If you are one of those people who stop in the middle of their stride to notice a building or aim to walk in the footsteps of Frank Lloyd Wright, Antoni Gaudí or Le Corbusier, then it’ll be worth looking at architecture colleges in Canada.
In simple terms, architecture is the science and art of designing a space, be it a building, a landscape, or a city.
Canada, being one of the global education destinations, has some of the top-rated architecture universities in the world that will guide you in your goal of becoming an architect.
In this article, we will be looking at
Let’s dive right in.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider studying architecture in Canada.
You may also want to consider the UK to study architecture, if you are looking at another destination apart from Canada.
The title “Architect” is a protected term in Canada. It means that you should be registered and licensed by the provincial association that oversees architects. This is so that the public can be ensured of the quality of services provided.
Let us clarify. You can work for somebody or an architecture firm or a company without being licensed. However, you call yourself an “Architect” and to head project designs, you have to be registered. If you envision your future in Canada, it is recommended that you work towards licensure so that your career does not stall at the junior level.
In order to be a chartered architect, you must complete the “three Es”: Education, Experience and Examination.
Typically, aspirants complete a bachelor’s and a masters degree in architecture that has been accredited by Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). Another route is to take up the apprenticeship programme offered by the RAIC (Royal Architectural Institute of Canada).
In each province, the association of architects mandates an internship of 3- 4 years, where you will be working under a Supervisor and a Mentor. They are both licensed architects who will oversee your work.
Towards the completion of your internship, you can apply for the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC) which is the final step in becoming a licensed architect in Canada.
The expansion of the Canadian economy, despite the speedbumps of a global recession, will result in high demand for architects over the coming decade. It is estimated that around 26,000 jobs will be created within the domain of architecture. The Job Bank of the Government of Canada predicts that the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Sasketchawan will have some of the most number of job prospects in the next five to ten years.
To be qualified by the CACB, you must complete your master’s in architecture from any of the accredited Canadian Architecture Colleges. In Canada, the median earnings are $36.06/hour CAD, while the top 10% earn over $60/hour and 90% of architects earn at least $24/hour.
Annual salaries can be anywhere from CA $60,000 (34-35 lakh INR) to CA $200,000 (approx 1.08 -1.10 crore INR) annually. Job positions available include building researchers, urban designers, architects, interior designers, construction managers, landscape architects, architectural technicians and town planners.
One of the greatest advantages of international students studying in Canada is the funding support given in almost all universities. Universities have their own endowments and funds, and are supported by the provincial governments or by external organizations to provide scholarships and awards for deserving candidates. Each province has its own set of scholarships to provide.
For instance, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program is something that international students can also apply to. They must have an A- average in two years of full-time study and must be enrolled in a full-time graduate study program in any of the participating universities in Ontario.
Some scholarships are also eligible for students who can show proof of financial need. The scholarship options for each of the individual universities are listed in the following section.
Having decided on architecture as your career choice, let us look at what some of the best architectural colleges offer. then In this section, we will be looking at some of the best architecture universities in Canada, their eligibility criteria, the duration of their courses, and their fees.
| S.No | University | World Ranking in Architecture | Fees |
| 1 | University of British Columbia | QS – 35* THE – 62 |
CA $44,838 (UG) CA $49,520 (PG) |
| 2 | University of Toronto | QS – 47* THE – 13 |
CA $60,510 (UG) CA $52,930 (PG) |
| 3 | McGill University | QS – 51-100* THE – 51-100 |
CA $32,110 (UG) CA $32,500 (PG) |
| 4 | University of Waterloo | QS – 101-150* THE – 301-400 |
CA $71,000 (UG) CA $39,990(PG) |
| 5 | Université de Montréal | QS – 101-150* THE – 101-125 |
CA $30,000 (UG) CA $32,574 (PG) |
| 6 | Ryerson University | QS – 151-200* THE – 401-500 |
CA $38,472 (UG) CA $28,390 (PG) |
| 7 | Université du Québec | QS – n.a* THE – 201-250 |
CA $24,600 (UG) CA $23,000 (PG) |
Source: QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings
Note: The “ * ” mark after QS ranks indicate 2023 architecture rankings. TC Global Insights will update this table as soon as 2024 QS Subject-wise rankings are announced. The Times Rankings correspond to the year 2024.
Source: UBC
Since 1915, the University of British Columbia has been providing quality education to aspiring students across the globe. Over 20% of their admissions, in both the Okanagan and Vancouver campuses, are international students looking for better prospects in higher education. The school has been the alma mater of 8 Nobel laureates and ranks 46th in the world.
Ranked 35 for architecture by QS Global rankings, the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) at UBC is one of the finest colleges in Canada for architecture. Be it their award-winning faculty or low student-teacher ratio, studying at UBC gives you an edge. Learning happens in small studios or intimate seminar setups that allow the faculty to pay attention to the design of every student. The master’s program is also approved by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB). The courses at UBC bring together landscape architecture, urban planning and sustainable methods and offer numerous co-op opportunities where a student can combine studies with full-time work.
SALA gives out CA $195,000 as faculty-recommended awards each year. In addition, you can consider the
For the undergraduate course:
For the postgraduate course:
Duration: Bachelor’s degree – 4 years, Master’s in Architecture – 3 years
The application deadline is typically on January 15th. In addition to the application form, you will have to submit a statement of purpose, a video interview, and a resume. There will also be a creative test to complete three short design projects.
