhibition Designers | $73,203 |
| Industrial Designers | $82,510 |
| Landscape Architects | $86,759 |
Making the right choice
Choosing the right course can seem like an overwhelming task, especially with a wide range of promising options to choose from. However, it is important to keep in mind your passion, specific skills you have and want to develop, and career aspirations when picking an interior decoration course after the 12th. Where a degree course offers a well-balanced education and plenty of opportunities ahead, a certificate and diploma course ensures a quicker entry into the industry which can be a stepping stone for many.
At ApplyBuds & LilacBuds, we completely understand the woes of students trying to choose a career path and how daunting it can be. That is why we have experts who offer personalized career counseling to help you understand your options and make an informed choice. Our counselors patiently guide you through the entire process and ensure that you find the right course for you that fulfills your career aspirations and aligns with your passion!
So, whether the plan is to design cozy homes or chic office spaces, there is a right course for every student. Take the first step towards your career in interior design, explore the options, and let your creativity shine in the global and ever-growing interior industry. Good luck!
FAQs
Q: Which exam is best for interior design?
Ans: The best exam for interior design depends on the course and university you are applying to. However, some exams that can boost your application include the SAT, GATE, IELTS, TOEFL, university-specific exams, and portfolio assessments to showcase your work and skills.
Q: What GPA is needed to pursue an interior design course?
Ans: While GPA requirements vary from university to university, most design programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. You can check the program details of each university to learn the exact requirements.
Q: Which country is the best for studying an interior design course?
Ans: The US, Italy, Australia, and the UK are among the top choices for studying interior design. You will find some renowned design schools like Cardiff, Rhode Island School of Design, Queensland University, and Central Saint Martin’s, offering the best interior design courses. However, the best institute for you will depend on your career goals, budget, course structure, etc.
