The best architecture schools start at only US$4,141 per year

When you think about mansions, you’d probably imagine a large landed home with 13 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a massive outdoor pool, and a theatre. Well, you’re right and wrong. 

The Antilla Residential Tower, one of India’s biggest mansions has been making waves online as the world’s most expensive private house — that title being awarded by the Guinness World Record.

It’s ranked the biggest homes right after the Palace of Versailles and Buckingham Palace by Architectural Digest.

The building has 27 floors, a temple, a salon, an ice cream parlour, and a helipad — just for the one family who lives there.

The stunning architectural design of Antilia is the result of the collaboration between US architecture firms Perkins & Will and Hirsch Bedner Associates.

Impressive, isn’t it? But are you someone who’d “wow” at architecture and get blown away by it, just like we were with the Antilla Residential Tower?

If you are, then studying at the best architecture schools in the world is the right way to fulfil your wildest dreams.

The history of architecture schools

17th-century Europe’s aspiring architects learned mostly by working on-site, designing cathedrals and palaces. Back then, architecture was learned through apprenticeship, where masters passed down their craft to pupils.

However, that changed when the demand for architects who could bring ideas to life with artistic flair and technical precision started rolling in, inspiring the foundation of some of the earliest architecture programmes.

The first of these was the Academy of Architecture in Paris, founded in 1671. The Royal Academy in London followed suit.

Fast forward to the 20th century, architecture schools have adapted to modernism. Now, it’s all about “form follows function” and emphasises simplicity, functionality, and modern materials.

Schools also use technologies like 3D modeling and sustainable designs, keeping alive a legacy of creativity and engineering that all started centuries ago.

Why going to the best architecture schools is essential

Attending the best architecture schools means you’ll be well-prepared to build the next best building for the upcoming generation.

Take Frank Gehry (Pritzker Prize winner) and Maya Lin (designer of Washington D.C.’s Vietnam War Memorial), for example. In 2016, they were both awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama for their career achievements.

But before they made their way through the architectural scene, Gehry and Lin attended the best architecture schools in the world.

Gehry attended the University of Southern California (USC), a place where he built connections and met Raphael Soriano, a well-known architect, who he apprenticed with at Victor Gruen Associates while completing his programme.

Lin went to Yale University. There, as part of her programme’s independent study course on funerary architecture, she joined the Vietnam Veterans Memorial competition with the support of her professors and peers.

An important thing to note is that both Gehry and Lin attended NAAB-accredited programmes.

The National Architectural Accredited Board (NAAB) is an agency that evaluates architecture programmes across the US and ensures they meet a certain standard in preparing students to enter the field. The UK equivalent is the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Canada has the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), Australia has the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, and so forth. 

But must you join an accredited programme?

Well, in the US, most of the 55 licensing boards require candidates to hold degrees from a NAAB-accredited programme.

For those looking to pursue a career in the UK, attending an accredited school is compulsory. You’ll need to complete a three-part Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) qualification, and a way to complete one step of it is to do it through RIBA.

Attending a RIBA-accredited institution will already check off one part of your ARB and RIBA checklist, and you’re one step closer to becoming a qualified architect.

It’s the same for students in Australia. You’ll be required to earn an AACA-accredited architecture programme in Australia and pass the Architectural Practice Exam.

If you don’t pass the requirements set by the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB), you won’t be able to call yourself an architect, and it’s illegal to pursue a career in architecture if you’re not registered.

This is not to say that all non-accredited programmes are terrible and should be overlooked; it’s always best to prepare for your future and minimise any issues that may affect your career.

If you were to attend a non-accredited insitution, you may be required to earn an additional degree from an accredited one when getting your architecture license — costing more than you initially planned.

Interestingly enough, the US has more non-NAAB-accredited programmes than accredited ones. Over 800 institutes in the US offer over 1,800 programmes in architecture and related fields, but only 140 institutions offer 176 NAAB-accredited ones.

In the UK, out of the 100 institutes that offer architecture degrees, RIBA has validated only a little over 50 schools of architecture and other course providers.

If you’re enrolled in accredited institutes and programmes, you will stand out from other architecture students.

What you need to know before you attend architecture school

Studying architecture is more than just learning how to build buildings, though. As with any career, it takes time and effort to master your craft; here are some programme-specific things you should take note of before embarking on this journey:

It’s a long road ahead

You’ll spend five to seven years completing both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Depending on the region, the regulations to receive an architecture license vary, but most often, you’ll be required to complete a master’s degree, followed by internships and receiving your license

Having a license is essential as it helps architects work in their profession to ensure they have the qualifications, knowledge, and skills required to design safe, functional, and sustainable buildings.

Lots of late nights

This field is known to be demanding — from drafting projects and building models to working on digital designs and presentations, the workload often requires late nights and long hours.

Managing your time and discipline are two of the many necessities for a career in architecture.

Architecture is more than just designing buildings

Many people attend architecture schools with the idea that they’ll primarily design buildings, but this field is much more than that. You’ll learn to think about the environmental impact, the structural requirements, and even the psychological effects that buildings can have on people.

An example is Milan’s Bosco Verticale, or “the Vertical Forest.” The building was designed as a new form of architectural biodiversity that focuses on humans and other living things. The building incorporates over 20,000 plants and trees to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and provide habitat for wildlife.

You can’t be in it for the money

Architecture is a fulfilling career, but you should not think it’s a way to make a quick buck.

