Interior Design Colleges and Courses in UAE

Checkout the Interior Design Colleges and Courses in UAE....

Standyou Team
Standyou Team

Apr 21, 2025 11:42:11

Best Interior Design Universities in UAE


1. American University in Dubai (AUD)

Location: Dubai
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Intake: Fall (September) & Spring (January)
Estimated Tuition Fees: AED 91,500 per year (~USD 25,000)
Ranking/Reputation:

  • Accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation – USA)

  • One of the top private universities in the UAE


2. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Location: Dubai Knowledge Park
Program: BA (Hons) Interior Design
Duration: 3–4 years (depending on foundation year)
Intake: September
Estimated Tuition Fees: AED 63,000 per year (~USD 17,000)
Ranking/Reputation:

  • Ranked among top UK universities (parent campus)

  • Strong industry connections and focus on practical design


3. American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Location: Sharjah
Program: Bachelor of Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Intake: Fall (August/September), Spring (January)
Estimated Tuition Fees: AED 105,000 per year (~USD 28,500)
Ranking/Reputation:

  • Accredited by NAAB (for architecture) and reputable design faculty

  • Highly ranked in the MENA region for architecture and design


4. Canadian University Dubai (CUD)

Location: City Walk, Dubai
Program: Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
Duration: 4 years
Intake: Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May)
Estimated Tuition Fees: AED 66,150 per year (~USD 18,000)
Ranking/Reputation:

  • Offers transfer opportunities to Canada

  • Known for smaller class sizes and personalized attention


5. University of Sharjah

Location: Sharjah
Program: Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture
Duration: 4 years
Intake: Fall & Spring
Estimated Tuition Fees: AED 65,000 per year (~USD 17,700)
Ranking/Reputation:

  • Government university with a strong academic profile

  • Solid regional reputation in architecture and interior fields


6. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai

Location: Dubai International Academic City
Program: Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)
Duration: 4 years
Intake: August
Estimated Tuition Fees: AED 38,000–45,000 per year (~USD 10,000–12,200)
Ranking/Reputation:

  • Affordable private university with practical-oriented curriculum

  • Good placement and industry projects


7. SAE Institute Dubai

Location: Dubai Knowledge Park
Program: Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)
Duration: 3 years
Intake: March, September
Estimated Tuition Fees: AED 65,000 per year (~USD 17,700)
Ranking/Reputation:

  • Globally recognized creative institute

  • Strong industry-based training and project work

Universities in UAE


Interior Design Courses in UAE


1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs (BDes / BA / BFA / BSc)

University

Course Name

Duration

Entry Requirements

Mode

American University in Dubai (AUD)

BFA in Interior Design

4 years

High school diploma + English proficiency (IELTS 6.0/TOEFL)

Full-time

Heriot-Watt University Dubai

BA (Hons) Interior Design

3–4 years

High school certificate + IELTS 6.0

Full-time

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Bachelor of Interior Design

4 years

High school + SAT or EmSAT + English test

Full-time

Canadian University Dubai (CUD)

BA in Interior Design

4 years

High school + IELTS 6.0

Full-time

University of Sharjah

BSc in Interior Architecture

4 years

High school + EmSAT + IELTS

Full-time

Manipal Academy Dubai

Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)

4 years

High school + English proficiency

Full-time

SAE Institute Dubai

Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)

3 years

High school + Portfolio preferred

Full-time


2. Diploma & Certificate Courses in Interior Design

Institute

Course Name

Duration

Mode

Notes

Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)

Introductory Interior Design (Short Course)

8–12 weeks

Part-time

Focus on foundations, sketching, and 3D modeling

Lotus Educational Institute, Dubai

Diploma in Interior Design

1 year

Full-time / Part-time

KHDA certified, practical approach

International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA), Dubai

Interior Design Certificate

6 months

Part-time

Focuses on design basics, CAD, and material studies

London College of Fashion - Dubai Branch (LCF)

Interior Styling Short Course

1–2 weeks

Short Term

Niche program focused on styling & décor

SAE Dubai

Foundation in Design

1 year

Full-time

Can lead to Bachelor's in Interior Design


3. Master’s Degree Programs (MA / MFA / MSc)

University

Course Name

Duration

Entry Requirements

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Master in Urban Planning/Design (related)

2 years

Bachelor’s + IELTS 6.5

Ajman University

Master of Interior Design

2 years

Bachelor's in related field + English

Canadian University Dubai

Currently no Master’s in Interior Design

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Popular Subjects/Specializations in Interior Design

