Study Interior Design Courses in Germany

Interior Design Courses in Germany: Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships, and Career Scope 

As per “My Guide” statistics, there are over 60 courses in Interior Design in Germany. Of these, 32 are taught at the undergraduate level and 25 at the graduate level. Both bachelor’s and master’s level courses are provided under the designations Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA). The Interior Design courses are offered by both public and private universities in Germany. These universities are typically classified as

• Universities 
• Universities of applied sciences
• Artistic colleges

Unfortunately, the majority of Interior Design courses in Germany are offered in the German language, which might be a hindrance for international students. Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is the only university that provides both bachelor’s and master’s level Interior Design courses in English. 

Overview of Interior Design courses in Germany 

Popular Interior Design courses in Germany 

All Interior Design courses in Germany can be pursued as Bachelor of Arts at the undergraduate level and Master of Arts at the graduate level. You can apply to these courses via Gyanberry.

Popular bachelor’s courses in Interior Design

In the first year of a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design students are introduced to the fundamentals of design and technology. It involves a mixture of theory, workshop, and studio work on the computer. The second year is dedicated to learning deeper aspects of interior design along with project studies in different areas of design. The third and or fourth years are dedicated to internship and a bachelor’s thesis. 

Popular master courses in Interior Design

Graduate-level studies in Interior Design are meant to further develop the skills and knowledge acquired during an undergraduate degree in the field. 

Living cost in Germany

Germany is not the priciest place to live in Europe but falls under the mid-range category. The average cost of living in Germany is 861 Euros/month or 10,332 Euros/year. It includes the following. 

Academic Eligibility for Interior Design courses in Germany 

Academic requirements for a bachelor’s level degree

• High school diploma certificate with transcript (German Abitur, Fachabitur, or equivalent)
• English language test certificate (Level B2 or higher) 
• German language proficiency TestDaF level 3
• Letter of motivation
• Portfolio 
• Passport

German university entrance qualification (Abitur or Fachabitur) is different from other countries. That suggests that your high school diploma might not be enough to enroll in a German university program. In this situation, you must enroll in a Studienkolleg course. You can check your eligibility for higher education in Germany by visiting this link. After completing the preparatory course, you must take the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) test. If you pass, you can enroll in any undergraduate Interior Design course at a German university. 

Academic requirements for a master’s level degree

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design or related fields from an accredited university
• English language test certificate 
• German language proficiency DSH level 2 or TestDaF level 4
• Letter of motivation
• Portfolio 

For master’s in Interior Design, German universities mostly prefer candidates with a GPA of 2.0 and higher. Selection is based on an aptitude test where the admission committee tests students’ creative, constructive, and technical skills.

Some universities also ask for experience and extracurricular accomplishments. Students must also prove that they have the financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses in Germany. 

If you are planning to opt for a German-taught Interior Design program, then you need to learn advanced-level German. You can enroll in German language courses offered by IIK Deutschland. There are both on-campus and online course options available.

If you need assistance in knowing more about German college admission requirements, you can contact us. Our expert counselors will guide you through the entire admission process. You can also sign up for our super mentor program for personalized guidance. The program allows you to connect with students studying at your desired German university and ask your doubts.

Scholarship for Interior Designing courses in Germany 

The majority of undergraduate interior design courses are funded by university scholarships. These awards are granted based on a student’s academic potential, extracurricular activities, and financial requirements. To browse through university scholarships for incoming international students in Germany, click here.

The German government provides financial aid for numerous post-graduate degrees. Let’s have a look at some scholarships offered by the German government for Interior Design master’s programs.

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship

DAAD is a joint organization formed by Germany’s higher education institutions. This scholarship is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service to foster international academic partnerships. It provides a monthly allowance of 850 Euros to postgraduate students.

Erasmus scholarships

Students who take part in an exchange program are eligible for these scholarships. The funding for these scholarships comes from the countries that participate in the Erasmus Program. Through this award, international students can get financial assistance for up to a one-year exchange program. It covers living expenses, travel, and tuition. 

Deutschlandstipendium

Students from all around the world with outstanding academic records are eligible to apply for this scholarship program. Any student enrolled in bachelor’s or master’s programs at German public or state-recognized universities is eligible. The scholarship is funded in part by the federal government and in part by donations from private entities. Students receive a monthly stipend of 300 Euros for the duration of two semesters.

Career scope in Interior Designing 

A degree in Interior Design imparts students with numerous skills in design and spatial aesthetics. These skills have a wide range of career opportunities in the design market. A bachelor’s degree in Interior Design is appropriate for entry-level or low managerial roles. While a master’s degree is intended to broaden one’s professional horizons in the field. 

In general, an Interior Design degree, allows you to work as an interior designer or interior architect for  

• Architecture and interior architecture offices
• Interior design studios
• Cultural and heritage institutions
• Production design for film, TV, and theater
• Furniture manufacturing and design
• Kitchen and bath showrooms
• Freelance work

Germany is one of the most robust economies in the world and offers plenty of opportunities for interior designers. Following graduation, you can try your luck for a job in Germany itself as it is a hub for many large MNCs.

If you intend to stay in Germany after graduating, you must apply for an 18-month resident visa. The permit allows you to search for a job. German universities are known to offer career services. They help students prepare their resumes and job applications. Additionally, they organize career days and workshops for their graduates. Various companies as well as alumni attend these events. Students can talk to alumni for tips on job applications.

Keep in mind that in Germany, interior design and architecture are protected professions. Therefore, registration with the Chamber of Architects is required to work as an interior designer.