Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Certificate IV in Interior Decoration - MSF40122

VOCATIONAL

Create beautiful and functional spaces for residential and commercial environments.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable

Prepare to make an impact in the thriving interior decoration industry.

In the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration, you will learn how to plan, design, decorate and style interior spaces. You’ll focus on the development of a project’s aesthetic, environmental, spatial and safety aspects, as well as your presentation skills.

As an interior decorator or stylist, you will:

  • create well-designed and functional spaces
  • decorate residential environments
  • present your decorating and styling ideas to clients
  • provide advice on colour schemes, layout, lighting, soft and hard wall and floor finishes, and soft furnishing products, furniture and interior accessories.
  • advise on interior styling and display for residential and commercial environments.

Why study interior decoration at RMIT?

Industry links

Collaborate on industry projects and gain work experience with major Australian companies.

Expert educators

Learn from industry-connected experts in design studios that mirror industry and retail settings.

Professional accreditation

Join the Design Institute of Australia as a student, then apply for associate membership on graduation.

Practical learning

Focusing on 2D and 3D design and their decorative aspects, you’ll learn how to effectively communicate concepts and design ideas to your clients.

Projects are anchored around evaluating areas in soft furnishings, colour, drawing and digital presentation based on historical and contemporary styles.

With this qualification, you can pursue a career as an interior decorator or interior stylist in a decoration or styling studio, in interior product manufacturing and retail environments.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

Expand all sections

Learning and teaching

The Certificate IV in Interior Decoration is delivered at the Melbourne City campus, working with experienced teachers who have up-to-date knowledge of industry, trends and innovations, and learning in state-of-the-art facilities.

You will be taught in design studios that mirror industry and retail settings, as is reflective of interior decorators’ consultancy practice.

You’ll learn through lectures, workshops, studios, online learning, classroom and industry presentations, and on-site visits. Practical demonstrations may be held in class or in an industry environment.

You’ll interact with key figures from established companies, modelling the consultancy practice of interior decorators for client presentations.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes reports, verbal presentations, group projects, research and practical tasks.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

Throughout your study in the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration you have the opportunity to work on projects and collaborate with industry briefs.

The course content is reviewed regularly for currency and to keep the learning on global trend.

This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.

In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.

The Certificate IV in Interior Decoration is offered full-time over one year or a part time over two years.

As a full time student your classes are delivered over three and a half days per week on campus throughout each 16-week semester.  

As a part time student your classes are delivered over 2 days on campus over each 16-week semester.  

You should also budget approximately 12 hours per week for research, study and assessment tasks.

Throughout the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration you will study decoration and styling briefs to develop your understanding of:

  • interior spatial planning
  • use of colour and colour theory including interior lighting
  • properties and use of hard and soft interior materials and products
  • how to source and specify soft furnishings, including furniture and accessories
  • interior decorative arts influences and how to apply them to your own work
  • how to develop, design and implement visual styling displays for commercial use.

Visual technology and communication skills underpin the presentation aspects of working as a designer or decorator. You will work with Photoshop and other industry-standard software.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
Program code: C4431
National curriculum code: MSF40122
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Interior Decoration
City Campus
Full Time 1 Years, Part Time 2 Years
C4431
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full Time 1 Years, Part Time 2 Years
Plan code
C4431
CRICOS
View plan

Career

The Certificate IV in Interior Decoration qualifies you to be an interior decorator, stylist or assistant, giving you the skills and expertise to pursue a career in:

  • consultancies and shops
  • retail store furnishing
  • furniture, furnishings and fabric supplying
  • shop fitting 
  • colour consulting
  • self-employment.
Expand all sections

The program is closely linked with the DIA (Design Institute of Australia) - as students in this program, you will have the opportunity to join the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) as student members while studying, and as an associate member upon graduation. The DIA has a specific category for interior decorators and offers associate members professional recognition and information on all areas of decoration and design through seminars and forums. Please note that successful completion of this qualification is not dependent upon membership of the DIA.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Pathways and further study

A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.

Pathways into the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Further study

The Certificate IV in Interior Decoration provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

Learn more about international credit transfers

Fees

Fee Type

The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.

