15 Best Schools for Architecture in the World

Architecture is one of the professions that requires tact and a high level of professionalism which is one of the reasons intending architects need to get their training from the best schools, colleges or universities in the world.

Scanning the web for the best schools for architects can be quite a herculean task.

But in a bid to help you streamline your search, we have helped you put it all in one piece. 

So, whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate or a master’s architectural program there is a school for you.

In this guide, we have outlined the top 15 schools for architecture in which any intending architect can go anywhere in the world.

We based our compilation according to the ranking made by QS world University ranking system. 

Also, we considered the universities volume of research output, quality of teaching and research facilities, graduate employability rate etc

Besides that, they are affordable.

If this description fits what you’re on the lookout for, then let’s enlighten you further.

Welcome aboard Scholar!!!

Also Read: 15 Architectural Competitions for Students

What is Architecture?

If you’ve ever wondered how beautiful, artistic and constructive bungalows, mansions and skyscrapers look then you must have been wondering about the piece of architecture made by an architect.

Architecture is the art or science of building structures first by designing them in a paper layout.

It involves the planning and design of infrastructures such as homes, factories, offices, and other buildings.

Also, you can say it’s the formation or construction resulting from a conscious act of unifying structures.

Who is an Architect?

Simply put, an architect is a person trained to design buildings. 

He designs and guides a building plan or undertaking especially habitable ones.

Not only that, he/she goes further to advise the builders in the construction process.

Apart from this, the architect determines the purpose and requirements that are best to construct different structures.

Also, he establishes preliminary estimates on the cost and how long it will take to complete a building.

Being an architect is a journey of high professionalism hence the reason why we recommend you go to the best schools for architecture in the world.

Most colleges for architecture in the world, grooms students not only to design but to ensure the design comes to reality.

What Should I Expect Being An Architect?

Without mincing words, being an architect is a whole lot of work. 

That’s why many of the students who study it are fueled by a passion for drawing and creativity.

If you want to become an architect here’s what to expect;

• Managing construction contracts 
• Drawing and scaling documents
• Recommending the best building materials for a structure.
• Creating contract documents for construction contractors Designing structures professionally according to what’s best for the user.
• Monitoring architectural plans and ensuring they are followed.

We do not limit the job description of an architect to these few. 

However, these are the major job specifications of an architect.

With that being said, we bring you the best schools, colleges and universities intending architects can study architecture in the world.

Also Read: 20 Art Schools in Australia | All Australian Art and Design Schools

15 Best Architecture Schools in the World

Based on QS World Ranking of Universities, we bring you a comprehensive list of the best schools for architects in 2022. 

#1. University College London (UCL)

• Tuition fees: Not Specified
• Location: London, England
• Acceptance rate: Not Specified

UCL is the No. 1 architectural school in the world.

Basically, it’s a public research University whose prowess has stood the taste of time over the years.

#2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Tuition fees: $23,000
• Location: Cambridge, US
• Acceptance rate: 8%

MIT is a reputable school that is also known as one of the best business schools in the world besides architecture.

Since its inception in 1861, MIT has been a private research-based institution that meets the demand for experts.

Basically, the pattern of their academic curriculum after the European Polytechnic University. 

Its architecture department currently occupies the 2nd position in the world.

#3. Delft University of Technology

• Tuition fees for UG: 2,060 EUR (residents), 10,384 EUR (international students)
• Location: Delft, the Netherlands
• Acceptance rate: Not Specified

Up next in our list of the world’s best architecture colleges is Delft University also known as Tu Delft.

Tu Delft is the oldest science and technology school in the Netherlands.

Currently, Tu Delft ranks as one of the best engineering schools in the world. 

It’s architecture program requires tenacity to keep up with the training.

#4. ETH Zurich

• Tuition fees: Not Specified
• Location: Zurich, Switzerland
• Acceptance rate: Not Specified

ETH Zurich is one of the universities in the world that focuses on STEM courses including architecture.

It’s prowess and reputability made it rank as one of the best pre-med schools in the world.

The good news about ETH Zurich is that it’s prowess goes beyond Switzerland and extends its hands to international students.

#5. Harvard University

• Tuition fees: $18,000
• Location: Cambridge, US
• Acceptance rate: 6%

If you’ve ever wanted to study in an ivy League school, then here is an opportunity to go to one: Harvard.

Harvard is a research university which has maintained a long reputable history of academic excellence.

They are not just good in architecture, they come tops in business, engineering and computer science as well.

However, you should know that Harvard is a very competitive school.

You have to be an A+ students to pass the low acceptance rate of Harvard.

#6. University of California, Berkeley

• Tuition fees: $13,000
• Location: Berkeley, California
• Acceptance rate: 17%

The University of California Berkeley is one of the top ten universities which make up the UC system. 

It’s one of the best public research universities and schools for architecture in the world.

