10 Best Architecture Universities In The World
A step towards building your future!
Table of Content
- 10 Best Architecture Universities in the World
- 1. University College London - UCL
- 2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT
- 3. Delft University of Technology
- 4. ETH Zurich
- 5. Manchester School of Architecture
- 6. Harvard University
- 7. National University of Singapore
- 8. Tsinghua University
- 9 . University of California Berkeley
- 10. Politecnico di Milano
- Best Architecture Universities In The World: Quick Summary
As a child, did you ever build plastic buildings using your Lego collection? Well, so did Ted Mosbey! For the people who can't relate, don't worry; we believe there is a Ted in you, too! But to reach where he is, you’ve gotta start at the best architecture universities in the world, right? From amazing innovation at MIT to the timeless charm of Harvard, these 10 best architecture universities in the world offer a canvas for your unique architectural story.
10 Best Architecture Universities in the World
1. University College London - UCL
Location: London, United Kingdom
Established in:1826
Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/
Ready for the UK adventure? The Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL tops the charts globally and proudly claims to be the best architecture university in the world. Known for groundbreaking research and pioneering space syntax, it's no wonder Bartlett is among the world's best architecture universities in the world. It ranks 2nd in the UK for research power (REF 2021), with 11 academic faculties and a legacy of excellence, including 30 Nobel laureates. UCL boasts a diverse community with over 150 nationalities, offering more than 400 undergraduate and 700 postgraduate programs.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT
Location: Massachusetts, United States of America
Established in: 1861
Website: https://www.mit.edu/
MIT, the architectural superstar, held the title as the world's best architecture university for three years straight, only recently surpassed by UCL in 2023. It offers 71 undergraduate majors, with 6 available as second majors for architecture. For the 2023-2024 academic year, there are 357 Master's and 192 Doctoral students enrolled in this school. MIT students hail from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, 4 territories, and 136 foreign countries. Women make up 49% of the undergraduate population and 40% of graduate students. Additionally, 58% of undergraduates and 22% of graduate students identify as members of one or more U.S. minority groups.
3. Delft University of Technology
Location: Delft, Netherlands
Established in:1904
Website: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/
Delft University of Technology is one of the best architecture universities in the world. It is ranked #127 out of 14,131 universities worldwide and #34 in Europe. It holds the top spot in Delft and ranks #4 in the Netherlands. Particularly distinguished in Product and Industrial Design, where it ranks #2 out of 1,024, TU Delft excels across multiple disciplines, securing top 10 positions in 12 additional subjects. With 128,002 publications and 3,037,992 citations, its research spans diverse fields such as Engineering, Physics, Environmental Science, and Quantum Physics. After knowing this, it seems like it's a given that this is the world's best architecture university.
4. ETH Zurich
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Established in: 1855
Website:https://ethz.ch/en.html
One of the best architecture universities in the world awaits in Switzerland! ETH Zurich, a science and technology rock star, excels in architecture, tying for third place globally with Delft. ETH Zurich's student population saw an 83% increase in 2021 compared to 2007, with a 27% acceptance ratefor international students, highlighting its highly selective admissions process. In 2021, 37% of international students from over 120 countries enrolled. Enrollment distribution was 16% for bachelor's, 42% for master's, and 74% for doctoral programs. Time to explore the scenic landscapes of Switzerland and dive into architectural innovation at ETH Zurich!
5. Manchester School of Architecture
Location: United Kingdom
Established in: 1996
Website:https://www.msa.ac.uk/
Moving on to the next best architecture universities in the world, discover the Manchester School of Architecture, a collaboration between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. In April 2024, the MSA achieved its highest-ever ranking, placing 5th globally and 2nd in the UK in the QS World Subject Rankings. Notable alumni and staff include Pritzker Prize winner Norman Foster, Stirling Prize winners Stephen Hodder and Norman Foster, and RIBA Annie Spink Award recipient Dalibor Vesely.
6. Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, United States
Established in: 1636
Website:https://www.harvard.edu/
Unlock your potential at Harvard University in the USA, standing tall as the sixth-best architecture universities in the world. Harvard attracts a diverse and talented student body from around the globe, with 54,008 applicants and 1,974 admitted.. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio and 71% of classes having fewer than 20 students, Harvard provides an intimate learning environment. The university boasts an 87% four-year graduation rate, a nearly equal gender distribution (48% male, 52% female), and over 111 sports teams.
