The 5 Best Interior Design Schools in Dubai
If you aim to become a full-fledged interior designer, you might want to catch up on some training or courses to certify your expertise. This ensures that more companies and clients will hire you.
With that being said, here are our top picks for the best interior design schools in Dubai.
How Much Does Interior Design School Cost
Usually, interior design schools charge per academic year, just like a regular university. However, there are some institutions that charge you once for all the subjects that you will be taking to complete the course.
The table below lists the estimated range that you can expect to pay when you plan to enroll in an interior design school.
The Best Interior Design Schools in Dubai
Here are the factors we considered while assessing the schools we picked for this list:
1. Capital Education Dubai
Criteria | Ratings |
Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Curriculum | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Pricing | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Authorized to open in 1998, Capital Education is an institution dedicated to provide knowledge and experience for students. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, they offer courses in business, design, and beauty.
What’s great about this school is that they offer certificate and diploma courses for those who need it!
If you only want to study for a short period of time, a certificate is the way to go, which costs around AED 3,500 per month. The total duration of the course is 24 hours, with each class running 4 hours per day.
The next option for students is a professional diploma course which runs for 6 months. The sessions can be taken during the mornings, evenings, weekends, or even online.
We think it’s great that the school provides this level of choice and flexibility for their students. The school also has an additional advanced course in interior design if you want to further hone your studies.
Overall, we recommend Capital Education for its years in the business. Additionally, their variety of courses for interior design is certainly attractive!
Pros
- Over 10 years in the industry
- Offers certificate and diploma courses
Cons
- Focuses more on fashion school
- Encourages contact for more information
Customer Reviews:
Helpful Staff, Quality Service
“Very happy to have stumbled upon this Centre! I managed to get a great service from Ms. Surbhi Jain whom assisted me in facilitating my desired course module via online learning and especially the payment assistance because i had financial restrictions and could not pay in one shot but managed to avail the course through an installment plan. Im going to put 4 🌟’s for now as I’m currently waiting for my certification and to see how smooth will the process be especially with obtaining a KHDA approved certificate. I will send an updated post once all is done! Thank you Capital Education Dubai for the opportunity to enhance my career! -Ms. Yass, via Google Reviews
Expert and Friendly Teachers, Comfortable Facilities
“They are very good in everything, the Totur irin very friendly and she can explain the informations very easily, the timing also was good and they managed the classes times depending on my schedule. The office big, clean and very comfortable for a study.” -Sanaa Hindawi
2. Lotus Educational Institute
Criteria | Ratings |
Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Curriculum | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Pricing | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Lotus Educational Institute is a development and training center for students interested in arts and design. Established in 2001, this school is licensed and certified by Dubai’s KHDA, so you know that you’re in good hands.
This school accepts students at any time of the year, which is definitely a plus in our book!
Now, this institution has different levels of courses for interior design. You can pick from private, semi-private, and group classes.
As for the courses themselves, the first option is a professional certificate course, called Professional Training (I). This involves taking 8 subjects and submitting a portfolio.
What’s unique about Lotus Educational is that they offer specializations under this course. You can pick from residential, commercial, Islamic geometric patterns, or restaurant and coffee shop interior design.
The second option is called Professional Training (II). This is a more intensive and lengthier course, as it involves 20 sessions and an art portfolio before you can graduate.
This is mostly supplementary training though, recommended for designers who want more knowledge on specific design concepts. Specializations under this course include bedrooms, living rooms, or kitchens and bathrooms.
In short, Lotus Educational Institute is a place we recommend for those chasing a specialization as an interior designer. We advise booking an appointment to learn more about the school, especially if you desire private or semi-private classes.
Pros
- Private, semi-private, and group classes available
- School is KHDA-certified
- Establishment has over ten years of experience
- Specializations available
Cons
- Appointment required
- Requires contact for more information
Customer Reviews:
Great Environment, Quality Education
“A few years ago, I have been researching for a good art school in Dubai and I’ve noted Lotus Educational Institute as one the potential candidates. Then in Jan 2021, I took the dive and just enrolled myself on their Fine Arts academic programme. I have been attending this art school for over a year and it has been a great experience so far. I am learning so much and enjoying my lessons. The school environment allows for each student to grow their love for art. The instructors are top notch. It always make me look forward to my weekend classes and it has been a big help in diverting my attention from my busy work life in Dubai.” – Jackie Lao
Great Service, Kind Instructors
“I took just 2 courses but I really really delighted that I found this studio. I improved a lot and I am looking forward to take the next courses and for anyone who wants to improve I highly recommended this studio. Moreover, the instructor is too kind and cute” – Hessa Altaniji
3. London College of Arts Dubai
Criteria | Ratings |
Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Curriculum | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Pricing | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The London College of Arts is an art and design school based in the UK. Opened in 2003, the school, since then, has expanded to other shores, Dubai included.
