Best online interior design courses in 2025
Explore top online interior design courses in 2025, offering flexible learning options, diverse curricula, and valuable certifications.
In 2025, online interior design courses offer flexible, affordable, and accessible ways to learn design skills. These programs cater to diverse learners, from beginners to professionals, and provide tools like design software, video tutorials, and certifications. Here's a quick overview of the top options:
- Upskillist: Offers a 16-week program with AI tools and flexible scheduling. Subscription starts at $39.99/month, with a $99 lifetime deal option.
- NYIAD: Self-paced program with a focus on business skills. Costs $999 (full payment) or $1,299 with monthly installments.
- Interior Design Institute USA: Flexible diploma program priced at $999 upfront or $1,099 in installments.
- AND Academy: Live instruction courses with structured timelines. Certificate costs $5,000; Advanced Certificate is $8,000.
- British College of Interior Design: Covers design and business skills in 12–24 weeks. Costs around $575.
Each course offers unique benefits, from affordability to hands-on learning. Choose based on your goals, schedule, and budget.
INTERIOR DESIGN COURSE - How To Choose? Tips from a Pro
1. Upskillist: Interior Design Courses
Upskillist provides interior design courses designed to equip students with practical skills for a career in design. The platform incorporates tools like Compass AI and Pathfinder, which are tailored to adapt to individual learning preferences, ensuring a personalized educational experience.
Curriculum Coverage and Depth
The Upskillist Diploma in Interior Design takes students through a comprehensive journey, from foundational concepts to advanced project management techniques. Topics include space planning, color theory, furniture selection, lighting design, and client consultation. With 32 hours of core content, the program offers a thorough dive into essential industry topics. Students engage with practical exercises, case studies, and interactive assignments that simulate real-world design scenarios. The curriculum is crafted by industry professionals, keeping the content aligned with current trends and market needs.
Duration and Scheduling Flexibility
This 16-week program includes 2–3 sessions per week, each lasting 30–45 minutes. Upskillist offers flexible scheduling options, allowing students to set their own pace. Whether you prefer a consistent study routine, on-demand learning, or need to pause and resume later, the program accommodates a variety of schedules, making it a great fit for working professionals.
Pricing (in USD)
The platform operates on a subscription model, costing $39.99 per month. New users can take advantage of a 4-week free trial, and the subscription grants unlimited access to all courses, including interior design. Additional costs may apply for materials and certificates. Occasionally, Upskillist offers a Lifetime Subscription Deal for $99 (discounted from $400).
Certification or Accreditation
Graduates of the program earn globally recognized certifications, enhancing their professional profiles. These accredited courses meet industry standards and include continuous assessments to track progress. Additionally, students enjoy lifetime access to course materials, allowing them to revisit lessons and stay updated as the curriculum evolves.
2. New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD): Interior Design Professional Certificate
NYIAD offers an Interior Design Professional Certificate program that has earned a 4.9-star rating. It’s a budget-friendly and high-quality alternative to traditional interior design education. Unlike rigid classroom schedules, this program is self-paced, giving students up to 24 months to complete their studies. This level of flexibility makes it a great option for a wide range of learners.
Curriculum Highlights
The program covers both foundational design principles and advanced professional practices. Students have 24/7 access to course materials, making it easy to revisit lessons and reference key information whenever needed.
Flexible Scheduling
With a self-paced format, students can tailor their learning around busy schedules. Whether balancing a full-time job or other commitments, the program’s structure ensures there are no fixed deadlines.
According to NYIAD:
Our online course lets you study anytime, anywhere.
This flexibility is a major draw for students, especially those juggling work and other responsibilities.
Pricing (in USD)
NYIAD offers two payment options to fit different budgets:
| Payment Plan | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full Payment Plan | $999 | Originally $1,299 – save $300. Immediate access to all materials |
| Monthly Payment Plan | $1,299 | Start with $59 upfront, then $69/month |
Optional extras include physical course materials for $250 and a $60 RIDQC Certification Exam Proctor Fee. Students enrolling in multiple programs can save 25%, and there are military benefits for those who qualify.
A comparison provided by York Avenue Blog highlights the program's affordability:
The entire (NYIAD) program cost a little over $1200. For comparison's sake, the New York School of Interior Design costs $915 PER CREDIT. Their Basic Interior Design program is 24 credits. 24 times 915 = a little under $22,000.
Certification and Membership Perks
Graduates receive the Interior Design Professional Certificate from NYIAD. Additionally, students who register for certification during enrollment get one free year of membership with the Designer Society of America (DSA). NYIAD also offers a 14-day risk-free refund policy for both payment plans, giving students peace of mind when signing up.
3. The Interior Design Institute USA: Online Interior Design Course
The Interior Design Institute USA offers a diploma program that has earned a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot, based on 1,693 reviews. Designed for a wide range of learners - including working professionals, career changers, stay-at-home parents, and retirees - the program stands out for its flexibility, detailed curriculum, and straightforward pricing.
