International students choose to apply for Interior Design courses in Canada if they wish to look for lucrative jobs through a combination of practical experience and theory. Top designing colleges in Canada provide you with hands-on learning opportunities, off-site tutorials, and co-ops. The total course fee for pursuing PG level education in Interior Design in Canada’s top colleges can go from 11,000 up to 30,000 CAD ( 6.63 - 18 lakhs INR). With a degree in interior design in Canada, you can expect to earn an average of 40,000 to 55,000 CAD (24 - 33 lakhs INR) a year.

Highlights of Interior Design Courses in Canada

Program Duration 1.5 - 2 years
Course Type Diploma, Ontario College Diploma
Eligibility Criteria 12th Standard (Diploma) Bachelor's Degree (Advanced Diploma)
English Proficiency Requirements IELTS/TOEFL iBT
Tuition Fees 11,000 - 30,000 CAD ( 6.63 - 18 lakhs INR)
Average Salary 55,000 CAD (33 lakhs INR)
Top Recruiters CKDESIGN Licensed Interior Design, MAPA Interiors

Top Universities for Interior Design Courses in Canada

University Course Type Deadline Tuition Fees (CAD)
Conestoga College Ontario College Diploma (Interior Decorating) 1 February 2023 13,750
St. Clair College Ontario College Advanced Diploma (Interior Design) 1 February 2023 15,684
Algonquin College Ontario College Diploma (Interior Decorating) 1 February 2023 15,740
Humber College Diploma (Interior Decorating) 1 February 2023 17,618
Bow Valley College Diploma (Interior Decorating) 1 February 2023 27,609
University of Manitoba First Professional Program (Interior Design) Post-Professional Program (Interior Design) 1 December 2022 12,647.48
Georgian College Ontario College Diploma (Interior Decorating) 1 February 2023 16,002
George Brown College Ontario College Advanced Diploma (Interior Design) 17,851
Kwantlen Polytechnic University Bachelor of Interior Design 1 July 2023 11,376
Sheridan College Ontario College Diploma (Interior Decorating) 31 March 2023 19,303

What is Interior Designing in Canada?

Interior Design programs in Canada focus on sustainable design, a specialization forecasted to be higher in demand in the next four-five years. A master’s in Interior Design from Canada allows you to become a realtor, event planner, and exhibit designer involved in project management, dealing with clients, and design aesthetics. Interior Design in Canada is offered at various degree levels like a diploma, certificate courses, and Professional Masters, discussed in sections below. The popular skills among interior designers include Autodesk AutoCAD, 3D Rendering, Adobe Photoshop, and Project Management. Students skilled in Design and Project Management are more likely to get a pay above average. Whereas, Adobe Photoshop, 3D Rendering, and Autodesk AutoCAD pay slightly less than the market rate in Canada.

Why Study Interior Designing in Canada?

The interior designing industry is rapidly growing in Canada and thus creating immense job opportunities for graduates. Following are some of the reasons why study abroad aspirants come to Canada to study postgraduate Interior Design courses :

  • New job openings for interior designers and interior decorators. According to B.C. Labour Market Outlook, it is expected that there will be a 36.1% increase in new jobs due to economic growth.
  • There will be a 63.9% replacement of retiring workers and there will be around 1,010 job openings.
  • Studying Interior Design from Canada has great ROI. The average annual salary of an Interior Designer in Canada is 55,413 CAD (~33.44 lakhs INR).
  • With theatres and exhibits in and around the country, students pursuing higher education in Canada get plenty of space to offer their artistic insight and creative vision.
  • Additionally, the interior design show hosted each year in Toronto, Canada is a nurturing opportunity for graduates from interior design courses to meet industry experts and creative minds in one place.

Admission to Interior Design Courses in Canada

The admission process varies according to the course and university. However, a general requirement criteria for both diploma and advanced diploma is mentioned below. The English Language Proficiency requirements for different universities is also listed.

Eligibility for Interior Design Courses in Canada after Secondary School

The international student must have the following admission requirements before applying for a diploma in interior design course in Canada:

  • Higher Secondary School Certificate (All India Senior School Certificate) awarded by CBSE/Indian School Certificate awarded by CISCE with excellent results including all program requirements or (Year 12 State Board Exams (Higher Secondary School Certificate) with high standing may also be considered).
  • A portfolio - showing evidence of creative ability and some basic drawing skills. (Basic drawing skills, although an asset, are not required)
  • Computer/software skills in MS Word and Excel are an asset but not required
  • A valid passport
  • Proof of Funds
  • English Language Scores

Eligibility for Post-graduate level Interior Design Courses in Canada

Though the actual course requirements might vary as per the program and the university you choose, we have enlisted some of the general eligibility criteria you must know before applying for a post-graduate level program in Interior Design in Canada:

  • You must have a four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university with a minimum B average (3.0) in the last 60 credit hours or equivalent.
  • English language proficiency test scores.
  • SOP.
  • Computer/software skills in MS Word and Excel are an asset but not required.
  • Submit a portfolio showing evidence of creative ability and some basic drawing skills, although an asset, is not required.
  • 2 LOR
  • Valid Passport
  • Proof for Funds
  • CV/Resume

English Language Requirements for Interior Design Courses in Canada

University English Proficiency Requirements
Conestoga College IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 80 | PTE - 58
St. Clair College IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 78 | PTE - 51
Algonquin College IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 80
Humber College IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 80 | PTE - 53-57
Bow Valley College IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 83 | PTE - 59-64
University of Manitoba IELTS - 7.0 | TOEFL iBT - 94
Georgian College IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 79 | PTE - 58
George Brown College IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 80 | PTE - 54
Kwantlen Polytechnic University IELTS - 6.5 | TOEFL iBT - 88 | PTE - 61
Sheridan College IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 80 | PTE - 58

Cost of Studying Interior Design Courses in Canada

For international candidates aspiring to study at a Canadian university, it is mandatory to have an estimate of the cost of living in Canada. The basic expenses to be considered for applying to any university can be distributed into two categories which are covered in this section.