  • Space Planning & Ergonomics

  • Sustainable Interior Design

  • Lighting Design

  • Furniture & Product Design

  • CAD & 3D Modeling (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit)

  • Interior Styling & Décor

  • Commercial & Residential Interiors

  • Exhibition & Retail Design


Study Locations in UAE

  • Dubai – Most options, especially international campuses (AUD, Heriot-Watt, CUD, SAE)

  • Sharjah – Strong public universities (AUS, University of Sharjah)

  • Ajman – Ajman University (affordable options)

  • Abu Dhabi – Limited for Interior Design but offers architecture programs


Fee Range for Interior Design Courses in UAE

Program Type

Approx. Fee (AED/year)

Bachelor’s Degree

AED 38,000 – 105,000/year

Diploma / Certificate

AED 10,000 – 30,000 total

Master’s Degree

AED 45,000 – 85,000/year

Study in UAE


Bachelor of Interior Design in UAE


1. American University in Dubai (AUD)

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design

  • Duration: 4 years

  • Intake: Fall (September) & Spring (January)

  • Tuition Fees: Approx. AED 91,500/year (~USD 25,000)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • High school diploma (min 60–70%)

    • IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 550

    • Portfolio (optional but recommended)

  • Accreditation: CIDA (U.S.-based Interior Design Accreditation)

  • Highlights: Industry-focused projects, strong U.S. curriculum, internships


2. Heriot-Watt University Dubai

  • Program Name: BA (Hons) Interior Design

  • Duration: 3–4 years (with optional foundation year)

  • Intake: September

  • Tuition Fees: AED 63,000/year (~USD 17,000)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • High school completion (CBSE, IB, A-Levels, etc.)

    • IELTS 6.0 / equivalent

    • Portfolio may be requested

  • Highlights: British curriculum, strong ties to UK industry, 3D design studios


3. American University of Sharjah (AUS)

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Interior Design

  • Duration: 4 years

  • Intake: Fall (August/September) & Spring (January)

  • Tuition Fees: AED 105,000/year (~USD 28,500)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • UAE high school certificate or equivalent (min 75%)

    • SAT / EmSAT

    • IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80

  • Accreditation: NAAB (for architecture)

  • Highlights: Highly ranked in MENA, strong design faculty, research-based


4. Canadian University Dubai (CUD)

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design

  • Duration: 4 years

  • Intake: Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May)

  • Tuition Fees: AED 66,150/year (~USD 18,000)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • High school with 70%+

    • IELTS 5.5–6.0

    • No portfolio required

  • Highlights: Transfer options to Canada, strong Canadian curriculum, urban campus


5. University of Sharjah

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture

  • Duration: 4 years

  • Intake: Fall & Spring

  • Tuition Fees: AED 65,000/year (~USD 17,700)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • UAE high school or equivalent (min 75%)

    • IELTS 5.5–6.0

    • EmSAT English score (1100+)

  • Highlights: Strong local reputation, government-run university, practical studio work


6. Manipal Academy of Higher Education – Dubai Campus

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)

  • Duration: 4 years

  • Intake: August

  • Tuition Fees: AED 38,000–45,000/year (~USD 10,000–12,200)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • 50% in 10+2 or equivalent

    • IELTS 6.0

    • Portfolio optional

  • Highlights: Budget-friendly, Indian curriculum base with global exposure, hands-on labs


7. SAE Institute – Dubai

  • Program Name: Bachelor of Design (Interior Design)

  • Duration: 3 years

  • Intake: March & September

  • Tuition Fees: AED 65,000/year (~USD 17,700)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • High school completion

    • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent

  • Highlights: Creative-focused, project-based learning, strong industry tools (SketchUp, AutoCAD)

Building & Architecture in UAE


Masters of Interior Design in UAE


1. Ajman University

  • Program: Master of Science in Interior Design

  • Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

  • Intake: Fall & Spring

  • Tuition Fees: AED 6,300 per credit hour (~Total: AED 75,000 – 80,000)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field

    • GPA 3.0+ out of 4.0 (conditional admission possible for lower GPA)

    • IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 550

    • Portfolio submission

  • Accreditation: CAA (UAE Ministry of Education)

  • Highlights: Focus on sustainable design, theory + studio-based curriculum


American University in the Emirates (AUE), Dubai

  • Program: Master of Arts in Design Management (Related to Interior Design)

