Interior design courses requirements differ by institution. The diploma is offered by universities of technology such as CPUT, DUT and TUT, and the University of Johannesburg offers a BA in Interior Design. Entry is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) at most institutions, plus a portfolio, drawing test or departmental assessment. The figures below are from the 2026 prospectuses unless stated, so confirm the current ones with the institution.
Many applicants prepare the portfolio last. At DUT and TUT it is part of selection, so start it early.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- CPUT Diploma in Interior Design: APS 30 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy, English level 4 (CPUT prospectus)
- TUT Diploma in Interior Design: APS of at least 22 excluding Life Orientation, English level 4, then an additional departmental assessment (TUT Faculty of Arts and Design prospectus)
- DUT Diploma in Interior Design: NSC with English rating 3 and four 20-credit subjects, then an interview, drawing test, questionnaire and a portfolio of at least 10 original drawings (DUT career leaflet)
- UJ BA (Interior Design): APS 25 with Mathematics or 26 with Mathematical Literacy, English 5 (60%+)
- CPUT Advanced Diploma: a Diploma in Interior Design with a 60% final-year average (CPUT Interior Design department page)
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
CPUT, TUT and DUT all admit on a diploma-level NSC. TUT asks for an NSC with a diploma or bachelor endorsement. The TUT diploma (DPID20) is at NQF level 6, takes a minimum of three years and has a January intake only. The DUT diploma is also NQF level 6 (SAQA 111012).
DUT also has a mature-age route without an NSC: you must be 23 in your first year of registration and have at least three years of appropriate work experience and/or pass an assessment.
If you want to register with the profession, check the route first. The South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) says it does not accredit interior design courses or train, and that registration as an interior designer needs a minimum three-year full-time degree in Interior Design from a registered institute, while an interior architect needs a Master’s. CPUT describes diploma graduates as eligible to register with the IID as a candidate Junior Interior Designer. Ask the IID how your chosen qualification is treated before you commit.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
CPUT: APS 30 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy. English (Home Language or First Additional Language) at level 4, Mathematics at level 4, Mathematical Literacy at level 6 or Technical Mathematics at level 5. Technical Drawing and Design subjects are recommended.
TUT: APS of at least 22, not counting Life Orientation, and English at level 4.
DUT: English at rating 3 and four 20-credit subjects. Visual Arts, Design and Engineering Graphics and Design are recommended, not prerequisites. There is no fixed APS in the leaflet.
UJ: APS 25 with Mathematics or 26 with Mathematical Literacy. English at level 5 (60%+) and Mathematics at level 4 (50%+) or Mathematical Literacy at level 5 (60%+). Technical Mathematics is not accepted. UJ calculates the APS from your six best subjects excluding Life Orientation, and meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
Documents and Application Requirements
- Your NSC results, as the institution requires them
- DUT portfolio: a minimum of 10 original drawings that are not copied from photographs, such as architectural details, furniture, ornaments, man-made, mechanical and natural objects, in a folder with your name hand-lettered on the front, handed in at the interview (DUT career leaflet)
- CPUT Advanced Diploma: applicants who do not hold the CPUT diploma go through selection with a digital portfolio
- Proof of work experience if you apply through the DUT mature-age route
DUT applications are made through CAO. For the other institutions, use the institution’s own application portal. Confirm the document list on the institution’s website, because it can change each cycle.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the APS only gets you considered. At TUT, after administrative screening, all applicants sit an additional assessment arranged with the Department of Interior Design, and acceptance depends on capacity. At DUT you must choose Interior Design as your first or second choice on CAO to be considered for an interview.
For the 2027 intake, UJ applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. TUT’s diploma starts in January only. The APS figures for CPUT, TUT and DUT above come from 2026 documents, so check that your institution has not changed them for 2027.
At CPUT, the Advanced Diploma requires a 60% average in the final year of the diploma, plus 60% for Interior Design 3 and Interior Technology 3, and employment in an interior design practice is compulsory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for an interior design course in South Africa?
For a diploma you need an NSC with the institution’s English level and APS, then a portfolio or assessment. CPUT, DUT and TUT offer the diploma, and the IID lists other registered educational providers, including private ones such as Inscape and BHC School of Design.
Do I need art as a matric subject?
No institution above lists it as compulsory. DUT and TUT recommend Visual Arts, Design or Engineering Graphics and Design, and CPUT recommends Technical Drawing and Design.
What should the portfolio contain?
Follow the institution’s brief exactly. DUT asks for at least 10 original drawings that are not copied from photographs and covers subjects such as architectural details, furniture and technical drawings. At TUT the department sets the additional assessment, so ask it what to prepare.
Can I do a short course or get an interior design certification?
Short courses are set by each provider, so ask the provider about entry, duration and cost. The IID describes interior decorating courses, such as soft furnishing and upholstery, separately from interior design. Professional recognition as an interior designer is through the IID, which does not accredit courses; see the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) for the providers it lists and the IID student membership page for student membership, which applies to students with at least two years of study completed.
Is Mathematical Literacy enough?
At CPUT and UJ, yes, with a higher APS (32 and 26 respectively) and a minimum Mathematical Literacy level. TUT states an APS and English level only.
Is interior design a registered profession?
Registration is through the IID, which needs a minimum three-year full-time degree for interior designers.
Confirm current requirements with your chosen institution and the IID. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.