Are you searching for the best architecture schools in the world to study? Do you wish to pursue an undergraduate or master’s degree program in the field of architecture from one of the leading Universities in the world?
This page contains a list of the 17 best architecture schools in the world in 2020 as ranked by the dependable QS world University ranking system. The system ranks Universities all over the world based on some factors.
Some of these factors include the volume of research output by Universities, the quality of teaching and research facilities, employability of graduates, among other factors.
If you currently seek to study Architecture and need a guide about what school to choose, we have compiled this list to help you make comparisons and selected from the best and affordable Universities around the world.
Is it Hard to Study Architecture?
Choosing the right course for your career is a life-changing decision. Courses like architecture that are exclusively specialized often bring to mind questions like; Should I be an architect? Is architecture difficult? Studying architecture the best for me? Is architecture a good career?
The article attempts to answer these questions by focusing on architecture as a flow and answering a few questions.
Earning an architecture degree can be very rewarding. But it’s also one of the hardest, with long hours, a heavy workload, and a focus on details, so understanding what you’re getting into is essential.
Architecture as flow involves the planning and design of infrastructure, including homes, factories, offices, and other buildings.
Apart from this, the job of the architect is also to determine the purpose and requirements of the structures and to establish preliminary estimates on the cost and construction time.
It is a flow that works on specifications such as drawings and scaled documents, creating contract documents for construction contractors and managing construction contracts by monitoring whether architectural plans are being followed.
How Many Years Does it Take to Study Architecture?
High school graduates who want to become an architect can pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch. program), which typically takesfive yearsto complete.
Pre-professional bachelor’s degree programs in architectural studies or construction management takefour yearsto complete.
Hence, to determine the how many years it takes to study architecture totally depends on the school you choose and the program they offer.
List of the 17 Best Architecture Schools in the World
Here is a comprehensive list of the best architecture schools in the world in 2022. Make your choice from them!
#1. University College London (UCL)
The University College London (UCL) currently ranks as the best University in the world to study Architecture. The University is located in London England as a public research University.
Prospective architectural applicants are encouraged to visit the official school website to learn more about the University.
Acceptance rate: Fair
Tuition fees: affordable
Admission and website link:
#2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is a private research university in the United States founded in 1861 during the surge in industries in the US. The University was established to meet the demand for experts during the period of rapid industrialization in the US.
The University is known to model its pattern of academics after the European Polytechnic University. Its School of Architecture currently occupies the 2nd position in the world.
Acceptance rate: 8%
Tuition fees: $23,000
Admission and website link:
#3. Delft University of Technology
Also known as Tu Delft, the Dutch University is known to be the oldest school of technology in the Netherlands and currently ranks among the best engineering and technology schools in the world. The University occupies a position among the top 10 best architecture schools in the world.
Acceptance rate: Fair
Tuition fees for Undergraduate:
Domestic tuition: 2,060 EUR
International tuition: 10,384 EUR
Admission and website link:
#4. ETH Zurich
The ETH Zurich is a reputable University with a focus in the fields of Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The University is currently considered as one of the best in Switzerland in the aforementioned subjects. To learn more about the University, visit the official University website
Acceptance rate: fair
Tuition fees: not indicated
Admission and website link:
#5. Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the Ivy League research universities in the United States. The University has maintained a long history of academic excellence over the years and its constantly the top 5 best Universities in the world annually. The University is top a choice to scholars around the world making it extremely competitive to gain offers into the University.
Acceptance rate: 6%
Tuition fees: $18,000
Admission and website link:
#6. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California Berkeley is one of the ten Universities which make up the UC system. The University is a public research university founded in 1868. The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across several disciplines.
Acceptance rate: 17%
Tuition fees: $13,000
Admission and website link:
#7. University of Cambridge
Founded in 1231, the University ranks among the oldest Universities in the world. The University welcomes outstanding students from around the world and has financial aid programs in place to assist students admitted into various programs.
Acceptance rate: 21%
Tuition fees: £21,732
Admission and website link:
#8. National University of Singapore
Known as the 1st Autonomous University in Singapore, NUS has worked its way to feature on the list of the best architecture schools in the world.
Aside from architecture, the University is known to also excel in other disciplines.
Acceptance rate: fair
Tuition fees for Undergraduate: 38,200 SGD
Admission and website link:
#9. Manchester School of Architecture
The Manchester School of Architecture is one of the UK’s best schools of architecture and currently one of the best in the world. The University welcomes local and international students from around the world. Visit the official scholarship website to learn more about this school.