  • Duration: 2 years

  • Intake: Fall & Spring

  • Tuition Fees: AED 84,000 (entire program)

  • Entry Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s in any design-related field

    • IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 550

  • Highlights: Business + design focus; suitable for professionals managing interior design projects


University of Sharjah

  • Program: Master in Architectural Engineering (with electives in Interior Architecture)

  • Duration: 2 years

  • Tuition Fees: Approx. AED 48,000–55,000 total

  • Entry Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s in Architecture / Interior Architecture

    • English proficiency (IELTS 6.0)

  • Highlights: Strong academic focus; useful if interested in teaching or research


Canadian University Dubai (CUD)

  • Program: No specific MA/MSc in Interior Design yet

  • Alternative Option: Master of Architecture or transfer to a Canadian institution for MA Interior Design

  • Suggestion: Contact for dual-campus program options


Manipal University Dubai

  • Program: No Master's in Interior Design (only Bachelor’s and short-term certificates)

  • Alternative Path: Postgraduate diploma/certificate in design-related fields

B.Arch in UAE


Eligibility Criteria for Interior Design Course Program in UAE


1. Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design (BFA / BA / BSc / BDes)

General Eligibility:

Requirement

Details

Academic Qualification

Completion of high school or equivalent (e.g. UAE General Secondary Certificate, CBSE, IB, A-Levels)

Minimum Grades

Usually 60%–75% depending on the university

English Proficiency

IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL 500–80 (depending on the institution)

Portfolio

Optional at most universities, but highly recommended (especially for AUD, AUS)

EmSAT (for UAE nationals)

Some universities require EmSAT English score (1100+)


Example:

  • AUD: High school diploma with min 2.5 GPA, IELTS 6.0, portfolio optional

  • AUS: 75%+ in high school, EmSAT, IELTS 6.5, portfolio recommended

  • Manipal Dubai: 50%+ in 12th grade, IELTS 6.0, no portfolio required


2. Master’s Degree in Interior Design (MSc / MA)

General Eligibility:

Requirement

Details

Academic Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related design/engineering field

Minimum GPA

2.5–3.0 out of 4.0 (some allow conditional admission)

English Proficiency

IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 550+

Portfolio

Required in many cases (especially if from non-design background)

Experience (optional)

Some programs may prefer design work experience, but not mandatory


Example:

  • Ajman University: Bachelor in Interior Design or Architecture, GPA ≥ 3.0, IELTS 6.0, portfolio required

  • AUE (Design Management): Bachelor’s in design-related field, IELTS 6.0, portfolio optional


3. Diploma / Certificate Courses in Interior Design

General Eligibility:

Requirement

Details

Academic Qualification

Minimum: Grade 10/High School Certificate (varies by course level)

English Proficiency

IELTS not always required, but basic English skills expected

Portfolio

Usually not required

Age Requirement

Typically 17+ years


Example:

  • Lotus Institute, Dubai: High school pass, conversational English, no portfolio

  • SAE Short Courses: No formal qualifications needed, beginner-friendly


Required Documents (Typical for Admission)

  1. High School / Bachelor’s Transcripts (depending on level)

  2. English Proficiency Test Score (IELTS / TOEFL / EmSAT)

  3. Passport Copy and Visa (for international students)

  4. Personal Statement or Motivation Letter (some institutions)

  5. Portfolio (for some Bachelor's and most Master’s programs)

  6. Recommendation Letters (mainly for Master’s level)


International Students

  • Equivalency Certificate: May be required from UAE Ministry of Education for non-UAE certificates

  • Student Visa Support: Most universities assist with visa processing

  • Language Support: English foundation programs available if you don’t meet IELTS requirements

Art Universities and Courses in Dubai


Intakes & Application Deadlines for Interior Design Course in UAE


1. Bachelor’s Programs in Interior Design

University

Intakes

Application Deadlines

Notes

American University in Dubai (AUD)

Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan)

Fall: July 15
Spring: Nov 15

Rolling admissions; apply early for scholarships

Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Fall (Sep)

Priority: June 30
Final: Aug 31

Foundation year available; limited Spring intake

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan)

Fall: Jul 15
Spring: Nov 15

EmSAT or SAT needed for UAE nationals

Canadian University Dubai (CUD)

Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan), Summer (May)

Rolling (Apply 1–2 months before intake)

