Checkout the Masters in Interior Design in UAE....
Apr 28, 2025 05:11:03
American University in Dubai (AUD)
Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interior Design
Language: English
Notes: Highly reputed, offers modern facilities and internships.
University of Sharjah
Program: Master of Science in Architectural Engineering (focus can include interiors)
Language: English
Notes: Strong research emphasis; more technical/engineering-oriented.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Program: MA Interior Architecture and Design
Language: English
Notes: UK degree awarded; flexible options for part-time study.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD)
Program: Master of Science in Sustainable Design (relevant for interiors with a sustainability focus)
Language: English
Notes: Canadian curriculum model; popular with international students.
Ajman University
Program: Master of Science in Interior Architecture
Language: English
Notes: Affordable tuition compared to Dubai/Abu Dhabi universities.
Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field
Portfolio (very important)
English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) if your previous education was not in English
Statement of Purpose
Recommendation Letters (usually 2)
AED 55,000 – AED 90,000 (~$15,000 – $25,000 USD), depending on the university
Student visa sponsorship is available through universities.
Living costs: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000/month depending on location (Dubai and Abu Dhabi are more expensive).
Opportunities for part-time internships during study.
Program: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interior Design
Location: Dubai
Language: English
Highlights: Focuses on professional practice and design innovation; strong industry connections.
Program: MA Interior Architecture and Design
Location: Dubai
Language: English
Highlights: UK-accredited degree; strong emphasis on creative and technical skills; flexible study modes.
Program: Master of Science in Interior Architecture
Location: Ajman
Language: English
Highlights: Affordable tuition; focuses on sustainable and innovative design strategies.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD)
Program: Master of Science in Sustainable Design
Note: While not a pure Interior Design program, it includes significant content on designing spaces sustainably.
University of Sharjah
Program: Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
Note: Offers electives and research opportunities in interior design topics, but more technically oriented.
A Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a closely related field.
Some universities may accept applicants from broader design, engineering, or art backgrounds but might ask for extra foundation courses.
Minimum required GPA: typically around 2.5 – 3.0 out of 4.0 (depending on the university).
Mandatory.
A professional portfolio of design work is required to show your creative and technical abilities.
Should include academic projects, internships, or professional work (if any).
If your previous education was NOT in English, you must submit:
IELTS: Overall band 6.0 or 6.5 minimum
TOEFL iBT: Around 79–90
Some universities may waive this if you graduated from an English-speaking institution.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Statement of Purpose (explaining why you want to pursue this Master’s)
Two Recommendation Letters (academic or professional)
Passport Copy (for visa processing)
Portfolio (again, crucial!)
Some universities (especially AUD or Heriot-Watt) might call you for an interview or ask for a design task after reviewing your documents.
Not compulsory for most universities, but having professional experience in design or architecture can strengthen your application.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 years (depending on the university and your pace)
Some programs are structured for 18 months, while others are 24 months including a final thesis or major project.
Duration: 2 to 3 years
Part-time options are offered by universities like Heriot-Watt University Dubai, allowing you to balance work and study.
University |
Online/Hybrid Availability |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Hybrid (part online, part on-campus) |
Some flexibility with online learning, but final projects usually require physical presence. |
|
American University in Dubai (AUD) |
No (only on-campus) |
Interior Design Master’s is studio-based, needing on-site work. |
|
Ajman University |
No (only on-campus) |
Emphasis on studio and practical design. |
Interior Design is a studio-heavy program: it includes workshops, model-making, group projects, site visits, and lab work.
→ This makes full online delivery very difficult.
Most UAE universities require you to attend physical classes for critiques, exhibitions, and practical sessions.
Part-Time or Flexible Learning is available — meaning fewer days on campus (e.g., evenings or weekends).
Blended Learning: Some lectures are online, but studio sessions and critiques are in-person.
Fall Intake (September) → Main intake
Spring Intake (January/February) → Secondary intake (available in some universities)
Summer Intake (May/June) → Rare for Master's programs, usually not for Interior Design.
Intake |
Application Deadline |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (September) |
March to June |
Early application gives a better chance (and more time for visa). |
|
Spring (January/February) |
September to November |
Not all universities offer a spring start for Interior Design. |
|
Summer (May/June) |
March/April (rare) |
Very limited options. |
University |
Fall Intake Deadline |
Spring Intake Deadline |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
American University in Dubai (AUD) |
End of June |
End of October |
Portfolio must be submitted early. |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
July 15 |
December 15 |
Flexible rolling admissions but earlier is better. |
|
Ajman University |
July |
November |
Might extend deadlines slightly. |
University |
Total Tuition Fees (approx.) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
American University in Dubai (AUD) |
AED 120,000 – 140,000 (~USD 32,500 – 38,000) |
Paid per credit hour; portfolio-based scholarships available. |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
AED 90,000 – 100,000 (~USD 24,500 – 27,000) |
UK-accredited degree; payment in installments possible. |
|
Ajman University |
AED 65,000 – 80,000 (~USD 17,500 – 21,500) |
More affordable; sometimes offers tuition discounts. |
Fees are usually charged per credit hour or per semester.
Some universities add lab fees, library fees, and registration fees (typically AED 2,000–5,000 extra).
Visa fees, health insurance, accommodation are separate and not included in tuition.
Some universities (like AUD) offer scholarships covering 10%–50% of tuition for strong portfolios or academic excellence.
Payment Plans: Most universities allow installment payments across semesters.
Additional Costs: Supplies (model making, materials, printing) can cost AED 5,000–10,000 during the whole course.
