Do you want to attend the best architecture schools in the world, check out this article to find out the best universities to study architecture in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Attending the best institutions is not a guarantee to become a good architect. However, these schools offer top-quality education in the best learning environment to nurture future careers.
The schools on our list are arranged according to the recent QS World University Ranking. Some of the schools on this list are located in the best student cities in the world.
The schools on this list are not just the best architecture schools in the world but are also the perfect locations for students to study.
What Are the Best Architecture Schools in the World?
The best architecture schools in the world are mostly schools ranked in the top ten universities in the world. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) occupies the top spot for both the best university and the best architecture school.
The Delft University of Technology occupies the second position as the best architecture school but ranks outside the top 5o best universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
Most of the schools on this list are institutions located in the United States and Europe. Australian, Chinese, Singaporean, and Japanese, universities are also among the top 25 architecture schools worldwide.
Also Read: 15 Best Schools for Architecture in the World
How Long Does it Take to Study Architecture?
If you are a high schooler who wants to study and obtain an architecture degree, expect to study for five years. Yes, it takes five years to earn a Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.)
For master’s programs (M. Arch.), it takes about twenty-four to thirty-six months to complete. For you to complete a pre-professional bachelor’s degree program in architectural studies or construction management, it takes up to four years.
List of the Best Architecture Schools in the World- (QS World University Rankings)
Here are the top 25 architecture schools in the world which includes the best architecture universities in the U.S. Europe, and Asia.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)- United States
- Delft University of Technology- Netherlands
- University College London (UCL)- United Kingdom
- ETH Zurich- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology- Switzerland
- Harvard University- United States
- National University of Singapore (NUS)- Singapore
- Manchester School of Architecture- United Kingdom
- University of California, Berkeley ( UCB) – United States
- Tsinghua University- China
- Politecnico di Milano- Italy
- University of Cambridge- United Kingdom
- EPFL- Switzerland
- Tongji University- China
- The University of Hong Kong- Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University- Hong Kong
- Columbia University- United States
- The University of Tokyo- Japan
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)- United States
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (UPC)- Spain
- Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)- Germany
- Technical University of Munich- Germany
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology- Sweden
- Cornell University- United States
- The University of Melbourne- Australia
- The University of Sydney- Australia
25 Best Architecture Schools in the World
Here are the best 25 architecture schools in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
#1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Overall score: 97.2
- Location: Cambridge, United States
Founded in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the best and most selective universities in the world. MIT takes the top spot as the best architecture school and the best university in the world.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a variety of programs for both undergraduates and graduates.
MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning offers a wide range of programs. The Department of Architecture at MIT offers programs like Building Technology, History Theory + Criticism, Undergraduate Architecture + Design, Computation, etc.
To get more information on MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning, kindly visit the school’s official website.
#2. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
- Overall score: 95.1
- Location: Delft, Netherland
Delft University was established in 1842, making it the oldest Dutch public technical university in Delft. It’s also the largest public technical university with over 27,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
Delft University offers a master’s degree program in architecture, urbanism and building sciences. This program can be completed in two years on a full-time basis and the language of instruction is English.
They also offer bachelor of architecture, urbanism and building sciences at the undergraduate level which can be completed within 36 months.
#3. University College London
- Overall score: 94.5
- Location: London, United Kingdom
Initially established as London University in 1826, University College London is ranked third as the best architecture school in the world and it’s also among the best schools in Europe.
UCL is the second-largest university in London with over 46,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture is ranked number one worldwide in architecture and built environment. It also ranked number one in the UK and has maintained that position in the last nine years, according to QS World University Subject Ranking.
The Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL offers architecture programs to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
#4. ETH Zurich- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
- Overall score: 94.4
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Established in 1854 by the Swiss federal government, ETH Zurich is a public research institution that offers a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
ETH Zurich Department of Architecture offers doctoral programs in architecture & technology, history and theory of architecture, and landscape and urban studies.
These doctoral programs focus on advanced doctoral research to train the next generation of architects in the fields of science, technology and engineering in architecture.
#5. Harvard University
- Overall score: 89.2
- Location: Cambridge, United States
Just like MIT, Harvard University is also one of the most selective private research institutions in the United States.
