Checkout the Interior Design Colleges and Courses in Saudi Arabia....
Mar 31, 2025 12:12:03
College: College of Architecture and Design
Program: Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Language: English
Intake: Fall (September)
Fees: Approx. SAR 70,000 – 80,000/year
Ranking: Top private university in Saudi Arabia
Program Highlights: Accredited by NCAAA and ABET, emphasis on sustainability and advanced technology.
College: School of Design and Architecture
Program: Bachelor of Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Language: English
Intake: Fall (September)
Fees: Approx. SAR 60,000 – 70,000/year
Ranking: One of the top private women's universities
Program Highlights: Focus on aesthetics, functional design, and market trends. Internship and portfolio development are core parts.
College: Faculty of Home Economics
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Language: Arabic (some English-taught courses)
Intake: Fall (September)
Fees: Free for Saudi citizens; Nominal for international students
Ranking: Top 3 university in Saudi Arabia (ARWU & QS rankings)
Program Highlights: Strong theoretical base, labs and model workshops, and community-based design projects.
College: College of Design
Program: Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Duration: 5 years (includes foundation year)
Language: English
Intake: Fall (September)
Fees: Free for Saudi citizens; Affordable for international students
Ranking: Among top 10 universities in KSA
Program Highlights: Combination of architecture and interior design, strong emphasis on sustainability.
College: College of Architecture and Design
Program: Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Language: English
Intake: Fall and Spring
Fees: Approx. SAR 70,000 – 85,000/year
Ranking: Top private women's university
Program Highlights: International partnerships, hands-on experience with software and 3D modeling, and career support services.
University |
Program |
Language |
Fees (per year) |
Intake |
Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Prince Sultan University |
B.Sc. Interior Design |
English |
SAR 70K–80K |
Fall |
Top Private |
|
Dar Al-Hekma University |
B.A. Interior Design |
English |
SAR 60K–70K |
Fall |
Top for Women |
|
King Abdulaziz University |
B.A. Interior Design |
Arabic |
Free–Low |
Fall |
Top 3 in KSA |
|
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal |
B.Sc. Interior Architecture |
English |
Free–Affordable |
Fall |
Top 10 in KSA |
|
Effat University |
B.Sc. Interior Design |
English |
SAR 70K–85K |
Fall/Spring |
Top Private (Women) |
Course: B.Sc. in Interior Design
Core Subjects:
History of Interior Design
Sustainable Design
3D Visualization
Materials and Finishes
CAD and BIM software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.)
Special Features: International accreditations, design studios, internships
Course: B.A. in Interior Design
Core Subjects:
Design Studio Practices
Lighting and Acoustics
Furniture Design
Interior Detailing
Professional Practice
Special Features: Portfolio building, exhibitions, industry exposure
Course: B.Sc. in Interior Design
Core Subjects:
Design Thinking
Computer-Aided Design
Cultural & Historical Contexts
Interior Systems and Services
Special Features: Focus on innovation, sustainability, women-centric education
Course: B.A. in Interior Design
Core Subjects:
Theory of Design
Construction Methods
Interior Landscaping
Color Theory
Special Features: Affordable education, strong regional reputation
Course: Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Core Subjects:
Space Planning
Digital Fabrication
Environmental Psychology
Architectural Drawing
Special Features: Integration with architecture, LEED and green building training
These are offered by:
TVTC (Technical and Vocational Training Corporation)
International Technical Female College (Al Khobar, Riyadh)
Private design institutes
Topics Covered:
Interior Design Basics
SketchUp, AutoCAD, 3Ds Max
Mood Board Creation
Client Communication
Color Psychology
Duration: 3 months – 2 years
Fees: SAR 5,000 – 25,000 depending on institution and duration
Residential and Commercial Interior Designer
Space Planner
Furniture Designer
Lighting Consultant
Set/Exhibition Designer
3D Visualization Specialist
Interior Decor Consultant
Program: B.Sc. in Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Language: English
Annual Tuition Fees: SAR 70,000 – 80,000
Key Features:
Accredited by ABET and NCAAA
Emphasis on digital tools (AutoCAD, Revit, 3D Max)
Internship program in final year
Strong industry links with local design firms
Program: B.A. in Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Language: English
Annual Tuition Fees: SAR 65,000 – 70,000
Key Features:
International curriculum
Studio-based learning
Final year capstone project and portfolio
Active participation in design expos and competitions
