If you’re interested in designing spaces, choosing furniture, and improving how interiors look and function, you can choose interior design as your college major. Interior designers may work on residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, and public spaces.
Colleges and universities in several countries offer interior design, interior architecture, spatial design, and related programs. Depending on the institution, these programs may combine design theory, studio work, technical training, and practical projects.
Studying abroad can also broaden your perspective as a designer. You may encounter different architectural styles, materials, design traditions, and approaches to using space. But where should you study? In this article, let’s discuss some of the top countries to consider for interior design.
Top Countries to Study Interior Design
1. England
England is a strong option for studying interior design, particularly for students who want access to London’s museums, galleries, historic buildings, shops, and creative industries. London is home to several institutions that offer interior design and related programs.
The University of the Arts London offers programs such as BA (Hons) Interior Design and BA (Hons) Interior and Spatial Design. The university ranked second in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Art & Design. The Royal College of Art, which focuses on postgraduate education, offers an Interior Design MA and ranked first globally for Art & Design in the same 2026 ranking.
2. Japan
Japan offers opportunities to study interior design in a setting known for combining traditional and contemporary approaches to architecture, furniture, and the use of space. Students can explore universities in Japan and specialized institutions according to their preferred program level and language of instruction.
ICS College of Arts in Tokyo was founded in 1963 as the first vocational school in Japan to specialize in interior design. Kyoto Seika University offers an Interior and Goods Design Course in which students study interiors, furniture, household goods, modeling, and spatial design. Applicants should check the language requirements for each institution carefully. For example, Kyoto Seika University states that its entrance examinations and classes are conducted in Japanese. Students seeking programs taught in English should review verified English-taught options in Japan separately.
3. Spain
Spain can be a good option for students comparing European study destinations. Tuition at public universities is generally relatively affordable, although fees vary by region, institution, program, and student status. Private institutions may charge substantially more, so students should compare current fees carefully. You can also review affordable universities in Spain.
Spain offers interior design and interior architecture programs at different levels. La Salle Campus Barcelona, part of Ramon Llull University, offers postgraduate courses in Interior Architecture, including options focused on private spaces and public and private spaces. UDIT offers a Bachelor in Interior Design taught entirely in English and an official master’s degree in Interior Design in Madrid.
4. Italy
With its architecture, furniture, art, and design traditions, Italy is a strong option for students interested in interior design. Students can compare institutions and programs according to the qualification offered, language of instruction, location, and tuition fees.
The Florence Institute of Design International offers interior design diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s options, with classes available in English. The Istituto Europeo di Design offers design programs at different levels, including a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and a Master in Interior Design in Milan. Students can also explore English-taught universities in Italy and compare universities in Italy.
5. China
China offers interior design and related environmental design programs at several institutions. Students should compare the curriculum closely because some programs focus specifically on interiors, while others cover broader areas such as environmental design, architecture, sustainable design, or visual communication.
The Shanghai International College of Fashion and Innovation at Donghua University offers an English-taught Environmental Design program focused on Fashion Interior Design. East China Normal University’s School of Design offers a four-year English-taught Bachelor of Fine Arts program with majors including Environmental Design. For related graduate-level study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University has a School of Design with international programs in areas such as architecture, landscape architecture, and design. Students who plan to remain in the country after graduation should review current visa rules and work opportunities in China separately.
6. Turkey
Turkey lies partly in Asia and partly in Europe, and Istanbul itself spans both continents. Students interested in architecture and interiors can explore universities in Turkey and compare tuition fees, program languages, and admission requirements. Costs vary by institution, so review tuition information for universities in Turkey carefully.
Istanbul Medipol University offers an Interior Architecture and Environmental Design program, including an English-language option. Bahçeşehir University offers a four-year, English-taught, on-campus undergraduate program in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at its Beşiktaş North Campus.
7. Cyprus
Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Students considering the island should compare each institution’s location, curriculum, accreditation information, tuition fees, and applicable visa requirements carefully.
Cyprus International University, located in North Cyprus, offers a four-year undergraduate Interior Architecture program and a three-year Interior Design master’s program. The American University of Cyprus, located in Larnaka, lists a BA in Interior Design through its Department of Design.
FAQs: Studying Interior Design Abroad
Which Country is Best for Studying Interior Design?
There is no single best country for every interior design student. The right choice depends on your preferred qualification, budget, language of instruction, career plans, and the type of design work you want to pursue. England is a particularly strong option because London is home to highly ranked art and design institutions. The Royal College of Art ranked first and the University of the Arts London ranked second in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Art & Design.
We hope this article on the best countries to study interior design was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out available design programs for international students.