Acceptance rate: Not indicated
Admission and website link:
#10. Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University is a public research university located in Beijing. The University which is said to have graduated several Chinese elites is among the C9 League of Chinese Universities.
Acceptance rate: fair
Tuition fees: 28,000 CNY for international students
Admission and website link:
www.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/newthuen/
#11. The Polytechnic University of Milan
The University was founded in 1863 in Milan, Italy, and currently ranks as the largest University in Italy.
This University is known to excel in the field of Science and technology in the world and currently ranks among the best in the world.
Acceptance rate: fair
Tuition fees for Undergraduates:
Domestic tuition: 3,500 EUR
International tuition: 3,900 EUR
Admission and website link:
#12. The École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
The University is located in Switzerland and currently ranks among the best in the world.
Undergraduate Tuition fees:
1,266 CHF (2012)
Admission and website link: https://www.epfl.ch/en/
#13. The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong was founded in 1911. This university thrives in various fields of study including medicine, engineering, and Social sciences.
Acceptance rate: 41.55% for postgraduates
Tuition fees:
Domestic tuition: 42,100 HKD (2018)
International tuition: 164,000 HKD
Admission and website link: https://www.hku.hk/
#14. Columbia University
Columbia University was established in 1754 as a private University. The University is among the Ivy League schools in the United States. The University is highly competitive and has a low acceptance rate.
Acceptance rate: 7%
Tuition fees: $21,000
Admission and website link:
#15. University of Sydney
The University makes the cut among the best Universities in the world to study Architecture. The University is the delight to behold for students.
Learn more about the University through the official website link.
Acceptance rate: low
Undergraduate Tuition fees: 9,050 AUD
Admission and website link:
#16. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is among the UC system. The University offers several academic programs across the undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels.
Acceptance rate: 17%
Tuition fees: $13,000
Admission and website link:
#17. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne was founded in 1853 in Melbourne, Australia. The University offers several courses to local and international students.
Acceptance rate: Fair
Tuition fees:
Domestic tuition 9,050 AUD
International tuition: 39,168 AUD
Admission and website link:
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Frequently Asked Questions
The BartlettSchoolofArchitectureat UCL (University CollegeLondon) has been named thebest universityfor studyingarchitecture, taking MIT’s place, which has topped the rankings for the past four years .
It takes seven years of study to become anarchitect,but students can do a BA or BSc inarchitecturewithin three years. Building and planningdegreesare also usually three-year programs.
Harvard University has been among the best four universities for architecture.
FAQs
Which university has the best architecture program in the world? ›
1. MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT was established in 1861 to meet the research needs of different industries in the rapidly industrializing America. According to the QS score, it is the best architecture school in the world in 2022.
Which country has the best school for architecture? ›| Top 10 Universities for Architecture in the World Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Name of Institution | Country |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States |
| 2 | Delft University of Technology | Netherlands |
| 3 | The Bartlett School of Architecture | UCL (University College London) | United Kingdom |
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard University.
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- Columbia University.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- Cornell University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
- University College London (UCL), the UK.
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the Netherlands.
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
- University of Cambridge, the UK.
- Politecnico di Milano, Italy.
- Manchester School of Architecture, the UK.
- EPFL, Switzerland.
Avg Salary
Architects earn an average yearly salary of $98,610. Wages typically start from $60,950 and go up to $150,700.
Word forms: architects
An architect is a person who designs buildings.
Switzerland is a country with generally high wages for an architect. The average salary for an Architect is INR ₹51,20,346 in Switzerland.
Which is the cheapest country to study architecture? ›Answer – The cheapest country to study architecture in is Norway. Although all of the Nordic countries are reasonably inexpensive study locations, Norway is our top selection since, except for a few specialized programs, public universities in Norway remain free to all students from inside and outside the EU.
Is architecture the hardest degree? ›Architecture is more difficult than many degrees as it involves thinking creatively and technically, covering a wide range of disciplines, including art, science, history, geography, and philosophy. Architecture is also an incredibly time-intensive course, with an average workload of 36.7 hours per week.
What major is best for architecture? ›- Architectural Design.
- Architectural Engineering.
- Architectural Studies.
- Architectural Technology.
- Building Science.
- City and Regional Planning.
- Civil Engineering.
- Construction Engineering.
Are architects in high demand? ›
In the United States, it is estimated that the availability of architecture jobs will grow by 3% between now and 2030. This works out to approximately 9,400 job openings each year. While that may be small in comparison to engineering jobs, it's continued growth and demand for these AEC professionals.
Which country is best to study Masters in architecture? ›- China. When you study abroad in China, you'll experience ancient Chinese architecture, which has developed over many centuries and can be seen throughout East Asia. ...