Also, the University of California Berkeley offers an architectural program for undergraduates and postgraduates. 

#7. University of Cambridge

• Tuition fees: £21,732
• Location: Cambridge, England
• Acceptance rate: 21%

Since its establishment in 1231, the University of Cambridge is one of the best colleges for architecture in the world.

Besides being one of the oldest universities in the world, it has a long history of academic excellence even in architecture.

Also, keep in mind that the university welcomes A+ students from around the world.

In addition to that, you can apply for financial aid via the programs the university put in place to assist students.

#8. National University of Singapore

• Tuition fees for UG: 38,200 SGD
• Location: Singapore, Singapore
• Acceptance rate: Not Specified

The Nation University of Singapore is one of the best schools for architects.

Although it’s the 1st Autonomous University in Singapore, the university has made prowess to be top noted in the world.

Aside from architecture, NUS is known to also excel in other disciplines.

#9. Manchester School of Architecture

• Tuition fees: Not Specified
• Location: Manchester, UK
• Acceptance rate: Not indicated

Just like the name states, this is one of the schools basically instituted for architects.

The good news is that both residents and international students can study here as long as you get admission.

Also, you can win a scholarship just by applying to Manchester school of architecture.

#10. Tsinghua University

• Tuition fees: 28,000 CNY (international students)
• Location: Beijing, China.
• Acceptance rate: Not Specified

Tsinghua University is one of the best colleges in the world for architecture students.

Many enroll for admission at Tsinghua because of its furnished education curriculum.

Also, it’s one of the C9 League of Chinese Universities.

However, all studies are taught in Chinese. 

What this means is that you have to know the Chinese language to thrive well in this environment.

#11. The Polytechnic University of Milan

• Tuition fees for UG: 3,500 EUR (residents), 3,900 EUR (international students)
• Location: Milan, Italy
• Acceptance rate: Not Specified

The Polytechnic University of Milan is the largest university in Italy.

This University is known to do well in the field of Science and technology.

Hence the reason why it’s one of the top best colleges and schools for architecture in the world.

#12. The École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

• Tuition fees for UG: 1,266 CHF 
• Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
• Acceptance rate: Not Specified

Architects can find expression at École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne. 

The school fashions out its curriculum to train students on how best to be a highly sought architect.

In addition to that they currently rank among the best architecture schools in the world.

#13. The University of Hong Kong

• Tuition fees: 42,100 HKD (residents), 164,000 HKD (international students)
• Location: Hong Kong, China
• Acceptance rate: 41.55% for postgraduates

The University of Hong Kong is one of the best universities for architecture postgraduate students in the world.

Although the university offers other various fields of study such as medicine, engineering, and social sciences, they are also known to do well in the architectural program.

#14. Columbia University

• Tuition fees: $21,000
• Location: New York City, US
• Acceptance rate: 7%

Since its establishment in 1754, Columbia University has become one of schools with robust curriculum for all and sundry.

Besides that, it’s one of the Ivy League schools in the United States. 

However, know that Columbia University is highly competitive and has a very low acceptance rate.

#15. University of Sydney

• Tuition fees: 9,050 AUD
• Location: Sydney, Australia.
• Acceptance rate: Not Specified

The University is among the best universities in the world to study Architecture. 

Besides good academic excellence, the university holds a lot of goodness for prospective students, one of which is high serenity.

Also Read: 25 Colleges with High Acceptance Rate

Other Schools for architects include;

• University of California, Los Angeles
• The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. 
• University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
• Tongji University, Shanghai, China
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Schools for Architecture in the world.

Here are a few questions most people ask about the best architecture schools in the world,

Is it Hard to Study Architecture?

Studying architecture can be really daunting. But the fact remains, no course of study is an easy breezy. What we do know is that courses like architecture can be rewarding, especially when you study in one of the best architecture schools in the world.

However, on the flip side, it’s also very demanding which makes many ranks it as one of the hardest courses to study.

Besides that, architecture involves long hours, a heavy workload, and paying attention to details. Therefore, it’s best to count the cost before venturing into this field.

How Many Years Does it Take to Study Architecture?

The number of years required to study architecture will depend on the program and mode of study.

High school graduates intending to become architects can pursue a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch. program). A bachelor’s in architecture takes 5 years.

However, a pre-professional architectural bachelor’s construction management programs take 4 years. A master’s in architecture takes 2 years.

Summary

If you believe that a career in architecture is what you want to do then you have to get started ASAP!!

But before you do that, ensure you have the necessary skills and competencies to pursue this demanding career.

First, your own drive, second, your determination and third, your creative wheels.

What’s your reason for studying architecture?.

Let us know in the comments section below!

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References

• Kiiky.com: 17 Best Architecture Schools in the World | Updated
• Career Addict: The 20 Best Architecture Schools in the World