Interior Design Courses in Canada: Top Colleges, Eligibility, Specializations & Jobs

If you are planning to build a creative career in interior design, exploring Interior Design courses in Canada can be a great choice. Canada offers globally recognized interior design programs across diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. The course duration for these programs ranges from 1 to 4 years.
To apply for admission to interior design programs in Canada, Indian students generally need academic transcripts, English language test scores like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, and a creative portfolio. Some of the top Canadian universities to study interior design are Toronto Metropolitan University, Sheridan College, Humber College, Georgian College, and University of Manitoba.
The average tuition fees for interior design in Canada range between CAD 10,000 and CAD 35,000 per year, and the cost of living is around CAD 15,000 to 20,000 annually. After completing these programs, graduates can explore roles such as Interior Designer, Space Planner, Lighting Designer, and Design Consultant.
So, if you want to build an ambitious interior design career, you should opt for Interior design courses in Canada. Check out this comprehensive guide and get everything you need to know about studying interior design in Canada.
Interior Design Courses in Canada: Key Highlights
Here are the quick highlights that give you a snapshot of essential facts about Interior Design courses in Canada. Whether you are searching for the best interior design colleges in Canada or curious about costs and career options, we have covered it all in this section.
Feature | Details |
Course Name | Interior Design Courses in Canada |
Course Levels | Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s |
Duration | 1- 4 Years (depending on the course level) |
Admission Intakes |
|
Average Tuition Fees | CAD 10,000 - CAD 35,000 per year |
Cost of Living in Canada | CAD 15,000 - CAD 20,000 per year |
Scholarships Availability | Yes (excellent opportunities for Indian students) |
Top Interior Designing Universities in Canada |
|
Career Prospects | Interior Designer, Space Planner, CAD Technician, Lighting Designer, Design Consultant, and others |
Average Starting Salary | CAD 40,000 - CAD 70,000 annually |
What is Interior Design Program All About?
Interior design courses are creative programs that go beyond decoration. They combine art, science, and technology studies to create functional spaces. These programs are specially crafted for those who want to make spaces even more functional and picturesque innovatively.
If you have that passion to give an artistic touch to any space and build your career with a specialized degree, Interior Design courses in Canada are a must. Here you will learn about:
- History & Theory of Design
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) & 3D Modeling
- Color, Lighting, and Materials
- Sustainable & Universal Design Principles
- Residential & Commercial Design
- Furniture & Product Design
- Building Codes & Construction
- Professional Practice & Project Management
- Studio Projects
Explore this section, as we have explained here what the Interior Design curriculum in Canada covers and how long it takes to complete the course.
Interior Design Courses in Canada: Popular Specializations
One of the unique advantages of interior design programs in Canada is you have various specialization options to look for, as per your interests. We have outlined the popular interior design specializations offered by the Canadian colleges.
- Sustainable & Green Design
- Lighting Design
- Furniture & Product Design
- Kitchen & Bath Design
- Commercial & Retail Design
- Universal (Inclusive) Design
- Digital Design & Visualization
Interior Design Course Duration in Canada
Wondering how long it takes to complete an interior design program in Canada? The answer depends on the program type you choose, whether it is a diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
We have tabulated the program-wise duration below to give you a clear idea of the course duration of interior design in Canada.
Program Type | Typical Duration |
Diploma in Interior Design in Canada | 1-3 years |
Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design in Canada | 3-4 years (often with co-op) |
Master’s Degree in Interior Design in Canada | 1-2 years |
Why Study Interior Design in Canada?
Canada has become a top choice for creative students worldwide, all thanks to its exceptional combination of design-focused education and real-world exposure. Here is an overview of what makes studying interior design in Canada for Indian students so popular.
- Globally Recognized Interior Design Programs
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum
- High Employability and Career Opportunities
- Affordable Interior Design Courses in Canada
- Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Learning
- Post Study Work Option
Also Read :
Other Popular Countries for Studying Master in Interior Design
Interior Design in Canada Admission 2025
You have got to know what Interior Design programs in Canada actually are, how long the courses take, and what specializations you can study. Now, it's time to explore the admission process.
This section has covered every aspect of the Interior Design course admission for Indian students in Canada. Whether it is admission deadlines, eligibility requirements, documents required, or step-by-step guidelines, we have provided everything in this section.
