Advance your career with flexible study

Unlock your potential with Yorkville University’s CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design degree.

Gain technical skills, visual literacy, and problem-solving abilities through immersive studio experiences and internships.

Our ARIDO and IDC-accredited program culminates in a thesis project where you shape your dream space and elevate the role of interior design in society. Our graduates move one step closer to becoming registered interior designers by taking their National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam.

Campus

Concord (Steeles)

Start Dates

January, April, July, October

Duration

3 years or less*

PROGRAM FEATURES

Yorkville University programs are aimed at helping you achieve your personal and professional goals. Online or in class, across Canada, Yorkville University’s programs are flexible, fast paced and above all, lead to transformation through education.

Flexibility

Flexible Learning

Take some of your courses online to make time for part-time work and other life priorities while completing your program.

Accelerated Programs 

Graduate faster with our year-round study option. We also provide optimum credit transfers based on your previous learning.

Year-Round Start Dates 

Start your program as soon as you are ready with various start dates throughout the year.  

Resources & Support

Student Assistance

Our program advisors assist you every step of the way in your academic journey, from finding the right program to graduation, and beyond.  

Student Success Centre  

Get 24/7 online support, access to writing and math labs, and links to tutoring and one-on-one support.   

Career Services  

We assist you in creating impactful resumes, cover letters and portfolios, prepare you for interviews, and help find work opportunities that match your ambition. 

Enhanced Learning

NCIDQ Ready

Fulfill NCIDQ education prerequisites and prepare for your exam with our focussed NCIDQ exam preparation course.

Studio Courses

Experience real-life learning and gain practical designing skills with our project-based and unique studio courses.

Job Readiness

Graduate with job-ready skills by completing a portfolio thesis and industry internships.

Professional Designations

Launch your career with an interior design degree that is well respected by the industry.

The rigorous program is recognized by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC), and is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

In fact, our students have won several times the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) Student Award and have been hired by established design houses.

Graduates also meet the necessary educational requirements to take the NCIDQ exam, which is a step towards professional certification in some jurisdictions in North America.

The interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Interior Design degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Bachelor of Interior Design degree granted by Yorkville University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: https://www.cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

Interior Design Online Career Outcomes

Bachelor of Interior Design graduates create functional, inspirational and healthy environments for living, working and playing. Graduates are qualified to write the NCIDQ exam to professionally register as an interior designer, which is required to practice in some jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S.

A variety of rewarding careers include:

  • Hospitality Design (hotels and restaurants)
  • Health Care Design
  • Corporate Design
  • Educational Design
  • Residential Design
  • Furniture Manufacturing and Supply
  • Lighting Design
  • Exhibit Design
  • Facilities Management

Tiffany Piotrowski

Principle Designer and Founder, Tiffany Leigh Design

Trushanti Shirodkar

Bachelor of Interior Design

Anna Gurina

Bachelor of Interior Design

Bobbie Jo Fowler

Bachelor of Interior Design

Meet the Program Chair

“The Bachelor of Interior Design program at Yorkville University is a rigorous CIDA accredited program. In a supportive and engaging learning environment, our students develop their knowledge and skills to create innovative solutions with social and environmental responsibility in mind.”

Reem Habib
Program Chair

Faculty

  • Maryam Karimi

    M. Arch. PhD, IDEC

  • Ahmed Ghalib

    BSc, MA (Inclusive Design)

  • Elena Korbout

    MA, MES, ARIDO, IDC

  • Moby Chaudhry

    MRAIC, NCIDQ, BCIN, Assoc. AIA, M.Arch, B.EDes. Dip.Arch

  • Adam Roland

    MA (ID), NCIDQ, ICEC, RID

  • Afsaneh Vollmer, DEA/M.Des.

  • Aleksandra Moore, EdD, LEED AP, Allied ASID

  • Brandy Von Kaenel, Assoc. AIA, LEED BD+C AP, NCIDQ

  • Brentwood Jolley, M.Arch.

  • Erin Martyn MFA, CIDA

  • Michael Gudio, M.Arch., OAA, LEED AP

  • Susan Hall, MA.ID.

Interior Design Online Course Descriptions

The Yorkville University Bachelor of Interior Design program comprehensively covers a variety of topics including design theory, drafting, digital rendering, products and materials, building systems, and social and environmental factors in design.

