Canada has a rich history of architecture, and it’s home to some of the best schools in the world. In this article, we’ll list some of the best architecture schools in Canada that you should consider if you’re planning on pursuing an architectural career.
The architecture schools in Canada are competitive and challenging. In order to get accepted, you’ll need to have a good GPA and some experience in the field.
If you’re still not sure which school is right for you, don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of the best architecture schools in Canada that will help guide your decision-making process.
Studying Architecture in Canada
If you’re looking to study architecture in Canada, the country has a long history of great architects. Many of them have gone on to become famous around the world for their unique styles and designs, so studying at one of these schools will give you an opportunity to learn from some truly talented individuals.
Canadian architects are known for their distinct styles that set them apart from other designers around the world. Their work can be found everywhere from galleries and museums to private residences throughout Canada.
A Brief History Of Canadian Architecture
At one point in time, Canadian architects were considered second-rate compared to those from other countries. However, over time they’ve become better known abroad thanks to their unique approach to architectural design.
In fact, today many Canadians are recognized as leading innovators when it comes to modern design concepts like green buildings and smart cities while also contributing significantly towards preservation efforts such as heritage conservation or adaptive reuses projects at historic sites such as museums or churches where these projects may not be feasible otherwise due to limited budgets or other constraints imposed by owners.”
List of the Best Architecture Schools in Canada
Here is a list of the 15 best architecture schools in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
- University of Montreal
- University of Waterloo
- University Alberta
- University of Calgary
- Dalhousie University
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- University of Laval
- Carleton University
- Laurentian University
- Algonquin College
- OCAD University
- Conestoga College.
15 Best Architecture Schools in Canada
1. University of Toronto
- Tuition: $11,400
- Degree Offered: BA, M.Arch, Ph.D., MLA, MUD, and MVS
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on the grounds that surround Queen’s Park.
It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King’s College, the first institution of higher learning in the colony of Upper Canada.
It is one of three universities in Ontario (the others being Carleton University and York University). The university offers over 200 programs ranging from Nursing to Architecture to Law School!
The architecture school at UofT has been ranked as one of Canada’s best schools for architecture by Maclean’s Magazine annually since 2009 when it was ranked 14th out of 15 universities across Canada overall.
2. University of British Columbia
- Tuition:Â $9,232
- Degree Offered: B.Arch and M.Arch
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
It was founded in 1908 as a constituent college of the University of British Columbia and has since become one of Canada’s largest universities with more than 40,000 students enrolled across its campuses.
UBC’s architecture program offers both undergraduate and graduates degrees at all levels: Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Master of Architecture (MArch), and Doctoral Degree Programs including a Graduate Diploma In Architecture (GDipA) and Master Of Landscape Design (MLD).
3. McGill University
- Tuition: $5,110
- Degree Offered:Â B.Sc. and M.Arch
McGill University is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was established on September 1st, 1821 by royal charter from King George IV as The Queen’s College.
In 1829, with the support of Sir John William Dawson and James McGill (the founder of the university), it became an independent university and took its current name.
The school offers undergraduate degrees through the Faculty of Architecture and Landscape Architecture; postgraduate programs for those who wish to pursue doctoral studies; postdoctoral fellowships for those who want to conduct research or pursue other professional goals at this level; as well as masters’ programs in architecture (MA).
The faculty also offers a Certificate Program in Community Public Planning that aims to prepare graduates who are capable of working in urban planning or related fields such as infrastructure development planning or economic development policies.
4. University of Montreal
- Tuition: $9,175
- Degree Offered:Â B.Sc. and M.Arch
The University of Montreal is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university has two campuses, set approximately 7 kilometers (4 mi) apart: the downtown Campus of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and the Macdonald campus in Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue.
The University of Montreal Faculty of Architecture offers a Bachelor of Architecture degree program that places emphasis on urban design and sustainable practices. It is one of only four universities in North America offering this type of degree at the postgraduate level.
