The specialization of interior design, or interior architecture, is one of the fields that best combines art, creativity, and engineering. Studying it in Malaysia is a gateway to a bright professional future in a world with increasing demand for transforming spaces into practical and beautiful environments.
Malaysia offers international students a unique blend of high-quality education at competitive costs, with a rich and inspiring cultural environment that helps hone creative talents. The interior design programs at Malaysian universities aim to produce designers capable of understanding client needs and turning them into tangible, innovative realities.
This comprehensive guide reviews everything you need to know about pursuing an interior design degree in Malaysia for the 2025-2026 academic year. We will delve into the details of the study duration, language of instruction, admission requirements, and the top universities offering this specialization with a comprehensive look at their fees.
We will also highlight the cost of living, available specializations, the main advantages of studying, and post-graduation career opportunities. Additionally, we'll cover the challenges you might face and how to prepare for them, providing you with a clear roadmap to start your academic journey with confidence and success.
Studying for an interior design degree malaysia is an exceptional opportunity for students with artistic and engineering inclinations. This field, also known as interior architecture, focuses on the art and science of enhancing interior spaces to make them healthier and more beautiful for users.
The role of an interior designer is not limited to decoration and choosing colors and furniture. It extends to spatial planning, safety, lighting, and everything related to creating a functionally and aesthetically integrated environment.
Leading Malaysian universities in this field aim to provide students with deep theoretical knowledge and practical skills through workshops, applied projects, and field training.
Students are prepared to be critical and creative thinkers, capable of providing innovative and sustainable design solutions that meet the requirements of residential, commercial, and institutional projects. This opens up wide professional horizons for them in the local and international job market.
The study period for a bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture at most Malaysian universities ranges from three to three and a half years.
This duration is carefully designed to cover all foundational and advanced aspects, from the history of art and architecture, through digital drawing and design techniques, to project management and final graduation projects that crown the student's academic journey.
English is the fully accredited language of instruction for Interior Architecture and Interior Design programs in all private universities and branches of international universities in Malaysia that attract students from all over the world.
Accordingly, proving proficiency in English is a basic requirement for admission, by submitting a globally recognized certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Admission requirements vary from one university to another, but they agree on a set of basic requirements to ensure that the student has the necessary skills to succeed in this creative field:
Academic Qualification: A high school certificate or its equivalent (such as A-Levels or a Diploma) with a good average, with preference for students with a background in arts or science subjects.
Portfolio: Most universities require the submission of a portfolio showcasing the student's best previous artistic and design works. This portfolio is a decisive factor in the admission decision.
Personal Interview: Some universities may conduct a personal interview (online or in-person) to assess the student's passion and readiness for the specialization.
Foundation Year: Students who do not meet the direct entry requirements can enroll in a Foundation in Arts/Design program.
Malaysia is a prestigious and attractive study destination for students from Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt.
This is due to the excellent educational reputation of Malaysian universities, competitive study and living costs, in addition to a tolerant Islamic cultural environment that makes Arab students feel at home, facilitating their adaptation and focus on their studies.
Malaysia prides itself on having an elite group of universities that excel in teaching interior design and interior architecture, combining modern curricula with advanced facilities.
Taylor's University is the number one private university in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, renowned for its innovative programs in art and design. Its Interior Architecture program is ranked among the best globally and provides students with a stimulating learning environment focused on creativity and sustainability.
Average Annual Fees: Ranges between $10,000 and $13,200 USD.
Admission Requirements: A high school certificate with a good average, a portfolio, and an IELTS score of 5.0.
University Link: Taylor Universty
UCSI University is distinguished by its high global ranking and its focus on practice-based learning. The Interior Architecture program at the university integrates theory with practical application, with mandatory professional training opportunities that give students real experience in the job market.
Average Annual Fees: Ranges between $7,200 and $8,700 USD.
Admission Requirements: A high school certificate with a 60% admission average, a portfolio, a personal interview, and an IELTS score of 5.0.
University Link: UCSI Universty
Sunway University, in collaboration with Lancaster University in the UK, offers a dual-degree program in Interior Architecture, which gives graduates a significant competitive advantage. The university is known for its modern facilities and vibrant campus life.
Average Annual Fees: Ranges between $8,600 and $10,000 USD.
Admission Requirements: Specific academic requirements (such as 8 points in the A-Level system), and an IELTS score of 6.0.
University Link: Sunway Universty
In partnership with Sheffield Hallam University in the UK, INTI offers a strong interior design course in malaysia that combines Malaysian and British academic expertise. The program focuses on developing students' practical design skills and critical thinking.
Average Annual Fees: Approximately $8,600 USD.
Admission Requirements: A high school certificate with a good average, and an IELTS score of 6.0.
University Link: INTI Universty
APU is known for its excellence in the fields of technology and design. It offers an interior design program that focuses on integrating digital technology into the design processes, preparing students to meet the demands of the modern era.
Admission Requirements: Standard academic requirements, a portfolio, and an English language proficiency certificate.
University Link: APU Universty
City University offers an interior design program at a very competitive cost, making it an excellent choice for students looking for quality education on a limited budget. The program focuses on the practical and fundamental aspects of interior design.
Average Annual Fees: Ranges between $3,200 and $4,900 USD.
