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

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Pragati Srivastava • 10 Mins read • 4 Aug 25
Interior Design Courses in CanadaInterior Design Courses in Canada

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

  • Fall intake - September
  • Winter intake - January
  • Some universities offer Summer intake (May)

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

  • Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Georgian College
  • University of Manitoba
  • Humber College
  • Sheridan College

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




Masters in Interior Design in UK

Masters in Interior Design in Australia

Masters in Interior Design in USA


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.