Best Interior Design Universities in Italy

Italian interior design universities have gained global recognition for offering academic excellence, hands-on training, industrial exposure, cutting-edge curriculum, and globally recognized degrees. If you are also a student aspiring to make a career in interior designing, studying in Italy offers great opportunities. Whether it is about contemporary designs, sustainable approach or renaissance heritage, interior design universities in Italy strain students to push boundaries and think out-of-the-box. Keep reading this article to know more about interior designing courses in Italy, best interior design universities in Italy, their admission requirements, and much more.

Why Study Interior Design in Italy?

Students completing their education in interior designing in Italy have seen unprecedented growth, and success in their careers, making Italy one of the most popular destinations to study interior design. Here are some of the reasons that make Italy the best education hub in the western world:

Top-Ranked Universities: Italy is home to some of the leading design schools in the world that offer internationally recognized courses.
Industry Exposure: When studying in Italy, students get opportunities to work on live projects, access to exhibitions, several workshops, and internships with international brands.
Global-Career Opportunities: Italian-trained interior designs are in great demand in Europe, and other countries.
Affordability: The Italian universities, especially public universities in Italy, are very affordable, making access to education easier. Additionally, cost of living is very nominal for international students.
Design Capital of the World: Cities in Italy, like Milan and Florence are globally renowned hubs for fashion, architecture, and design. Students in Italy get access to them, and learn from the best.
Strong Network Opportunities: As students from across 80+ countries come to Italy to pursue their education, it gives students access to a global network, which could come handy in their career.

Ready to Start Your Interior Design Journey in Italy?

Italy is the global centre of design — but choosing the right university, portfolio format, and scholarship route can be confusing.

Top Interior Design Universities in Italy

Italy is home to some of the prestigious and globally recognized universities, which offers a diverse range of courses in interior designing. Some of them include:

1. Politecnico di Milano:

Politecnico di Milano is one the top ranked design and technology universities in the world. The university, renowned for its School of Design, offers a wide range of globally acclaimed programs in interior design, architecture, and product design.

The university is located in Milan, and provides students with unparalleled exposure to industry leaders, design fairs, and innovation hubs.

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. Instituto Marangoni:

Founded in 1935, Istituto Marangoni is another prestigious private university in Italy, which specializes in fashion, design, and art. The university has campuses in cities like Milan, Florence, Paris, London, and Dubai, giving students international exposure.

The university has a strong focus on innovation, and modern aesthetics, and therefore, attracts career-oriented learners.

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:

Located in Milan and Rome, the university is known for its innovative design academics, and real-world applications. Its curriculum emphasises conceptual thinking, cultural understanding, and cutting-edge design practices, and involves collaborations with top design firms and exhibitions.

NABA encourages students to explore sustainable and contemporary approaches, making it futuristic, and attracting thousands of students from across the world.

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 offers strong programs in architecture, interior design, and urban planning. Known for its innovative approach to combining design and engineering, the university prepares students to address complex challenges in contemporary design and sustainability.

Politecnico di Torino is a great choice for students aiming to build careers that merge creative design with technical expertise in interior and spatial innovation.

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 of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. The university offers specialized programs in architecture, interior design, and industrial design. With several English-taught programs and affordable tuition, the university is one of the top choices for interior design students seeking academic excellence in Italy.

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 one of the only universities in Italy, which is fully dedicated to design, architecture, and the arts. Universita luav di Venezia, established in 1926, focuses on sustainability, spatial innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Its programs are enriched by Venice’s historic and artistic environment, making it an ideal place for students passionate about blending tradition with modern design concepts.

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. IED - Istituto Europeo di Design:

IED is an international network of design schools that has its campuses in Milan, Rome, Florence, and other global cities. The university offers several interior design, product design, and visual arts programs, and is known for its practical, industry-oriented approach.

The curriculum combines creativity, technology, and business acumen, making it highly appealing for international students.

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:

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the world’s oldest university and a hub for academic excellence. The university is located in a vibrant student city, Bologna provides a stimulating learning environment that blends history with innovation.

With affordable tuition fees, global rankings, and strong academic prestige, the University of Bologna is a respected destination for interior design aspirants in Italy.

Admission Requirements to Study Interior Designing in Italy

Securing an admission in Italian universities is pretty straightforward. Here are some of the common requirements that the students must fulfill:

Education Qualification: High school (for Bachelor’s) or a relevant undergraduate degree (for Master’s).
Portfolio Requirement: A portfolio showcasing creativity, sketches, projects, or design work.
Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (IELTS – 5.5-6.0/TOEFL – 70-90) or Italian proficiency – B1 level (depending on medium of instruction).
Application documents: academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters.

Career Opportunities After Interior Design in Italy

Italy’s strong design industry, coupled with international recognition, ensures excellent employment prospects. Graduates from the best interior design universities in Italy can pursue global careers such as:

Interior Designer (residential, commercial, luxury)
Furniture & Product Designer
Exhibition & Event Space Designer
Sustainable Design Specialist
Urban Space & Spatial Designer
Set Designer for Film, Theatre & TV

Conclusion

Choosing to study at the best interior design universities in Italy is more than just an academic decision, it’s a gateway to becoming part of a global design legacy. From Milan’s modern luxury to Florence’s artistic traditions, Italy offers the perfect setting to nurture your creative vision.

With world-class institutes, industry collaborations, and endless career opportunities, Italy stands out as the ultimate destination for aspiring interior designers.

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