Admission Requirements: A high school certificate or diploma with a good average, and an IELTS score of 5.0.
University Link: City Universty
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Note: There are many other universities that offer an interior design malaysia course. You can contact the Pioneer team for full details. The prices mentioned are approximate. For more precise details, get your free consultation now with Pioneer.
The interior design specialization is one of the moderately priced specializations in Malaysia. In general, the annual tuition fees at prestigious private universities such as Taylor's, Sunway, UCSI, and INTI range between $7,000 and $13,000 USD. This price range reflects the quality of education, available facilities, and the international accreditations these universities hold.
There are also more economical options such as City University, which offers the program with annual fees that can start from around $3,200 USD. This provides an excellent opportunity for students on a limited budget to get a good education in this creative field.
In addition to tuition fees, living costs must be taken into account. Fortunately, Malaysia has low and suitable living costs for students. The monthly cost of accommodation can be estimated at between $150 and $350, depending on whether the housing is on-campus or off-campus and the level of luxury.
As for other daily expenses from food, transportation, bills, and entertainment, they can range between $250 and $450 per month. Therefore, an international student can live comfortably in Malaysia on a total monthly budget ranging from $400 to $800 USD.
Note: The prices mentioned are approximate. For more precise details, get your free consultation now with Pioneer and start your academic journey in Malaysia with confidence!
The specialization of interior architecture allows students to delve into diverse specialized tracks, including:
This track focuses on designing houses, apartments, and villas, with a deep understanding of the needs of individuals and families to create comfortable and personal living environments.
This branch deals with the design of offices, retail stores, restaurants, and hotels, aiming to improve customer experience and increase employee productivity through functional and attractive design.
Here, students learn the principles of designing and manufacturing innovative and practical furniture pieces that complement interior spaces and meet specific needs.
This track specializes in designing temporary and permanent exhibition spaces, with the aim of telling a story or presenting information in an interactive and engaging way for visitors.
Studying this specialization in Malaysia offers countless advantages and opportunities:
Unleash Creativity: The specialization provides a platform for self-expression and turning creative ideas into real projects that leave an aesthetic and functional mark on people's lives.
Diverse Career Paths: Graduates are not confined to a single job; they can work as interior designers, furniture designers, design consultants, lighting designers, or even in the field of set design for theater and cinema.
Focus on Practical Skills: The curricula in Malaysia focus heavily on the practical side, ensuring that students graduate with a strong portfolio and practical experience that qualifies them directly for the job market.
Inspiring Environment: Malaysia, with its architectural diversity that blends the traditional and the modern, provides a constant source of inspiration for designers, which enriches their educational experience and expands their creative horizons.
Despite its enjoyment, interior design students face some challenges:
Project Pressure: The specialization requires the delivery of many projects on tight deadlines, which necessitates excellent time management skills.
Artistic Critique: The student must be prepared to accept constructive criticism of their work, which is an essential part of the creative development process.
Material Cost: Some projects may require the purchase of expensive materials and tools.
To overcome these challenges, it is important to develop flexibility and the ability to organize time. The Pioneer team can provide you with valuable advice through a free consultation to help you prepare for these challenges and get the most out of your studies.
The curriculum includes a balanced mix of theoretical, practical, and creative subjects, which may be distributed as follows:
Academic Year
Key Subjects
Year One
History of Art and Architecture, Principles of Design, Manual Drawing Techniques, Color Theory, Introduction to CAD.
Year Two
Residential Space Design, Commercial Space Design, Building Materials and Finishes, Lighting and Acoustics, 3D Modeling.
Year Three
Design Project Management, Sustainable Design, Furniture Design, Internship, Final Year Project.
To apply for a bachelor's degree or a diploma in interior design malaysia, you will generally need: a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, certified and translated high school certificate and transcripts, an English proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL), an art portfolio, and any letters of recommendation or experience certificates (if any).
For postgraduate programs, you will also need: a certified copy of your bachelor's degree and transcripts, a statement of purpose, an updated CV, at least two letters of recommendation, and an advanced portfolio.
For a PhD, the application requires a clear research commitment, including: certified copies of bachelor's and master's degrees, a detailed research proposal, an academic CV with any publications, and letters of recommendation from academic supervisors.
Note: The details mentioned are approximate. For more precise details, get your free consultation now with Pioneer and start your academic journey in Malaysia with confidence!
Do you dream of turning your passion for design into a profession? Do the procedures seem confusing? The Pioneer team is here to simplify the path for you. We offer you a free and comprehensive consultation to help you choose the most suitable interior design university malaysia, prepare your portfolio, and secure admission, all the way to arranging travel and settling in Malaysia. Our goal is for you to start your creative journey without any obstacles.
In conclusion, choosing to study interior design or interior architecture in Malaysia is a smart investment in your creative and professional future. In addition to receiving high-quality, internationally recognized education, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse and inspiring cultural environment, and build an international network of contacts, all at competitive living and tuition costs that give you the best possible value.
Whether you are at the beginning of your academic path or seeking to develop your skills through postgraduate studies, Malaysia offers you all the tools you need to succeed and excel in this vital field.
We hope this guide has given you a clear and comprehensive vision. Remember always that the Pioneer team is your trusted partner and free consultant at every step of this path, to help you achieve your ambitions and turn your dreams into creatively designed spaces.
