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Best Architecture Colleges in the World 2024 : Fees, Eligibility

Updated on 07 December, 2023

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Study Abroad

With emerging trends like smart cities, the need for skyscraper buildings due to urban lifestyle, and concepts of sustainable development, the role of skilled architects is increasing year by year. Approximately 9,100 job openings are projected for architects annually during 2021-31 alone in the US. This supports the increasing interest of students in pursuing professional higher education programs in this field. In this article, we have listed the best architecture colleges in the world that provide more professionally-inclined, research-based, and theory-intensive programs. 

 

Here are some benefits of studying architecture for your higher studies. 

Innovative Pursuits: 

Architecture requires high innovation, vision, and creativity. Studying architecture will help you shine your expression, creativity, and imagination through architectural drawings, models, and concept designs.

Sustainable Developments: 

Future architects bring new perspectives to the climate and face challenges with the best practical solutions. Studying architecture courses helps you learn more about the environment and utilize renewable sources to create stable architectural designs. 

Attractive Salary

One of the finest reasons why pursuing architecture courses from top colleges around the world is important; it gives you excellent placement and recognition in the architectural industry. The average salary in the US is around $95,854 (₹78,62,477) per year, while in India, you can get $31,767 (₹26,03,112) annually.

Creating an Impact: 

You can make your way to sustainable development and create an impact with the structures you build. With your work, you can become a better architect and an excellent environmentalist to influence the coming generation. 

A High-demand and Satisfying Career Option: 

Architecture, built environment, and planning courses have good placements, professional accreditation, and global recognition. Architecture colleges offer various degree options for students to choose their skill-based degree.

What Can You Do With An Architecture Degree

Top 10 Architecture Colleges in World

The demand for architecture professionals is increasing. Many colleges worldwide provide a wide range of higher education programs in architecture. Here is the list of top 10 architecture colleges in the world according to the QS rankings 2023 by Subject ‘Architecture & Built Environment.’ 

Ranking  College/ University Degree (Duration)  Location 
#1 The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London.

Undergraduate (3-5 years)


 

Postgraduate (1-2 years)


 

Doctoral (3-5 years)


 

Professional studies (part-time while in practice)


 

Short courses (2-4 weeks)

London, United Kingdom
#2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Undergraduate 

Postgraduate 

Doctoral 

Program courses 

Cambridge, United States
#3 Delft University of Technology

Bachelor's degree


 

Masters degree


 

Post-master’s programs


 

Exchange programs


 

Doctoral 



 

Delft, Netherlands
#4 ETH Zurich

Bachelor's degree (3 years) 


 

Master in Architecture (2 years)


 

Master Integrated Building System


 

Master in Landscape Architecture

Zürich, Switzerland
#5 Manchester School of Architecture

Bachelor (4 years) 


 

Masters (2 years - full-time, 4 years - part-time)


 

Research 

Null United Kingdom
#6 Harvard University

Master of Architecture 1


 

Master of Architecture 2 (post-professional degree)

Cambridge, United States
#7 National University of Singapore (NUS)

Bachelor of Arts In Architecture


 

Master of Architecture


 

Masters of Arts in Architectural Conservation


 

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture


 

Master of Landscape Architecture


 

Master of Science, Integrated Sustainable Design


 

Master of Arts In Urban Design


 

Master of Urban Planning

Singapore, Singapore
#8 Tsinghua University

Undergraduate 

Graduate 

Doctoral

Other programs

Beijing, China (Mainland)
#9 University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Undergraduate programs


 

Graduate programs

Berkeley, United States
#10 Politecnico di Milano

Bachelors 

Masters in different courses of architecture.

Milan, Italy

Fees for architectural courses vary according to the country, college’s ranking, and degree type. The average tuition fee at the top architecture colleges in the world ranges from $9204 (₹7,61,021) to $41,500 (₹34,31,375). Students are advised to thoroughly check the fee structure before choosing a college or course.

Recommended Article: Study Abroad For Architecture

To get into any of the best architecture colleges in the world, you must fulfill their specific eligibility criteria. Some basic standards include a 10+2 degree (if applying for a bachelor’s program) or a relevant UG degree (if applying for a master’s program), scores of standard entrance tests (like ACT, SAT), English proficiency exams (like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL), letter of recommendation, and statement of purpose.

Read More About Study Abroad:

FAQs

Which is the top college of Architecture in the world?

The Bartlett School of Architecture under the University College London is the top-ranked college for architecture according to the QS Ranking 2023.

Is there any career prospect of architecture courses in India?

Yes, the demand for professional architects is increasing in India. The architecture field is rapidly growing within the country, and there is high demand for skilled, innovative, and visionary architects. Therefore, architecture can be considered a worthy profession in India.

How much salary can an architect expect?

The salary varies from city to city, but the annual median salary that an architect can expect is around $95,854 (₹78,62,477) in the US and $31,767 (₹26,03,112) in India. Moreover, the salary also depends on the college from which you have completed your degree, the country you are working, and your skills.

Does the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offer an architecture course?

Yes, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers various architectural courses. It ranks among the top 2 architecture colleges in the world.

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Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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