In addition, students are required to complete at least 180 hours of internship work and 20 hours of volunteering, as well as a showcase thesis project and portfolio.

A full listing of Bachelor of Interior Design program courses includes:

  • TERM 01
    Code Course Name Credits
    ENGL101 03
    DIDS111 03
    DIDT110 03
    DIDS116 03
    DIDV130 03
  • TERM 02
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDT142 03
    DIDS107 03
    DIDV100 03
    DIDE151 03
    ARTH110 03
  • TERM 03
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDV110 03
    DIDS115 03
    DIDT145 03
    DIDE155 03
    ENGL150 03
  • TERM 04
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS203 03
    DIDT235 03
    DIDV230 03
    DIDE261 03
    ARTH120 3
  • TERM 05
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS220 03
    DIDT200 03
    DIDV240 03
    DIDE255 03
    DIDE220 03
  • TERM 06
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS210 03
    DIDV200 03
    DIDE270 03
  • TERM 07
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS310 03
    DIDH312 03
    DIDP300 03
  • TERM 08
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS315 03
    DIDE344 03
    DIDE351 03
    DIDH330 03
  • TERM 09
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS320 03
    DIDT300 03
    DIDH320 03
    DIDE360 03
  • TERM 10
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS410 03
    DIDE400 03
    DIDP400 03
    DIDH420 03
  • TERM 11
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS420 03
    DIDT430 03
    DIDH400 03
    DIDP420 03
  • TERM 12
    Code Course Name Credits
    DIDS430 03
    DIDT432 03
    DIDT431 03
    DIDP430 03
  • Learning Outcomes

    Graduates of Yorkville University’s Bachelor of Interior Design program will be able to:

    • Create designs for a variety of market sectors that effectively interpret the relationship of the human response to the built environment.
    • Apply the principles and psychology of design theory, and colour methodology.
    • Articulate the challenges of the changing world of design, and its connection to culture, history and empathy for an interior environment.
    • Apply a systematic design process to creatively solve challenging design problems.
    • Employ effective and professional communication skills and techniques to interact and negotiate in collaborative environments, including client presentations.
    • Demonstrate entry to practice knowledge of building systems, material selection and interior detailing in relation to interior design and interior construction.
    • Use current industry tools, mechanical, digital and manual methods to express design ideas.
    • Employ both convergent and divergent thinking in the process of observation, investigation, speculative enquiry, ideation and implementation of design solutions.
    • Apply relevant building codes, laws, regulations, sustainability and universality to human welfare and safety when designing interior spaces.
    • Engage in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to underpin design ideas.
    • Critically reflect and evaluate personal depth of knowledge and practical experience to collaborate effectively with others.
    • Model sound business practices related to project management and professional ethical conduct.
    • Develop a professional portfolio and branding as a design professional.

Admission Requirements

Yorkville University welcomes applicants of all backgrounds to apply to the Bachelor of Interior Design online program, which is administered by our Concord (Steeles) Campus. Please note that admission requirements and tuition and fees are the same for domestic and international students.

  • High School

    Students entering the Bachelor of Interior Design degree program from high school are required to have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with at least a 65% average in six courses including:

    • English, Grade 12
    • One Math, Grade 11 or Grade 12 at the U/M level or equivalent
    • Four or five other Grade 12 subjects at the U/M level or equivalent; with a minimum of six Grade 12 courses

    Students entering from high school are also required to provide:

    • Official high school transcript*
    • Resume
    • Statement of Interest
    • Completed online application
    • Application fee of $150

    College and University

    Students entering from another university or college will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    Graduates of a college or university program will be considered for transfer credits upon request. Students are required to provide:

    • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended*
    • Resume
    • Statement of Interest
    • Completed online application
    • Application fee of $150

    Have any questions? Please contact an Admissions Advisor.

    Mature Student

    A mature student is an applicant who has not achieved an OSSD or its equivalent, and who is at least 19 years old on or before the commencement of the program.

    Yorkville University’s admissions policy for mature students creates a pathway to enrollment for those who can demonstrate academic competence equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates.

    Mature students will be evaluated on the successful completion of courses at the post-secondary level or through proficiency assessments, and are required to provide:

    • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended*
    • Resume
    • Statement of Interest
    • Completed online application
    • Application fee of $150

    *All official transcripts need to be sealed and stamped, and sent directly from the issuing institution to our Admissions Services Department for evaluation.