The school’s curriculum includes courses such as:
- Architectural history/designer’s workshop
- Spatial analysis & design
- Building materials & methods
- Construction economics & management
- Studio work experience
- Research skills development course with a thesis project or dissertation option available each year level culminating into an architectural thesis presented during the graduation ceremony.
5. University of Waterloo
- Tuition: $8,117
- Degree Offered:Â BA and M.Arch
The University of Waterloo is ranked as the best architecture school in Canada and one of the leading research universities in Canada.
It’s located in Waterloo, Ontario, which has a strong reputation for engineering and technology.
The University of Waterloo offers undergraduate degrees in Architecture as well as Master’s programs that can be completed within three years after you’ve completed your Bachelor’s degree.
You’ll need to apply through a separate process than regular applicants, this may seem daunting but it’s worth it because they have very strict requirements regarding what they look for when choosing students to go through their program.
6. University Alberta
- Tuition: $6,500
- Degree Offered: BDes and M.Arch
The University of Alberta is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious university in Canada.
It offers undergraduate degrees in music performance, fine arts, humanities, and social sciences, science disciplines such as chemistry or physics, and engineering programs including mechanical or civil engineering and architecture.
The school’s mission statement states that it aims to “provide students with opportunities for personal growth through education, research, and community service.” This means that students will gain an understanding of how they can contribute positively toward society through their studies at the University of Alberta.
The average GPA (Grade Point Average) for graduating architecture students was 3.79 out of 4 stars during this time period, making them one of Canada’s top schools when it comes to providing quality education on topics like architectural design principles combined with practical experience working under licensed architects in their field.
7. University of Calgary
- Tuition: $6,166
- Degree Offered: ARST and M.Arch
The University of Calgary (U of C or UCalgary) is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
It was founded as the Northwest Territories University College in 1972 and became an independent post-secondary institution in 1975.
The school offers programs at all three levels: undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional development for its students, applied research projects to help build industry partnerships, and community outreach activities like healthcare education initiatives that benefit local communities.
The architecture program at this school has been ranked among the best schools in Canada by Canadian Architect magazine since 2007.
In 2013 they were named number one among Canadian universities offering master’s degrees specifically in architecture.
8. Dalhousie University
- Tuition: $8,346
- Degree Offered: BEDS and M.Arch
Dalhousie University is a public university in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Founded in 1818 and named for the Scottish botanist James Dallidet Dalhousie, it is one of the oldest universities in Canada.
The two campuses are located on either side of downtown Halifax and each has its own distinct style: the Halifax Campus was designed by architect John Andrew between 1949–1952 while Truro’s campus was designed by architects Gilmore Associates between 1966–1967 under professor Roy McMurtry.
Located in downtown Halifax’s North End neighborhood at one end of Bedford Highway (Route 104), Dalhousie University is easily accessible from major transportation hubs like Exit 3 off Highway 102/104 (Exit 4A).
This location makes it an ideal place for students attending architecture school because there are several bus lines that run through this area including routes 101 & 108 which take you directly into town from any direction you need them too.
9. Toronto Metropolitan University
- Tuition: $10,343
- Degree Offered: BArchSc and M.Arch
The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on the grounds that surround Queen’s Park.
It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King’s College, the first institution of higher learning in the colony of Upper Canada.
It is one of three universities in Ontario (the others being Carleton University and York University). The university offers over 200 programs ranging from Nursing to Architecture to Law School!
10. University of Laval
- Tuition: $4,250
- Degree Offered:Â B.Arch, M.Arch, and Ph.D.
The School of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Laval is located in Quebec City, Canada.
Established in 1907, this school offers undergraduate programs in architecture as well as graduate degrees that include a Master of Architecture and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Architecture.
The architecture school was founded by Daniel-Charles Onfray de Boisbaudran (1863-1943), who was also a professor at Université Laval from 1896 to 1920 before becoming president emeritus until his death in 1943.
11. Carleton University
- Tuition: $7,292
- Degree Offered:Â BA, M.Arch, and MAS
Carleton University is located in Ottawa, Ontario. The university offers a Bachelor of Architecture degree from its School of Architecture and Design.