The university is the oldest in North America established in 1636. It’s a private Ivy League research institution ranked in the top three best universities in the world.
Harvard offers master’s degree programs in architecture through its Graduate School of Design. Harvard retains its position as the 5th best architecture school worldwide, making it one of the best universities in the U.S.
#6. National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Overall score: 89
- Location: Singapore
With an acceptance rate within the range of 5 to 7%, the National University of Singapore is one of the world’s highly selective institutions.
It’s a national public research university and the oldest autonomous university in Singapore.
The National University of Singapore offers programs such as architecture, urbanism, and landscape architecture through its College of Design and Environment.
NUS is one of the best universities in Asia and is currently ranked 11th according to QS World University Rankings.
#7. Manchester School of Architecture
- Overall score: 88.6
- Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Established in 1996 with the merger of the University of Manchester Architecture Department and Manchester Metropolitan University, the Manchester School of Architecture is one of the schools in Europe.
Architecture students studying at MSA have access to the facilities of both universities. The students can also benefit from resources available at both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
MSA offers architecture programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the programs available at MSA include a BA (Hons) in Architecture, an M.A. in Architecture and Urbanism, a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), and a Master of Architecture.
Also Read: 20 Art Schools in Australia | All Australian Art and Design Schools
#8. University of California, Berkeley
- Overall score: 88.2
- Location: Berkeley, United States
Founded on March 3, 1868, the University of California, Berkeley is California’s first land-grant university and the oldest campus in the UC school system.
UC Berkeley is currently ranked 27th as the best university in the world according to QS World University Rankings. UC Berkeley offers over 350 academic programs in different fields of study.
The Department of Architecture at UC Berkeley offers architecture programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. UC Berkeley offers a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Minor in Architecture.
Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Master of Advanced Architecture Design, Master of Science, and PhD in Architecture are the graduate programs available at UC Berkeley.
#9. Tsinghua University
- Overall score: 87.4
- Location: Beijing, China
Tsinghua University was established in 1911 and it’s currently a member of the C9 League. It’s a national public university funded by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
The university has a large student body with over 50,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
Departments at Tsinghua’s School of Architecture include the Department of Architecture, Department of Urban Planning & Design, Department of Building Science, and Department of Landscape Architecture.
#10. Politecnico di Milano
- Overall score: 86.8
- Location: Milan, Italy
Established in 1863, the Polytechnic University of Milan is one of the top technical universities in Europe and it comes in at the 10th position on the list of best architecture schools in the world.
The university is the largest technical university in the country with over 40,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
Politecnico di Milano offers both undergraduate and graduate courses in architecture, design, and engineering.
#11. University of Cambridge
- Overall score: 85.1
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
The University of Cambridge is a renowned public research institution, one of the oldest in the world established in 1209.
Cambridge’s Faculty of Architecture and History Arts comprises two departments. Department of Architecture and the Department of History Arts. The faculty ensures that resources are provided to students in both departments.
#12. EPFL- Ecole Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
- Overall score: 84.7
- Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
The Ecole Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne was founded in 1969 and it’s situated in the French-speaking region of the country.
EPFL is ranked 16th as the best university in the world. The university specializes in areas like engineering and natural science.
For undergraduates, EPFL offers a bachelor’s degree program in architecture. It also offers a master’s degree in architecture in a conducive learning environment.
#13. Tongji University
- Overall score: 84
- Location: Shanghai, China
Tongji University was established on October 1, 1907, as a national public research university.
The university is a renowned research institution known for offering the best engineering, architecture, and business programs.
Tongji University’s bilateral partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) allows students to earn a dual architecture degree. With more experience acquired abroad, students can graduate as architects educated in Chinese and Australian architectural traditions.
Also Read: 15 Architectural Competitions for Students 2024
#14. University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- Overall score: 82.4
- Location: Hong Kong
Founded in 1887, the University of Hong Kong was initially established as the Hong Kong College of Medicine. HKU currently has an enrolment of over 29,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The Faculty of Architecture at HKU offers programs such as architecture, real estate and construction, urban planning and design, conservation, landscape architecture, designs, and summer programs.
