100 Best Architecture Schools in the World

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Emmanuel Nwosu
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100 Best Architecture Schools in the World
100 Best Architecture Schools in the World

The architecture profession has seen some significant changes over the years. The field is growing, and becoming more diverse. In addition to teaching traditional building techniques, modern architects are also able to offer design solutions for non-traditional structures like stadiums, bridges, and even homes. For that, we’ll be introducing you to the 100 best architecture schools in the world.

Architects have to be able to communicate their ideas in order to get them built—and that means having excellent written and verbal skills as well as being able to sketch out plans quickly on a whiteboard or tablet computer. 

This is where a great formal education in the craft is needed. Top-ranked architecture schools all over the world provide this excellent education.

Add to that, there are many different types of architectural schools throughout the world offering all sorts of programs that prepare students for careers in this exciting field.

In this article, we are exploring what the best 100 architecture schools in the world are, according to popular rankings.

Overview of the Architecture Profession

As a member of the architecture profession, you will be involved in the planning, design, and construction of buildings. You may also be involved with structures such as bridges, roads, and airports. 

A variety of different factors determine what type of architecture you can pursue—including your academic interests, geographic location, and level of specialization.

Architects must have an understanding of all aspects of construction: 

  • they must know how to plan and design buildings and other structures; 
  • understand how these structures will integrate into their environment; 
  • know how they are built; 
  • understand sustainable materials; 
  • use advanced computer software for drafting plans; 
  • work closely with engineers on structural issues; 
  • work closely with contractors who will build their designs from blueprints and models created by architects.

Architecture is one field where people often go on for advanced degrees after their undergraduate studies (though there are some who choose not to).

For example, many architects go on for a master’s degree in urban planning or construction management after receiving their bachelor’s degree in architecture (BArch).

Here is some general information on the profession:

Salary: According to BLS, architects make $80,180 in median salary (2021); which earns them a decent spot as one of the highest-paid professionals in the world.

Duration of Study: Three to four years.

Job Outlook: 3 percent (slower than average), with an estimated 3,300 job openings between 2021 to 2031. 

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree.

The Following are the Best Architecture Schools in the World

The following are the best 10 architecture schools in the world according to the latest QS rankings:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge (USA)

About the University: MIT has five schools and one college, containing a total of 32 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological research. 

Architecture at MIT: MIT’s School of Architecture is ranked as the best architecture school in the world [QS Ranking]. It has been named one of the best undergraduate design schools in America.

This school offers architectural programs in seven different areas, viz:

  • Architecture + Urbanism;
  • Art Culture + Technology;
  • Building Technology;
  • Computation;
  • Undergraduate Architecture + Design;
  • History Theory + Culture;
  • Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture;

Tuition Fee: An architecture program at MIT will typically lead to a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree. The cost of tuition at the school is estimated to be $57,590 per year.

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2. Delft University of Technology, Delft (The Netherlands)

About the University: Founded in 1842, Delft University of Technology is one of the oldest institutions for engineering and architecture education in the Netherlands. 

It has a student population of over 26,000 (Wikipedia, 2022) with more than 50 international exchange agreements with universities around the world.

In addition to its strong reputation as an academic institution teaching technical subjects such as aeronautical engineering or building construction management, it is also known for its innovative approach to learning. 

Students are encouraged to think creatively rather than simply absorbing facts; they are also encouraged to collaborate on projects through group work which allows them to learn from each other’s expertise while working together towards shared goals.

Architecture at Delft: Delft also offers one of the most highly-regarded architecture programs in the world.  The curriculum focuses on the design and building of urban environments as well as the process of making these spaces usable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing. 

Students develop skills in architecture design, structural engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture, and construction management.

Tuition Fee: The cost of tuition to study architecture is €2,209; however, external/international will be expected to pay as much as €6,300 in tuition costs.

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3. The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, London (UK)

About the University: The Bartlett School of Architecture (University College of London) is one of the world’s leading schools of architecture and urban design. It is ranked third in the world for architecture by the QS World University Rankings with an overall point of 94.5.

Architecture at Bartlett School of Architecture: Unlike the other architecture schools, we have covered so far, the architecture program at Bartlett School takes only three years to complete.

The School has an outstanding international reputation for its research, teaching, and collaborative links with industry, which helps to attract some of the best students from across the globe.