Source: UofT
Ranking 26th in the list of world universities, the University of Toronto is one of Canada’s largest universities. Since 1827, this university has established itself as a pioneer in research and teaching.
John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto ranks 47 among all the universities in the world for its courses on architecture. The school offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral-level architecture programs. It provides a thorough base of knowledge in history, theory, technology, ecology, society, and professional practice while developing skills in design through an intensive sequence of design studio courses.
Undergraduate fees – CA $60,510
Graduate studies at the Daniels Faculty of Architecture in UoT – CA $52,930
In addition to what the University of Toronto offers, the Daniels School has funding for entrance awards and other in-course awards. You can read more about it here.
For the undergraduate program
For the Master’s program
Some courses are at the post-professional level. That is you need to have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in architecture to apply for these specializations. Check out the entire list of programs here.
The application deadline is typically in January. In addition to the completed application form, a video interview must be uploaded.
Source: McGill University
One of the more popular colleges for architecture in Canada, McGill University is located in Montreal. With a student population of 39,267, it is one of the most reputed universities in Canada, which hosts 31.8% of international students from over 150 countries.
Peter Guo-hua Fu School of Architecture is known for its intimate setup with about 250 students. Two new research facilities exist just for the fabrication of designs. Accredited by the CACB, the school provides programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Annual tuition fee for Bachelor of Science in Architecture – CA $32,110
For graduate programs – CA $32,500
This Canadian school of Architecture has numerous scholarship options. There is usually no need to apply separately. It becomes part of your application. Read more about the scholarship options here.
For the undergraduate program:
For the master’s professional program
On completing the online application and payment of the application fee of CA $130, you must also upload your statement of intent and summary of work experience (for the graduate level). An e-portfolio is also required. The application deadline is typically December 15.
Source: University of Waterloo
In 1957, the University of Waterloo was first founded as a school of engineering. Today, the school has over 180 graduate and doctoral programs that make international students flock to Waterloo.
A leader in design education and research, the School of Architecture at Waterloo has one of the most comprehensive curricula that covers everything from building materials and construction techniques to cultural history, social context, green architecture, and more. All students at this school have the option of co-op work wherein they can work and earn during the course of their program for credits. It is also the only Canadian college of architecture that has a permanent international facility in Rome, Italy. So, you can find yourself in a historical and cultural hub of architecture in your fourth year.
The approximate tuition for the first-year undergraduate course is CA $71,000
The master’s program will cost you about CA $39,990 per year.
The school also provides scholarship opportunities based on merit, international experience and financial need. They are decided by committees external to the university. You can get a detailed report of scholarships here.
For the bachelor’s degree:
For the master’s program:
Duration:
Undergraduate – 4 years
Postgraduate – 2 years
After submitting the completed application, selected applicants will be asked to participate in an interview or video presentation, submit a portfolio, and complete an English precis-writing exercise.
Source: UdeM
The University of Montreal is one of the biggest French public research universities in Montreal, Quebec, with an enrolment of around 70,000 students. The university is stretched across Quebec and has over sixty departments and thirteen faculties with two affiliated schools.
University of Montréal (UdeM) is a university that offers a world-class education in almost all fields of study, and this university is also a melting pot of culture when it comes to diversity and the presence of international students. The university is also considered Quebec’s largest teaching and research institution and also the 2nd best research university in Canada. It is one of the top 150 universities in the world to pursue a degree in architecture.
The annual tuition fee for the B.Sc in Architecture is about CA $30,000 while the master’s fee is around CA $32,574. .
UdeM has a Scholarship Directory that is a compilation of over 5,000 different sources of financing offered by the university.
The university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in architecture.
Source: Toronto Metropolitan University
One of the top 200 universities for architecture in the world, Ryerson University is an urban, culturally diverse public university located in Toronto. Recently, the university changed its name to Toronto Metropolitan University.
Accredited by the CACB, Ryerson has one of the few programs in the world that integrates architecture, building science, and project management, giving a unique insight into architectural technology. Their courses take on a critical approach to architectural practice to prepare future architects for the discipline’s potential.
UG degree in architecture: CA $38,472
PG degree in architecture: CA $28,390
Each year, Toronto Metropolitan University and the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science (FEAS) offer numerous entrance scholarships to incoming students who are accepted into the architectural engineering program. You can access the details of the entrance scholarships here.
For the undergraduate program
For M.Arch
Duration:
B.Arch – 4 years, M.Arch – 2 years
Once you have met the eligibility criteria, you submit the completed application along with a statement of intent, resume, transcripts, portfolio, and letters of recommendation.
Source: UQAM
The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) is a French-language university. Located in central Montreal, the university is known for its diversity and its range of over 300 different programs.
Bringing together heritage and modernity, UQAM is renowned for its cutting-edge research and world-class faculty. This architectural college has several co-op options that allow you to learn the practical side of the discipline while enrolled in university.
The undergraduate fee is around CA $24,600 while the master’s level fee is around CA $23,000 . You can access the scholarship options
here.
The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in architecture.
With all its metrics and calculations, QS World Rankings lists 7 top universities in Canada for studying architecture. However, despite not being listed, our research shows that there are some other great architectural colleges to consider, beyond the above-reviewed seven. You can also look into
While the prospect of becoming an architect in Canada and an international student is very exciting, the prep and paperwork of it all can get overwhelming. The easiest way to reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global and we will help you get into the architecture courses in Canada of your choosing. One quick word – before making your decision about which country is best for you, you may want to do a comparative analysis of different countries to decide what’s right for you – for instance, should you study in Canada or the US?
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