    English Language Requirements

    English is the primary language of instruction at Yorkville University.

    Applicants whose native language is not English must prove proficiency in the following ways:

    • Completion of secondary education where English was the primary language of instruction.
    • Completion of at least 12 credit hours of previous post-secondary education where English was the language of instruction.
    • Completion with the equivalent of “B” standing of a post-secondary level English for Academic Purposes program accredited by Languages Canada.
    • Confirmation of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 80 (Internet-based version).
    • Confirmation of an International English Language Test System (IELTS) band score of at least 6.5.
    • Confirmation of a Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL) score of 60 or higher.
    • Confirmation of a Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) score of Level B2 or higher.
    • Confirmation of a Canadian Language Benchmarks score of at least 8.
    • Confirmation of a score equivalent to these scores on another test of English language proficiency recognized by and acceptable to the University.
    • Confirmation of a Duolingo minimum score of 105.
    • Confirmation of Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic score of 58.

    Note: Yorkville University reserves the right to require proof of language proficiency before permission is granted to register in academic courses.

    Any questions? Please contact an Admissions Advisor.

  • System Requirements

    At a minimum, Yorkville University students should have a DSL, cable or equivalent internet connection with 5mbps download speed as a minimum, email capability, and access to one of the following web browsers:

    • Google Chrome, version 80 or higher (current is best)
    • Mozilla Firefox, version 70 or higher (current is best)

    Note: Yorkville does not recommend using other browsers such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge or Safari.  Students using an Apple computer are recommended to use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox which is available for free download online.

    Students should have a computer capable of accessing the internet and have experience using email and browsing web pages; recommended minimum computer configuration includes:

    • A PC or Mac with Intel Core2, Core i3 or AMD Athlon X4, A or FX Series or Phenom class processor
    • 8gb or RAM memory
    • 2gb or more free disk space

    Up-to-date anti-virus software is also highly recommended. Avast, AVGFree, BitDefender, Windows Defender or Sophos are good anti-virus programs which have free editions free for personal use.

    Finally, students will need office software including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation tools (such Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and other software tools to submit assignments electronically. As part of enrolment to a Yorkville University program students will be provided with a free Microsoft Office 365 license.

    Bachelor of Interior Design Technology Requirements

    1. The following system and software requirements are mandatory for all online students.
    2. The following system and software requirements are recommended for on campus students who plan to complete coursework without being on campus.

    Interior Design Computer System Requirements

    • Intel Core i5/i7 or Core m Series processor or AMD equivalent
    • 8gb RAM or greater (16gb is recommended)
    • 8gb of free disk space for installation of software
    • Graphics card with 512mb of memory (a discrete graphics card is not required but is strongly recommended)
    • Speakers/Microphone or headset (only required if taking courses delivered online)

    Additional Requirements for ADOBE Creative Suite and Autodesk Building Design Suite (required for Term 1 online courses) https://www.adobe.com/ca/creativecloud.html

    • Windows 8 or 10 (Home, Professional or Enterprise Edition) running in 64bit mode (32bit mode will not support AutoDesk applications)
    • 30gb of available hard-disk space for installation: additional free space required during installation (cannot install on flash-based storage devices)
    • Graphics card with 512mb of memory (a discrete graphics card with 1gb or more memory is not required but is strongly recommended)
    • Broadband internet connection required for on-line service

     Software Requirements

    Note: Users of Mac computers may use the native Mac version of the software, but will face numerous differences in the user interface between it and the PC version. It is therefore recommended that students without access to a PC run the PC version through a Windows emulator or virtual machine on their Macs. Check the AutoCAD website for information on system requirements and options on running AutoCAD software on a Mac.

Tuition & Fees

The total cost for the Bachelor of Interior Design on-campus degree program for Canadians, Permanent Residents at the current tuition rate, is $71,460.00.*

The Bachelor of Interior Design program runs throughout the year, which is divided into four academic terms: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. An academic year comprises three academic terms. Students must complete 180 credit hours of coursework to graduate from the Bachelor of Interior Design degree program. A typical course is three credit hours.

Total program tuition may vary based on actual credit transfers and course equivalencies. Below are sample calculations depending on the number of courses taken per term.