Program: B.Sc. in Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Language: English
Annual Tuition Fees: SAR 70,000 – 85,000
Key Features:
Accredited by the Ministry of Education
Practical labs and design studios
Exchange programs and international collaborations
Career support and internships
Program: Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Duration: 5 years (includes preparatory year)
Language: English
Fees: Free for Saudi citizens; nominal for international students
Key Features:
Focus on both architectural and interior design
Courses in green design, urban context, and sustainability
Modern studios and digital labs
Program: B.A. in Interior Design (offered under Faculty of Home Economics)
Duration: 4 years
Language: Mostly Arabic
Fees: Free for Saudi citizens; low fees for international students
Key Features:
Strong emphasis on traditional and cultural design
Well-equipped design studios
Opportunities for research and exhibitions
Year |
Focus |
|---|---|
|
Year 1 |
Foundation in Art & Design, Drawing, 2D Design |
|
Year 2 |
Space Planning, CAD, History of Interiors |
|
Year 3 |
Furniture Design, Lighting, 3D Modeling |
|
Year 4 |
Professional Practice, Internship, Capstone Project |
Interior Design Studio
Color Theory
Materials & Finishes
Building Codes & Regulations
Environmental Psychology
Digital Visualization (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp)
High school certificate (Science/Art track)
GPA ≥ 80% (varies by institution)
English proficiency: IELTS (5.5–6.0) or equivalent
Entrance interview or design portfolio (some universities)
Personal statement
Interior Designer (Residential/Commercial)
Furniture Designer
Exhibition & Set Designer
Lighting Specialist
CAD/BIM Designer
Interior Architect (if licensed)
Offered by most private universities (based on merit or need)
Ministry of Education scholarships for top students
International students may qualify for external scholarships
Fall Intake: September (main intake)
Spring Intake: January (available at selected universities like Effat)
Program: Master of Interior Design (MID)
Duration: 2 years
Language: English
Tuition Fees: Approx. SAR 80,000 – 100,000 (entire program)
Key Features:
First specialized interior design master’s in the Kingdom
Focus on research, advanced design, and sustainability
Capstone project + option to write a thesis
Designed for working professionals (evening/weekend classes)
Program: Master of Interior Design (under Faculty of Home Economics)
Duration: 2 years
Language: Arabic (some resources in English)
Fees: Free for Saudi citizens; very low for international students
Key Features:
Research-focused, suitable for academic careers
Strong foundation in Islamic and regional design philosophies
Access to advanced labs, studios, and workshops
Program: Master in Interior Architecture
Duration: 2 years
Language: Arabic (select electives in English)
Fees: Nominal for citizens; varies for international students
Key Features:
Interdisciplinary approach (architecture + interior design)
Encourages innovation and cultural integration
Research and design project-based curriculum
Program: Master's in Interior Architecture / Interior Design (proposed or special tracks in Master of Architecture)
Note: Official Master’s program is under discussion or available as a specialization within Architecture or Design tracks
Contact directly for updated intake info
Semester |
Key Areas |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Advanced Interior Design Theory, Research Methods |
|
2 |
Design Studio, Sustainable Design, Lighting & Materials |
|
3 |
Electives (Heritage Design, Hospitality Interiors, etc.), Thesis Proposal |
|
4 |
Final Thesis / Capstone Design Project |
Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
GPA of 2.75/4.00 or above
English proficiency:
IELTS: 6.0+
TOEFL: 550 (paper-based) / 79 (iBT)
Portfolio (design samples or previous academic work)
Statement of purpose / research interest
Interview (may be required)
Primary Intake: Fall Semester (September)
Some universities offer Spring intake (January) for certain programs or executive tracks.
Senior Interior Designer
Interior Architect
Design Consultant
University Lecturer / Academic Researcher
Project Manager – Interiors
Design Policy or Sustainability Specialist
Exhibition or Cultural Space Designer
Ministry of Education scholarships for Saudi students and top international applicants
University-level grants or discounts based on academic merit or financial need
Some employers sponsor female Saudi designers for graduate studies at Dar Al-Hekma or PNU
Emphasis on Islamic architecture and cultural heritage in design
Growing real estate and luxury interiors market
Government-backed support for design and creative industries under Vision 2030
Opportunities to teach, research, or establish your own studio
High School Certificate: Completion of secondary education (Science or Arts stream is usually accepted).
