We’ve been receiving numerous emails from readers who want to be interior designers, decorators and architects but just don’t know where to start. So we’ve decided to help them out by compiling a list of institutions that are renowned for their design courses. But before we get to that, lets discuss the difference between the three professions.
While many people use the terms “interior designer” and “interior decorator” interchangeably, there are key differences between the two. For instance, an interior decorator works with architects to design the entire interior of the space. They work in collaboration with the architects to decide on how the space should be divided, where the walls should be built and what kinds of flooring and ceiling material will work best.
When it comes to interior decorators, the general rule of thumb is that a home owner, developer or residential/commercial architect hires an interior decorator to help create a certain look or feel for a home or workspace.
And lastly, an interior architect combines the study and practice of interior design with architecture.
All three professionals work together or individually to ensure that spaces are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. We suggest you do a bit of extra research on each so you know exactly what you want to study. Once you’re done, locate a design school by using our list below.
All the educational institutions we’ve provided are approved and accredited by the South African Department of Education. All of them offer a minimum of a three-year full-time course in interior design, interior architecture or interior decorating. Also, like most good design schools, their three to four year diploma and degree courses consist of theory, practical work and compulsory work experience where students are placed in the industry to gain a bit of experience, insight and exposure before graduating.
Full-time Courses in Interior Design:
BHC School of Design
Western Cape
Phone +27 (0)21 447 7288
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Western Cape
Phone +27 (0)21 440 2278
The Design School of Southern Africa
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)11 326 3830
Durban University of Technology
KwaZulu Natal
Phone +27 (0)31 373 6503/4
Greenside Design Center
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)11 646 1984
Inscape Education Group
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)11 327 2002
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Eastern Cape
Phone +27 (0)41 504 9928
Potchefstroom Akademie
Gauteng
Phone: +27 (0)18 294 5581
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria
Phone +27 (0)12 382 6163
University of Johannesburg
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)11 559 1111/20
Full-time Courses in Interior Decoration:
Inscape Education Group
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)11 327 2002
Potchefstroom Akademie
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)18 294 5581
Full-time Courses in Interior Architecture:
University of Pretoria’s Department of Architecture
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)12 420 4542
The Design School of Southern Africa
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)11 326 3830
Inscape Education Group
Gauteng
Phone +27 (0)11 327 2002
December 10, 2013
Thank you so much for sharing this brief description of the job description of interior decorators. I believe that interior designing is a profession that involves turning a space into a comfortable area for people to enjoy. It might seem an easy job to do, but it is actually very tricky; those who work in this field needs to have a technical knowledge because they need it in holding projects. -http://www.amandamaier.com/
April 16, 2014
Hi am from Swaziland seeking a place wHere I can learn interior design I have no qualifications
May 13, 2014
Hello Godfrey. Thanks for reading our post and commenting. But I can’t recommend any schools in Swaziland because we are based in South Africa. I wouldn’t want to lead you to a fly by night institution that I cannot vouch for. Maybe you should try searching for schools that are approved and accredited by the Department of Education. Or call professional interior designers/ companies and ask them for recommendations.
May 24, 2014
Hi
Im currently employed and i still wanna follow my dream of becoming an interior designer or an architect so that would mean i’d have to study part time are there any institutions that could help me?
September 5, 2014
Hi Siya, please visit the IID’s webpage for a list of institutions offering part-time courses in interior design.
June 20, 2014
Hi. My name is Anicia,aged 43 from Botswana. I am a mathematics teacher by profession. I also did a short course in interior decoration in 2004. I love beautiful spaces and I have done a few projects and people love my work. I would like to do a degree in interior design in Pretoria and I would like the best institution which will give me the best training. Please advice.
July 30, 2014
Hi Anicia, there are many organisations you can look in to but we’d like to recommend Inscape Design College as a reputable institution. http://inscape.ac.za
July 28, 2014
Hi am really interested in joining any good interior school am currently doing it as my portion but i would like to pursue it further
July 30, 2014
Hi!thanks for your valuable information. Im 40 years of age, run my own beauty salon which keeps me very busy and wish to make a career change and do what Ive dreamed of doing the past, say, 5 years. I want to get a diploma in Interior Decorating, but I’ll have to do it part-time or on-line as time is my biggest obsticle at the moment. I put a lot of hours into my salon and can’t afford to go and study full time.
Can you please give me some advice and info on any reputible institutions that are registered where one can get a diploma by studying part-time or via the internet. I’ll be very great-full
Kind regards!
