17 Best Architecture Schools in the World

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 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, 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 select from the best and most affordable Universities around the world.

Is it Hard to Study Architecture?
How Many Years Does it Take to Study Architecture?
List of the 17 Best Architecture Schools in the World
Frequently Asked Questions
Editor’s Recommendation

Is it Hard to Study Architecture?

Choosing the right course for your career is a life-changing decision. Courses like architecture that is 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 extended 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 designing of infrastructure, including homes, factories, offices, and other buildings.

Apart from this, the architect’s job is also to determine the structures’ purpose and requirements and 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 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 takes five years to complete.

Pre-professional bachelor’s degree programs in architectural studies or construction management take four years to complete.

Hence, determining how many years it takes to study architecture depends on your chosen school 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 2024. Make your choice with 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:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk

#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 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 2^nd position in the world.

Acceptance rate: 8%

Tuition fees: $23,000

Admission and website link:

www.mit.edu

#3. Delft University of Technology

Also known as Tu Delft, the Dutch University is the oldest technology school in the Netherlands. Currently, it ranks among the best engineering and technology schools worldwide. The University occupies a position among the world’s top 10 best architecture schools.

Acceptance rate: Fair

Tuition fees for Undergraduates:

Domestic tuition: 2,060 EUR

International tuition: 10,384 EUR

Admission and website link:

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/

#4. ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a reputable University with a focus on the fields of Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The University is considered 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:

https://www.ethz.ch/en.html

#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 it’s constantly in the top 5 best Universities in the world annually. The University is a top choice for scholars worldwide, making it highly competitive to gain offers.

Acceptance rate: 6%

Tuition fees: $18,000

Admission and website link:

https://www.harvard.edu

#6. University of California, Berkeley

The University of California Berkeley is one of the ten Universities which make up the UC system. It 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:

https://www.berkeley.edu/

#7. University of Cambridge

Founded in 1231, the University ranks among the oldest Universities in the world. The University welcomes outstanding students worldwide and has financial aid programs to assist students admitted into various programs.

Acceptance rate: 21%

Tuition fees: £21,732

Admission and website link:

https://www.cam.ac.uk/

#8. National University of Singapore

Known as the 1^st Autonomous University in Singapore, NUS has worked on featuring on the list of the best architecture schools in the world.

Aside from architecture, the University is known to excel in other disciplines.

Acceptance rate: fair

Tuition fees for Undergraduates: 38,200 SGD

Admission and website link:

nus.edu.sg

#9. Manchester School of Architecture

The Manchester School of Architecture is one of the UK’s best schools of architecture and is currently one of the world’s best. 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:

www.msa.ac.uk/

#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:

https://www.polimi.it/en

#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:

https://www.columbia.edu

#15. University of Sydney

The University is among the best Universities in the world to study Architecture. The University is a 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:

https://sydney.edu.au/

#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:

www.ucla.edu/

#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:

https://www.unimelb.edu.au/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best university for studying architecture?

The Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL (University College London) has been named the best university for studying architecture, taking MIT’s place, which has topped the rankings for the past four years.

How many years of study does it take to become an architect?

It takes seven years of study to become an architect, but students can do a BA or BSc in architecture within three years. Building and planning degrees are also usually three-year programs.

Is Harvard University one of the best for studying architecture?

Harvard University has been among the best four universities for architecture.

Editor’s Recommendation

We have other great scholarship opportunities that might be of help to your search

17 Best Architecture Schools in the World | Updated

Table of contents

Is it Hard to Study Architecture?

How Many Years Does it Take to Study Architecture?