You notice it as soon as you walk into the lobby of your office, the dining room of a new restaurant, or even your own home: how functional yet attractive the space is, with practical and accessible design decisions making it a safe, enjoyable environment. That’s interior design at its best.
Those who enrol in interior design courses are often people with a passion for curating the look and feel of a space to live or work in. Putting yourself in the shoes of those who will use the space, interior design requires a thoughtful, creative approach to designing for people’s needs and wants, effectively project managing a variety of stakeholders to bring your vision to life.
Industry Canada estimates there are more than 23,000 people employed as interior designers, with healthy prospects for job-seekers across many provinces. The average salary for an interior designer in Canada is about $60,000, with more experienced designers making upwards of $80,000 a year. To be fully accredited in Canada as an interior designer you have to write the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ) exam.
Choosing the best interior design program could start by determining if a program has achieved the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), which demonstrates an adherence to industry quality standards and is widely respected by employers. (Certain provinces’ interior design regulatory bodies will only allow you to become a registered member if you graduated from a CIDA-accredited school, including Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan.) You’ll also want to look at what kind of co-op or internship opportunities you can access through a school, the level of technical skill you’ll develop and exposure to leading design technologies you’ll receive.
CourseCompare developed the following ranking by looking at these factors, as well as student retention rates, graduation rates, job placement rates and more. These are the best interior design programs and schools of 2025.
CourseCompare’s annual school rankings are determined using a process that considers several core metrics and principles. Read more about our methodology here.
Toronto Metropolitan University
Originally known as Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, TMU became a full-fledged university in the early 1990s and has its campus located in the heart of downtown Toronto. As of 2024, its four-year, CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design program has evolved into a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), with themes that touch on communication, design dynamics and the history of art and design. It is offered through the Creative School.
What Sets TMU Apart?
TMU’s interior design program has a 100 percent job placement rate, 90.3 percent retention rate and 89.2 percent graduation rate. Alumni from the program have worked on projects for clients such as Hudson’s Bay, W Hotels, Nike, Holt Renfrew, TIFF and many more. It has been named one of the leading interior design schools in the world in Azure, a highly respected industry publication which sought input from a global panel of experts. There are annual year-end exhibitions for students to showcase their work to the industry. TMU also offers a Masters of Interior Design (MID) program for those with an accredited undergraduate interior design degree. The MID is a one-year program to enhance skills in creative practice and design enquiry, and offers paid opportunities such as becoming a research assistant or graduate teaching assistant.
What You’ll Learn
Studying interior design at TMU means you’ll design projects based on real-world problems and contemporary issues. The emphasis is on helping you to understand interior design from perspectives such as health, wellness, inclusion and sustainability. You’ll get to work with the school’s fabrication facility as well as traditional woodworking shops, ceramics facilities, and a materials library specifically curated for interior design. Field trips, public lectures and competitions take you beyond the classroom, and an internship or co-op placement offers even more hands-on experience.
Locations
Toronto
Sheridan College
For more than 50 years, Sheridan has been providing education in the arts, business, community service, health-care and more recently technology. Its initial 17 programs have since expanded to the more than 120 diplomas, certificates, and degrees it offers to approximately 23,000 full-time students. This includes its four-year, CIDA-accredited Honours Bachelor of Interior Design.
What Sets Sheridan Apart?
Sheridan’s program enjoys a 98 percent student retention rate, an 83 percent graduation rate and a 92 percent job placement rate. It’s recognized by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Exam. It’s also worth noting the program’s field trips take students far beyond Sheridan’s campus, including major interior design meccas like New York and Chicago.
What Students Are Saying
Nicole Venegas,“As an international student, I appreciate what Sheridan does to integrate students. The building is very modern and comfortable. The facilities are state-of-the-art, the teachers are committed to the students and the staff cares about every detail that can affect a student. The only thing that could indicate is that each space feels very full during exam periods, but generally, there is a good flow of students. ”
What You’ll Learn
Studying interior design at Sheridan College will provide you with a grounding in building systems and construction knowledge, as well as teach you to use tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit. You’ll be learning in spaces designed to look less like traditional classrooms and more like real-world design studios. As you build skills in areas such as sustainable development and project management, you’ll have unlimited access to lecture notes and all other class resources, because Interior Design is one of the school’s mobile computing programs. There is also one four-month co-op semester as part of your studies.