COURSES PER TERM CREDITS CREDIT HOUR FEES
4 12 $397 12 x $397 = $4,764
5 15 $385 15 x $385 = $5,955

*As of 2023-2024. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Tuition Payment

Arrangements for payment of tuition must be made at least two weeks prior to the start of each term (please see the Academic Schedule for deadlines). Monthly payment arrangements can also be made. Please contact our Bursar’s Office for more details at 1-888-886-1882.

Students applying to Yorkville University’s Bachelor of Interior Design program have several options for financing their education. Full-time students enrolled in the BID program are eligible to apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or their home province student loan program.

Please contact our Bursar’s Office for more details at 1-888-886-1882.

Other Fees

Please note that costs do not include other fees such as textbooks, expendable supplies, equipment and resource fees. All fees and charges are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD). Yorkville University also accepts equivalent payment in other currencies. For further information about tuition, fees and payment methods, please contact Yorkville University’s Bursar’s Office. Tuition rates are confirmed three months prior to the start of each term. Changes to tuition rates will be announced at least three months prior to the start of the term to which they apply. Current tuition rates are available on the Yorkville University website or from the Bursar’s Office at 1-888-886-1882.

The total cost for the Bachelor of Interior Design on-campus degree program for International students, at the current tuition rate, is $89,460.00.*

The Bachelor of Interior Design program runs throughout the year, which is divided into four academic terms: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. An academic year comprises three academic terms. Students must complete 180 credit hours of coursework to graduate from the Bachelor of Interior Design degree program. A typical course is three credit hours.

Total program tuition may vary based on actual credit transfers and course equivalencies. Below are sample calculations depending on the number of courses taken per term.

COURSES PER TERM CREDITS CREDIT HOURS FEES
4 12 $497 12 x $497 = $5,964
5 15 $485 15 x $485 = $7,275

 *As of 2023-2024. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Tuition Payment

Arrangements for payment of tuition must be made at least two weeks prior to the start of each term (please see the Academic Schedule for deadlines). Monthly payment arrangements can also be made. Please contact our Bursar’s Office for more details at 1-888-886-1882.

Students applying to Yorkville University’s Bachelor of Interior Design program have several options for financing their education. Full-time students enrolled in the BID program are eligible to apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or their home province student loan program.

Please contact our Bursar’s Office for more details at 1-888-886-1882.

Other Fees

Please note that costs do not include other fees such as textbooks, expendable supplies, equipment and resource fees. All fees and charges are quoted in Canadian dollars (CAD). Yorkville University also accepts equivalent payment in other currencies. For further information about tuition, fees and payment methods, please contact Yorkville University’s Bursar’s Office. Tuition rates are confirmed three months prior to the start of each term. Changes to tuition rates will be announced at least three months prior to the start of the term to which they apply. Current tuition rates are available on the Yorkville University website or from the Bursar’s Office at 1-888-886-1882.

Financial Aid Types

Scholarships & Bursaries

Yorkville University provides a limited number of scholarships and bursaries to qualified students.

Learn More

Financial Aid

Yorkville University is committed to helping students find affordable solutions to finance their education investment.

Learn More

I have learned a lot as a design professional, but Yorkville helped lay a solid foundation for those lessons to be built upon.

Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski
Principal Designer and Founder,Tiffany Leigh Design

FAQ

  • 1. Why should I choose the Bachelor of Interior Design program at Yorkville University?

    The Bachelor of Interior Design program is an industry-accredited program that offers flexibility in studying while you meet the demands of your busy life.

    Students can choose a mix of on-campus and online courses, and have the option of taking courses year-round. With an emphasis on practical experience, the rigorous program also requires the completion of 200 hours of internship and volunteering work in the design industry, as well as a showcase thesis project and portfolio.

    If you are looking to become a professional interior designer, it is one of the most hands-on, industry-driven design programs in Canada.

    • 2. What are the industry accreditations, recognitions and designations associated with the program?

      The Bachelor of Interior Design program is professionally accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and recognized by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). Graduates of the program are also eligible to take the U.S. National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination, which is a key certification step in professionally regulated jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.

      • 3. Is it possible to substitute on-campus courses with online courses?

        Yes. For students looking for more flexibility in their weekly schedule, many on-campus courses can be substituted with online courses. This can allow you to more easily meet work, home and study demands. However, for international students who would like to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, more than 50 percent of total courses must continuously be taken on campus with full-time student status. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

        • 4. Can I work part time and still complete my on-campus degree?

