Best Interior Design Courses in Italy

Italy has always been known for its art, architecture, and designs. Today as well, the country reflects a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. Therefore, for any student passionate about interior design, Italy is the perfect choice, as it not only provides academic programs, but also gives an opportunity to study in the very place where global design trends are born.

Italy has become a popular destination for aspiring designers, and offers some of the best interior design universities and schools in the world. Whether you are interested in an undergraduate program, a postgraduate program or pursue a short-term diploma course, the country offers a wide range of courses designed to suit your requirements.

Thus, if you are a student exploring interior design options in Italy, this article is for you. Here we will talk about the types of courses available, admission requirements, top colleges, tuition fees, and much more.

Why Choose Italy for Interior Design?

Italy is home to some of the best interior design universities in the world, and offers students a perfect blend of art and function. Here are some of the reasons that you must choose Italy to fulfill your interior design dream:

Globally Renowned Universities: Italian universities are appreciated and respected worldwide for their academics and practical knowledge. Several Italian universities are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.
Exposure to Design Hubs: When you choose to study in Italy , you get access to globally recognized design hubs like Milan and Florence. You get to see the latest designs first-hand, and work around them.
Access to Industry Networks: As Italy is also known as the fashion and design hub of the world, with several world-famous designers and brands operating there, you get a chance to work with them, and establish your network.
Practical Training: Italian universities focus majorly on hands-on training. Therefore, students get to learn through hands-on workshops and real design projects, under the supervision of industry experts.
Affordability: Italian universities are very affordable with minimal tuition fees, as compared to other countries like the US and the UK. Add to that, scholarships further decrease the overall cost of education in the country.

Types of Interior Design Courses in Italy

Italy offers a wide range of interior design courses to suit different academic goals, skill levels, and career paths. Here are some of the best courses in Italy that align with their aspirations:

Undergraduate Programs in Interior Design

Duration: 3 years
Focus: Foundational concepts in interior design, design history, 3D modeling, space planning, and more.
Suitable for: These programs are suitable for students who want to pursue a full undergraduate degree in interior design.
Career Opportunities: After the completion of the course, students get entry-level design roles, or can further pursue their master’s degree.

Postgraduate Programs in Interior Design

Duration: 1-2 years
Focus: Advanced design techniques, sustainable design, luxury interiors, and use of innovative technology
Suitable for: Graduates in interior design, architecture or related field.
Career Opportunities: Opens umpteen doors for senior design roles, and international projects. Students can also pursue careers in the field of design academics.

Short-Term & Diploma Programs

Duration: 6-12 months
Focus: Practical skills, design software, Italian designs, and industry projects.
Suitable for: Beginners or professionals who want to enhance their skills without committing to a full degree.
Career Opportunities: After the completion of the course, students get hands-on learning, which can help them build a strong design portfolio.

Specialization Courses

Duration: Varies
Focus: Niche areas like luxury interior design, furniture design, lighting design, and more.
Suitable for: Interior designs who want to master a specific domain
Career Opportunities: The course enhances their expertise in the specific field, making them experts.

Best Universities and Institutes for Interior Design in Italy

Some of the top universities in Italy which have carved a niche for themselves in the field of interior design are:

1. Politecnico di Milano

Located in Milan, Politecnico di Milano is Italy’s top-ranked design university. It is globally recognized for its innovation, creativity, and practical approach. The university offers interior design programs that blend architecture, and technology.

Location	Milan
QS Rankings	6
Type of Institute	Public
Approx Tuition Fee	€3,000 – €3,800 (EU), €3,800 – €4,500 (Non-EU)
Medium of Instruction	English and Italian
Popular Courses	Bachelor in Interior Design, MSc Interior & Spatial Design

2. Istituto Marangoni

Also located in Milan, the global fashion and design hub, Istituto Marangoni offers a wide range of interior design programs. The university is known for its strong focus on style, luxury, and modern living spaces.

Location	Milan, Florence
QS Rankings	51-100
Type of Institute	Private
Approx Tuition Fee	€17,000 – €21,000
Medium of Instruction	English and Italian
Popular Courses	BA Interior Design, Master in Interior Design, Luxury Living Design

3. NABA - Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti

NABA is one of Italy’s leading art and design institutes It offers contemporary interior design programs, which largely emphasis on creativity, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary projects.