Duration and Scheduling Flexibility
Students have up to 12 months to complete the diploma course, with no fixed start dates. This means you can enroll and begin at any time. For those who need extra time, extensions of 3, 6, or 12 months are available for an additional fee. The ability to access course materials anytime makes it a great option for individuals juggling work or family commitments. Many Trustpilot reviewers have highlighted this feature as a key benefit.
Curriculum Coverage and Depth
The course offers in-depth training in interior design, covering both the foundational principles and practical skills needed to succeed in the field.
Pricing (in USD)
The standard course is priced at $999 if paid in full. Alternatively, students can opt for an installment plan, bringing the total to $1,099. For those looking to expand their expertise, a bundle package that includes additional specialized training is also available.
Certification or Accreditation
The program not only offers transparent pricing but also ensures quality through recognized certification. Upon completion, students are awarded a diploma in interior design from The Interior Design Institute USA. To add to its appeal, the program includes a 7-day money-back guarantee. If new students decide the course isn’t for them within the first week, they can receive a full refund. This trial period demonstrates the institute’s confidence in their program while offering peace of mind to prospective students.
4. AND Academy: Interior Design Certificate and Diploma Programs
AND Academy provides two distinct programs tailored for aspiring interior designers: an 18-week Certificate program and a more in-depth 36-week Advanced Certificate program. These courses are designed to accommodate working professionals, with evening classes held twice a week, making it easier to balance studies with a full-time job.
Duration and Scheduling Flexibility
The Certificate program runs for 18 weeks, offering over 110 hours of live instruction, while the Advanced Certificate extends to 36 weeks, delivering more than 210 hours of live classes. Both programs require a weekly commitment of roughly 12 hours - split between 6 hours of live sessions and 6 hours of self-guided study.
One standout feature is the flexibility to pause and resume studies. If life interrupts your schedule, you can pick up where you left off with the next cohort. Recorded sessions and course materials remain accessible throughout, ensuring you stay on track. This flexible approach pairs well with a curriculum designed to gradually build your skills, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques in interior design.
Curriculum Coverage and Depth
The 18-week Certificate program introduces students to the basics of interior design, covering essential topics like design principles, 3D form and space, ergonomics, and understanding client needs. Students also work on a residential interiors project, which involves spatial planning, incorporating Vastu Shastra principles, selecting materials, and enhancing presentation skills. The program includes hands-on training with Coohom 3D software, giving students practical experience.
The 36-week Advanced Certificate program takes learning a step further. It includes everything from the Certificate program and adds advanced training in areas like Computer Aided Design (CAD), SketchUp, construction elements, and vendor and cost management. Students tackle a commercial interior design project - focused on spaces like restaurants or co-working environments - where they explore branding, create detailed technical drawings, and deliver professional client presentations. Both programs emphasize real-world learning through client interactions, project briefs, and portfolio development.
Pricing (in USD)
These programs are competitively priced, with the Certificate program costing $5,000 and the Advanced Certificate priced at $8,000. Flexible payment options are available to make enrollment more accessible.
Certification or Accreditation
Graduates of the 18-week program earn a Certificate in Interior Design, while those completing the 36-week program receive an Advanced Certificate in Interior Design. Both credentials equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to kickstart a professional career in interior design.
5. British College of Interior Design: Professional Interior Design Course
The Professional Interior Design Course offered by the British College of Interior Design combines creative design with essential business skills, preparing students for success in the competitive interior design industry. This balanced approach ensures students gain both the artistic and practical expertise needed to thrive.
Curriculum Coverage and Depth
The course is structured into 12 in-depth modules, covering everything from foundational design principles to advanced industry techniques. Students learn how to develop functional and visually appealing designs, navigate the business side of the profession, and manage real-world challenges. Graduate Richard of Brownlie Worsfold Interiors Ltd shared:
"The course has given me all the tools I needed to do succeed, from teaching me how to meet a brief to keeping track of the costings for a project. It covers professional practice for interior designers and I feel well equipped for the future."
Ana from Ana Leite Interior Design Studio also praised the program:
"This course equipped me with the best and most effective tools for working in the field of interior decoration. [It] has allowed me to achieve a level of learning, confidence and maturity that marked the turning point in my design career."
Duration and Scheduling Flexibility
The course is designed to accommodate different schedules, offering 12 tutorials that can be completed at the student's own pace. Tutorials are available weekly or every two weeks, meaning students can finish in as little as 12 weeks or take up to 24 weeks. Additionally, the program allows up to a full year for completion, offering maximum flexibility.
Pricing (in USD)
The course costs approximately $575 (converted from £460), with a lower pricing option of around $500 (approximately £400). Students can choose from flexible payment plans, including a discounted full payment or a two-installment option.
Certification
Graduates who successfully complete all 12 modules receive a Professional Interior Design Certificate from the British College of Interior Design. This certificate validates their training in both creative design and professional practices, readying them for a career in the field.
