Updated on Apr, 21 2026 10:00 IST
Study Interior Designing in Switzerland
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Have you ever thought about building your career in interior designing? Switzerland can be a very good option if you are planning to study this field abroad. It attracts many international students due to its high quality education system and a well organised learning environment. Along with this, you can get exposure to international design standards. Swiss education is widely recognised which means your degree can help you explore opportunities in different countries. After completing the course, you can work with design studios, architecture firms, real estate companies or even start your own projects. If you are ready to move forward in this field, Anigdha can guide you throughout your journey.
Every university follows its own selection process, so it becomes important to understand the university requirements. Here we have explained everything separately for bachelor’s and master’s level.
Bachelors eligibility criteria
Application requirement: You can access the application form from the official website of your chosen university. While completing the form, you will be required to submit your academic documents, passport copy and a resume.
Educational requirement: You should complete your 10+2 education from a recognised board. Universities mainly look for marks between 50% to 70%. Students from any stream can apply but subjects related to art or design can be an added advantage.
Global admission test: International entrance exams are generally not a major requirement for interior designing courses. Still, some universities may conduct their own assessment test to check your basic understanding.
Additional requirement: In many cases, you may be asked to submit a portfolio. This can include your sketches, creative work or any design related projects. Some universities can also ask for a Statement of Purpose or (SOP).
English proficiency requirement: If your course is taught in English, you need to show your language ability through accepted test scores such as:
IELTS: between 5.5 to 6.0
TOEFL iBT: around 70 to 90
Duolingo: around 90 to 110
Master’s eligibility criteria
Educational requirement: You must complete your bachelor’s degree in interior design or a related field like architecture, fine arts or design. Swiss universities usually expect around 60% to 70% marks or equivalent.
Application requirement: The application process is completed through the official portal where you need to submit your graduation documents, degree certificate, CV and passport copy. Some universities may also ask for detailed academic information.
Additional requirement: At this level, you need to present your portfolio including your best design work. Along with this, you may also require a Statement of Purpose and recommendation letters. In some cases, universities may conduct an online interview to test your personality.
English proficiency requirement: If you want to study your master's in English, you need to submit your test scores such as:
IELTS: between 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: around 80 to 100
Duolingo: around 100 to 120
Swiss universities usually begin their main intake in the month of September. This is considered as the primary intake. It is available for all the courses while some universities may also offer a second intake around January or February. This intake is not available everywhere and usually comes with limited seats. Along with this, some private universities also offer multiple intakes in a year. This gives you flexibility if you miss one cycle, but it is always better to confirm the exact schedule from the official website before applying. Talking about deadlines, the application process for the September intake usually starts around October or November and can continue till March or April. One more important thing to keep in mind is your visa timeline. As an international student, you should always leave enough time for visa processing and documentation. Therefore, it is recommended to apply as early as you can.
The following documents are required to be submitted along with your application form for Interior designing in Switzerland:
Documents required for bachelor’s degree
Your 10th and 12th marksheets from a recognised board.
A valid passport copy is necessary for your identity and future visa process.
A school leaving certificate or transfer certificate may also be asked by some institutes.
Also create a portfolio including your creative work like sketches, drawings or design ideas.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) where you can explain your interest and your future plans.
Some universities may ask for one or two recommendation letters from your school teachers.
A CV or resume including your personal details, skills or any creative work you have done.
If your program is in English, you need to submit English language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
You will also need recent passport size photographs as per the given format.
Financial documents like bank statements or proof of funds may be required during the visa stage.
If you pay any application fee, keep a proof of a payment receipt.
Documents required for master’s degree
Your bachelor’s degree certificate along with all semester wise marksheets or transcripts.
A portfolio where you need to present your best design work.
Also create a resume including your education, projects, internships or any work experience.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your interest and long term career plans.
Some universities may ask for two or three recommendation letters from your professors or professional mentors.
If you have any internship or work experience, you should provide proper proof or certificates.
English language test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo are required if the course is in English.
A valid passport copy is needed for identification and further process.
You will also need passport size photographs as per the required format.
Financial proof like bank statements or sponsorship documents may be required for admission and visa.
In some cases, universities may also ask for additional documents like a motivation letter or certified translations if your documents are not in English.
At the bachelor’s level, the course usually takes around 3 years to complete. This is divided into 6 semesters, where you can explore basic design concepts. Some universities may also offer part time or flexible options.
The duration for master’s programs is generally 1.5 to 2 years if you are studying full time. These courses are more focused in areas like advanced interior concepts, research and professional design work.