Location	Milan, Rome
QS Rankings	51-100
Type of Institute	Private
Approx Tuition Fee	€16,500 – €19,500
Medium of Instruction	English and Italian
Popular Courses	BA Interior Design, MA Interior & Spatial Design

4. Politecnico di Torino

Politecnico di Torino is located in the heart of Turin, and is one of the prestigious technical universities in Italy. The university combines architecture, engineering, and design, and offers courses that are deep rooted in innovation and sustainability.

Location	Turin
QS Rankings	51-100
Type of Institute	Public
Approx Tuition Fee	€2,800 – €3,200
Medium of Instruction	English and Italian
Popular Courses	MSc in Interior Architecture, Design & Architecture

5. Sapienza University of Rome

Sapienza University of Rome is one the largest and oldest universities in Europe, and offers a wide range of interior design courses. The courses are crafted to integrate design theory and practice with cultural heritage, which give students holistic approach to designs.

Location	Rome
QS Rankings	101-150
Type of Institute	Public
Approx Tuition Fee	€2,900 – €3,500
Medium of Instruction	English and Italian
Popular Courses	Interior Architecture & Design

6. Universita luav di Venezia:

Located in Venice, the university is globally recognized for its architecture and design courses. It is popular among students for blending history, art, and modern design technologies in a cultural city.

Location	Venice
QS Rankings	101-150
Type of Institute	Public
Approx Tuition Fee	€3,000 – €3,500
Medium of Instruction	English and Italian
Popular Courses	BA Interior Design, MA Interior & Exhibition Design

7. IES - Istituto Europeo di Design:

If you are interested in hands-on interior design programs, the university is the right place for you. Istituto Europeo di Design has several campuses across Italy, and all focus on creativity, technology, and real-world projects.

Location	Milan, Rome, Florence, Turin
QS Rankings	151-200
Type of Institute	Private
Approx Tuition Fee	€15,000 – €18,500
Medium of Instruction	English and Italian
Popular Courses	BA Interior Design, Master in Interior & Furniture Design

8. University of Bologna

University of Bologna is one of the oldest universities in the world, and offers interior design programs, combining the rich history and modern design education.

Location	Bologna
QS Rankings	151-200
Type of Institute	Public
Approx Tuition Fee	€2,800 – €3,200
Medium of Instruction	English and Italian
Popular Courses	Interior Design

Admission Criteria for Interior Design in Italy

To pursue interior design courses in Italy, students must meet specific academic, language, and portfolio requirements depending on the program level. Here are the common requirements:

Undergraduate Program Requirements:

Academic Qualification: High school diploma (equivalent to 12th class) with a minimum of 60%.
Language Proficiency: IELTS (5.5–6.0), TOEFL (70–80 iBT), or equivalent for English-taught programs. And, B1 level for Italian-taught programs.
Portfolio: Focus on creativity, sketching, and design ideas
Other documents: Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Entrance exams (if required), a valid passport, academic transcripts.

Postgraduate Program Requirements:

Academic Qualification: A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design / Architecture / Arts / related field with a minimum of 60%.
Language Proficiency: IELTS (6.0–6.5), TOEFL (80–90 iBT), or equivalent for English-taught programs. And, B2 level for Italian-taught programs.
Portfolio: Professional or academic projects, technical drawings, and conceptual work.
Other documents: Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Entrance exams (if required), a valid passport, academic transcripts.

Short-Term Courses Requirements

Flexible entry requirements, usually open to students & professionals.

Course Duration and Curriculum for Interior Design in Italy

Interior design programs in Italy are structured to balance theory, creativity, and hands-on practice. Students gain exposure to global design trends, Italian aesthetics, and industry-standard tools through lectures, studio sessions, and real-world projects.