Tuition Fee: The cost of studying architecture at Bartlett is £9,250;

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4. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich (Switzerland)

About the University: Founded in 1855, ETH Zurich is ranked #4 in the world for architecture, civil engineering, and city planning. 

It has also been ranked as one of the top universities in Europe by QS World University Rankings. This school is considered to be one of the best schools for study abroad programs as well as great research opportunities. 

In addition to these rankings, students studying at this institute will benefit from its campus which sits on Lake Zurich and offers amazing views of nearby mountains and forests throughout different seasons.

Architecture at ETH Zurich: ETH Zurich offers an architecture program that is well-respected in Switzerland and abroad, and it’s been ranked as one of the top programs in the world.

The program offers several different tracks: urban planning and management, landscape architecture and ecological engineering, and architecture and building science. 

You’ll learn about sustainable building practices and how to incorporate them into your designs. You’ll also study historic preservation and restoration techniques as well as how to create environmentally friendly buildings using natural resources like wood or stone.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore other subjects like environmental psychology, which will help you understand how people interact with their surroundings. In addition, you’ll learn about topics such as architectural history, the theory of space design, and functionalism.

Tuition Fee: The cost of tuition at ETH Zurich is 730 CHF (Swiss Franc) per semester.

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5. Harvard University, Cambridge (USA)

About University: Harvard University is frequently cited as one of the best universities in the world. It’s no wonder that this private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts has been on top for years. Founded in 1636, Harvard is known for its academic strength, wealth and prestige, and diversity.

The university has a 6-to-1 student/faculty ratio and offers more than 2,000 undergraduate degrees and more than 500 graduate degree programs. It also houses the largest academic library in the world, with over 20 million books and 70 million manuscripts.

Architecture at Havard: The architecture program at Harvard University has a long-standing reputation for excellence. It is accredited by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB), which ensures that students receive a high-quality education from qualified instructors who are familiar with current industry standards for practice. 

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities including classrooms equipped with interactive projectors; computer labs with scanners and printers; digital cameras; drawing boards; model building equipment; laser cutters; photography studios; woodworking shops; metalwork shops; stained glass studios; pottery studios; clay workshops; ceramics kilns and much more.

Tuition Fee: The cost of studying architecture at Harvard is $55,000 per year.

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6. National University of Singapore (Singapore)

About University: If you’re looking to study architecture in one of the best schools in the world, the National University of Singapore is worth considering. The school is among the best architecture schools in Asia, as well as one of the top 100 universities on earth. NUS has a strong reputation for its research and teaching programs. Students can expect to learn from highly qualified professors who are leaders in their fields.

Architecture at the National University of Singapore: The student-to-faculty ratio at NUS is low; there are around 15 students per faculty member here (versus around 30 at other schools in Asia). 

This means that instructors have more time to spend with each student and answer questions or address issues that may arise during class or studio work—and all this translates into higher quality education overall.

Internships are an important part of any architectural education; they also give students real-world experience before graduation so they know exactly what it will be like when they enter their careers. Furthermore, there’s no shortage of opportunities for students at NUS: about 90 percent of graduates go on to do internships after graduation.

Tuition Fee: The tuition fees at The National University of Singapore varies depending if you’re in receipt of the MOE financial grant with the max tuition fee for architecture being $39,250.

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7. Manchester School of Architecture, Manchester (UK)

About University: Manchester School of Architecture is a public research university located in Manchester, England. The university is usually ranked as a top school in the UK for architecture and the built environment.

It is a world-class institution that specializes in the design, construction, and preservation. It offers an undergraduate program as well as graduate degrees. The faculty consists of experts from around the world who are dedicated to helping students develop their skills in architecture.

The program has been ranked among the best in the United Kingdom and is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). 

Architecture at Manchester School of Architecture: It offers courses that focus on all aspects of architecture, including history, theory, practice, and design. This means that students will be able to develop a broad understanding of what it takes to become an architect.

Tuition Fee: The cost of tuition at MSA is £9,250 per year.

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8. University of California-Berkeley (USA)

About the University: The University of California, Berkeley is a prestigious architecture school for landscape architecture. It also comes in at number eight on our list for architecture, urban and city planning. 

With more than 150 years of history, U.C. Berkeley is known as one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States with many iconic buildings.

