Checkout the Bachelor in Interior Design in Saudi Arabia....
Apr 08, 2025 12:52:57
Program: Bachelor of Interior Design
Type: Private women's university
Language: English
Note: Known for strong design and architecture programs. Open to international female students.
Program: Bachelor in Interior Design Engineering
Type: Private (co-ed with separate campuses for men and women)
Language: English
Note: One of the first private universities in KSA; international-friendly environment.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
Type: Private women’s university
Language: English
Note: Strong affiliation with international universities, good for creative fields.
Program: Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Type: Private university
Language: English
Note: Co-ed, accepts international students, offers a more technical and architectural design focus.
Program: Bachelor of Interior Design (usually under Faculty of Home Economics or Art)
Type: Public university
Language: Mostly Arabic, but some programs may be available in English
Note: One of the largest and most prestigious universities in KSA.
Program: Bachelor of Interior Design
Gender: Women only
Language: English
Type: Private
Special Note: Strong focus on design thinking and aesthetics.
Program: BSc in Interior Design
Gender: Women only
Language: English
Type: Private
Special Note: Offers modern design curriculum with international collaboration.
Program: Bachelor of Science in Interior Design Engineering
Gender: Separate male and female campuses
Language: English
Type: Private
Special Note: Combines design with engineering/technical skills.
Program: Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Gender: Co-ed (separate campuses)
Language: English
Type: Private
Special Note: Blends architecture and interior design concepts.
Program: Bachelor in Interior Design (offered under Faculty of Home Economics or Art)
Gender: Co-ed with separate sections
Language: Mostly Arabic
Type: Public
Special Note: One of the largest and most respected public universities in the Kingdom.
Program: Bachelor in Interior Architecture
Gender: Women only
Language: Arabic (some courses may be in English)
Type: Public
Special Note: World’s largest women’s university; beautiful campus.
Program: Interior Architecture or Interior Design (depending on faculty)
Gender: Co-ed with separate facilities
Language: Mainly Arabic, some English
Type: Public
Special Note: Strong design faculty with growing recognition.
You must have completed high school (12 years of education) or an equivalent qualification.
A science or arts stream is usually accepted, though some universities prefer a background in arts/design/technology.
Most universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent).
Some competitive private universities may ask for higher scores.
English-taught programs require proof of English proficiency:
IELTS (typically 5.5–6.0) or TOEFL iBT (around 60–80).
Some universities may offer their own English placement test.
Many design programs require a portfolio showcasing your creativity and artistic skills (e.g., drawings, sketches, digital design work).
Not all public universities require this, but it's a big advantage.
Some universities (especially private ones like Dar Al-Hekma or Effat) may require:
A personal interview
Aptitude test or internal design exam
Must have a valid passport
Apply for a student visa after receiving an offer of admission
Medical check-up and police clearance may be required
If the program is taught in Arabic (usually at public universities), you may need to demonstrate Arabic proficiency.
High school transcripts (translated into English or Arabic if needed)
Copy of passport
Personal statement or motivation letter
Recommendation letters (1–2)
Health certificate
Passport-sized photos
Most programs follow a 4-year structure spread over 8 semesters.
Some universities include a foundation year (especially private ones), which might extend the program to 4.5 or 5 years in total.