It’s one of the best schools for architecture students in Canada because it’s part of the University of Ottawa system and has been recognized as one of the top 10 universities in Canada by Maclean’s magazine.
Carleton’s architectural program has been ranked among the top five programs in Canada by Maclean’s Magazine since 2009, making it one of only four Canadian schools listed on this list.
12. Laurentian University
- Tuition: $7,260
- Degree Offered: BArch, BA/BS, MArch, MA/MS, and PhD
Laurentian University is a bilingual university in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1962 and named after the Saint Lawrence River, it has a student population of over 8,000.
The architecture school at Laurentian University offers students an opportunity to learn about building design while receiving their degree.
It also offers courses in sustainability and green building technologies as well as surveying methods that are useful for architects working on projects that involve the environment or natural resources such as forests or lakeshores.
13. Algonquin College
- Tuition: $6,390
- Degree Offered: B.Sc.
Algonquin College is a post-secondary institution in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
It has three campuses in Ottawa, the original Woodroffe campus, the downtown Ottawa campus, and the Pembroke campus. The school has over 10k students enrolled across all programs.
The Architecture program at Algonquin College offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree with majors that include Building Design & Construction Management (BDCM), Landscape Architecture (LAN), and Urban + Regional Planning (URP).
Students can choose to complete their degree by taking courses online or on campus while they study toward their final mark at one of our schools around the country or abroad.
14. OCAD University
- Tuition: $7,200
- Degree Offered: BDes
OCAD University is a world-renowned art and design school located in downtown Toronto. The school offers a wide range of programs in art, design, media, and education.
It has a strong focus on research and innovation as well as its international reputation among architecture schools worldwide.
OCAD also offers student services like its library with over 1 million books available for students to use or borrow at any time during their studies, an admissions center that helps prospective students apply for admission, career services which include job postings on their website plus opportunities such as internships offered through employers like Google Toronto or Microsoft Research Labs within Canada’s largest city.
OCAD’s location at Dundas Square gives you easy access to all kinds of activities including shopping malls like Eaton Centre where you can find all kinds of stores from clothing brands such as Hollister & Urban Outfitters down south towards groceries stores like Loblaws up north depending on where you live within downtown Toronto area itself.
15. Conestoga College
- Tuition: $9,170
- Degree Offered: BAT
Conestoga College is a polytechnic university in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. It is one of the largest colleges of applied arts and technology in Canada.
Architecture school at Conestoga College offers programs for students who want to pursue their passion for architecture through various fields such as construction management, environmental design, or building science.
The school has been offering its Bachelors’ Degree program since 1993 and its Master’s Degree program since 2001.
The university also offers two-year certificates that provide useful skills for working professionals who want to upgrade their knowledge about construction management or engineering systems planning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need an undergraduate degree in architecture before applying to graduate programs?
No, but it is recommended that students complete two years at the undergraduate level before applying to graduate programs.
Can I work while studying at architecture school?
Students may choose to work up to twenty hours per week during the summer months and full-time during regular semesters if they are permitted by their program guidelines. Some universities may allow up to forty hours per week during semester breaks.
Is there any financial aid available?
Yes! Students can apply for scholarships which range from $500-$10,000 each year and grants/bursaries which cover living expenses such as rent/board, books, computers, etc. Students can also take part in co-op programs where they spend six months working and learning about design outside of the classroom followed by another six months returning to class to continue their studies. Many institutions also provide student loans with variable interest rates and low monthly payments.
How long does it take to complete an architecture degree program?
Generally speaking, you can expect to spend four years completing a Bachelor of Architecture degree program, one year on your Master's degree, and two-three years completing a Doctorate of Architecture (Ph.D.) program.
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Conclusion:
Studying architecture in one of the aforementioned institutions would be a superb choice, especially for international students, given the amount of recognition and reputation Canadian colleges have acquired worldwide.
We hope the article was helpful. Do leave a comment below.