The Whitehouse Institute of Design is a private higher education provider in Australia, specializing in fashion, design, and creative industries. Established in 1988, it has built a strong reputation for producing industry-ready graduates in the global design scene.
Campuses:
Sydney (Main Campus): 2 Short Street, Surry Hills, NSW
Melbourne Campus: 672 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC
Programs Offered:
Bachelor of Design (specializations in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Creative Direction & Styling)
Master of Design
VET Courses (Certificate III, IV, and Diplomas in Design)
Portfolio Preparation and Short Courses
International Recognition:
Whitehouse graduates are recognized in fashion and design industries globally, with alumni working in Europe, the US, and across Asia-Pacific.
Industry-Focused Learning:
Hands-on, studio-based classes
Strong focus on real-world briefs, internships, and creative portfolio development
Connections to designers, stylists, and fashion houses
International Students:
Whitehouse is CRICOS-registered and welcomes international students with programs tailored to global design standards. Courses are taught in English, and the institute offers support with visa, accommodation, and academic transition.
Highly regarded in the fashion and design industries
Small class sizes and personalized mentorship
Focus on creativity, innovation, and industry relevance
Access to networking events, exhibitions, and internship opportunities
Excellent graduate portfolios that attract top employers and fashion houses
This is the flagship degree at Whitehouse and is available in three specialisations:
Fashion Design
Focuses on garment construction, fashion illustration, pattern making, and collection development
Prepares students for careers in fashion design, textile design, and fashion entrepreneurship
Interior Design
Covers spatial design, residential and commercial interiors, CAD, materials, and lighting
Ideal for aspiring interior designers, set designers, and visual merchandisers
Creative Direction and Styling
Focus on image-making, trend forecasting, fashion styling, branding, and editorial work
Leads to careers in creative direction, fashion media, and content creation
Each bachelor’s program is typically completed over 2 years (accelerated format) or 3 years (standard format).
A postgraduate program for those with a background in design or a related field
Emphasizes research, innovation, design strategy, and professional practice
Great for students looking to push creative boundaries or take on leadership roles in the industry
Whitehouse also offers nationally accredited VET programs that are often used as pathways into the Bachelor degree:
Certificate III in Design Fundamentals
Certificate IV in Design
Diploma of Design
These are ideal for students who want to develop their portfolio or meet the entry requirements for higher education programs.
Whitehouse runs creative workshops, holiday programs, and portfolio preparation courses for high school students or beginners looking to enter the design field. These are non-accredited but very useful for building a strong application portfolio.
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Design – Fashion Design |
2–3 years |
$24,500 – $25,000 |
|
Bachelor of Design – Interior Design |
2–3 years |
$24,500 – $25,000 |
|
Bachelor of Design – Creative Direction & Styling |
2–3 years |
$24,500 – $25,000 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Design |
2 years (full-time) |
$24,000 – $25,000 |
The Whitehouse Institute of Design is a top-tier private design school in Australia that welcomes creative minds from all over the world. Known for its hands-on, industry-driven programs, the institute offers a strong foundation for international students who are passionate about design, fashion, interiors, and styling.
International students can apply for:
Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design, Interior Design, Creative Direction & Styling)
Master of Design
Certificate & Diploma programs (VET)
Portfolio preparation and short courses
All programs are CRICOS-registered, making them available to student visa holders.