Locations
Toronto
Humber Polytechnic
Humber College is a polytechnic educational institution, meaning it blends theory with a heavy emphasis on practical training in real-world environments to help its graduates enter the workforce well-prepared. Its mission is to develop global citizens who are ready to lead and innovate. Its four-year CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design runs between September and August.
What Sets Humber College Apart?
Humber’s most recent stats for its interior design program show a 92 percent student retention rate, a 78 percent graduation rate and an 88 percent job placement rate. This program places heavy emphasis on practical experience: Its work-integrated learning approach includes Professional Practice courses for students, where a dedicated advisor helps prepare them for the workplace ahead of the Field Experience course they take between third and fourth year. The Field Experience course gives students 420 hours of real-world experience through either unpaid or paid opportunities.
What Students Are Saying
Anshpreet Singh,“Humber College North Campus is truly deserving of a five-star rating for its exceptional academic environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to student success. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I was impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and the modern infrastructure. The faculty at Humber are not only highly qualified but also dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning experience. Their approachability and willingness to support students contribute significantly to the college's positive academic atmosphere. The diverse range of programs offered ensures that students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and prepare for their chosen careers. The campus facilities are outstanding, providing students with access to cutting-edge technology, well-equipped libraries, and comfortable study spaces. The emphasis on practical, hands-on learning is evident in the various labs and workshops, enhancing the overall educational experience. Additionally, the campus boasts recreational facilities, promoting a healthy balance between academic and extracurricular activities. One of Humber North's standout features is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The multicultural student body creates a vibrant community, fostering a global perspective that is invaluable in today's interconnected world. The college actively promotes cultural awareness and encourages students to engage in various clubs and activities that celebrate diversity. In conclusion, Humber College North Campus has exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The supportive learning environment, top-notch facilities, and emphasis on diversity make it a standout institution. Choosing Humber was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I've made for my education, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a transformative college experience. ”
What You’ll Learn
Humber aims to replicate what it’s like to work in a professional design studio. Its resource room includes drafting tables, computer stations, material samples and seven open studios where you can unleash your creativity. The curriculum is intended to help you develop an evidence-based design process, while honing your ability to effectively present your ideas both virtually and in-person. You’ll also go on observational field trips to get a better sense of how people engage within built environments. Industry mentors will then help you research, design and document a large-scale project in your final year.
Locations
Toronto
University of Manitoba
Based in Winnipeg, UM was the first Western Canadian university when it was founded in 1877. It offers more than 100 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs, spanning faculties of agriculture, food studies and much more. Its Masters of Interior Design (MID) is run out of its Faculty of Architecture.
What Sets UM Apart?
This is the only CIDA-accredited master’s program in Canada – important for interior designers in Manitoba, where an MID degree is required for professional accreditation. Students new to the profession can complete the First-Professional Program over a two-year period, while those who already hold a Bachelor of Interior Design can enroll in a one-and-a-half-year Post-Professional Program that is more research-oriented. A one-year bridging Pre-master’s Program is also available to undergrads who don’t quite meet the background requirements for the First-Professional program. Based on data from 2022, the program has a 100 percent job placement rate after graduation.
What You’ll Learn
Pursuing UM’s MID allows you access to a variety of design studios and facilities such as its fabrication lab (FABLab), a CADLab focused on computer-assisted design, and the Architecture/Fine Arts Library. Beyond technical skill development and an introduction to interior design processes, the course includes a strong theoretical focus on human-centric and context-specific design. That means you’ll not only learn about lighting and designing for human comfort, but also concepts of universal access and cultural theory. And with a dedicated co-op period, this program balances the theoretical with hands-on application of the technical skills learned in the lab.
Locations
Winnipeg
Yorkville University
A for-profit school founded in 2003 and headquartered in Fredericton, Yorkville University has grown into locations in both Ontario and B.C. Its undergraduate and graduate programs span fields such as business, the arts, behavioural sciences and education. It positions its CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design as ideal for those focused on sustainable designs for shifting demographics.
What Sets Yorkville University Apart?
Yorkville’s interior design program has a 96 percent job placement rate. With two learning streams – on campus and online – Yorkville is unique in that it offers the only CIDA-accredited fully online Bachelor of Interior Design, without a residency requirement. Its programs are offered year-round, with new starts on a quarterly basis. Besides CIDA accreditation, its program is also recognized by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC).