Liezl
July 30, 2014
Hi Liezel, thanks for your message. One of the most reputable organisations offering part-time interior decorating is Inscape Design College. You can visit their website here.Their Awards courses will be of particular interest to you as you can study either part-time at the school itself or distance.
August 29, 2014
Hi,
Can you confirm if the Interior Design Institute diploma in interior design is worth while in rolling in?
Regards
September 5, 2014
Hi Sonja, thanks for your comment. The South African of the Interior Design Professions is the professional body representing the Interior Design industry in South Africa. We would advise that you contact them for recommendations.
October 4, 2014
Hi
I’m Rhoda from Nigeria, I already have a diploma degree on interior design but with no practical and work experience so I wish to further in South Africa but in an institution where i will be given the opportunity to work/serve a company to gain more experience please what school do you think is advisable?
October 21, 2014
Hi, I am currently a stay at home mom I would like to know if there are good online courses in interior design and decorating, that are good to enrol in.
October 25, 2014
Hi,
I have just enquired with in inscape to do their interior design award programme part time, as I am working also. Wanted to find out if there aren’t any Interior Design sessions or forums something like that where the designers meet to share the knowledge and challenges for new people like us who would to learn from the experts and just gain knowledge.
thanks
October 27, 2014
Hi Lisa, Inscape will be able provide you with this info. Thanks!
November 20, 2014
Hi
I am currently employeed, I am interested in interior decor. I am in Witbank( Mpumalanga).
Thank you
November 30, 2014
Hie
lm phyllis lm interested in interior decor and l would like to learn part time.lm in Kempton park
December 1, 2014
Hi, do you know if UNISA offers interior design ?? i have been through their brochure but did seem to come across it . I am currently employed and would like to do it through Unisa, because of funding
December 2, 2014
Hi Shanece, unfortunately we don’t. You will need speak to UNISA. Thanks!
December 11, 2014
Greetings,
I intending on doing the course for decoration next year, so I am not familiar with this field of study as I am a scientist, would you kindly advise on what to do? where, how much for how long. I need a part time one.
kindly contact me for information.
regards,
Irene.
December 11, 2014
Hi Irene, the institution of your choice will be able to provide you with this information. All of the contact information is in the article. Thanks and good-luck!
January 4, 2015
Hi
I want to study interior design this year and seek advice on which institution is affordable on fees
January 5, 2015
Hi Lira, thanks for your comment. You will need to enquire with the institutions mentioned in this article as they will be able to provide you with their fee structures. Thanks.
January 23, 2015
hi admin im Ovayo from the Eastern Cape currently on a Painting and Decoration Learnership at Public Works,last year I aquired a Diploma in that same field.now my question is what can I do to further enhance it?
January 23, 2015
We suggest that you put your theory into practice by working as an apprentice for an interior decorator. Good luck with your career!
January 26, 2015
Hi,
I am a graduate and just moved to South Africa after getting married. I tried finding information on Interior Designing Degrees from a few Universities here but they all ask for some portfolio. I want to start from the beginning, How should I proceed. I have no prior experience in Interiors. Please advise.
Thanks
Manjeet
February 5, 2015
Hi Manjeet, thanks for your comment.You will need to enquire with the reputable institutions mentioned in this article.
January 27, 2015
I have always loved interior decorating but I am at a learnership can I enroll at a school part time and is it a 3 year or 1 year certificate?I’m based in Pretoria
February 5, 2015
Hi Reabetswe, thanks for your message. You will need to enquire with the reputable institutions mentioned in this article.
January 31, 2015
Hi.
I’m currently in matric and I wondering if there is any work place where I can go for part time training while studying?
February 5, 2015
Hi Keitumetsi, thanks for your comment. Please enquire with any of the reputable learning institutions mentioned in this article.
February 24, 2015
Hi,
I am the Head of Academics at BHC School of Design. Thank you so much for writing this article! So many people out there are so confused as to where to start when it comes to studying the thing they love to do!!!
Just to add, we at BHC also have a fully accredited full time Interior Decorating Higher Certificate – one of the only in Cape Town..
Thanks for the support.
Jaimie Corbishley
November 2, 2015
REQUIRE PROSPECTUS ON INTERIOR, DESIGNING, DURATION FOR FULL AND SHORT TERM , DURBAN BASED, AND COURSE MODULES
December 8, 2015
Thank you so much now i know where to study
February 8, 2016
Hey
I would like found if there is any learnerships in the interior design companies, cause I love interior but I don’t have the financial to pursue it further
Yours
Emma
February 9, 2016
Hi Emmaculate, you will need to contact the establishments mentioned in the article. Good luck with your studies!