AED 65,000 – 140,000 total (for the entire degree, 1.5–2 years)
Depends on the university:
Ajman University: more affordable
AUD / Heriot-Watt: mid to high range
Expense |
Estimated Cost per Month |
|---|---|
|
Accommodation (shared) |
AED 2,000 – 4,000 |
|
Food |
AED 1,000 – 1,500 |
|
Transportation |
AED 300 – 600 |
|
Internet/Mobile |
AED 200 – 300 |
|
Miscellaneous (shopping, gym, outings) |
AED 500 – 1,000 |
Design programs often require:
Model-making materials
Art supplies
Printing/plotting
Estimated: AED 5,000 – 10,000 total during the degree.
Item |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
Student Visa (per year) |
AED 2,500 – 4,000 |
|
Medical Insurance (mandatory) |
AED 1,500 – 2,500 |
|
Residence ID, Admin Fees |
AED 500 – 1,000 |
Category |
Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
|
Tuition |
AED 65,000 – 140,000 |
|
Living Expenses |
AED 96,000 – 180,000 |
|
Supplies + Visa + Insurance |
AED 10,000 – 15,000 |
|
Total (2 years) |
AED 170,000 – 335,000 |
Research universities offering a Master’s in Interior Design (or similar: e.g., "Master of Interior Architecture," "Master of Design").
Check program details, specializations, tuition fees, campus location, and accreditations.
A Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
Minimum GPA (usually 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
Portfolio of design work (very important).
English proficiency (for non-native speakers):
IELTS (usually 6.0 or above) or
TOEFL (about 79+ iBT).
Completed application form (online or paper).
Official transcripts from previous universities.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
Statement of Purpose (motivation letter explaining why you want to study Interior Design at the Master’s level).
Portfolio (collection of your design works — often digital submission).
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3).
Copy of passport and passport-sized photographs.
Submit all documents through the university’s online portal or by email.
Some universities charge an application fee (e.g., AED 300–500).
Some programs invite you for an interview (online or in-person) to discuss your portfolio and motivations.
If accepted, you’ll receive a Conditional or Unconditional Offer Letter.
Conditional offers may depend on completing final transcripts, English scores, or other requirements.
Accept the offer formally (pay a deposit to secure your seat — typically AED 5,000 to 10,000).
The university usually helps you apply for a student visa (especially for international students).
Pay remaining tuition fees (either fully or by semester/term).
Register for courses.
Attend orientation and start classes!
American University in Dubai (AUD)
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Canadian University Dubai
University of Sharjah
American University of Sharjah (AUS)
University |
Scholarship |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
American University in Dubai (AUD) |
Graduate Merit Scholarship |
Based on GPA and portfolio quality; up to 50% tuition coverage. |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Postgraduate Merit Awards |
Up to AED 10,000–15,000 tuition reduction for high GPA and portfolio strength. |
|
Canadian University Dubai |
Academic Excellence Scholarship |
Covers up to 50% of tuition; based on undergraduate GPA (minimum 3.5/4.0). |
|
University of Sharjah |
Postgraduate Scholarships |
Discounts between 25%–50% for UAE Nationals and select high-achieving international students. |
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
Graduate Assistantship (GA) |
Work part-time (teaching or research) in exchange for partial/full tuition coverage + stipend. |
Mohamed bin Zayed University Scholarships (for design and innovation fields sometimes linked to architecture and design)
Ministry of Education UAE Scholarships (for Emirati nationals mainly, but occasionally international).
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Scholarships (covers select creative industries students).
Al Qasimi Foundation Scholarships (open for creative fields if the research benefits Sharjah/UAE community).
Some design firms or architecture companies in the UAE offer partial sponsorships if you agree to work for them after graduation (this is less common but possible).
Strong Portfolio: Some scholarships judge creative talent heavily.
Early Application: Scholarships often have earlier deadlines than admission deadlines.
High Academic Scores: A GPA above 3.0–3.5 dramatically increases your chances.
Community Contribution: Some scholarships look for leadership, volunteering, or awards in arts and design.
Career Role |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Senior Interior Designer |
Lead large-scale residential, hospitality, retail, or commercial projects. |
|
Design Project Manager |
Oversee the design and execution stages; coordinate between clients, contractors, and suppliers. |
|
Interior Architect |
Specialize in spatial design, working closely with structural changes and large developments. |
|
Furniture Designer |
Focus on custom furniture and installations for interior projects. |
|
Exhibition Designer |
Work on booths, pop-ups, trade shows, and museums (especially in Dubai’s event-driven economy). |
|
Sustainability/Green Design Consultant |
Advise on LEED-certified interiors and eco-friendly materials. |
|
3D Visualizer / Interior Stylist |
Specialize in renders, VR walkthroughs, and visual merchandising. |
|
Academic/Researcher |
Teach at universities or pursue a PhD if interested in academic careers. |
Architecture & Interior Design Firms (like Gensler, Wilson Associates, Perkins+Will)
Real Estate Developers (Emaar, Nakheel, Aldar)
Hospitality Groups (Jumeirah Group, Marriott, Hilton)
Retail & Luxury Brands (interior design for showrooms, boutiques, malls)
Government and Cultural Projects (especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai smart city and museum projects)
Role |
Approximate Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-Level Designer |
8,000–12,000 AED |
|
Mid-Level (3–5 years exp.) |
12,000–18,000 AED |
|
Senior Designer / Project Manager |
18,000–30,000+ AED |
|
Head of Interiors (Director-level) |
35,000–50,000 AED+ |
Dubai now allows Freelance Permits for designers through zones like Dubai Design District (d3) or Dubai Development Authority.
Some Master's graduates even open their own boutique design studios within a few years.
Specialize in Luxury Interiors, Hospitality Design, or Healthcare Spaces (these sectors are growing fast).
Become a Certified LEED Designer (sustainability is a major trend).
Build a strong digital portfolio — UAE employers value a mix of technical (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit) and creative skills (Photoshop, 3Ds Max).