At the bachelor’s level, public universities offer interior designing programs in local languages like German, French or sometimes Italian. If you are planning for these universities, you may need to show your proficiency. At the same time, there are private design institutes that offer courses in English. This becomes a comfortable option for international students because you can focus on your course without any language difficulty. When it comes to master’s programs, you will find more options in English, especially in private universities but still, the availability can change from one university to another, so checking the course details is always important. If you choose an English taught program, you will need to show your language ability through accepted test scores such as:
IELTS: between 6.0 to 6.5
TOEFL iBT: around 80 to 90
Duolingo: around 100 to 115
Switzerland has many well?known public and private universities that provide high quality education in Interior Designing or related fields. Here are some of the top universities you can consider:
| Name of the University | Category | City |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK | Public | Zurich |
| Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD) | Public | Geneva |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) | Public | Basel |
| Swiss Design Center (SDC) | Private | Bern |
| Istituto Marangoni Switzerland | Private | Geneva |
Fees for interior designing courses can change depending on the university you choose. Public universities are usually more affordable while private design institutes may charge higher fees because of their specialised training. Here is a simple overview to help you understand the fee structure better:
| Name of the University | Bachelors fees per year | Master's fees per year |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK | The yearly fee is around CHF 1,200 to 1,500. It mainly covers academic learning but living expenses are separate. | The master’s fee is approximately CHF 1,500 to 2,000 per year. It includes advanced design training and workshops. |
| Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD) | The bachelor’s fee is usually between CHF 1,000 to 1,500 per year. It only covers tuition while other costs are not included. | The yearly master’s fee is around CHF 1,500 to 2,200. It mainly focuses on practical training and projects. |
| University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) | The fee is generally around CHF 1,000 to 1,400 per year. It includes academic training, but students need to manage living costs separately. | The master’s fee is approximately CHF 1,500 to 2,000 per year. It supports design labs and practical exposure. |
| Swiss Design Center (SDC) | The bachelor’s fee ranges between CHF 18,000 to 22,000 per year. It includes practical sessions, studio work and design tools. | The master’s fee is around CHF 20,000 to 25,000 per year. It covers training and design projects. |
| Istituto Marangoni Switzerland | The yearly bachelor’s fee is around CHF 20,000 to 25,000. It includes international exposure and design workshops. | The master’s fee is approximately CHF 25,000 to 30,000 per year. It focuses on portfolio development. |
Along with tuition fees, you should also plan for expenses like accommodation, materials, food and transport. These are not included in the tuition fee and can increase your overall budget.
Switzerland offers several scholarship options that can support you during your studies. One of the most recognised options is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are usually available for postgraduate studies. They can help in covering tuition fees and sometimes even provide a monthly allowance. There are also a few external scholarships and grants like Erasmus+ or independent funding options. In private universities, you may also get partial scholarships or fee reductions. These are usually based on your marks or early application. In most cases, students can receive around 10% to 30% reduction in tuition fees. It may not cover the full cost, but it can still reduce your overall financial burden. Therefore, it is important to understand that these scholarships do not always cover everything so it is better to plan your budget properly and apply as early as possible to increase your chances.
Here we have explained the steps separately for bachelor’s and master’s so that you can understand the process properly:
Admission steps for bachelor’s degree
First you need to explore the universities in Switzerland that offer interior designing programs. Take your time to compare their course structure, fees and practical exposure.
Then, check the eligibility criteria on the official website of the university and see if you meet the requirements.
Now collect all your documents such as your 10th and 12th marksheets, passport copy, resume and a portfolio.
Now access the application form through the official university website. Fill it carefully and upload all your documents.
Some universities may ask for a small interaction or interview so you must be ready to answer them.
After submitting your application, wait for the university response. If you get selected, you will receive an offer letter.
Once you receive the offer, confirm your admission and pay the initial tuition fee within the given deadline.
After this, begin your student visa process using your admission letter and financial documents.
At last, you can plan your travel and accommodation before your course starts.
Admission steps for master’s degree
Search the universities that offer specialised interior designing programs. Compare their course and fee structure.
Go through the eligibility criteria carefully to check if you're ready to meet the requirements.
Now, collect your academic documents such as your graduation marksheets, degree certificate, CV and passport copy.
Also create a strong portfolio including your best designs. This is mandatory at master's level.
Then, complete your application through the university portal and upload all the required documents properly.
Some universities may also conduct an online interview to test your personality so be ready to answer them.
After submission, wait for the response. If your application is accepted, you will receive an offer letter.
Accept the offer within the deadline and pay the required initial fee to secure your seat.
Now, start your visa process using your admission documents and financial proof.
Finally, you can plan your accommodation and begin your studies.
What is the duration of interior designing courses in Switzerland?
The duration usually depends on the level of study. A bachelor’s degree generally takes around 3 to 4 years while a master’s degree can be completed in 1 to 2 years.
What are the basic eligibility requirements to study interior designing in Switzerland?
You need to complete your 10+2 education for a bachelor’s degree or a relevant graduation for a master’s. Along with this, universities may also ask for a portfolio and English language test scores.
Is a portfolio necessary for interior designing courses?
Yes, Swiss universities mostly ask for a portfolio for studying interior designing. It helps them see your creativity and design skills.
Can I study interior designing in Switzerland in English?
Yes, many private universities offer interior designing programs in English. You just need to meet the required English language scores like IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo.
What is the average fee for interior designing in Switzerland?
The fees can vary depending on the university. Public universities usually have lower fees while private institutions may charge between CHF 18,000 to 30,000 per year.
Are scholarships available for interior designing students in Switzerland?
Yes, there are some scholarships available but most of them are partial. You can get fee reductions based on your academic performance or portfolio.
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