What Students Are Saying
Martine Lapointe, BID, WELL AP, ASID Allied, Interior Designer APDIQ., Online Bachelor of Interior Design“I have had such a wonderful experience studying at Yorkville University in their Bachelor of Interior Design program. I graduated "Class of 2022" with a degree that is relevant and current with industry's state and evolving trends. I have acquired an in-depth knowledge and resourcefulness that serves me on a daily basis now. I particularly enjoyed this program for its overall quality and flexibility. I was able to continue working throughout the program. Even with children to attend to. I was able to progress according to my own pace and busy schedule while making the most of the learning experience and the very thorough course material that was offered every single time. Even while studying online, I enjoyed rich exchanges and relationships with my peers, faculty members, professors and instructors. Faculty members, professors and instructors have been beyond wonderful in sharing and communicating their knowledge in a way that kept us engaged and committed to our own success. ”
What You’ll Learn
Yorkville teaches interior design with an eye towards multiple vertical markets such as hospitality, healthcare and retail as well as residential services. You’ll get a grounding in many tools that build technical skills such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Photoshop. There’s also a strong hands-on component, as each student is expected to complete 20 volunteer community service hours and 180 hours of supervised internship with a design firm.
Locations
Online or on-campus in Toronto
Mount Royal University
Though it dates back to 1910 and operated as a college as of the 1930s, MRU formally became a university with a focus on bachelor’s degrees in 2009. It is located in Calgary, where it offers a CIDA-accredited, four-year undergraduate Interior Design program focused on creativity, technology and design theory.
What Sets MRU Apart?
The MRU program has a job placement rate of 80 percent, an 87 percent retention rate and an 80 percent graduation rate. It also boasts a teacher studio ratio of 1:20, and offers a 450-hour paid internship within the final semester of study.
What You’ll Learn
Studying interior design at MRU means you’ll be integrating hand sketching and drawing with technology to develop solid ideation and communication skills. The curriculum includes courses that connect spaces and experiences, what “inhabitation” means across multiple contexts and a course on professional practice standards. Skills development in design tools are offered throughout the four-year study period.
Locations
Calgary
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
KPU offers more than 140 programs across B.C. campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Cloverdale, Whalley, and Langley. As a polytechnic school, it provides a range of co-ops, practicums and paid internship opportunities as part of the student experience. Its Bachelor of Interior Design degree is CIDA-accredited and is a four-year program aimed at full-time students.
What Sets KPU Apart?
KPU’s most recent stats show that 100 percent of those who graduated from its interior design program found a job – all within the interior design field. This is on top of an 82 percent retention rate and an emphasis on small class sizes designed to allow a close connection with faculty. KPU says students will leave the program with a robust portfolio and contacts that will help them thrive in the industry.
What You’ll Learn
The heart of the KPU interior design program is the studio component, where you’ll develop a critical awareness of design histories and methodologies. You’ll also learn about building codes, circulation, drafting principles, diagramming, and design communication. Site studios provide an opportunity to practice measuring and documenting key details, as well as working with innovative materials during hands-on learning. The Professional Practice component of the course is where you’ll get a co-op-style opportunity to work under a registered interior designer to streamline your transition to the workplace.
Locations
Vancouver
Conestoga College
Conestoga is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing colleges, located in Kitchener with campus operations in Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll, and Brantford. It delivers more than 270 career-focused programs and more than 20 degrees, including its CIDA-accredited four-year Bachelor of Interior Design (Honors) program.
What Sets Conestoga College Apart?
Conestoga’s honors program was re-accredited by CIDA until 2030, making it one of only five such programs in Ontario. It has a job placement of 89 percent and the program also meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). Two co-op placements offered through the program are both paid work opportunities.
What Students Are Saying
Harshdeep Singh Sidhuu,“Best college , professors are really very helpful and understanding. As an International student I will advise that this college is really best ”
What You’ll Learn
Through project-based learning, studying interior design at Conestoga College will expose you to practices in sustainability, universal design and health and safety – as much a science as an art. You’ll develop an understanding of how to design with an eye toward ergonomics, illumination, acoustics, finishes, safety, and all aspects of space programming. The program approach develops technical and management skills, ensuring its graduates are adept in managing projects that involve not only other designers but architects, engineers and contractors.
Locations
Cambridge
Fanshawe College
Serving the greater London, Ont. area with more than 220 post-secondary programs, Fanshawe is an applied arts and technology school that specializes in a career-focused curriculum. Its four-year, full-time Honors Bachelor Interior Design (Co-Op) program is CIDA-accredited.
