From the historic design studios of Milan to the creative hubs of Scandinavia, Europe has long been a source of inspiration for aspiring interior designers.
If you’re dreaming of a career in residential design, commercial spaces, or sustainable interiors, choosing the right Bachelor or Master’s degree is a crucial first step and Europe is a great place to begin. It’s home to some of the world’s top design schools and universities, and you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in a rich mix of cultures, architecture, and artistic traditions.
In this guide, we’ve highlighted the institutions that stand out for their academic quality, global perspective, and strong reputation in the world of interior design.
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The list below features a mix of well-known institutions that are popular among international students.
While there aren’t official global rankings specifically for Interior Design, these schools and universities have built strong reputations in the design world and are actively welcoming students from around the globe.
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| IED School of Design and Fashion | Spain, Italy | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design | Sweden | Master’s programmes |
| L'École de design Nantes Atlantique | France | 1 Diploma, 1 Master |
| London Metropolitan University | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Top-up |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Top-up |
| MOME Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design | Hungary | 1 Master of Arts |
| Politecnico di Milano | Italy | Bachelor in Italian, Master in English |
| Royal College of Art | United Kingdom | 31 Masters in Art & Design |
| SRH University | Germany | 1 Bachelor |
| University of Kent | United Kingdom | Undergraduate |
Whether you’re after a design school that’s all about hands-on creativity or a university programme that mixes design with other academic subjects, these institutions are known for their quality, strong industry connections, and international appeal.
There are a good number of English-taught Interior Design programmes across Europe, from practical, studio-focused courses to ones that dive deeper into theory and concepts.
Students can also choose from a wide range of specialisations as well. Whether you’re interested in residential design, commercial spaces, furniture and lighting, sustainable interiors, or even styling and spatial branding. Here are just a few examples:
Bachelor’s degrees:
Master’s degrees:
Interior Design isn’t always a formally regulated profession in every country, but it’s still important to understand how your degree will be viewed; especially if you plan to work internationally after graduation.
Some universities and design schools in Europe offer programmes that are officially accredited by national education authorities, meaning the degrees are recognised across the EU and beyond. Others may have qualifications that might not be formally recognised in all countries.
This becomes especially important if you plan to pursue further study (like a Master’s or PhD) or want to work in countries where professional licensing is required for certain design-related roles.
Ƶ Tip: Before applying, ask the school directly about degree recognition in your home country or in the country where you plan to work. You can also reach out to alumni or current students to understand how the degree is viewed in the job market.
On average, tuition fees for Interior Design degrees in Europe range between €7,000 and €15,000 per year for both Interior Design Bachelors and Interior Design Masters. The exact cost depends on the country, the type of institution (public or private), and how specialised the course is. Design-focused schools or private universities (particularly in countries like the UK or Italy) may charge more, with some programmes exceeding €30,000 per year.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of living, especially if you’re planning to study in cities like London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, or Berlin, where rent and daily expenses can be high.
Interior Design students should also budget for materials and software. While most schools provide access to studios and equipment, you’ll likely need to invest in personal supplies such as drawing tools, sketchbooks, modelling materials, and design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Adobe Creative Suite.
Getting into an Interior Design programme in Europe involves more than just submitting an application. Your creativity, style, and dedication will play a big role in the admissions process.
Some design schools and universities will ask you to submit a portfolio of your creative work, showcasing your drawing skills, sense of space, and eye for detail. Your portfolio might include hand sketches, digital designs, mood boards, or even personal projects and design concepts. Some schools may also ask for a short written statement explaining your interest in interior design and your goals as a designer.
In addition to your creative work, you’ll need to meet the academic requirements, which usually include a high school diploma for Bachelors or a relevant undergraduate degree for Masters. If the programme is taught in English, you’ll likely need to provide proof of language proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL scores).
While a degree in Interior Design often leads to a career as a residential or commercial designer, it can also open doors to a wide variety of creative and strategic roles in the design industry, such as:
As an example, salaries in the United Kingdom for interior designers typically range from around £23,000 for entry-level roles to £45,000 or more with experience, according to the UK's National Careers Service.
Choosing the right Interior Design school is a big step, but it’s also the start of an exciting journey. Studying in Europe means you’ll not only get a top-quality education but also the chance to explore new cultures, be inspired by world-class design, and build connections that could shape your future career. Take your time to find the programme that fits your style and goals and don’t be afraid to dream big!
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71 Interior Design Programmes in Europe