Interior Design Programs in Canada: Admission Intakes and Deadlines
Timing matters when applying to Canadian interior design programs. Therefore, it is advisable for you to stay updated with the timelines of admission intakes and their deadlines.
In general, most universities in Canada offer two admission intakes, fall (September) and winter (January). However, some universities also offer summer intakes, although they have limited seats.
In the table below, we have mentioned the admission intakes for Interior Design programs in Canada.
Event | Date |
Application Starts (Fall Intake) | December (previous year) |
Application Ends (Fall Intake) | March |
Application Starts (Winter Intake) | August |
Application Ends (Winter Intake) | October |
Interior Design Courses in Canada: Eligibility Criteria
To secure admission in a top interior design college in Canada, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria, depending on the program you have chosen.
For your convenience, we have described the Interior design courses in Canada admission requirements for each academic level.
Eligibility Criteria for Diploma in Interior Design in Canada
- Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent with a minimum GPA
- Proficiency in English language (IELTS/TOEFL)
- A portfolio with basic design skills (varies by institution)
- Some colleges may require a personal statement or interview
Eligibility Criteria for Bachelors in Interior Design in Canada
- Completed Class 12th from a recognized institution
- Minimum GPA of 70% or above
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score
- A strong design portfolio
- Letter(s) of recommendation and a statement of purpose (optional but recommended)
Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Interior Design in Canada
- A bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or a related field (Architecture, Fine Arts, etc.)
- Minimum GPA around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score
- A strong design portfolio with advanced work and project experience
- Letters of recommendation, statement of intent, and resume
Interior Design Courses in Canada: Document Required
When applying for Interior Design programs in Canada, you need to prepare and submit some important documents. These help universities understand your academic background, design skills, and why you want to study there.
Here are the main documents required for Interior Design course admission in Canada.
- Class 10th and 12th marksheets (for diploma and bachelor’s programs)
- Graduation marksheet and certificate (for master’s program)
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score
- Design work portfolio
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Updated resume or CV (mainly for master’s programs)
- Passport copy
- ID proof
Step-by-Step Admission Process for Interior Designing Program in Canada
Applying for Canadian Interior Design courses is simple and straightforward if you follow each step carefully. Here is a simple guide for the application process.
Step | What You Need to Do |
Step 1 | Research and shortlist universities or colleges that offer Interior Design courses matching your interests. |
Step 2 | Check the eligibility criteria, admission intakes (Fall, Winter, or Summer), and specific program requirements on the university website. |
Step 3 | Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores, creative portfolio, SOP, letters of recommendation, resume, and passport copy. |
Step 4 | Fill out the online application form on the chosen university’s website and pay the application fee. |
Step 5 | Submit your documents before the application deadline. |
Step 6 | Wait for your admission offer letter from the university. |
Step 7 | Once you get the offer letter, pay the tuition deposit to confirm your seat. |
Step 8 | Apply for a Canadian study permit (student visa) using your admission letter and financial documents. |
Step 9 | Arrange accommodation and plan your travel to Canada before classes begin. |
Top Universities For Interior Design Courses in Canada
There are several universities in Canada which provide globally recognized Interior Design programs with hands-on learning, creative studio work, and industry exposure.
In this section, we have highlighted the top interior design colleges in Canada where you can apply for Interior Design courses in Canada.
Interior Design Universities in Canada | Location |
Toronto Metropolitan University | Toronto, Ontario |
Georgian College | Barrie, Ontario |
Sheridan College | Oakville, Ontario |
Humber College | Toronto, Ontario |
University of Manitoba | Winnipeg, Manitoba |
Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Surrey, British Columbia |
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) | Burnaby, British Columbia |
Vancouver Island University | Nanaimo, British Columbia |
Algonquin College | Ottawa, Ontario |
Mount Royal University | Calgary, Alberta |
Cost of Studying Interior Design Courses in Canada
When planning to study interior design in Canada, understanding tuition fees is crucial. Fees vary based on diploma, bachelor’s, or master’s programs and the universities. In general, the annual tuition cost ranges from CAD 10,000 to CAD 35,000 for Interior Design programs in Canadian universities.
Read this section carefully, as we have broken down the program-wise and university-wise average annual tuition fees for interior Design courses in Canada.