#15. Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Overall score: 81.2
- Location: Hong Kong
Established in 1937, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is a public research institution and one of the eight government-funded degree-granting institutions in Hong Kong.
PolyU is ranked in the top 25 universities in Asia and currently ranks 15th as the best architecture school in the world.
#16. Columbia University
- Overall score: 81
- Location: New York, United States
Established in 1752, Columbia University is one of the most renowned private research institutions in the world. Columbia University ranks 16th among the best schools in the world, making it one of the best architecture universities in the U.S.
Columbia University offers Masters of Architecture, M.S Advanced Architectural Design, M.S. Architecture and Urban Design, M.S. Historic Preservation, and M.S Urban Planning through its Architecture Planning, & Preservation Graduate School.
#17. University of Tokyo
- Overall score: 80.6
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
The University of Tokyo was the first nation’s Imperial University established in 1877.
According to QS World University Rankings, the University of Tokyo is ranked 23rd as the best university worldwide.
UTokyo’s architecture department covers areas like architectural environment, architecture, architectural planning, and architectural structure.
Famous architects who graduated from this university include Arata Isozaki, Kenzo Tange, Toyo Ito, and Fumihiko Maki.
#18. University of California, Los Angeles
- Overall score: 80.4
- Location: Los Angeles, United States
The University of California, Los Angeles is another UC school on this list.
UCLA offers a Bachelor of Arts in architectural studies which can be completed within two years. It also offers a Master of Arts in Architecture, M.Arch Professional Degree, M.S. and Ph.D. in Architecture.
#19. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (UPC)
- Overall score: 78.8
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
Established in 1971, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya is the largest technical university in all of Catalonia. With over 30,000 students currently studying at this university, international students make up 10% of the student body.
This Spanish university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The UPC is ranked 22nd in architecture and built environment and it also ranked 35th in civil and structural engineering.
Also Read: Best Countries to Study Abroad in Asia
#20. Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)
- Overall score: 78.3
- Location: Berlin, Germany
Technische Universität Berlin or the Technical University of Berlin is a public research institution situated in Berlin, Germany.
The Technical University of Berlin is among the top public research institutions in Europe. The university’s alumni include two National Medal of Science laureates, ten Nobel Prize laureates, and the late German computer scientist, Konrad Zuse.
#21. Technical University of Munich
- Overall score: 78.1
- Location: Munich, Germany
The Technical University of Munich is one of Europe’s finest public research institutions that specialises in fields like engineering, technology, and natural sciences.
This university offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree in architecture through the TUM School of Engineering and Design.
#22. KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Overall score: 77.7
- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Established in 1827, the KTH Royal Institute of Technology is one of Europe’s finest technical universities, the largest in Sweden. KTH specializes in conducting research in areas like engineering and technology.
As one of the best architecture schools in the world, KTH meets the standard to educate the next generation of great architects. They aim to study how cities, infrastructures, and buildings should be built to improve suitable living environments.
#23. Cornell University
- Overall score: 77.4
- Location: New York, United States
Cornell University is a renowned private research institution in the U.S. coming in at number 23rd as one the best architecture schools in the world.
The university offers a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch), Post Professional Master of Science, Advanced Urban Design (M.S. AUD), Computer Graphics (M.S. CG), History of Architecture and Urban Development (PhD), and Post Professional Master of Science, Advanced Architectural Design (M.S. AAD).
#24. University of Melbourne
- Overall score: 77.4
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
The University of Melbourne currently ranks 33rd as the best universities worldwide according to QS World University Rankings. Melbourne is one of the best cities to study in and it’s the preferred destination for most international students.
This university offers Master’s degree programs in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and property and construction management.
#25. University of Sydney
- Overall score: 77.1
- Location: Sydney, Australia
Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney is a public research institution currently ranked 41st as the best university in the world and 25th as the best architecture school.
USYD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs that specialize in architecture, design, and planning.
Conclusion
The top 25 architecture schools offer the best programs in architecture. Although attending these schools is not a guarantee to become a good architect, it does provide an opportunity to acquire the best knowledge through proper research.
So, if you want to study architecture at the best universities, here are the top schools to attend.