Whitehouse provides a range of services to help students settle in and succeed:
Orientation Week for new students
Academic and language support
Student services team to assist with housing, health insurance, and living in Australia
Small class sizes and one-on-one mentoring from industry-experienced staff
Students work on real industry briefs, portfolio projects, and exhibitions
Opportunities to participate in fashion shows, styling shoots, and design showcases
Strong focus on practical, studio-based learning to build an impressive portfolio
Students come from countries like China, India, Japan, the U.S., Italy, and more
Emphasis on cross-cultural creativity and inclusive learning
Collaborative environment where students support each other’s creative growth
Graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) to stay and work in Australia
The Master of Design enhances leadership and career growth in the design industry
Whitehouse’s reputation and alumni network open doors to careers worldwide
Sydney and Melbourne campuses are located in creative hubs near art galleries, design studios, and fashion districts
Campuses feature modern studios, sewing labs, Mac labs, and photo spaces
Plenty of cafes, shops, and public transport nearby
Australia is safe, multicultural, and vibrant
Students can work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight) during study
International Student Health Cover (OSHC) is required but support is provided for arrangements
Start by selecting the course you wish to apply for:
Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design, Interior Design, Creative Direction & Styling)
Master of Design
Certificate or Diploma programs (VET)
Portfolio Preparation or Short Courses
For Bachelor’s Degree:
Completion of high school (Year 12 equivalent)
Minimum English proficiency:
IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT 60–78 or PTE 50+
For Master’s Degree:
Bachelor’s degree in a related design or creative discipline
English requirements: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or equivalent
A portfolio of creative work is required for both Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants.
You’ll need to gather the following:
Academic transcripts (official and translated if not in English)
Portfolio of creative work
Copy of passport
English language test results
Resume or CV (for Master’s applicants)
Statement of Purpose (SOP) – optional but recommended
Apply online through the Whitehouse Institute official website
Or apply via a registered education agent in your country
There’s no official application fee mentioned, but always confirm during the process.
Some applicants may be invited to an interview (online or in-person) to discuss their portfolio and motivation
This is more common for competitive programs like Fashion Design
If your application is successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer
Review and sign the offer to confirm your place
Pay the required deposit or first-semester tuition fee
Whitehouse will issue your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)—required for your visa application
Use your CoE to apply for the Subclass 500 Student Visa
Ensure you also arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Book accommodation and flights
Attend Orientation Week and get ready to start your creative journey in Australia!
Whitehouse offers two main intakes per year for most of its programs:
February Intake (Semester 1) – Main intake
August Intake (Semester 2) – Mid-year entry
Short courses and portfolio preparation programs may have multiple intakes throughout the year.
Academic Requirements:
Successful completion of Year 12 (Australian or equivalent)
International qualifications are assessed case-by-case based on equivalency
English Language Requirements:
IELTS: Overall 6.0 (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 60–78
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 50
Portfolio Requirement:
Submission of a creative portfolio showcasing design work, sketches, styling ideas, or artistic skills
Interview may be required (via Zoom for international students)
Academic Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in design or a related creative discipline
Students from non-design backgrounds may be considered with a strong portfolio and relevant work experience
English Language Requirements:
IELTS: Overall 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
TOEFL iBT: 79–93
PTE Academic: Minimum score of 58
Portfolio & Interview:
Advanced portfolio showcasing conceptual and professional-level work
May be invited for an interview or presentation of work
Academic Requirements:
Completion of Year 11 or 12
Portfolio may be required
English requirement: IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Value / Coverage |
Available To |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Whitehouse Merit Scholarship |
High academic achievement & outstanding creative portfolio |
Partial tuition fee reduction |
Domestic & International |
|
Creative Excellence Scholarship |
Exceptional design portfolio and creative potential |
Up to 20% tuition fee reduction |
Domestic & International |
|
Equity & Access Scholarship |
Financial hardship or special circumstances |
(partial tuition support) |
Domestic only (mainly) |
|
Alumni Scholarship (Postgrad) |
Whitehouse graduates continuing to Master of Design |
Up to 15% discount on postgraduate fees |
Domestic & International |
|
Industry Partner Awards |
Selected by industry collaborations or competitions |
(often short-term or one-off) |
Selected students only |
Campus Location |
Facilities Available |
Accommodation Options Nearby |
Approx. Cost/Week (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sydney Campus |
- Design studios |
- Urbanest Darling Square |
$250 – $450/week |
|
Melbourne Campus |
- Creative labs |
- UniLodge Melbourne CBD |
$230 – $420/week |
Student life at Whitehouse is all about creativity, collaboration, and real-world experience. Whether you're studying fashion design, interior design, or creative direction, you'll be immersed in a studio-based learning atmosphere that mirrors the energy of the actual design industry.
