Lately, many of you have been asking for recommendations on where to study interior design in Spain. It’s a great choice! Spain itself is a massive source of inspiration, from Gaudí’s fantastical architecture to the Moorish charm of Andalusia, all of which nurture a designer’s creativity. Today, I’m sharing my personal take on a few excellent schools that I hope will be helpful to you.
Top Schools to Consider
When it comes to choosing a school, there’s no absolute ‘best’—only the ‘best fit’ for you. Some focus more on technical and architectural aspects, while others emphasize creativity and art. You should choose based on your background and career goals.
1. Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)
Its full name is Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. This is a powerhouse in Spanish engineering and technology, renowned for its architecture program. Its interior design program leans heavily towards architectural technology and spatial transformation, with a very solid theoretical foundation. If you have an undergraduate degree in architecture or environmental design and want to deepen your technical skills, UPM is definitely a top-tier choice. The downside? As a public university, admission is competitive. The curriculum for Spanish universities for interior design can be demanding, so be prepared for some intense drafting sessions
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2. ELISAVA Barcelona School of Design and Engineering
Its full name is ELISAVA Facultad de Diseño e Ingeniería de Barcelona. Located in Barcelona, it is affiliated with the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia. ELISAVA is highly prestigious in the design world and is considered one of Europe’s top design schools. Its teaching style is very commercial and international, with collaborative projects with many renowned companies, emphasizing hands-on skills and innovative thinking. Here, you’ll be exposed to cutting-edge design concepts. However, as a private school, the tuition fees are considerably higher than public universities.
3. Istituto Europeo di Design (IED)
The Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) is an international design school with campuses in both Madrid and Barcelona. IED’s curriculum is very flexible, offering many one-year master’s programs that are perfect for students looking to quickly upgrade their skills and enter the workforce. Its style leans towards fashion and creativity, with a curriculum rich in hands-on projects. The only ‘downside’ might be that your classmates are all so trendy, the pressure is on, haha.
To give you a clearer picture, here is a simple comparison table:
| University | City | Focus | Recommended For |
|---|
| Polytechnic University of Madrid | Madrid | Architectural technology, spatial structures | Students with an architecture background seeking advanced technical skills |
| ELISAVA School of Design | Barcelona | Commercial projects, creative practice | Those seeking an international perspective and industry connections |
| Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) | Madrid/Barcelona | Fashion-forward, project-driven | Those looking for rapid skill enhancement or from different academic backgrounds |
There are certainly many options for studying design in Spain. Besides the ones mentioned, Nebrija University also has a good interior design program. The most crucial step is to clarify your own goals, then visit the official websites to carefully review the curriculum and the portfolio requirements for interior design programs at Spanish universities. Language is another major hurdle; whether the course is taught in Spanish or English, proficiency is a firm requirement.
We welcome current design students and alumni to share their own experiences and insights in the comments
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