May 13, 2016
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May 17, 2016
hi m in love with interior decor.but I dont have qualification.i would love to have diploma one day
June 15, 2016
Hi
I’m trying to self teach myself interior design. Which Apps can you recommend?
August 1, 2016
Hi Lizwi, see below:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/homestyler-interior-design/id601137449?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/houzz-interior-design-ideas/id399563465?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/home-design-3d-gold/id514345557?mt=8
August 6, 2016
i like the article, it gives direction. its made it easier to find interior design, good variety of options. would love direction on foreign students in pursuit of studying interior designing. requirements do not look easy.
August 30, 2016
Hi i love to study interior design.
September 6, 2016
hi ive studied Quantity Surveying and construction management bt i wan do interior design aswell bt in a form of learnership or volunteer , so where do i start if i wanna volunteer since i dont know any1 who is a professional on interior design?…do u know any individuals/companies who r open to teach sum1 with no experience the work?
April 21, 2017
Hi Lucy, we would suggest doing a Google search for interior decorators and asking them whether they have any apprenticeships where you can learn the tools of the trade. You may be pleasantly surprised. Good luck!
September 20, 2016
hie i am a man aged 33yrs. i live Zimbabwe Harare. i am looking for short course in interior design and decorating Pretoria or even Captown. The reason i want to do this to start my own company that deals with that. Please do give the best advice
September 20, 2016
Hi Gerald, thanks for your comment. The article gives a variety of options for interior design courses. Thanks
October 24, 2016
Hi SA Home Owner and Readers ,
Chapters is the only Décor & Design school in Southern Africa recognized and approved by City & Guilds. Chapters offers part time décor and design courses for hobbyists and amateurs decorators, entrepreneurial training for small businesses, and advanced skills for industry and trade professionals.
City & Guilds is the global leader in skills development, providing services to training providers, employers, and trainees across a variety of sectors to meet the needs of today’s workplace. Their qualifications are valued by employers across the world, helping individuals develop their talents and abilities for career progression.
Contact us on info@chaptersinteriors.com for more information and bookings.
January 30, 2017
am a young lady from zimbabwe but a southafrican citizen i wish to join you on your designer courses ..am staying in gauteng.
February 8, 2017
hi.
I am a cameroonian. I have a diplome in Sports and Physical Educational Instructor. I am looking forward to chasing my next dream of being an INTERIOR DESIGNER. The main criteria here to me is finance, i will appreciate your intervention on directing me on the school i can take in respect to finance. Which is less costly. thanks
April 21, 2017
Hi Ngongang, our best advice would be to contact a range of schools and see what they charge. We unfortunately cannot assist you in this regard. Good luck!
February 9, 2017
hi.
i am looking for a school offering a diploma in interior design with the cheapest cost. finance is the my main criteria
April 21, 2017
Hi Bertrand, you’ll need to contact a range of schools and weigh up their curriculums and costs to see what works best for you. Good luck!
March 23, 2017
I like decorating with all of my heart where can I do a short course?
March 24, 2017
Hi Vivian, please contact any of the colleges/institutions mentioned in this article. They should be able to assist with a range of short courses.
April 21, 2017
Hi am Tumelo based here in Gauteng, self employed installing Wallpaper,Panel 3D and Zhanlong Double Percle Tiles. I’ve been doing it for 3-4 years now, just that am struggling to register as I wanna open company where I stay. So am deciding to further educate myself with Interior design/decorator. Advice & help please. Thanks
April 21, 2017
Hi Tumelo, further studies would only benefit you and support any future endeavours. And perseverance is key to the success of any business. Perhaps you can contact interior decorators directly and provide them with further information on your business and products. Wishing you the best of luck.
April 21, 2017
Hi,
My name is Penelope from Zambia, i heard about interior decoration from someone and got interested and would really love to do even just a shirt course just to have an idea. So i would like to know about the conditions and qualification needed since I’m here in zambia.
April 24, 2017
Hi Penelope, you will need to contact the institutions mentioned in this article and find out about the different courses on offer. All the best.
May 9, 2017
At the Virtual Voyage Indore, which is one of the top interior designing institutes in India providing various interior design courses, the areas that will be focused under these interior designing courses will be residential design, commercial design, sustainable and ecological design and exhibition design.
May 18, 2017
Hi I would like to know if the “Interior Design Institute ” is not a fly by night school ..iwant to start enroll there .
May 18, 2017
Hi Nokwethemba, we would advise speaking to them both telephonically and in person to get a good idea whether the courses on offer are a good fit for you. Thanks
June 26, 2017
I have an undergraduate in Finance, experience in management in a completely different field and want to know if there are any part-time courses I could study to learn more about interior architecture?