Interior Design Course Fees in Canada: Program-Wise
The cost of studying interior design in Canada varies as per the program level. Diploma courses usually cost less, while bachelor’s and master’s degrees are higher. Here we have provided a quick stat of the average annual tuition fees for each program type to help you plan better.
Program Type | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
Interior Design Diploma in Canada | CAD 10,000 - CAD 18,000 |
Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design in Canada | CAD 15,000 - CAD 30,000 |
Master’s Degree in Interior Design in Canada | CAD 18,000 - CAD 35,000 |
Interior Design Course Fees in Canada: University-Wise
Every college and university in Canada has its own fee structure. Here is the table showing the approximate annual tuition fees for the popular institutions offering Interior Design programs in Canada.
University | Annual Tuition Fee (approx.) |
Toronto Metropolitan University | CAD 30,000 |
Georgian College | CAD 14,290 |
Sheridan College | CAD 19,049 |
Humber College | CAD 18,058 |
University of Manitoba | CAD 12,934 |
Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students
Apart from tuition fees, you also need to think about your living expenses in Canada. This includes rent, food, transport, internet, and other daily costs. Below we have provided a table to help you understand the average monthly cost of living in Canada for Indian students.
Expense Type | Monthly Cost (CAD) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
Rent & Utilities | $800 - $1,200 | ₹49,000 – ₹73,000 |
Food | $300 - $500 | ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 |
Transport | $100 - $150 | ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 |
Internet & Phone | $80 - $100 | ₹4,900 – ₹6,100 |
Miscellaneous | $200 - $300 | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 |
Career Opportunities After Interior Design Courses in Canada
What can you do after finishing an interior design course in Canada? This might be the question you have gone through while planning to study interior design in Canada, right?
Do not worry. In this section, you will get to know about the career paths, average starting salaries, and the companies you can work in after completing your interior design degree from Canadian universities.
Popular Job Roles for Interior Design Graduates from Canada
Interior design graduates from Canadian universities can step into diverse roles. Here are the popular job roles you can apply for.
- Interior Designer
- Space Planner
- Lighting Designer
- Design Consultant
- Kitchen & Bath Designer
- CAD/BIM Technician
- Project Manager
Interior Design Programs in Canada: Average Starting Salaries
The average starting salary for interior design graduates in Canada typically ranges between CAD $40,000 and CAD $70,000 per year. Here are the role-wise average salaries that you can expect.
Job Title | Average Salary (CAD/year) |
Interior Designer | $45,000 – $70,000 |
Space Planner | $50,000 – $75,000 |
Lighting Designer | $48,000 – $65,000 |
Design Consultant | $42,000 – $60,000 |
Kitchen & Bath Designer | $44,000 – $68,000 |
CAD/BIM Technician | $40,000 – $60,000 |
Project Manager (Design) | $60,000 – $90,000+ |
Top Employers in Canada Hiring Interior Designers
Here are some of the top recruiters who hire design graduates from Canada.
- Stantec
- Gensler
- HOK
- Perkins & Will
- HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates)
- IKEA Canada
- Hudson’s Bay Company
- Le Groupe Marchand
- Quadrangle Architects
- Interior Architects (IA)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What are the top universities for Interior Design in Canada?
Ans. Toronto Metropolitan University, Sheridan College, Humber College, Georgian College, and the University of Manitoba are some of the top universities in Canada for Interior Design courses.
Ques. What are the admission requirements for Interior Design courses in Canada?
Ans. To apply for Interior Design courses in Canada, you usually need:
- Academic transcripts (Class 12 for diploma/bachelor’s or a bachelor’s degree for master’s)
- English language test scores (like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- A creative portfolio showing your design work
Ques. How much do interior design courses cost in Canada?
Ans. The cost varies by university and program type, but on average, tuition fees can be between CAD 10,000 to CAD 35,000 per year for Indian students.
Ques. Do I need to show a portfolio for admission?
Ans. Yes. Most Interior Design programs in Canada ask for a creative portfolio to see your design skills and ideas.
Ques. Is Interior Design a good career in Canada?
Ans. Yes. There is a growing demand for interior designers in Canada, and graduates can work as design consultants, space planners, interior designers, or even start their own design business.