Tuition Fees for Interior Design Courses in Canada

The tuition fees for different interior design courses according to the universities is mentioned in the table and image below.

Interior Design Courses in Canada Tuition Fees
University Tuition Fees (CAD) Tuition Fees (INR)
Conestoga College 13,750 8.29 lakhs
St. Clair College 15,684 9.46 lakhs
Algonquin College 15,740 9.49 lakhs
Humber College 17,618 10.63 lakhs
Bow Valley College 27,609 16.66 lakhs
University of Manitoba 12,647 7.63 lakhs
Georgian College 16,002 9.65 lakhs
George Brown College 17,851 10.77 lakhs
Kwantlen Polytechnic University 11,376 6.86 lakhs
Sheridan College 19,303 11.64 lakhs

Cost of Living in Canada

The cost of living in Canada consists of all the expenses you will have to pay for, after your arrival in the country. These include the cost of accommodation, food expenses, books & supplies, transportation, as well as other student expenses.

Expense Type Average Cost (CAD) Average Cost (INR)
Accommodation 400-600 per month 24,000-36,000
Food 85+ per week 5,000
Transportation 100+ per month 6,000
Internet 55-85 per month 3,000-5,000
Health Insurance 600 per year 36,520

Scholarships for Interior Design Courses in Canada

Almost all of the universities provide various types of financial aid and scholarships for international students in Canada for Interior Design courses . Some of them are listed in the table below along with some external scholarships.

Scholarship Eligibility Award (CAD)
Conestoga College International - Entrance Excellence Scholarship High academic performance 1500
Humber College - International Entrance Scholarship High Academic Qualification (85%+ and IELTS - 6.5 bands) 2000
Sheridan College - International Entrance Scholarship All new international students beginning full-time postsecondary studies 1000-2000
English Proficiency Entrance Scholarship

TOEFL iBT - 102 or IELTS - 7.5
TOEFL iBT- 110 or IELTS - 8

1,000
1,500

Placements for Interior Design Courses in Canada

Career paths after an experience in interior designing could be Senior Interior Designer, Kitchen Designer, or a Project Manager. Among these, the path of Senior Interior Designer is most popular in Canada.

Interior Design Courses in Canada Placements
Profession Average Annual Salary (CAD) Average Annual Salary (INR)
Design Manager 97,896 59.07 lakhs
Interior Designer 55,413 33.44 lakhs
Project Manager 85,680 51.70 lakhs
Interior Designer Assistant 42,938 25.91 lakhs
Interior Decorator 41,698 25.16 lakhs
Kitchen and Bathroom Designer 41,925 25.30 lakhs
Colour Consultant 29,250 17.65 lakhs

Interior Designer Salary Comparison by Region

The salary of interior designers also varies according to the region. Here are the salaries of interior designers in 4 areas of Canada.

Region Average Annual Salary (CAD) Average Annual Salary (INR)
British Columbia 58,500 35.30 lakhs
Ontario 53,000 31.98 lakhs
Alberta 47,775 28.83 lakhs
Quebec 40,950 24.71 lakhs

University Comparison for Interior Design Courses in Canada

Here is a comparison of universities for Interior Design Courses in Canada.

Interior Design Courses in Canada University Comparison
University Province Application Fee (CAD) ELP Scores
University of Manitoba Manitoba 110 IELTS - 7.0 | TOEFL iBT - 94
Kwantlen Polytechnic University British Columbia 120 IELTS - 6.5 | TOEFL iBT - 88 | PTE - 61
Sheridan College Ontario 100 IELTS - 6.0 | TOEFL iBT - 80 | PTE - 58

After completing a postgraduate level interior design course in Canada, an international student can work as an interior designer and interior decorator, either as a freelancer or as an employee. One of the major differences between an interior designer and an interior decorator is that an interior designer is responsible for creating a space from scratch, whereas, an interior decorator is assigned the responsibility of furnishing an already existing space

FAQs

Q1: Can I study Interior Design in Canada?

Ans: Any student, domestic or international can study Interior Designing in Canada. All they need to do is meet the eligibility criteria for the course (Diploma or Advanced Diploma) they want to study.

Q2. How long is an Interior Design Course in Canada?

Ans: The duration of Interior Design courses in Canada varies according to the course type and university. In some colleges such as Conestoga College it is for 2 years while it is of 1.5 years in University of Manitoba.

Q3. How much does it cost to study Interior Design in Canada?

Ans: The average range of tuition fees for Interior Designing programs in Canada is 11,000 - 30,000 CAD ( 6.63 - 18 lakhs INR) for international students.

Q4. Is Interior design a good career in Canada?

Ans: There are many job opportunities and new job openings in Canada for interior designers. The employment growth rate is about 1.1%+ for this occupation. Hence, it is a good career in Canada.

Q5. Is Interior Design a high paying job in Canada?

Ans: The average salary of an interior designer in Canada is 55,000 CAD (33 lakhs INR) which is a decent amount. A Senior Interior Designer earns an average of 73,750 CAD (44.50 lakhs INR) which is a very high salary.