What Sets Fanshawe College Apart?
Fanshawe College’s Interior Design program is recognized by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and has an 88 percent job placement rate and a 92 percent graduation rate. It offers two co-op work semesters after third year for a total of 425 hours of experience.
What You’ll Learn
With an applied approach to the discipline, studying interior design at Fanshawe will develop your technical skills and academic knowledge alike. Subjects of study include anthropometrics, wayfinding, acoustics and ergonomics, plus 3D printing, CNC fabrication and laser cutting, among others. Fanshawe also invites you to bring your designs to life using virtual reality technologies. You’ll learn to communicate and share your ideas with future clients by practicing verbal and visual presentation methods.
Locations
London
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
BCIT distinguishes itself from universities and colleges as a polytechnic institution with applied learning and small class sizes, a legacy that stretches back to 1964. It operates five campuses and close to 50,000 students each year, including those who enroll in its four year, CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design program.
What Sets BCIT Apart?
BCIT’s program has a job placement rate of 79 percent, and an even higher graduation satisfaction rate of 94 percent. It takes a building-block approach whereby students start their first year earning a certificate in interior design fundamentals, followed by a diploma in interior design in year two. The third and fourth year earn the CIDA-accredited degree, and it offers both full-time and part-time study options. You can also earn a diploma in residential interiors in your second year. A study abroad program is available in addition to a co-op placement.
What You’ll Learn
Studying interior design at BCIT teaches you to devise creative solutions that accommodate how people use spaces, addressing needs of healthcare environments, aging in place, and multi-use public spaces. In addition to a theoretical basis in cultural history and socioeconomics, you’ll be expected to take business courses that improve your communications, marketing and leadership skills. Given that interior design intersects with a number of other trades, you’ll also study related fields and learn from electricians, carpenters, plumbers and HVAC specialists, as well as conduct a field study in a location of interest over eight to 10 days.
Locations
Vancouver
OCAD University
Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, OCAD teaches students about everything from digital media to research and creativity. It serves more than 4,000 students in a range of disciplines, including a CIDA-accredited Environmental Design: Interior Design Specialization that’s part of its four-year Bachelor of Design Honours program.
What Sets OCAD Apart?
OCAD’s Interior Design specialization has an 88 percent retention rate, a 48 percent graduation rate and a 71 percent job placement rate. Its program meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). OCAD also promises access to short experiential learning placements from among hundreds of organizations, exclusive internships, gallery exhibitions of student work and freelance creative opportunities.
What You’ll Learn
When studying interior design at OCAD, you’ll use Respectful Design as a philosophical base, following a curriculum that values inclusivity and diversity. Initial courses in colour and 2D design are followed by learning about personal space, presentation drawing, social space and diversity as well as accessible design. By your fourth year, you’ll focus on a major year-long interior design thesis project and showcase your work at GradEx, which is annually attended by 40,000 visitors.
Locations
Toronto
Algonquin College
An applied arts and technology school based in Ottawa, Algonquin also has campuses in Perth and Pembroke. With approximately 200,000 students, Algonquin offers more than 200 programs, including its four-year Bachelor of Interior Design (Co-Op) program.
What Sets Algonquin College Apart?
According to its most recent data, the interior design program has a 97 percent job placement rate, and a 73 percent graduation rate. Though not CIDA-accredited, students also have the opportunity to graduate with an additional qualification: a Building Biology Advocate (BBA) certification from the Building Biology Institute, which focuses on the science of healthy buildings. Algonquin’s interior design program is also a bridging program that allows interior designers to update their credentials from a three-year advanced diploma, a process which can happen online. A paid co-op work term is available to those eligible.
What You’ll Learn
Studying interior design at Algonquin College is an integration of theory, analysis and practice. You’ll be taught how to consider the ecological, economic and social considerations of designing healthy living and working environments. Algonquin emphasizes the experiential aspects of its learning, where your work will increase in scale and complexity from residential scale to medium and large scale projects in sectors ranging from retail, and hospitality to health-care environments.
Locations
Ottawa
Georgian College
A multi-campus institution based in Barrie, Georgian College is partnered with ILAC International College. It is the first and only college in Canada designated a change maker college by Ashoka U for its role as a leader in social innovation and change making in higher education. Its programs include a four-year, full-time Honours Bachelor of Interior Design.
What Sets Georgian College Apart?