Basic design principles, drawing, color theory, intro to architecture, CAD basics
General university subjects like Islamic studies, communication, and math
Interior design studios, furniture design, materials & finishes
Introduction to 2D/3D modeling and visualization
Lighting design, sustainable interiors, construction methods
Human factors, building codes, and working drawings
Internship or practical training
Final graduation project/thesis and portfolio development
Application period: Starts around February to May
Decision letters: Usually sent by June or July
Semester begins: Late August or September
Application period: Typically September to November
Decisions: By December
Semester begins: Late January or early February
Fall intake: Main one for Bachelor in Interior Design
Applications: Feb–May
Interviews/Portfolio Review: May–June
Fall and possible Spring intake
Applications: Jan–May (Fall) | Sept–Nov (Spring)
Fall intake only
Applications: Start early in the year (Feb–June)
May have Fall and Spring intakes
Deadlines: Flexible, but apply at least 3–4 months before semester start
Apply early to allow time for visa processing and equivalency of certificates
Make sure your documents are translated into Arabic or English
Some universities conduct interviews and portfolio evaluations after you apply
Medical tests and visa paperwork can take extra time
Program: Bachelor of Interior Design
Tuition: ~ SAR 70,000–80,000 per year
Total (4 years): ~ SAR 280,000–320,000
Female-only, English instruction, includes design labs & project materials
Program: BSc in Interior Design
Tuition: ~ SAR 65,000–75,000 per year
Total (4 years): ~ SAR 260,000–300,000
Female-only, strong international partnerships, English-based
Program: BSc in Interior Design Engineering
Tuition: ~ SAR 60,000–70,000 per year
Total (4 years): ~ SAR 240,000–280,000
Co-ed (separate campuses), engineering + design focus
Program: Bachelor in Interior Architecture
Tuition: ~ SAR 55,000–65,000 per year
Total (4 years): ~ SAR 220,000–260,000
Co-ed, taught in English, more affordable compared to others
Program: Bachelor in Interior Design (under Home Economics or Art)
Tuition: Often free or subsidized for Saudis
For international students:
Special scholarship needed, or
Nominal fees (~SAR 10,000–20,000/year) if accepted without a scholarship
Taught mostly in Arabic; competitive for non-Saudis
Program: Interior Architecture
Tuition: Free for Saudis; limited international seats
Women only, mainly Arabic instruction
Studio materials & supplies: SAR 3,000–6,000/year
Housing: SAR 15,000–30,000/year (depending on city and lifestyle)
Books & software: SAR 2,000–4,000/year
Visa & insurance fees (for international students): Varies
University |
Tuition per Year (SAR) |
Total for 4 Years (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Dar Al-Hekma University |
70,000 – 80,000 |
280,000 – 320,000 |
|
Effat University |
65,000 – 75,000 |
260,000 – 300,000 |
|
Prince Sultan University |
60,000 – 70,000 |
240,000 – 280,000 |
|
Al Yamamah University |
55,000 – 65,000 |
220,000 – 260,000 |
Category |
Average Cost (SAR/year) |
|---|---|
|
Housing (shared or dorm) |
15,000 – 30,000 |
|
Food |
9,000 – 15,000 |
|
Transportation |
3,000 – 6,000 |
|
Health Insurance |
2,000 – 3,000 |
|
Personal Expenses |
3,000 – 6,000 |
Item |
Estimated Cost (SAR/year) |
|---|---|
|
Design materials/supplies |
3,000 – 6,000 |
|
Software & Equipment |
1,000 – 3,000 |
|
Books & Printing |
1,000 – 2,000 |
Type of University |
Tuition (4 yrs) |
Living (4 yrs) |
Total Cost (4 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Private University |
240,000–320,000 |
120,000–240,000 |
360,000 – 560,000 SAR |
|
Public University* |
0–80,000 |
120,000–240,000 |
120,000 – 320,000 SAR |
Research universities that offer Interior Design (consider location, tuition, language).