7. National University of Singapore
Location: Singapore, Singapore
Established in: 1980
Website: https://nus.edu.sg/
Explore architecture in Asia at the National University of Singapore, ranked 7th best architecture universities in the world.The college has a total student population of 31,827 across all colleges, faculties, and schools. Of these, 30,615 are enrolled in full-time courses, with 15,739 male and 14,876 female students. Enjoy warm weather while pursuing the highest-ranked tropical architecture program.
8. Tsinghua University
Location: Beijing, China (Mainland)
Established in: 1911
Website:https://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/
Discover top-notch architecture education in Beijing at Tsinghua University, the second Asian best architecture universities in the world on our list. It has a competitive acceptance rate of around 15% for its graduate programs, with the master’s even more selective at approximately 10%. The university comprises 21 schools and 59 departments, supported by 3,837 faculty members and 2,838 postdoctoral researchers. It has a student body of 59,270, including 16,320 undergraduates and 22,423 postgraduates, with a significant number of international students across all levels. Renowned for its beauty, the Tsinghua campus earns a spot among the world's most picturesque, according to Forbes magazine's architect panel.
9 . University of California Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, United States
Fees: $31,916
Website:https://www.berkeley.edu/
Embrace the Californian dream at UCB, ranked ninth globally for architecture. It boasts an 82% 4-year graduation rate and a student/faculty ratio of 19:1. With 50% of classes having fewer than 20 students, it provides an intimate learning environment. The university has 32,831 undergraduates and 12,914 graduate students, totaling 45,745 full-time degree-seeking students, with a gender distribution of 44% male and 56% female. UCB secures the 10th spot in the QS World University Rankings for 2024 and is one of the world's best architecture universities.
10. Politecnico di Milano
Location: Milan, Italy
Established in: 1868
Website: https://www.polimi.it/
Bask in the allure of Italy at Politecnico di Milano, the country's largest technical university, securing the tenth spot globally in best architecture universities in the world. It enrolls 47,959 students, including 8,258 international students, and 1,893 PhD students. The university ranks 11th in Europe and 1st in Italy for H2020-funded research projects (2014-2020) and houses a renowned Statistics group. With an acceptance rate of just 28%, admissions are highly competitive, especially for international students.
Best Architecture Universities In The World: Quick Summary
These top architecture universities in the world are your stepping stones to turning dreams into reality. Here is a short summary:
| University | QS World Rank | Courses Offered | Fees (per Semester) | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University College London (UCL) | #1 | BSc Architecture MSc Building and Urban Design in Development | £9,250 (domestic students) £31,100 (international students) | 63% |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #2 | Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA) Master of Science in Architecture Studies | $57,200 - $59,750 | 4.1% |
| Delft University of Technology | #3 | MSc Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | $20,560- $50,000 | 82% |
| ETH Zurich | #4 | Masters in Integrated Building Systems | $30,000- $60,000 | 27% |
| Manchester School of Architecture | #5 | BA (Hons) Architecture Master of Architecture | $9,250 (domestic students) $28,000 (International students) | 56.1% |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | #6 | Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Master of Landscape Architecture | S$13,500 (Domestic students) S$30,176 (international students) | 16% |
| Harvard University | #7 | Master of Architecture in Urban Design & Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design | $57,200- $70,000 | 4% |
| Politecnico di Milano | #8 | Master of Science in Urban Planning and Policy Design | $28,000- $50,000 | 14.4% |
| Tsinghua University | #9 | Bachelor of Architecture Master in Architecture | $10,000- $40,000 | 30% |
| University of California, Berkeley | #10 | BA (H) Architecture | $31,916- $55,000 | 14.4% |
From MIT's innovation to the historic allure of Harvard, these institutions offer a canvas for architectural wonders. It's time to shape, create, and influence the future of our built environment with your unique touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 best college for architecture?
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is often ranked as the #1 for the best colleges for architecture in the world, known for its cutting-edge research and innovative approach to architectural education.
Which country is no. 1 in for the best school of architecture in the world?
The United States is often considered No. 1 for the best colleges for architecture in the world, with institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) frequently topping global rankings.
Which country needs architects the most?
Developing countries, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East, have a growing demand for architects due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development.
Which architecture course has the highest salary?
Specialized architecture courses, such as those focusing on Sustainable Design or Urban Planning, tend to lead to higher salaries, particularly in regions with high demand for sustainable development.
Which country is the cheapest yet has the world's best architecture schools?
Countries like Germany and Italy offer some of the most affordable and best architecture schools in the world, particularly for international students, due to low or no tuition fees in many public universities.