Accredited courses from leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges
Interior Design Courses
About Interior Design
Interior design mixes creative vision with real technical skill, shaping the buildings where Australians live, work and shop. People in this field plan layouts, pick finishes and manage projects from first idea through to a finished space. It suits people who enjoy solving problems just as much as they enjoy good design.
Formal study usually starts with a nationally recognised course through a registered training organisation. Providers listed on training.gov.au meet the same national standards. Many courses also teach software skills, covering programs such as SketchUp, AutoCAD and Revit, alongside the basics of space planning and materials.
For a solid entry point, look at the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration or the Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration. If you want to work on bigger commercial projects, a Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial) builds deeper skills in project management and sustainable design.
Study options have become far more flexible. Many programs now mix online theory with studio-based practical work. This suits people juggling study with a job or family life. Sustainability has also become a real focus, with more courses covering low-impact materials and energy-efficient design.
If you have a sharp eye for detail and enjoy shaping how a space feels, explore interior design courses on StudySelect to compare your options.
Average Salaries
Interior Design workers may earn between $50000 and $120000 per year
Jobs and Skills Australia (2025) puts full-time median earnings for interior designers at $1,692 a week, or close to $88,000 a year before tax.
SEEK’s 2026 career advice data estimates average salaries between $80,000 and $90,000, depending on experience and location.
PayScale’s 2026 Australian data shows entry-level designers starting around $50,000. Senior designers and project leads can earn $120,000 or more once they hold several years of experience.
Career Outcomes
After finishing a course in interior design, you can step into a variety of roles across design, architecture and property. Many graduates find their first role suits their strengths well, then branch into a specialty over time. Typical career paths include:
What do Interior Design graduates do?
Interior designers turn a client’s brief into a finished, functional space, whether that’s a family home, a retail store or a busy office. Every project starts with listening carefully to what a client needs, then translating that into a workable design.
Typical tasks include:
- Consulting with clients to understand their needs and style preferences
- Researching spatial, functional and safety requirements for a project
- Developing design concepts, sketches and detailed plans
- Selecting materials, furniture and finishes that suit the brief
- Preparing documentation for construction and trades
- Coordinating with contractors, suppliers and other professionals
- Supervising installation and fit-out on site
- Keeping up with design trends, codes and sustainable practices
- Managing project budgets and timelines
- Building a portfolio to showcase completed work
Across all of this, interior designers help people feel proud of the spaces they live and work in every day.
Is Interior Design right for you?
Success in interior design comes down to a mix of creative flair and practical discipline. Look for these strengths in yourself:
- Strong creative vision and an eye for detail
- Clear communication with clients and trades
- Confidence with design software and digital tools
- Sound understanding of materials, finishes and colour
- Problem-solving skills for tricky spatial challenges
- Good time management across multiple projects
- Working knowledge of building codes and safety standards
- Comfort collaborating within a broader project team
- An interest in sustainable and low-impact design
- A client-first approach to every brief
Job opportunities
Interior designers find work across home, commercial and hotel projects, plus retail fit-outs and property builds. Design studios, architecture firms and specialist practices all hire skilled designers, and many build a freelance client base over time.
Jobs and Skills Australia (2025) counted around 19,300 people working as interior designers across the country. The role adds new spots most years, and full-time staff earn a median of $1,692 a week before tax.
Related roles in project work and property styling can also draw on interior design skills. Building a strong portfolio and a wide network stays one of the best ways to find steady, well-paid work.
Frequently Asked Questions
A qualification in interior design can lead well beyond a typical design studio, opening pathways into property styling, workplace design and retail spaces. Many graduates build a career that blends creative work with real business sense.
If you want to work on bigger commercial jobs, a Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial) builds strong technical and project skills. Many designers also study further in sustainable design or spatial design to build a niche.
Interior design isn’t a licensed trade in Australia. Joining a group such as the Design Institute of Australia can still help build trust with clients and employers. A strong, well-shown portfolio often matters just as much as formal study.
If you enjoy shaping how people use a space, interior design offers real creative and commercial range. Explore interior design study options on StudySelect.
FAQs
What degree should I study to become an interior designer?
A Bachelor of Interior Design (Commercial) or a similar interior architecture degree suits you if you want to work on large or commercial jobs. These degrees mix design theory, studio work and current design tools.
Is interior design regulated in Australia?
Interior designers do not need a licence in Australia. A course from an accredited provider still helps you stand out to clients and employers. Joining a group such as the Design Institute of Australia adds further trust.
Can I become an interior designer without a degree?
Yes. Many successful designers build a career through diploma-level study and a strong portfolio. A degree can still open doors to bigger projects, teaching roles or work overseas.
Are there postgraduate options for interior design?
Yes. Master’s degrees in areas such as interior design, spatial design or sustainable design are open to you. These suit designers who want to build a niche or move into commercial and institutional work.
Where do interior designers work in Australia?
Designers work in architecture firms, design studios, retail brands, property developers and freelance practices. Demand for skilled designers stays strong in urban and commercial growth areas, based on recent labour market data.