June 27, 2017
Hi Amina, you’ll need to contact the institutions listed above. Thanks and good luck!
July 4, 2017
Am in Nigeria and I have gone through interior design and decoration training which includes 2D and 3D max but still want to further my training to know more and be perfect. What do I need to go through yours and is any credentials needed too? And how long do I have to do this training for
July 7, 2017
hi.with regard to articles above l am a seventeen year opharnage boy who did fair well in Zimbabwean Ordinary level with the following passes Geo A .Agric,B.Histry B.Commerce B.Intergrated Science A.Shona B.Religious Studies B
Engl C…and l wish to do interior decor…l beg this site to advce me on detail so l may have a useful information since l have no parent.
…
think you in advance
July 10, 2017
Hi Brighton, your best bet would be to contact the schools mentioned in this article and find out whether they offer bursaries. Good luck!
August 8, 2017
hello
i just want to find out what subjects do you need to study in high school in order to study to be an interior designer and also what is the pay rate?
thanks so much
August 8, 2017
Hi Jenna, as far as we are aware to be an interior decorator, there are no particular subjects you need to study, however each institution will have its own set of entry requirements so we would suggest you find out from each one individually. Thanks
August 22, 2017
Hello
I was a interior design student at The Design school southern Africa. I wasn’t able to complete my studies due to financial situations, so I would like to know, are there any companies or sponsorship programs that i can try and ask for help at.
Thank you
August 23, 2017
Hi Gundo, you will need to contact each organisation individually. Thanks
October 1, 2017
Hi, I am half way done with my interior design course through Rhodec International in the UK, I reside in SA and I am wondering if I need a license to practise as they do in the States? The complex I reside in wants to touch up the clubhouse, am I allowed to participate or do I need a license to do so? I assume the project would include furniture re-arrangments, the flow of the space, artwork placement, colour schemes and small practical changes such as where TVs are situated within the space and perhaps advice on lighting the space.
October 2, 2017
Hi Amy, from interior designer Jess Binns: “It’s my understanding that you don’t need a licence to practice interior decoration. However, the complex body corporate may insist on an interiors company that has insurances in place and a past portfolio on similar commercial work.” Hope this helps.
December 11, 2017
Hi, I am a 25 y/o male. Design has always been my only passion. Never had the opportunity to study Interior Design after school due to funds. So now I am stuck in a full time position in the insurance industry. Who can help? Are there any part time courses?
January 9, 2018
Good day
I’m interested in furthering my career I’d like to study for a international interior design diploma or bachelor’s degree.
I would like to know how much is the course in full, also how long is the course.
I want to apply for a student loan from the banks in south Africa are you recognized in south Africa?
Please could you email me all information of enrollment also registration information.
Kind regards
Jessica
January 9, 2018
Hi Jessica, we don’t run any courses. You will need to contact each of the institutions. Thanks!
January 10, 2018
Good day,I would like to know if u (1)still recommend the institutions you recommended in this article this year?(2)UCT is offering a short online course in ID,how would you rate the course?
Thanking you in advance
January 12, 2018
Hi Lebo, yes we would. Unfortunately we haven’t yet researched UCT’s new course. Kind regards.
May 31, 2018
Very helpful! After completion of my basic diploma in interior designing, I was looking for options to pursue higher studies and to complete a degree in interior designing. I found immense inspiration of one of the renowned interior designed Andrea Graff offering excellent solutions in Cape Town. But the options provided in the post are also very helpful and the best thing is that all of them are located in Cape Town. Now, this comes as a great help to me. Just a little more help, please let me know the best institution from where I can pursue my degree and get to have the practical degree also.
November 13, 2018
Good Day
I have an empty house I’m about to sell. Do you know of interior design students or young professionals who would like to gain experience/add to their portfolio by working on a house that needs to be “staged” for selling purposes? So, I get a mini make-over to make the house more saleable and they get to exclusively use the before/after transformation for their portfolio.
November 15, 2018
Unfortunately we don’t, but why not find out from a design school if any of their students would be interested? Good luck!
November 20, 2018
Hi Admin, first and foremost I’d like to say thank you for the advanced platform that helps us, young or aspiring designers. My question for you today is that… I’m still a student doing my last year in high school and I’ve always aspired to be an interior designer, yes I’ve been doing a lot of research about the field and I’m sure as ever. So to my question, would I require a certain subject e.g Technical subjects in order for me to start or qualify to start with my studies??
November 21, 2018
Hi Reitumetse, as far as we know there are no requirements in terms of high school subjects to do an interior design course. But we would suggest you contact a few design schools and double-check their requirements. Good luck!