- England. ...
- France. ...
- Germany. ...
- Spain. ...
- The Netherlands.
Architecture will always be a great career choice and one that is highly sought-after. There are many colleges in the country that provide a good course structure for Architecture. Architecture is a 5 year course and you can apply for a college by taking the B.
Is M arch in USA worth it? ›Is it worth doing Masters in Architecture in the USA? Yes. Doing Masters in Architecture is a good option as the pay for the Master graduates in Architecture is around US $110,000.
Do architects have a future? ›Future for Architects
Architects will undoubtedly be required in the future, as the demand for designs, urban planning, architectural building, and property development will always outnumber the number of individuals available to do the same task.
Architecture is much harder than engineering. Engineering requires clearly defined and methodical efforts to achieve accurate and predictable results.
Who is the wealthiest architect? ›| Nationality | British-Iraqi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 31 October 1950 |
| Zaha Hadid's Net Worth | $95 million |
| Famous Design | Heydar Aliyev Center – Baku, Azerbaijan |
On the whole, most studios opt for a smart casual dress code, and may only require you to step this up a notch for important meetings. Some practices do require a more formal appearance however, with suits, ties and dresses, and if this is not for you, then it's likely that the practice isn't either.
Do architects use math? ›Geometry, algebra, and trigonometry all play a crucial role in architectural design. Architects apply these math forms to plan their blueprints or initial sketch designs. They also calculate the probability of issues the construction team could run into as they bring the design vision to life in three dimensions.
How hard is it to get into MIT architecture? ›Not surprisingly, MIT's graduate school is competitive, accepting only about 6.7% of applicants.
Does Harvard have an architecture program? ›
Harvard Undergraduate Architecture Studies is a 4 year long degree program that teaches design thinking through making within the liberal context at Harvard College.
Is MIT good for architecture? ›MIT SAP is considered a global academic leader in the design fields and one of the most prestigious schools in the world.
Is it hard to study architecture? ›It's hard to do very well and hard to pass, very demanding,” says Sweeting. It can also feel more personally challenging than other arts subjects as your creative vision has to work in practice.
Is MIT harder than Harvard? ›In terms of standardized test scores, MIT students have slightly higher averages, with an SAT score of 1545 and an ACT score of 35, compared with Harvard's averages of 1520 and 34. Overall, these slight differences are nominal, meaning that both schools are extremely hard to get into.
Can I get into MIT with a 3.5 GPA? ›There's no minimum required GPA; however, competitive applicants typically have a 3.5 GPA or above, and mostly As in math and science courses. Ideal preparation includes—at the very least—one year each of college-level calculus and calculus-based physics.
What is the salary of MIT student? › What is the highest degree for architecture? ›People who want to receive an architecture degree that will facilitate their licensure as an architect have two options: either a five-year undergraduate degree in architecture known as a B. Arch. or a post-college master's program known as an M. Arch., which usually takes two or three years to complete.
How many years is a masters in architecture? ›A master's degree program in architecture will usually take one to three years depending on an applicant's undergraduate degree. Applicants with a five-year bachelor's degree in architecture (B. Arch.) will typically complete the degree in one to two years.
Should I get a masters in architecture? ›You want to become a licensed architect
If you earned a four-year degree in architectural studies, a field related to architecture, or a field unrelated to architecture, you'll have to earn your master's in architecture to become licensed and become a practicing architect.
Although MIT is not an Ivy League university, its classes are just as challenging, professors just as distinguished, alumni networks just as esteemed, and their acceptance rates just as competitive. Harvard vs.
How long is architecture in MIT? ›
Graduate Program: The Master of Architecture (M. Arch.) is an accredited program of 2.5 to 3.5 years combining intensive training in architectural design with other subjects providing preparation for certification and practice. Architectural design studios, the largest component of the M. Arch.
How can international students get into MIT? ›- It is essential that MIT students have performed well in exams like ACT, SAT or TOEFL. ...
- All students have to submit 5 short essay questions and 2 LORs as part of their application process.
- Also, there are no specific coursework required for MIT aspirants.
Architecture is much harder than engineering. Engineering requires clearly defined and methodical efforts to achieve accurate and predictable results.
Is law harder than architecture? ›Studying Architecture is equally as hard as Law. Studying either Architecture or Law is no easy task. Both are demanding in terms of the vast amount of information and the high number of hours required to study.
Which is harder architecture or medicine? ›Medicine is a much more difficult subject to study than architecture. Medical school is difficult because it requires students to learn a large amount of complex information over a long period of time (14 years), with theoretical and practical exams designed to eliminate all but the best students.