In this article
- Why Study Architecture Abroad?
- The World’s Best Architecture Schools
- Levels of Study and Degree Recognition
- Admission Requirements and Portfolio
- Architecture Scholarships
- Conclusion
Why Study Architecture Abroad?
Architecture is a discipline deeply rooted in its cultural, historical and climatic context. Studying architecture abroad introduces you to other architectural traditions, materials, techniques and ways of thinking about the spaces people live in. This intellectual breadth shapes more creative and adaptable architects.
A degree from a respected architecture school abroad can also greatly improve your employability at major international practices (Zaha Hadid, Foster + Partners, BIG, Herzog & de Meuron…), which actively recruit candidates with multicultural backgrounds.
The World’s Best Architecture Schools
United Kingdom
- Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL): ranked No. 1 in the world for architecture by QS, a cutting-edge school in London
- Architectural Association (AA): one of the most influential schools in the world and the training ground of star architects (Zaha Hadid studied there)
- Edinburgh School of Architecture (ESALA): a strong tradition in stone architecture and landscape
- Manchester School of Architecture: a solid reputation in sustainable architecture
United States
- Harvard GSD (Graduate School of Design): excellence in architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture
- Yale School of Architecture: especially renowned for architectural theory
- Columbia GSAPP: at the forefront of urban design in New York
- MIT Department of Architecture: at the intersection of technology and design
- SCI-Arc (Los Angeles): an experimental school with particular strength in digital architecture
Netherlands
- TU Delft Faculty of Architecture: ranked No. 2 in the world for architecture by QS, known for high-tech and sustainable architecture
- Berlage Institute (Rotterdam): a post-professional research programme
Spain
- ETSAM (Madrid) and ETSAB (Barcelona): rooted in the tradition of Catalan modernism and Mediterranean climate-responsive architecture
- IE School of Architecture (Madrid): English-taught programmes and a highly international environment
Switzerland
- ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule): considered one of the best in the world, and free for EU students
Levels of Study and Degree Recognition
The Bachelor’s in Architecture (BArch or BA Architecture)
In the UK, the Bachelor’s in architecture (3 years) corresponds to RIBA Part 1 (Royal Institute of British Architects), the first of the three stages towards becoming a registered architect. In the US, the B.Arch takes 5 years and leads directly to licensure (after the internship and the ARE).
The Master’s in Architecture (MArch or M.Arch)
In Europe, Directive 2005/36/EC provides for the mutual recognition of architecture qualifications between member states. A Master’s in Architecture from an accredited school (RIBA, NAAB, EFAP, etc.) is recognized in most Western countries, subject to any adjustments required by local regulations.
The Question of the HMONP Licence to Practise
In France, you need the HMONP to practise as an “architect” and sign building permit applications. A recognized foreign degree generally means you don’t have to repeat the whole programme, but you may need to go through a recognition procedure with the Conseil National de l’Ordre des Architectes (CNOA).
Admission Requirements and Portfolio
Your portfolio is the most important part of your architecture application, far more important than your grades. It should demonstrate:
- Your ability to take a design project from start to finish
- Your command of representation techniques (hand drawing, CAD, BIM, physical models, 3D rendering)
- Your aesthetic sensibility and conceptual approach
- A range of academic and personal projects (not just school work)
Most schools accept PDF portfolios (usually 10–20 A3 pages); some ask for an online or in-person presentation.
Architecture Scholarships
- RIBA Student Bursaries: for architecture students at RIBA-accredited schools
- Graham Foundation Grants: for architecture research projects
- Aga Khan Trust for Culture: scholarships for architecture in Muslim-majority countries
- ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship: for Master’s students at ETH
- National scholarships from your destination country: DAAD for Germany, Nuffic for the Netherlands, etc.
Conclusion
Studying architecture abroad combines an outstanding academic education, cultural immersion and an international network of architects. Your portfolio is your best calling card, so take the time to polish it before you apply. YourDreamSchool helps you choose the best architecture schools for your profile and put together a compelling application.
Further Reading
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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