While not CIDA-accredited, Georgian College’s program has a 92.1 percent retention rate, a 91.7 percent graduation rate and an 88 percent job placement rate. It is recognized both by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and graduates can apply for an alternative path to ARIDO membership. It also promises a unique learning style where students are presented with a creative design problem and then develop in a studio, supported by digital media, communications and building science courses. The results are featured in a digital student gallery. Georgian is host to a number of design competitions and scholarship opportunities.
What Students Are Saying
Brooke Savich,“I love Georgian College. Having attended university previous to this I can say that the small classroom size has allowed me to have an amazing relationship with my teachers, more opportunity to ask questions, and much more hands on experience. It is very organized, not only the staff but also the students are so friendly and welcoming every day. The school is all connected and easy to navigate. Nothing but great things to say! As for the costs of going to college/university, you're going to have to pay basically the same (college/university respectively), and Georgian gives you the best quality available for what it costs. The gym is also nice with lots of equipment. :) ”
What You’ll Learn
Studying interior design at Georgian College means you’ll be challenged to rethink the built environment by advocating positive change in a rapidly evolving global context. You’ll be expected to construct sophisticated interior designs, and document construction drawings and specifications to communicate concept development and design resolution. Besides working closely with instructors who have extensive industry experience, you’ll also participate in a four-month co-op semester.
Locations
Barrie
Vancouver Island University
Beginning as Malaspina College in 1969, VIU has its main campus in Nanaimo and regional campuses in Powell River and Duncan. It offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs, including its CIDA-accredited, four-year Bachelor of Interior Design run out of its Art and Design department.
What Sets VIU Apart?
VIU’s program of Canada has a 93 percent job placement rate. Its site also specifically names a sampling of the interior design studios where its graduates have found employment. Students are eligible for membership with Interior Designers of BC (IDIBC) and upon graduation and two years of approved, related work experience, may write the professional exams set by NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification). An annual student showcase provides an opportunity to present work based on a common theme.
What You’ll Learn
Studying interior design at VIU involves a combination of lectures, studio work, computer lab instruction and both individual and group projects. There are field trips, an internship and final project that you’ll complete over the final two semesters of study. The curriculum includes courses on the design process, interior design materials and even business and technical writing.
Locations
Nanaimo
George Brown
With three full campuses located in downtown Toronto, George Brown prioritizes real-world experiences as part of the learning process. It also prides itself on applied research, education for entrepreneurs and social innovation. Its three-year interior design diploma program has January and September start dates and is run out of its Architectural Studies school.
What Sets George Brown Apart?
While it is not CIDA-accredited, George Brown boasts an overall 83.3 percent job placement rate and 74.6 percent graduate satisfaction rate. A competitive co-op program is offered in the final year of study, and those who graduate may be eligible for advanced standing in other George Brown programs like its Honours Bachelor of Interior Design or Honours Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management) degree program. This is a blended program, which means there are options to study online as well as on campus.
What You’ll Learn
Beyond a thorough understanding of design theory, George Brown’s program teaches you technical skills such as 2D and 3D drawing, modeling, rendering and specification writing. Sample projects span everything from retrofits and renovations to new construction, including interior additions, and leasehold improvements. You’ll graduate with a Building Code ID number, which means you’ll be legally able to design building interiors.
Locations
Toronto
St. Clair College
One of the top 10 research colleges in Canada, St. Clair is based in Windsor, Ontario. Its more than 120 programs in health sciences, community studies, emergency technology and skilled trades are intended to prepare students for the careers of the future. Its three-year Interior Design program offers an advanced diploma.
What Sets St. Clair College Apart?
Though it is not CIDA-accredited and doesn’t break out specific stats for interior design, St. Clair College has an overall 88.4 percent job placement rate and 78.1 percent graduate satisfaction rate. The interior design program has articulation agreements with Wayne State University, Michigan and Atlantic Technological University Sligo, Ireland. This means St. Clair students can transfer into the fourth year of degree programs at those institutions. The program also has active student chapters of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) and the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO).
What You’ll Learn
Studying interior design at St. Clair College means you’ll explore the profession and its work across residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. You’ll start out with courses in interior design fundamentals, drafting and materials for interior spaces, among others. This will be followed by courses such as art history, computer-aided design (CAD), estimating, lighting fundamentals, and health and safety codes. By the sixth semester you’ll be learning areas such as professional partnerships, building your portfolio and advanced design studio practices.
Locations
Windsor
Editorial Team