Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Whether you’re dreaming of designing beautiful residential spaces, planning your own renovation, or ready to launch a career in interior decorating, the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration is where it all begins.

This nationally recognised qualification gives you the chance to learn directly from practicing interior decorators and designers, building real skills and real confidence along the way.

Study self-paced online or join us live in the virtual studio whichever suits how you learn best.

Accredited course code: MSF40122

Online – 10 hrs per week / 1–2-year duration
Virtual Studio – 2 days per week/ 6 months

Flexible but never solo

Personal support from Interior Designers
via phone, live video call and email.

Success starts here

One-on-one careers coaching.
Feel job ready and confident.

Designed for busy creatives

Study at your own pace online
or in real time from anywhere

Online Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Student work by Magali Pascal

What does the course cover?

This hands-on course starts with the essentials, growing your skills and confidence one step at a time.

You’ll dive into core design principles and the exciting world of colour, then move into space planning and design and specifying for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas.

From there, you’ll learn how to source and select furniture, finishes and lighting to pull together cohesive interior schemes. It all comes together in a final residential project, where you’ll work from a real or simulated client brief to deliver a polished design that balances practicality with personal style.

Whether you go on to join a studio, work in-house with an industry supplier, or launch your own venture, you’ll graduate from = the course with the skills, confidence and hands-on experience to turn your love of design into a career you’ll genuinely enjoy.

Ready to take it further? You can credit this course towards the Diploma of Interior Design.

Why learn with us?

As the partner school of Sydney Design School, Interior Design Online delivers the same industry-led qualifications with a level of support rarely found in online learning.

We’re passionate about delivering a cutting-edge, industry-focused education combined with a personal and inspiring learning experience so every student graduates highly skilled, confident, and connected.

You’ll engage in live critiques, inspiring webinars and vibrant social meetups all designed to spark your creativity and build real industry skills.

Be supported by passionate mentors and join a global alumni community.

IVOC01: DESIGN FOUNDATIONS

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the interior decoration and design industries while building a strong foundation in essential skills such as colour schemes and freehand sketching.

IVOC02: SPACE AND SCALE

Explore key principles of residential planning across a range of residential spaces including kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Create lighting layouts and bring your design concepts to life through 3D exploration.

IVOC03: INTERIOR SCHEMES

Build confidence in selecting and sourcing furniture, textiles, furnishings, upholstery and window treatments to meet diverse client briefs. Learn to present cohesive interior schemes.

IVOC04: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND DECORATION

Consolidate your design skills by undertaking a real-world residential project – from initial briefing and space planning to the development of a complete interior furnishings scheme.

Click here for a full list of competencies

This course is divided into 4 units.

  • VOC01: DESIGN FOUNDATIONS |  Online $2,105 |  Virtual $1745
  • VOC02: SPACE AND SCALE |  Online $1,890 |  Virtual $2,182
  • VOC03: INTERIOR SCHEMES |  Online $1,890 |  Virtual $2,182
  • VOC04: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN AND DECORATION |  Online $1,890 |  Virtual $2,182
  • Total course cost  |  Online AUD $7,775 (GST Free)* Virtual AUD $8,290 (GST Free)*
Virtual Studio

If you are in Australia, you will also need to purchase a Design Kit AUD $660 (GST inc) prior to your course start date. If you are located outside Australia, you will need to purchase the items independently. Please get in touch with our team to receive a list of the items needed. Please allow AUD $50 per term for incidental costs eg. photocopying.

Online only

If studying self paced online you can apply and pay unit by unit or upfront.

Pay in full upfront to receive 10% off  |  AUD $6,997.50 (GST Free)* 

If you are in Australia, you will receive a curated Design Kit with all the tools you need to get started. It’s included in the cost of your first unit and shipped free within Australia.

If you are located outside Australia, Design Kit items are not included as part of the course. You will need to purchase these items independently (valued at approx. AUD $595) and your course fee will be reduced accordingly at checkout. For a complete list of items you will need, please click here.

Please allow AUD $50 incidental printing costs.

We know the investment you’re making in your future is an important one, which is why we offer a range of payment options.

Option 1 – Pay upfront and save

Pay for the total course cost at enrolment and receive a 10% discount on this course only. Note: If RPL or Credit Transfer is received on an enrolment the 10% discount does not apply. 

  • Course cost  |  $7,775 (GST Free)
  • Less 10% discount
  • Total Course cost  |  $6,997.50 (GST Free)

Option 2 – Pay unit by unit

Pay for Unit 1 when you apply and then pay for each subsequent unit when you finish your current unit.

