Masters in Interior Design in Australia: Top Universities, Admissions, Fees, Scholarships, Placements

Masters in Interior Design in Australia: Top Universities, Admissions, Fees, Scholarships, Placements

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Manik

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Jul 8, 2026

Highlights

  • Top Universities: The leading universities for a Master's in Interior Design in Australia include RMIT University, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Swinburne University of Technology, and Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
  • Tuition Fees: Annual tuition fees range from AUD 38,790 to AUD 48,960 (approximately INR 25.66 lakh to INR 32.39 lakh) depending on the university.
  • Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as Project Manager, Design Architect, Draftsperson, Project Engineer, and Civil Engineer, with annual salaries ranging from AUD 44,000 to AUD 152,000 (approximately INR 23.3 lakh to INR 80.5 lakh).
  • Portfolio Requirement: A design portfolio is mandatory for admission to most universities. While prior work experience is generally not required, relevant industry experience can strengthen your application at select institutions like Swinburne University of Technology.

A Master's in Interior Design in Australia is typically a 1.5 to 2-year full-time postgraduate program that is increasingly popular among Indian students. The curriculum emphasizes interior architecture, spatial design, sustainable design, built environments, and design innovation through studio-based learning and industry projects. Annual tuition fees range from AUD 38,790 to AUD 48,960 (approximately INR 25.66 lakh to INR 32.39 lakh) depending on the university.

Australia is a preferred destination for Interior Design studies because its universities combine hands-on industry experience, live design projects, and interdisciplinary collaboration with opportunities to develop creative and technical design skills. Students also benefit from strong industry connections and globally recognized design education.

To apply for a Master's in Interior Design in Australia, international students generally need to meet the following requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Design, or a related field (minimum 65% or equivalent)
  • IELTS: 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or equivalent English language proficiency
  • Design portfolio (mandatory) for most universities
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP), CV, Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and academic transcripts

While prior work experience is not mandatory at most universities, relevant professional experience can strengthen your application at select institutions.

Graduates can expect annual salaries ranging from AUD 44,000 to AUD 152,000 (INR 29.1 lakh to INR 80.5 lakh) in roles such as Project Manager, Design Architect, Draftsperson, Project Engineer, and Civil Engineer, making it a high-return investment for international students.

Master's graduates find employment opportunities with leading architecture firms, interior design studios, construction companies, retail brands, hospitality organizations, and property developers across Australia.

Conversion Rate Used: 1 AUD = 66.14 INR (June 2026).

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Top Universities for Masters in Interior Design in Australia

Australia has a number of good universities for masters in interior design, but RMIT and University of Technology Sydney (UTS) stand out. Some universities and the programs offered by them are:

Rank (Art & Design)

University

Program

Application Deadline (2026)

#19

RMIT University

Master of Interior Design

22 July 2026 (Semester 2 intake) Selection task: 17 July 2026

#85

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Master of Design

30 April 2026 (Spring/July intake)

#93

University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

Master of Design

Rolling (Term-based). Term 2: mid-May 2026; Term 3: late Aug 2026 (check portal)

#101-150

Swinburne University of Technology

Master of Design

29 July 2026 (Semester 2)

#101-150

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Master of Design

November 1 for the Semester 1 (February) intake, and April 1 for the Semester 2 (July) intake

The programs offered by these universities are taught by knowledgeable and approachable faculty, and students also get a chance to interact with industry experts. Australian universities are known to be friendly and welcoming to Indian students.


Why Study Masters in Interior Design in Australia?

Here are some reasons why you should consider studying masters in interior design in Australia:

  • At Australian universities for masters in interior design, students often work on live projects with local councils that allow collaboration with communication designers, industrial designers, sustainable designers, and other industry experts. This form of hands-on-learning and exposure makes students ready to be a part of the workforce as they graduate.
  • The Architecture Museum located at the University of South Australia is one of its kind in the southern hemisphere, providing students exposure to history and heritage of the design industry.
  • A master’s in interior design in Australia is a great investment with a high ROI. 

Where Indian universities are limited in terms of planning and design, universities in Australia encourage students to embrace and explore their creative side. Fostering creativity is often one of the main reasons students pursue a career in interior design.

Masters in Interior Design in Australia Specializations

The specializations offered for this program include:

  • Interior Architecture
  • Urban Development and Design
  • Built Environment
  • Spatial Design
  • Interior Design and Decoration

Master in Interior Design in Australia: Admission

The admissions for Masters in Interior Design in Australia take place in February and July. The entire application process is usually 6-8 months, but it can take up to a year. It is recommended to submit your application at least six months before the beginning of the semester, and the visa application also takes about 3-4 weeks.

For admission to Masters in Interior Design in Australia, you need:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university with at least 65% aggregate
  • English Language Proficiency

Detailed admission requirements are given below.

Parameter

Minimum Score Required

Academic Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field

Standardized Test Scores

GRE: Not required

English Language Proficiency

IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)

Documents Required

• Portfolio (mandatory)

• SOP/Statement

• CV

• 2 LORs/References

• Academic Transcripts

The top 5 universities for Masters in Interior Design in Australia along with their admission requirements are provided in the table below.