Doing a degree or job solely for the money can often lead to a lack of fulfillment, potential career dissatisfaction, and low motivation. This can slowly lead to a negative impact on your overall well-being and productivity over time.

Suppose you’re drawn to architecture because you love designing spaces that will positively impact others. In that case, you’ll find the career rewarding — but if the pay is a primary motivator, you may find it less satisfying.

6 of the best architecture schools in the world

1. ETH Zurich

Fees: US$4,936 (CHF 4,380) per year

Located in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland, ETH Zurich is listed as one of the best architecture schools in the world according to QS World University Rankings. The university is home to four Pritzker Architecture Prize winners, with one of them appointed as an Emeritus Professor of Architecture and Design.

Here, you will not only be surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Zurich, but also by its Romanesque, historicism, and modern architecture.

It’s worth noting that the bachelor’s degree is mainly taught in German, though some courses are taught in English. The university also offers a master’s degree for those looking to expand their knowledge and learn how to handle larger-scale assignments independently. 

Bachelor’s degree admission requirements:

• German language proficiency certificate
• GCSEs (mathematics, a science, and foreign language)
• A-Levels (AAA in mathematics, a science, and foreign language)
• IB (38 out of 42 points, HL in mathematics, science, and a foreign language)

2. Politecnico di Milano

Fees: US$4,141 (4,000 euros) per year

Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) is ranked Italy’s top university in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and seventh in architecture worldwide.

Studying in Italy will benefit international students as it has a strong architectural heritage. Madhuli, a student from India, says “Being an architect, I was aware of Italy’s rich architectural heritage, which provides an unparalleled backdrop to immerse myself in the science of architecture.”

To be accepted by Polimi, you’ll be required to pass the “ARCHED” test, a compulsory admission test.  The programmes are conducted in both English and Italian.

Polimi also offers several master’s degrees, such as architectural design and history, building engineering, landscape architecture, and management of built environment.

Bachelor’s degree admission requirements:

• A-Levels (minimum passing grade for three subjects)
• IB (at least 24 points in six subjects, with 12 obtained at HL)

3. National University of Singapore

Fees: US$29,716 (40,000 Singapore dollars) per year

The National University of Singapore is the only Southeast Asian university to make the QS World University Rankings for Subject (Architecture), making it one of the best architecture schools in the world.

As part of the programme, you’ll learn about the approaches and methods for reading and conceptualising space, defining purpose, and exploring atmospheres to create meaningful spaces. 

NUS offers specialised master’s degreesin landscape architecture, urban planning, integrated sustainable design, and architectural conservation as well.

However, getting accepted to NUS can be an uphill task, as its acceptance rate is typically less than 10%. 

Bachelor’s degree admission requirements:

• GCSEs: Pass in Maths
• A-Levels: AAA/A or ABB/B (Pass in chemistry, mathematics, or physics; OR pass in Additional Maths)
• IB: Pass in SL Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics

4. Manchester School of Architecture 

Fees: US$39,953 (31,500 pounds) per year

As an innovative collaboration between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, the Manchester School of Architecture has more than 100 years of experience in the field.

Located in central Manchester, you’ll be surrounded by its contemporary and innovative architectural scene, reflecting its history as the world’s first industrial city.

Courses at MSA include modules addressing global issues relating to architecture, technology and environment integration, architectural ethics, and architectural ecosystems, all validated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and RIBA.

Manchester School of Architecture offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, including specialised fields such as urbanism and landscape architecture.

Bachelor’s degree admission requirements:

• GCSEs (Mathematics and English, Grade C or four)
• A-Level (BBB, a mixture of science or maths and humanities or arts)
• IB (32 over 42, with 5,5,5 in HL subjects)
• English language certification

5. University College London

Fees: US$41,885 (33,000 pounds) per year

The history of UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture dates back to 1841 when it became the first British university to appoint a chair of architecture, making The Bartlett School the first school in its field in the UK.

Over the past two decades, Bartlett students have earned more RIBA medals than any other institution, with many graduates now holding influential roles in leading practices worldwide.

UCL takes pride in its faculty and is home to world-renowned professors such as architectural historian Reyner Banham and Archigram co-founder Sir Peter Cook. The school hosts guest lecturers, including award-winning Norman Foster and Lord Richard Rogers.

Master’s programmes are available at UCL, and there’s a wide selection of specialisations such as architectural computation, architectural history, landscape architecture, and cinematic and videogame architecture. 

Bachelor’s degree admission requirements:

• GCSEs (English and Mathematics at grade C or four)
• A-Levels (AAB, no specific subjects)
• IB (36 out of 42, no specific subjects)
• Comprehensive portfolio of creative work

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Fees: US$21,490 per year

Some may not associate architecture with MIT, but here’s a fun fact: it’s ranked second on QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 for Architecture & Built Environment. 

Nestled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT has seen several world-renowned architects walk through its halls. 

Its buildings were even built by some of them, such as William Welles Bosworth for its Maclaurin Buildings, IM Pei for the Green Building, and Frank Gehry for its Ray and Maria Stata Centre.

Alongside two undergraduate majors, MIT also offers master’s and PhD degrees for those looking to take the next step in both their educational and professional careers.

Bachelor’s degree admission requirements:

• It is not listed; however, taking as many AP classes as possible, such as physics and mathematics, is recommended.