Option 3 – Pay by instalment

Pay an initial unit deposit at the time of enrolment, followed by 2 monthly instalments via Ezidebit. Please note, that payment by instalment is available to Australian bank account holders only. For full instalment details, click here.

If you require a longer instalment plan to pay for your first unit please contact our team at [email protected] for more options.

Note: You can choose to pay by bank transfer or credit card. A credit card transaction fee will apply.

What will I need?

If you are in Australia, you will receive a curated Design Kit with all the tools you need to get started. It’s included in the cost of your first unit and shipped free within Australia.

If you are located outside Australia, Design Kit items are not included as part of the course. You will need to purchase these items independently (valued at approx. AUD $595) and your course fee will be reduced accordingly at checkout. For a complete list of items you will need, please click here.

At a few key points, you’ll need to print your work, many of our Australian students use Officeworks for this.

You can study this course self-paced online or in our virtual studio with an Educator. For more information about our virtual courses go to the Sydney Design School website.

Self-Paced Online

You can study entirely online through our easy-to-use eCampus at a pace to suit your lifestyle. It’s accessible anywhere with an internet connection. The eCampus is filled with inspiring content, step-by-step video tutorials, and practical resources and videos of key content designed to support your creative learning.

You’ll work through a series of structured activities that guide you through the interior design process, building your knowledge, confidence, and design thinking along the way.

To stay on track, we recommend setting aside around 10 hours a week to complete this course over 1–2 years. You’ll have 6 months to complete each unit.

Virtual Studio

Virtual studio allows you to study from anywhere and is structured learning two days per week for 6 months from 9.30 – 4.30pm.  Virtual studio brings the energy of an in-person design studio into your home, with live demonstrations and feedback from our expert educators who bring their real-world experience into the classroom.

You’ll be able to ask questions, interact and share ideas with your peers in real time.

Whichever mode you select you will have access to our Industry and Careers Manager who will support you to get ready for your new career.

Our Careers Coach will help you step into the industry. You’ll get one on one support to craft a professional resume and identify job opportunities in your local area.

You’ll also gain access to our exclusive online job board featuring interior design roles with Sydney-based studios. 

Graduate career opportunities

  • Interior Decorator
  • Interior Stylist
  • Colour Consultant
  • Adviser for a product, furniture or lighting supplier
  • Entrepreneur in your own interiors business

You don’t need any previous experience just enthusiasm and a passion for interiors! We start from the basics and gradually build your skills, knowledge and confidence. You will need basic computer knowledge and the ability to navigate the internet.

To study with Interior Design Online you will need a strong command of the English language (verbal, written and comprehension) and, if required, be able to score at least 6 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test here or an equivalent.

If required, our team will be in contact with you by phone to assess your English language proficiency, prior to an enrolment confirmation being sent. If your application is not successful due to your language ability your payment will be refunded in full.

It’s easy! Apply online today. Follow the link below to enter your details into our online application form. You can choose to pay for the course in full, by unit or by instalments.

Please allow one business day for our team to process your application and payment. You’ll then receive a confirmation of your enrolment via email including your login to our eCampus and payment receipt.

This will be followed by a welcome email from an Educator. You’ll receive a link to join a live online welcome session via Zoom when you’ll be given guided tour of our eCampus. If you live in Australia, your Design Kit will be posted to you and should arrive within one week of your enrolment, but you can still get started on your course straight away.

You’ll receive an accredited dual branded qualification from Sydney Design School and Interior Design Online. Our courses are accredited by the Australian government’s Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) RTO 91446, and are recognised by the Design Institute of Australia, the nation’s peak industry body for professional design.

Our qualifications are nationally recognised across Australia and internationally acknowledged as Australian government-approved programs. Please note that industry and regulatory requirements can vary between countries, so we recommend that prospective students check with their local industry bodies or regulators to understand how Australian qualifications are recognised and applied in their region.

This qualification can be credited towards the Diploma of Interior Design.

“I absolutely loved it and it has given me the courage to explore, especially with colour and textures. The Educators are very approachable and supportive.”

Graduate Cecilia Mazadiego

Read Her Story

Want to try a different delivery mode?

Virtual studio

Looking for a more social way to study online? Immerse yourself in our dynamic, real-time design studio with an Educator and other creatives wherever you are. Study 2 days a week 9.30am – 4.30pm.

No student visa required for international students. 

Virtual Studio

On campus classes

Want to study this course in our studios? Get the Sydney Design School experience at our world class campus. Learn face to face, two days per week 9.30am – 4.30pm.

International students will require a student visa.

On Campus Learning

Explore work by our creative students

Student Work Portfolios

GRACE WHITELOCK
ASHIMA SOOD
DANIELLE SAMS
MEAH ROFE