Interior Design Courses in New Zealand

Interior design is a discipline that enhances interior spaces. It involves arranging, decorating, and using indoor environments to create visually appealing and comfortable spaces.

Interior designers work with clients to understand their needs and preferences, translating them into design solutions. From homes to commercial spaces, interior design is crucial in shaping and changing the ambience and functionality of interior environments.

There are many interior design courses in New Zealand covering all these aspects. Here’s everything you should know about interior design courses in New Zealand.

Interior design courses in New Zealand: Key highlights

Data updated as of February 2024

Interior design: An overview

• Interior design involves selecting materials, colours, textures, and decorative elements to create aesthetically pleasing environments. 
• Interior designers consider furniture arrangement, lighting and spaces to create interior design layouts. 
• As an advancing field, interior design incorporates eco-friendly materials and sustainable design practices. 
• Overall, interior design is a dynamic and diverse field that combines creativity, technical knowledge, and design expertise to transform interior spaces into beautiful and inspiring environments.

Why study interior design courses in New Zealand?

Studying interior design courses in New Zealand can offer several benefits. Here are three compelling reasons:

• Studying interior design in New Zealand provides access to top-notch faculty, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. This allows students to be part of a global academic community, providing international exposure.
• Many universities in New Zealand have close ties with industry leaders and offer internships and networking events. It enables students to gain practical experience, connect with industry professionals, and increase their chances of securing internships and full-time job roles.
• Graduates with an interior design degree can pursue careers as interior designers, concept designers, interior design consultants, and design specialists, among other job profiles.

Best interior designing courses in New Zealand for international students 

• New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5)
• New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential)
• New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Commercial) (Level:6)
• New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level:5)
• GDipDE Interior Architecture
• BAS Interior Architecture
• MIA Master of Interior Architecture
• PGDipDE Interior Architecture

Best universities for interior design courses in New Zealand

Some of the top universities for interior design courses in New Zealand are:

• Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
• Ara Institute of Canterbury
• Unitec Institute of Technology
• Victoria University of Wellington

Different study levels for interior design in New Zealand

• Undergraduate interior design courses
• Master’s interior design courses

Eligibility criteria to study interior design courses in New Zealand

When applying for a course, your profile should satisfy the eligibility criteria for the specific field of study. Here are the basic eligibility requirements for studying interior design courses in New Zealand for international students.

Eligibility criteria for pursuing interior designing courses in New Zealand

Data updated as of February 2024

Note: The minimum grades and educational requirements differ with every university. Make sure to check if your scores meet the institution’s standards.

Student requirements to study interior design courses in New Zealand

Once you satisfy the eligibility criteria, universities will request you to provide documents to proceed with your application. Check if you have the documents below to proceed with the application.

• Academic transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Passport
• Admissions test results
• English language proficiency test scores
• Proof of funds
• Visa

Visa requirements for international students to study interior designing courses in New Zealand

You need a student visa to study interior design courses in New Zealand.

Data updated as of February 2024

Documents required for international students to apply for a visa

• Your passport
• A letter of acceptance from your course provider
• Proof of financial support
• Letter of explanation (explain your purpose and requirement for visa)
• Necessary medical test results

Average fees to study interior design courses in New Zealand

Data updated as of February 2024

Cost of living for international students in New Zealand

The average annual cost of living for an international student in New Zealand is around NZ$20,000-25,000.

Data updated as of February 2024

Scholarships to study interior design courses in New Zealand

A scholarship is a financial aid that grants a certain amount of tuition fees for students and reduces their expenses while studying abroad. Edvoy has partnered with institutions worldwide to offer scholarships for international students pursuing higher education. The scholarships are:

Academic scholarships

Academic scholarships award international students with remarkable academic performance. Institutions choose student profiles with good scores and provide scholarships based on their grades.

Government-funded scholarships

Government-funded scholarships are awarded to international students who accept the institution’s offer and pay a certain amount of tuition fees. These scholarships reduce student expenses by waiving a certain amount of tuition fees.

Note: Edvoy acts as a platform for you during the application process. Only the university deems your profile eligible and determines the final amount.

Job opportunities for interior design graduates in New Zealand

There is a high demand for interior design graduates in New Zealand, increasing the job opportunities for international students.

How much does an interior design professional earn in New Zealand?

The average annual salary for interior design professionals in New Zealand ranges from NZ$50,000 - 85,000.

(The above salary range is approximate and is taken from various sources.

Sources: Talent.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn)

Top career options for interior design graduates in New Zealand

After completing interior design courses in New Zealand, there are a lot of career opportunities that you can take up. Some of the job roles available are:

• Interior designer
• Concept designer
• Interior design consultant
• Design specialist

(Sources: Talent.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn)

Post-study work permit after completing interior designing courses in New Zealand

Data updated as of February 2024

Related interior design courses