Course Type	Duration	Core Curriculum Highlights
Undergraduate Programs in Interior Design	3 years	Fundamentals of Design & Architecture History of Art & Design 2D & 3D Design Techniques Interior Styling & Furniture Design CAD, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp Sustainable & Innovative Design Practices Final Project + Internship
Postgraduate Programs in Interior Design	1–2 years	Advanced Interior & Spatial Design Lighting, Materials & Textiles Digital Modelling & Rendering (3Ds Max, Revit, BIM) Exhibition & Retail Design Urban & Public Space Interiors Design Research Methodology Thesis + Industry Collaboration Project
Diploma/Short-Term Programs	6–12 months	Basics of Interior Styling Colour Theory & Space Planning Furniture & Product Design Quick CAD/SketchUp Training Short Projects & Case Studies
Specialization Courses	3–6 months	Luxury Interior Design Sustainable Design Solutions Hospitality & Retail Interiors Italian Design History & Aesthetics Studio Projects & Portfolio Development

Cost of Studying Interior Design Courses in Italy

Italy offers world-class interior design education at comparatively affordable costs. While public universities have lower tuition (subsidized by the Italian government), private institutes are costlier but provide specialized design-focused programs with strong international exposure.

Course Type	Public Universities (Approx. Fees/Year)	rivate Design Schools (Approx. Fees/Year)
Undergraduate Courses in Interior Design	€1,000 – €3,500	€12,000 – €20,000
Postgraduate courses in Interior Design	€1,200 – €4,000	€15,000 – €25,000
Short-Term / Diploma Programs	€2,000 – €4,500	€8,000 – €15,000
Specialization Courses	€1,500 – €3,000	€6,000 – €10,000

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many universities offer scholarships for interior design in Italy, covering partial or full tuition fees. Some of the popular scholarships in Italy include:

Scholarship / Aid	Coverage
Scholarship / Aid	Coverage
Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)	Partial/Full tuition + living stipend (€900/month approx.)
DSU Regional Scholarships	Tuition fee waiver, accommodation, meals, and allowances
NABA Scholarships	25%–50% tuition fee reduction
Domus Academy Scholarships	20%–50% tuition coverage
IED Scholarships	Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships	Full/Partial tuition + living stipend

Career Opportunities after Interior Design in Italy

Studying interior design in Italy opens doors to a global design career. Graduates can pursue careers in:

Interior Designer (Residential & Commercial)
Exhibition & Retail Space Designer
Furniture & Product Designer
Sustainable Interior Design Consultant
3D Visualisation & CAD Specialist
Freelance Interior Consultant or Entrepreneur

How YES Italy Helps You?

YES Italy is one of the best overseas education consultants for Italy, helping you a smooth and hassle-free study abroad journey. They offer a wide range services, which include:

University & course selection.
Application & admission process.
Scholarship & financial aid assistance.
Italy Student Visa guidance & interview prep.
Career counselling & internship opportunities.
Pre and post departure services.

Conclusion

Studying interior design in Italy offers an entry into a culture where design is a way of life. Italy’s globally renowned design schools, rich artistic heritage, and deep industry connections offer students an education that blends creativity, innovation, and real-world practice. With access to scholarships, international career opportunities, and exposure to top global brands, students gain the tools to shape their future as world-class designers.

If you dream of building a career that combines passion with prestige, studying interior design in Italy is one of the best investments in your future.

Book Your Free Consultation

100 + Courses

10K + Counseled

Best Interior Design Courses…

How to Apply for…

What is the Minimum…

Art Courses in Italy

Luxury Brand Management Courses…

Answer You Need To Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions? Check out these frequently asked questions from visitors and applicants. See if we address your concerns, or feel free to contact us directly.

Is Italy Good For Interior Design?

Yes. Italy is considered as one of the best countries for interior design, especially for Indian students. Several Italian universities rank among top world universities in art and design. Not to mention, Italy’s cities like Milan, and Florence are the global design hubs.

Is Italy Good For Interior Design?

Can I Study Interior Design in Italy?

Yes. Several Italian universities (both private and public) offer a wide range of courses in interior design at a very affordable cost.

How Much Do Interior Designers Make in Italy?

Italy is known as the fashion and design hub of the world. Having said that, interior designers in Italy generally earn an average of €25,000–€60,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

Is Florence Design Academy Among the Best Colleges in the World for Interior Design?

Yes, Florence Design Academy is internationally recognized for its specialized interior design program.

Which is Better: Florence Design Academy or Florence Institute of Design International?

While both the institutes are known for their academic and practical learning, Florence Design Academy is more specialized in interiors. Having said that, even the FIDI institute is renowned and is known for its focus on architecture and broader design.

17,000+

40 Lakh+

17 Lakh+

12 Month

800+