Architecture at the University of California: The architecture curriculum at Berkeley starts with an introduction to architectural history, followed by courses in drawing, design studios, computer science, construction materials and methods, environmental design, and building systems. 

Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of study, including building design and construction; landscape architecture; historic preservation; urban design; or architectural history.

Tuition Fee: The cost of tuition is $18,975 for resident students and $50,001 for non-resident students; for graduate programs in architecture, the cost of studying is $21,060 and $36,162 for resident and non-resident students respectively.

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9. Tsinghua University, Beijing (China)

About University: Tsinghua University is one of the top universities in China. It has been ranked 9th in the world by QS World University Rankings for architecture.

Founded in 1911, Tsinghua University has a strong reputation for engineering and technology, but it also offers courses in humanities, management, and life sciences. Tsinghua is located in Beijing—a city is known for its rich history and culture.

Architecture at Tsinghua Univerity: Architecture at Tinghua UniverThe architecture program at Tsinghua University is very strong, with many famous alumni who are doing well for themselves.

The curriculum includes classes on history, theory, and design, as well as lab work in 3D modeling software like Rhino and AutoCAD. Students can also take urban planning and construction management classes as part of their degree requirements.

Tuition Fee: The cost of tuition is 40,000 CNY (Chinese Yen) per year.

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10. Politecnico di Milano, Milan (Italy)

About University: The Politecnico di Milano is a public research university based in Milan, Italy. It has nine faculties and offers 135 accredited graduate programs, including 63 Ph.D. programs. 

This top-ranked school was established in 1863 as an institute for higher education for engineers and architects.

Architecture at Politecnico di Milano: In addition to its highly ranked architecture program, the Politecnico di Milano also offers some of the most popular courses offered by any architecture school in Europe: industrial design, urban design, and product design.

Tuition Fee: Tuition fees for EEA students and Non-EEA students resident in Italy range from about €888.59 to €3,891.59 per year.

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100 Best Architecture Schools in the World

Below is a table that contains the list of the Best 100 Architecture Schools in the World:

S/N Best Architecture Schools [Top 100] City Country Tuition fee
1 MIT Cambridge Cambridge USA $57,590
2 Delft University of Technology Delft The Netherlands €2,209 – €6,300
3 UCL London London UK £9,250
4 ETH Zurich Zurich Switzerland 730 CHF
5 Harvard University Cambridge USA $55,000
6 National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore $39,250
7 Manchester School of Architecture Manchester UK £9,250
8 University of California-Berkeley Berkeley USA $36,162
9 Tsinghua University Beijing China 40,000 CNY
10 Politecnico di Milano Milan Italy £888.59 – £3,891.59
11 University of Cambridge Cambridge UK £32,064
12 EPFL Lausanne Switzerland 730 CHF
13 Tongji University Shanghai China 33,800 CNY
14 The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR (China) HK$237,700
15 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR (China) HK$274,500
16 Columbia University New York USA $91,260
17 The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan 350,000 JPY
18 University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles USA $43,003
19 Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya Barcelona Spain €5,300
20 Technische Universitat Berlin Berlin Germany  N/A
21 Technical University of Munich Munich Germany  N/A
22 KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm Sweden  N/A
23 Cornell University Ithaca USA $29,500
24 The University of Melbourne Parkville Australia AUD$37,792
25 The University of Sydney Sydney Australia AUD$45,000
26 Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta USA $31,370
27 Universidad Politecnica de Madrid Madrid Spain  N/A
28 Politecnico di Torino Turin Italy  N/A
29 KU Leuven Leuven Belgium €922.30 – €3,500
30 Seoul National University Seoul South Korea KRW 2,442,000
31 RMIT University Melbourne Australia AUD$48,000
32 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Michigan USA $34,715 – $53,000
33 The University of Sheffield Sheffield UK £9,250 – £25,670
34 Stanford University Stanford USA $57,693
35 Nanyang Technical University Singapore Singapore S$25,000 – S$29,000
36 University of British Columbia Vancouver Canada C$9,232 
37 Tiajin University Tiajin China 39,000 CNY
38 Tokyo Institute of Technology Tokyo Japan 635,400 JPY
39 Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Santiago Chile $9,000
40 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia USA $50,550
41 University of New South Wales Sydney Australia AUD$23,000
42 Aalto University Espoo Finland $13,841
43 University of Texas at Austin Austin USA $21,087
44 Universidade de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo Brazil  N/A
45 Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven The Netherlands €10,000 – €12,000
46 Cardiff University Cardiff UK £9,000
47 University of Toronto Toronto Canada $11,400
48 Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne UK £9,250
49 Charles University of Technology Gothenburg Sweden 70,000 SEK
50 The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign USA $31,190
51 Aalborg University Aalborg Denmark €6,897
52 Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh USA $39,990
53 City University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR (China) HK$145,000
54 Curtin University Perth Australia $24,905
55 Hanyang University Seoul South Korea $9,891
56 Harbin Institute of Technology Harbin China N/A
57 KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe Germany €1,500 – €8,000
58 Korea University Seoul South Korea 39,480,000 KRW
59 Kyoto University Kyoto Japan N/A
60 Lund University Lund Sweden $13,000
61 McGill University Montreal Canada C$2,797.20 – C$31,500
62 National Taipei University of Technology Taipei Taiwan N/A
63 Norwegian University of Science & Technology Trondheim Norway N/A
64 Oxford Brookes University Oxford UK £14,600
65 Peking University Beijing China 26,000 RMB
66 Pennsylvania State University University Park USA $13,966 – $40,151
67 Princeton University Princeton USA $57,410
68 Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Australia AUD$32,500
69 RWTH Aachen University Aachen Germany N/A
70 Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy €1,000 – €2,821
71 Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China 24,800 RMB
72 Southeast University Nanjing China 16,000 – 18,000 RMB
73 Technische Universitat Wien Vienna Italy N/A
74 Texas A&M University College Station USA $595 per credit
75 The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR (China) $24,204
76 The University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand NZ$43,940
77 The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK £1,820 – £30,400
78 The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia AUD$42,064
79 Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Mexico City Mexico N/A
80 Universidad Nacional de Colombia Bogota Colombia N/A
81 Universidad de Buenos Aires Buenos Aires Argentina N/A
82 Universidad de Chile Santiago Chile N/A
83 Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil N/A
84 Universita luav di Venezia Venice Italy N/A
85 Universitat Politecnica de Valencia Valencia Spain N/A
86 Universiti Malaya Kuala Lumpur Malaysia $41,489
87 Universiti Sains Malaysia Gelugor Malaysia $18,750
88 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Skudai Malaysia 13,730 RMB
89 University of Bath Bath UK £9,250 – £26,200
90 University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa N/A
91 University of Lisbon Lisbon Portugal €1,063
92 University of Porto Porto Portugal €1,009
93 University of Reading Reading UK £9,250 – £24,500
94 University of Southern California Los Angeles USA $49,016
95 University of Technology-Sydney Sydney Australia $25,399
96 University of Washington Seattle USA $11,189 – $61,244
97 Universitat Stuttgart Stuttgart Germany N/A
98 Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Blacksburg USA $12,104
99 Wageningen University & Research Wageningen The Netherlands €14,616
100 Yale University New Haven USA $57,898

How do I get into an architecture school?

There are many ways to get into an architecture program. If you’re interested in working in the traditional practice of architecture, you will need a Bachelor of Architecture degree. The best way to learn about how to apply is by speaking with the admissions office at each school you’re considering and getting their advice on your particular situation: GPA, test scores, portfolio requirements, previous experience (internships or classes), etc. While every school has its own set of standards for acceptance into their programs, most will accept applicants who meet certain minimum criteria (usually a high GPA).

How long is an architecture school?

Depending on your school of study, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Architecture usually takes three to four years of study.

Do I need to have good drawing skills to become an architect?

This may not entirely be correct. Still, a little bit of sketching know-how can be considered an advantage. Besides, modern architects are fast-ditching pencil and paper and embracing technologies that help them visualize their drawings exactly how they want them. You can also prioritize learning how to use this software too.

Is architecture a competitive course?

Short answer, no. But it still remains a fast-growing profession with amazing career benefits.

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Wrapping It Up

It’s important to remember that these schools are ranked according to the QS 2022 Rankings; these arrangements are likely to change depending on how these architecture schools continue to perform. 

Regardless, these schools are all great and have their own unique characteristics that make them stand out from one another. If you want to pursue an education in architecture then the above list should give you some valuable insight into which school would best suit your needs.