          Most on-campus students work part time—our degree programs offer the flexibility they need to study at home, at work or while travelling. Some on-campus courses may also be substituted with online courses for additional flexibility in class schedule.

          For many of our online degree programs, our students are older and are experienced professionals with work and family responsibilities.

          • 5. How is it possible to complete the program in three years or less?

            Students can use an approved term break to study year-round instead of having an academic term off and complete the program in three years. Yorkville University operates year-round and has four academic terms and intake periods starting in January, April, July and October.

            If you have previous post-secondary education or have served in the military, you can also apply to transfer credits from past courses towards completion of the program, which can further shorten your study time. Please contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

            • 6. Is the Bachelor of Interior Design degree equivalent to a four-year degree?

              Yes. Even if you study for only three years and graduate, the degree conferred is equivalent to a four-year degree. Some students use their Bachelor of Interior Design degree to apply for further graduate studies.

              • 7. How much does the Bachelor of Interior Design program cost for on-campus students?

                The BID program fees for on-campus students depend on whether you are a domestic or international student and whether you take any courses online as part of the program. Please see here for current tuition rates. Yorkville University is committed to helping you evaluate different financial aid options and payment schedules.

                For more information, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                • 8. What is the application process for the Bachelor of Interior Design program?

                  The application process depends on whether you are a domestic or international student. For more information, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                  • 9. Do I need a study permit to attend Yorkville University?

                    If you are an international student, a study permit must be obtained before classes start. The study permit can be applied for online, at a Canadian consular office abroad, or in Canada.

                    For more information, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                    • 10. What are the student demographics of the classes?

                      Most on-campus students in the Bachelor of Interior Design program are domestic students aged 18 to 25 years old with an additional significant cohort of students aged 26 to 34 years old. A small average class size of 20 students fosters participation and teamwork. Yorkville University encourages applications from all countries.

                      • 11. What is the Concord (Steeles) campus like?

                        The Bachelor of Interior Design on-campus program is based at our Steeles location in north Toronto and is a short bus ride from the subway.

                        For more information, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                        • 12. Is Yorkville approved to offer the Bachelor of Interior Design degree?

                          Yorkville University has been approved to offer the Bachelor of Interior Design program by the Government of Ontario.

                          • 13. What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need to be accepted?

                            For more information on the minimum English language requirements, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                            • 14. What if I don’t have the minimum English language requirements?

                              Yorkville University offers several options for applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements for admission eligibility.

                              For more information, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                              • 15. Does Yorkville University have on-campus housing accommodation?

                                Unfortunately, we do not offer housing accommodation on campus. However, several resources are available for students to search for off-campus options.

                                For more information, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                                • 16. How much money will I need for accommodation, meals and living expenses?

                                  Please note that below are approximate estimates in Canadian dollars. Each student will need to evaluate their own unique costs and budget accordingly.

                                  Estimated Monthly Living Expenses:

                                  • Housing $500-$1,200
                                  • Food $200-$400
                                  • Transportation $130-$200
                                  • Entertainment $100-$200
                                  • Cell Phone $70-$100

                                  Total Monthly Budget $1,000-$2,100

                                  • 17. Does Yorkville University offer any scholarships?

                                    Several scholarships are offered by Yorkville University, but only domestic students are eligible to apply.

                                    Yorkville University is committed to helping you evaluate different financial aid options and payment schedules.

                                    For more information, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                                    • 18. Can I apply for provincial student loans?

                                      Only domestic students can apply to provincial student loan programs such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or StudentAid BC. Yorkville University is committed to helping you evaluate different financial aid options and payment schedules.

                                      For more information, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

                                      • 19. What if I have more questions?

                                        If you can’t find your questions addressed on this web page, please contact an Admissions Advisor.

Articulation Partners

Previous students of select colleges have the opportunity to transfer credits towards Yorkville University’s programs and graduate faster.

Learn More

Canadian Forces

Special tuition bursaries and military training credit transfer options are offered to current and former Canadian Forces members and their families.

Learn More

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

For more information, contact an Admissions Advisor.

 

Contact Admissions

*With full course load, year-round study and/or approved transfer credits. Each applicant is encouraged to contact an Admissions Advisor to determine the potential duration of their degree program according to their unique circumstances. For comprehensive, up-to-date information, please view the Academic Calendar.

Yorkville University offers a Bachelor of Interior Design that has received consent in Ontario and is delivered online and on-campus.

To view our student achievement data, please click here.