Minimum GPA: Most universities require a minimum GPA of around 80% or equivalent in high school.
English Language Proficiency: Since many programs are taught in English, applicants must provide:
IELTS (typically 5.5 or above)
TOEFL (minimum score of around 500 paper-based or 61 iBT) Some universities may also offer an English placement test.
Personal Statement: A short essay explaining your interest in Interior Design and future goals.
Entrance Interview or Aptitude Test: Some private universities (like Dar Al-Hekma or Effat) may ask for an interview or test to assess design sense and creativity.
Portfolio (optional): While not always required, submitting a creative portfolio (drawings, art, digital work) can strengthen your application—especially for private universities.
For International Students: A valid passport, residency permit (Iqama), and certified academic transcripts are needed. Some universities might also require equivalency certificates for non-Saudi qualifications.
Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Environmental Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
Minimum GPA: Usually a GPA of 2.75 out of 4.0 or its equivalent is required.
English Language Proficiency: As most master’s programs are English-taught, universities require:
IELTS (minimum 6.0–6.5)
TOEFL (79 iBT or equivalent)
Portfolio: A portfolio showing your academic or professional design work is usually mandatory.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): A document outlining your goals, research interests, and reasons for choosing the program.
Letters of Recommendation: Some programs ask for one or two academic or professional references.
Interview: May be required to assess your motivation, research interest, and fit for the program.
Starts: Late August or Early September
Application Period: February to June
Admission Results: June to July
Registration & Orientation: August
Starts: January or February
Application Period: September to November
Admission Results: December
Registration: January
Semester Starts: August or September
Application Period: March to June
Interview & Portfolio Review: May to June
Admission Decisions: July
Semester Starts: January
Application Window: September to November
Admission Confirmation: December
Intake: Fall only
Deadlines: Applications close by June
Intakes: Fall & Spring (for both Bachelor’s & Master’s)
Fall Deadline: Mid-June
Spring Deadline: Mid-November
Intakes: Fall & Spring
Fall Deadline: May – June
Spring Deadline: October – November
Intake: Fall only
Application Period: April to June (for Bachelor's)
Graduate Applications: Often open earlier (Feb to May)
Intake: Fall only
Deadlines: March to May (bachelor’s and master’s)
Prince Sultan University (Riyadh)
Fees: SAR 70,000 – 80,000 per year
Program: B.Sc. in Interior Design
Notes: Offers merit-based scholarships
Dar Al-Hekma University (Jeddah – Women Only)
Fees: SAR 65,000 – 70,000 per year
Program: B.A. in Interior Design
Notes: Flexible payment plans and financial aid options
Effat University (Jeddah – Women Only)
Fees: SAR 70,000 – 85,000 per year
Program: B.Sc. in Interior Design
Notes: Scholarships available for high-performing students
King Abdulaziz University (KAU – Jeddah)
Fees: Free for Saudi nationals
International Students: SAR 10,000 – 15,000 per year (approx.)
Program: B.A. in Interior Design (Arabic-medium)
Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Dammam)
Fees: Free for Saudi citizens
International Students: Small admin/registration fees
Program: Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Princess Nourah University (PNU – Riyadh – Women Only)
Fees: Free for Saudis; minimal for others
Program: Bachelor in Interior Design or Interior Architecture
Dar Al-Hekma University (Jeddah – Women Only)
Program: Master of Interior Design (MID)
Fees: SAR 80,000 – 100,000 (total for 2 years)
Payment Plans: Available
King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)
Fees: Free for Saudi citizens
International Students: Around SAR 15,000 – 20,000 (varies by department)
Program: Master of Interior Design (Arabic-medium)
Princess Nourah University (Riyadh – Women Only)
Fees: Free or very low (government-funded for Saudis)
Program: Master in Interior Architecture
Registration/Admission Fees: SAR 500 – 1,500 (one-time)
Books & Materials: SAR 3,000 – 6,000/year (for tools, sketchbooks, software licenses)
Software Access: Some universities include free access to AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe Suite, etc.
Living Expenses (if relocating): SAR 25,000 – 45,000/year depending on city and lifestyle
Merit-based Scholarships: Offered at PSU, Effat, and Dar Al-Hekma
Need-based Aid: Available through financial aid offices at private universities
Ministry of Education Scholarships: For top Saudi and international students (in public universities)