This particular establishment is known for its curriculum, as it produces students who win awards during their stay. Some notable examples include their fashion design students winning International Fashion Week Dubai 2021.
As you can probably tell, this school is known for its fashion, but this does not mean that their other courses don’t pack a punch.
In fact, we think that the most attractive aspect of why you should enroll here for interior design is the resulting qualification you will be obtaining upon graduation.
The London College of Arts will not just provide you with the Dubai certification, but also the Ofqual. This refers to the examinations done by the UK’s Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.
Receiving that qualification means that you’ll be recognized not just in Dubai, but in other parts of the world, such as the UK.
They only have one interior design course, though, which is called the professional diploma in interior design. This course offers a curriculum that trains students in various aspects of their dream profession, most notably in furniture design.
Overall, we think that the London College of Arts has a solid reputation and experience. It’s a great option to consider for those who want to learn furniture and interior design.
Pros
- Has furniture design as part of the curriculum
- 22 years in the industry
- Experienced instructors
Cons
- English speakers only
- Requires contact for more information
4. The Designer’s Studio
Criteria | Ratings |
Expertise | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Curriculum | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Pricing | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
The Designer’s Studio has an inclination towards creative art classes such as pottery and ceramic creation. But they offer two different diploma courses in interior design.
The differences are mostly in the duration and the number of classes involved.
We like that students have the option to try one subject at a time, but this will actually cost more in the long run, though.
For those that want to pursue a full diploma, they will have to let the school know beforehand so it will be registered and acknowledged.
However, you can actually just avail all subjects beforehand in a neatly wrapped diploma package. There is no set time when you can start, but the school will require you to finish them in 3 years time.
The regular diploma course, priced at AED 16,500, tasks students to complete seven subjects. This includes training in AutoCad or SketchUp as well as an elective unit outside of interior design.
The second option is a professional diploma, which has 10 subjects and is more expensive at AED 23,000. If you want an internship program, we advise taking this particular course.
Pros
- Online classes available
- Flexible scheduling
- Internship program for professional diploma course
Cons
- Encourages contact for more information
- 3 year time limit on some courses
Customer Reviews:
Helpful Staff, Great Instructors
“I LOVED MY EXPERIENCE HERE! One of the best decisions I made was to attend the designers studio. Everyone at the studio is extremely helpful, from the receptionist to the instructors are incredible. The environment is very friendly and nurturing. Also, I’m just absolutely in love with the space and location. It really inspires me to get creative and get in the zone. I couldn’t recommend this place enough! Definitely, a life changing experience.” -Nabeelah Munshi
Great Curriculum and Courses, Beautiful Facilities
“After researching a couple of places I finally decided to pursue my diploma with TDS and it’s the best decision I’ve made. Their beautiful studios in Courtyard has a great vibe and is so inspiring. The tutors are fantastic with years of experience. It’s their knowledge, and passion that makes it so addictive. I initially started with the diploma and ended up taking nearly ever course offered. The detailed notes and class videos of the notes, made it very helpful to review and refer back to, specifically for the programming courses.” -Annisha Seyfferdt
5. National Design Academy
Criteria | Ratings |
Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Curriculum | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Pricing | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
The National Design Academy is a coaching and training center for design students. With over 30 years of experience, this UK-based institution offers distance and in-studio lessons for those in need.
We like that both their tuition fee and payment methods are affordable for students! Interested parties can make a one-time payment for the course, which is around AED 12,000 or pay via 2-month installments.
Now, there is only one undergraduate diploma course for interior design here. However, the difference lies in how the students will attend their classes.
This school primarily specializes in distance learning, offering an online or at-home interior design course. The other option is a regular full in-house course where students will physically go to the school.
What makes their curriculum stand out is that it is fully accredited and recognized in the UAE, the UK, and other parts of the world.
It is also equivalent to British “A-levels,” which means you can use their courses as a stepping stone in qualifying for higher education institutes in the UK.
If you want a post-grad degree, this school also offers the master’s degree course for interior design. Both courses have flexible scheduling, which we absolutely love.
Unfortunately, we do have to note that their courses are for English speakers only.
Overall, we recommend going to this school for their affordable rates, flexible schedules and the UK-equivalent accreditation they offer!
Pros
- Flexible scheduling for classes
- Post-grad courses for interior design available
- Installment payments available
Cons
- Encourages contact for more information
- For English speakers only
FAQs About Interior Design Schools in Dubai
And that’s all we have for you today! Hopefully, any of these schools can help propel you into your dream career path.
Interested in more school-related articles? Here’s our list on the best art schools in Dubai!