Multiple intakes; flexible admissions

University of Sharjah

Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan)

Fall: Jul 31
Spring: Nov 30

Early applications preferred for scholarship consideration

Manipal Dubai

Fall (Aug)

Priority: May 31
Final: Jul 31

One major intake per year

SAE Institute Dubai

March, September

Mar Intake: Feb 15
Sep Intake: Aug 15

Creative school with two clear intakes per year


2. Master’s Programs in Interior Design

University

Intakes

Application Deadlines

Notes

Ajman University

Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan)

Fall: Aug 1
Spring: Dec 15

Admission includes interview + portfolio

American University in the Emirates (AUE)

Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan)

Fall: Jul 31
Spring: Dec 15

MA in Design Management is flexible

University of Sharjah

Fall (Sep), Spring (Jan)

Fall: Aug 1
Spring: Dec 10

Limited seats in electives related to interiors


3. Diplomas & Short-Term Certificates

Institute

Intakes

Application Timeline

Notes

Lotus Educational Institute, Dubai

Monthly intakes

1 week before batch start

Certificate/Diploma programs all year

SAE Dubai – Foundation/Certs

March, September

3–4 weeks before intake

Focus on project-based learning

DIDI (Dubai Institute of Design & Innovation)

Short courses/workshops – flexible

Ongoing

Some seasonal design bootcamps

London College of Fashion – Dubai (LCF)

Seasonal (Spring/Fall)

2–4 weeks before start

Interior styling short courses


Tips for Applying on Time

  1. International Students: Apply 2–3 months early to handle visa, accommodation, and document evaluation.

  2. Scholarship Deadlines: Many universities (AUD, AUS, CUD) offer early-bird scholarships — apply by April–May for Fall.

  3. Portfolio Prep: If required (especially for master’s or top-tier bachelor’s), prepare at least 1–2 months in advance.

  4. Rolling Admissions: CUD, SAE, and Lotus have flexible deadlines — but limited seats.


Fees for Interior Design Courses in UAE


1. Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design

University

Program Name

Tuition Fees (AED/year)

Total (Approx.)

Duration

American University in Dubai (AUD)

BFA in Interior Design

AED 91,500

AED 366,000

4 years

Heriot-Watt University Dubai

BA (Hons) Interior Design

AED 63,000

AED 189,000

3 years

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Bachelor of Interior Design

AED 105,000

AED 420,000

4 years

Canadian University Dubai (CUD)

BA in Interior Design

AED 66,150

AED 264,600

4 years

University of Sharjah

BSc Interior Architecture

AED 65,000

AED 260,000

4 years

Manipal University Dubai

BDes in Interior Design

AED 38,000–45,000

AED 152,000–180,000

4 years

SAE Institute Dubai

Bachelor of Design (Interior)

AED 65,000

AED 195,000

3 years


2. Master’s in Interior Design

University

Program Name

Tuition Fees (AED total)

Duration

Ajman University

MSc in Interior Design

AED 75,000–80,000 (entire program)

2 years

American University in the Emirates (AUE)

MA in Design Management

AED 84,000 (total)

2 years

University of Sharjah

Master in Architectural Engineering (with interiors)

AED 48,000–55,000

2 years


3. Diplomas & Certificate Courses (Short-Term)

Institute

Program Type

Fee Range (AED)

Duration

Lotus Educational Institute

Diploma in Interior Design

AED 18,000 – 28,000

6–12 months

SAE Dubai

Foundation in Design

AED 45,000

1 year

London College of Fashion – Dubai

Interior Styling Certificate

AED 5,000 – 8,000

1–2 weeks

DIDI (Workshops)

Short Interior Design Courses

AED 3,000 – 6,000

2–6 weeks


Other Costs to Consider

Expense Type

Estimated Cost (AED/year)

Student Visa (for international students)

AED 3,000 – 4,500

Accommodation

AED 20,000 – 50,000

Materials & Software (SketchUp, AutoCAD, etc.)

AED 3,000 – 6,000

Health Insurance

AED 1,000 – 2,500


Scholarships & Discounts

  • Merit-based Scholarships: Available at AUD, AUS, CUD (up to 50%)

  • Early Application Discounts: Heriot-Watt, CUD, and Manipal offer early bird benefits

  • Sibling & Alumni Discounts: Often 10%–20% across most private universities

  • Government-funded students (UAE nationals): May qualify for Ministry of Education support