Course Comparison Table
Here's a side-by-side look at key features to help you decide which interior design course fits your needs. The table below outlines the main aspects of each program, making it easier to compare their offerings.
| Course Provider | Curriculum Highlights | Pricing (USD) | Duration | Certification | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upskillist | Covers interior design fundamentals with AI-powered tools and personalized learning paths | 7-day free trial, then subscription pricing | Self-paced with flexible scheduling | Globally recognized certification | Interactive classes, lifetime access, Compass AI, and Pathfinder tools |
| NYIAD | Topics include design history, furniture styles, color theory, lighting, client management, and business skills like pricing and contracts | Varies by program | Self-paced | Interior Design Professional Certificate | Focus on business applications and client relations |
| Interior Design Institute USA | Certificate: Space planning, color theory, materials, furniture selection Diploma: Adds sustainable design, lighting, professional practice, and advanced project work |
Certificate: Lower cost option Diploma: Higher investment |
Self-paced | International Certificate or Australian-Accredited Diploma | Two-tier system for progression from basic to advanced levels |
| AND Academy | Certificate: Spatial planning, interior styling, project workflow, basic 3D rendering Diploma: Adds project management and advanced 3D rendering with real residential projects |
Certificate: Entry-level pricing Diploma: Premium pricing |
Structured timeline with hands-on assignments | Certificate or Diploma in Interior Design | Emphasis on portfolio development and practical application |
| British College of Interior Design | Practical training through 8 real-world simulation assignments covering color theory, space planning, furniture selection, and client management | Approximately $575 (full payment) or $500 (discounted option) | 12-24 weeks (up to 1 year allowed) | Professional Interior Design Certificate | Combines creative and business skills, with flexible payment plans |
This breakdown highlights the unique strengths of each program. For instance, NYIAD focuses heavily on business skills, making it a great choice if you’re planning to manage clients or run your own design business. Meanwhile, AND Academy and the British College of Interior Design excel in hands-on, project-based training, which can help you build a strong portfolio.
The courses also vary in structure. Programs like the British College follow a 12–24-week schedule, offering more structure, while others, such as Upskillist and NYIAD, are fully self-paced, giving you complete control over your timeline. Your choice might depend on whether you prefer a set schedule for accountability or flexible learning to fit your own pace.
Pricing and certification options also differ. The Interior Design Institute USA’s two-tier system allows you to start with a certificate and later upgrade to a diploma, offering a gradual investment in both time and money. This flexibility can be ideal if you’re unsure about committing to a full program right away.
Think about your goals, learning style, and budget to choose the course that aligns best with your priorities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right course means finding one that fits your needs, learning style, and career aspirations. The programs covered here cater to a wide range of preferences and goals, offering something for everyone.
For instance, Upskillist provides AI-driven learning tools and lifetime access to courses through a 7-day trial. Other programs vary in format, with options like self-paced courses that let you learn at your own speed or structured programs with set timelines. These choices ensure you can find a program that matches your lifestyle and learning habits.
When deciding, take a close look at factors like program structure, duration, cost, and certifications. Some courses follow subscription models with ongoing access to updated resources, while others have a one-time fee and a clearly defined curriculum. These details can make a big difference in shaping your learning experience.
As industries adapt to new technologies, sustainable practices, and changing client needs, staying educated is more important than ever. A well-chosen course can help you stay ahead of the curve. Take advantage of free trials or course previews to get a sense of the teaching style and content before committing.
Pick a program that aligns with your goals, fits into your schedule, and sparks your curiosity to dive into the creative opportunities ahead.
FAQs
What should I look for in an online interior design course in 2025?
When choosing an online interior design course in 2025, pay attention to key factors like the quality of the curriculum, expertise of the instructors, and how well the program fits into your schedule. Prioritize courses that include interactive tools, offer solid student support, and incorporate practical assignments to make the learning process engaging and hands-on.
You’ll also want to weigh the course’s cost, length, and how closely it aligns with your personal or professional goals. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to refine your skills, a thoughtfully designed program should equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed in the world of interior design.
What are the costs of online interior design courses, and how can I budget effectively?
The price of online interior design courses in 2025 spans a broad spectrum, influenced by the program's scope and depth. You can expect to pay anywhere from $15.99 to $69.99 for individual courses, approximately $189 for certificate programs, and as much as $116,000 for full degree programs. On top of tuition, remember to factor in additional costs, such as supplies, which typically average around $515.
When planning your budget, check if the course provides flexible payment options or financial aid. Consider your personal goals - whether you’re aiming to acquire a specific skill quickly or seeking an in-depth education - and pick a program that fits both your aspirations and your budget.
What career opportunities can I explore after completing an online interior design course?
Completing an online interior design course can lead to a range of exciting career opportunities. You might find yourself working with established design firms, launching your own interior design business, or taking on freelance projects that let you showcase your creativity. Beyond that, there are roles like retail space planner, set designer, or even consulting on eco-conscious and sustainable design solutions.
With the growing demand for skilled designers - driven by trends in personalized and environmentally friendly living spaces - this kind of training can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Whether you're starting fresh or aiming to advance your career, an interior design course can provide the expertise and confidence you need to succeed in this dynamic field.