If you are not eligible for a government subsidised place, you are considered a full fee paying student.

Government-subsidised training for citizens, permanent residents and some visa holders.

Tuition fees fully covered for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students and Youth Justice referrals in a government subsidised place..

Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.

Full fee fee summary

Course nameCertificate IV in Interior Decoration
Plan codeC4431
National Curriculum code MSF40122
Duration1year(s)
Nominal hours848Nominal hours tooltip

Fees shown are indicative only based on 2026 commencement, and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
 $14,000.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $373.00
M1759
Poster paper $20, nylon $5, fastners & adhesives $10, acrylic risers $10, tape $5.
 Poster paper $20, nylon $5, fastners & adhesives $10, acrylic risers $10, tape $5. $50.00
M1862
Visit to the National Gallery of Victoria - major exhibition & 2 other similar site visit $ 53.00
 Visit to the National Gallery of Victoria - major exhibition & 2 other similar site visit $ 53.00 $53.00
M1869
Interior Design Europe Study Tour, Private Workshop Italian Bark AU$185.00, Handbook - How to be Italian $27.00
 Interior Design Europe Study Tour, Private Workshop Italian Bark AU$185.00, Handbook - How to be Italian $27.00 $212.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $14,688.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees after government subsidy
Tuition fees after government subsidy
 $5,750.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $373.00
M1759
Poster paper $20, nylon $5, fastners & adhesives $10, acrylic risers $10, tape $5.
 Poster paper $20, nylon $5, fastners & adhesives $10, acrylic risers $10, tape $5. $50.00
M1862
Visit to the National Gallery of Victoria - major exhibition & 2 other similar site visit $ 53.00
 Visit to the National Gallery of Victoria - major exhibition & 2 other similar site visit $ 53.00 $53.00
M1869
Interior Design Europe Study Tour, Private Workshop Italian Bark AU$185.00, Handbook - How to be Italian $27.00
 Interior Design Europe Study Tour, Private Workshop Italian Bark AU$185.00, Handbook - How to be Italian $27.00 $212.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $6,438.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $10.45 per nominal hour ($8,861.60 total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$1,150.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
Concession rate applied
$84.80
M1759
Poster paper $20, nylon $5, fastners & adhesives $10, acrylic risers $10, tape $5.
 Poster paper $20, nylon $5, fastners & adhesives $10, acrylic risers $10, tape $5. $50.00
M1862
Visit to the National Gallery of Victoria - major exhibition & 2 other similar site visit $ 53.00
 Visit to the National Gallery of Victoria - major exhibition & 2 other similar site visit $ 53.00 $53.00
M1869
Interior Design Europe Study Tour, Private Workshop Italian Bark AU$185.00, Handbook - How to be Italian $27.00
 Interior Design Europe Study Tour, Private Workshop Italian Bark AU$185.00, Handbook - How to be Italian $27.00 $212.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $1,549.80

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $13.65 per nominal hour ($11,575.20 total).

Item Description Cost (AUD)
Tuition fee student paystuition fee tooltip
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
 $0.00
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)Student services and amenities fee
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
 $0.00
M1759
Poster paper $20, nylon $5, fastners & adhesives $10, acrylic risers $10, tape $5.
 Poster paper $20, nylon $5, fastners & adhesives $10, acrylic risers $10, tape $5. $50.00
M1862
Visit to the National Gallery of Victoria - major exhibition & 2 other similar site visit $ 53.00
 Visit to the National Gallery of Victoria - major exhibition & 2 other similar site visit $ 53.00 $53.00
M1869
Interior Design Europe Study Tour, Private Workshop Italian Bark AU$185.00, Handbook - How to be Italian $27.00
 Interior Design Europe Study Tour, Private Workshop Italian Bark AU$185.00, Handbook - How to be Italian $27.00 $212.00
Estimated total cost to youEstimated total cost tooltip
Includes all fees listed above
 $315.00

The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $10.45 per nominal hour ($8,861.60 total).

Generated on 30 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information

If eligible, you may be able to defer your tuition fees for this course through a VET Student Loan (VSL)

VET Student Loan cap for Certificate IV in Interior Decoration (C4431): $

Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.

Learn about eligibility for VSL

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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