University

Eligibility Criteria

IELTS Score

RMIT University

• Bachelor’s in related field (Interior Design, Architecture, Spatial Design, etc.)

• Portfolio 

6.5 (no band < 6.0)

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

• Bachelor’s in Design/Architecture or related field

• Portfolio

6.5 (no band < 6.0)

University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

• Bachelor’s degree (65% Credit average)

• Related field preferred

• Portfolio

6.5 (no band < 6.0)

Swinburne University of Technology

• Bachelor’s and 3 years relevant experience or postgraduate qualification in design

• Portfolio/CV

6.5 (no band < 6.0)

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

• Bachelor’s in Design or related field

• Portfolio (if required)

6.5 (no band < 6.0)


Cost of Studying Masters in Interior Design in Australia

The cost of studying masters in interior design in Australia includes the university tuition fee and living expenses at your location in Australia.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for masters in interior design in Australia range between 19,000 and 45,000 AUD (10 to 24 lakh INR). Some popular universities and their tuition fees are provided below.

University

Program

Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)

Equivalent Fee (INR)

RMIT University

Master of Interior Design 

48,960

32.39 Lakh

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Master of Design 

38,790

25.66 Lakh

University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

Master of Design 

48,500

32.08 Lakh

Swinburne University of Technology

Master of Design 

41,440

27.41 Lakh

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

Master of Design 

42,600

28.18 Lakh

Cost of Living in Australia

The average living expenses in Australia range between AUD 1,400 and AUD 2,500 every month. The expenditures include food, accommodation, social activities, utilities, and so on. A detailed breakdown is provided below.

Expense Type Average Annual Expense (AUD) Cost Equivalent (INR)
On-campus accommodation 5,280 - 13,440 4.3 to 11 lakh
Rental 8,880 - 21,120 7.3 to 17.3 lakh
Groceries 6,720 - 13,440 3.5 to 11 lakh
Phone and internet 720 - 1,440 38,000 to 76,000
Entertainment 3,840 - 7,200 2 to 3.8 lakh
Public transport 1,440 - 2,880 76,000 to 1.5 lakh
TOTAL ~ 28,000 15.5 lakh

Masters in Interior Design in Australia: Scholarships

Studying in Australia can be expensive, but scholarships can help offset the cost. Some scholarships available to Indian students are provided below.

University

Scholarship Name / Details

Value / Benefit

Eligibility Highlights 

RMIT University

Future Leaders Scholarship (India & Subcontinent)

20% tuition fee reduction for the duration of the program

Indian citizen (or Subcontinent); unconditional offer for eligible Master's program; automatic consideration upon application

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

UTS Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Scholarship + merit-based awards

Up to 100% tuition fee coverage (limited numbers) + partial scholarships

High academic achievement; offer for postgraduate coursework; separate application may be required

University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)

UNSW International Scholarships (Merit & Faculty-specific)

Partial to full tuition fee reduction

Strong academic record (usually 70%+ equivalent); portfolio for design programs; Indian students fully eligible

Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship + Vice-Chancellor’s Award

10%–75% tuition fee reduction

Academic merit (high GPA); unconditional offer; design portfolio strength considered

Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

QUT International Merit Scholarship + Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

Up to 25% tuition fee reduction

Outstanding academic performance in prior studies; offer for postgraduate program; Indian students eligible


Masters in Interior Design in Australia: Placement

The average annual salary after Masters in Interior Design in Australia is 44,000 to 130,000 AUD (29.1 to 85.98 lakh INR), a far cry from the average annual salary received in India: INR 14 LPA -20 LPA. The common job roles taken up by Masters in Interior Design graduates in Australia are provided below.

Job Title Annual Salary Range (AUD) Salary Range for Indian Students (INR)
Project Engineer 62,000 to 130,000 41 to 86 lakh
Draftsperson 44,000 to 78,000 29.1 to 51.58 lakh
Civil Engineer 58,000 to 110,000 38.36 to 72.75 lakh
Project Manager 66,000 to 152,000 43.65 lakh to 1 crore
Design Architect 53,000 to 102,000 35.05 to 67.46 lakh

Providing practical learning experience, industry collaboration, workshops and live projects, a master’s in interior design in Australia offers Indian students a great opportunity to be industry-ready and grow in their careers.


FAQs

Ques. How much is the tuition fee for MS in Interior Design in Australia?

Ans. The annual tuition fee for Masters in Interior Design in Australia ranges between 38,790 to 48,960 AUD. Indian students can estimate a rough equivalent tuition expense of 25.66 Lakh to 32.39 Lakh INR.

Ques. Are interior designers in demand in Australia?

Ans. Yes. There is always a demand for interior designers in the Australian market. The urban regions like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and other metropolitan cities have the maximum demand for interior designers in Australia.

Ques. How much do interior designers in Australia earn?

Ans. Right now, the annual salary of interior designers in Australia ranges between 44,000 to 130,000 AUD (29.1 to 86 lakh INR).

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