You’ll spend your time working on hands-on projects, developing your portfolio, and experimenting with materials, textiles, and styling elements. Students are encouraged to express their individual design style while also learning how to present work professionally.
Whitehouse campuses are known for being intimate and personalised. You won’t be one of hundreds in a lecture hall — classes are small, so students get individual attention from experienced mentors and industry professionals. This creates a tight-knit community where students feel supported and recognized.
The institute attracts students from all over the world, so you’ll be part of a diverse, global classroom where different cultures and design perspectives are embraced.
With campuses located in Sydney and Melbourne, two of Australia’s most creative cities, students have access to art galleries, fashion districts, designer boutiques, cafes, and cultural events — all just minutes from campus.
Many students draw inspiration from the urban lifestyle around them and frequently attend fashion shows, exhibitions, pop-ups, and networking events happening in the city.
Student life includes participation in runway shows, design competitions, editorial styling projects, and even internships with real-world brands. Whitehouse frequently collaborates with industry leaders to ensure students are not only learning but also building connections for their future careers.
While Whitehouse doesn’t have a big sports or traditional club scene like large universities, students still enjoy social gatherings, exhibitions, student showcases, design talks, and workshops. These events help build friendships and allow for collaboration across different design disciplines.
Expect to work hard — design programs are intensive and fast-paced, especially if you choose the accelerated path. But the rewards are huge, especially when you start to see your portfolio come to life. The balance of studio time, city experiences, and a supportive creative community makes student life at Whitehouse both inspiring and empowering.
While Whitehouse Institute does not guarantee job placements, it is highly regarded within the Australian design industry, and students benefit from:
Strong ties to fashion houses, interior design firms, magazines, and creative agencies
Guest lectures and workshops by top designers and stylists
Industry partners often recruit directly from Whitehouse student showcases and graduate exhibitions
Many programs include practical placements or offer opportunities to intern with brands like:
Vogue Australia
Zimmermann
Dion Lee
Sass & Bide
Studio Tate (interior design)
These internships can lead to freelance or full-time work after graduation
Whitehouse places a strong focus on building a professional-grade portfolio throughout your studies
Final-year exhibitions and showcases often attract industry scouts and employers, giving students a platform to stand out
Graduates go on to work in roles such as:
Fashion Designer
Creative Director / Art Director
Interior Designer / Spatial Consultant
Fashion Stylist or Editorial Stylist
Trend Forecaster / Brand Strategist
Visual Merchandiser
Design Entrepreneur (many grads launch their own labels or consultancies)
Whitehouse alumni have worked for top brands and agencies in:
Australia, UK, France, Italy, USA, Japan, and more
Some also pursue further studies or roles in fashion capitals like London, Milan, and New York
Whitehouse alumni include:
Tamara Ralph – Co-founder of Ralph & Russo (Paris-based haute couture house)
Many stylists and designers featured in Australian Fashion Week and international design fairs
Type |
Estimate |
|---|---|
|
Estimated Acceptance Rate |
~60% – 70% (moderately selective) |
|
Key Admission Factor |
Quality of portfolio & creative potential |
The institute does not rely solely on academic scores—instead, the focus is on your:
Creative portfolio
Passion for design
Interview performance (if required)
English proficiency (for international students)
Even if you meet academic criteria, a weak portfolio may reduce your chances, while a strong, innovative portfolio can significantly boost your application—even with average grades.
Address:
2 Short Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
Highlights:
Located just minutes from Sydney’s Central Station
Surrounded by fashion boutiques, design studios, galleries, and cafes
Close to landmarks like Paddington, Chinatown, and the Powerhouse Museum
Easily accessible by public transport
Address:
672 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Highlights:
Right in Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District)
Near art hubs like ACMI, NGV, and iconic laneways full of street art and cafés
Steps from Southern Cross Station, tram lines, and shopping strips
Ideal for interior design and creative direction inspiration