Common choices:
Dar Al-Hekma (Jeddah)
Effat University (Jeddah)
Prince Sultan University (Riyadh)
Al Yamamah University (Riyadh)
Document |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
High school certificate |
Must be attested & translated into Arabic/English |
|
Transcript of grades |
Minimum GPA requirement varies (usually 2.5–3.0 out of 4) |
|
Passport copy |
Must be valid |
|
English proficiency certificate |
IELTS (5.5–6.0) or TOEFL iBT (60–80) (if required) |
|
Portfolio of artwork/design |
Often required by design programs (drawings, projects) |
|
Personal statement or essay |
Why you want to study Interior Design |
|
Recommendation letters (1–2) |
From teachers or mentors |
|
Passport-sized photos |
Usually 2–4 copies |
|
Health certificate |
Sometimes required for visa |
Go to the university’s admissions portal (each has its own)
Fill out the application form and upload documents
Pay the application fee (usually around SAR 300–500)
Some universities (like Dar Al-Hekma & Effat) may:
Ask for a portfolio
Schedule a video or in-person interview
This is to evaluate your creativity, design interest, and communication
You’ll receive an offer letter via email if accepted
May take a few weeks to 2 months, depending on the university
Confirm your spot by accepting the offer
Pay a non-refundable seat reservation fee (usually around SAR 5,000–10,000)
Once accepted, the university will assist with your student visa application
You’ll need:
Admission letter
Medical check-up results
Valid passport
Visa application form (via the Saudi embassy)
Upon arrival or online, you’ll register for classes
Orientation helps you understand campus life, course systems, and student services
Task |
Period |
|---|---|
|
Applications open |
January – March |
|
Submit documents |
Feb – May |
|
Interviews / portfolio reviews |
April – June |
|
Admission results |
May – July |
|
Visa & travel arrangements |
June – August |
|
Classes start |
Late August – September |
Type: Merit-based & need-based scholarships
Coverage: Partial to full tuition
Eligibility:
Strong high school grades (90%+)
Portfolio may strengthen your application
Application: Alongside or after admission application
Available for female international students
Type: Academic Excellence & Financial Aid Scholarships
Coverage: 20% to 100% tuition
Eligibility:
GPA 3.75+/4.0 for merit scholarships
Demonstrated financial need for aid
Application: Submit additional scholarship form during admission
English-medium, open to international female students
Type: Merit Scholarships + Discounts for High GPA
Coverage: Partial tuition fee reduction (up to 50% or more)
Eligibility:
High academic performance
Possibly SAT/TOEFL or equivalent test scores
Male & female students (separate campuses), English instruction
Type: Academic merit & early application discounts
Coverage: 20%–50% of tuition
Eligibility:
High school GPA and early submission
International students eligible to apply
Offered by: Ministry of Education or individual public universities
Coverage:
Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Housing or housing allowance
Free medical care
Travel allowance (annual round trip)
Eligibility:
Apply through the Saudi embassy in your home country
Age: 17–25 for Bachelor’s
High academic performance
Design and plan interior spaces for homes, offices, retail stores, hotels, etc.
Work with materials, color palettes, lighting, and furniture layouts.
Employed by design firms, architecture studios, or work as a freelancer.
Focus more on structural layout, space utilization, and function.
Often collaborate with architects and engineers on commercial or residential projects.
Design custom furniture, fixtures, or decor elements.
Work with manufacturers, or start your own brand.
Create 3D renderings, visual walkthroughs, and technical drawings.
Essential for presentations and client pitches.
Design sets for events, film, theater, or exhibitions.
Opportunities in entertainment, fashion, and cultural sectors.
Specialize in designing lighting plans for interior environments.
Combines creativity and technical knowledge of light behavior.
Oversee interior design projects from concept to completion.
Manage timelines, budgets, teams, and client communication.
Help design eco-friendly, energy-efficient interior spaces.
A growing field in Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" initiatives.
Teach design at universities or work in design research and development.
Design & Architecture Firms (e.g., Zuhair Fayez Partnership, Omrania, Dar Al-Handasah)
Real Estate Developers (e.g., NEOM, Red Sea Global, ROSHN)
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Government Cultural Projects (e.g., Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya)
Retail & Commercial Companies (e.g., IKEA, Alhokair, Arabian Centres)
Start Your Own Studio or Freelance (a growing trend among graduates)
Role |
Entry-Level Salary (SAR/month) |
|---|---|
|
Interior Designer |
SAR 6,000 – 10,000 |
|
Interior Architect |
SAR 7,000 – 12,000 |
|
3D Visualizer |
SAR 5,000 – 9,000 |
|
Design Project Manager |
SAR 10,000 – 18,000+ |
|
Freelancer (varies) |
SAR 5,000 – 20,000/project |
