Architecture Courses in Canada: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Architecture courses in Canada offer world-class training in design, sustainability, and construction technology. Programs at top universities like Toronto, McGill, and UBC cost between CAD 20,000–45,000 (₹12–27 lakh) per year. Graduates gain hands-on experience through studio projects and co-ops. This guide explores top universities, eligibility, fees, and career scope in Canada.

Architecture courses in Canada provide internationally recognised education in design, planning and construction. Canadian universities such as the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto and McGill offer B.Arch. in Canada, M.Arch and related diplomas with strong studio-based training. Most leading programs are accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), which is essential for professional licensing. Students gain exposure to sustainable design, urban planning and advanced digital tools used in global practice. 

With high academic standards and multicultural campuses, studying architecture in Canada equips graduates with the skills and credentials to work in Canada and abroad in roles such as architect, urban planner or interior designer. 

Here’s an overview of studying architecture in Canada: 

Why Choose to Study Architecture Courses in Canada 

• Internationally Accredited Programs: Most major architecture schools are CACB-accredited, which allows graduates to start the licensing process as architects in Canada. 
• Wide Range of Options: Universities and colleges offer B.Arch. in Canada, M. Arch, postgraduate diplomas and short courses covering areas like sustainable design, building science, urban design and landscape architecture. 
• Focus on Sustainability and Innovation: Curricula emphasise green building practices, climate-responsive design and digital modelling to meet global standards. 
• Strong Career Prospects: Canadian architecture degrees are recognised worldwide, opening pathways to employment in architectural firms, government agencies and construction companies. 
• Multicultural Learning Environment: International students benefit from diverse perspectives, research opportunities and access to cutting-edge facilities while they study architecture in Canada. 

Specialisations in Architecture Courses in Canada 

Architecture courses in Canada at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels give students a strong design foundation and the option to focus on specific areas. Whether you enrol in a B.Arch. in Canada, M.Arch, or a diploma program you can choose specialisations such as: 

• Sustainable and Green Design – Low-carbon, energy-efficient and climate-responsive buildings. 
• Urban Design and Planning – Planning and shaping public spaces and city infrastructure. 
• Building Science and Technology – Performance of materials, structures and construction systems. 
• Digital Design and Fabrication – BIM, 3D printing, parametric modelling and advanced software. 
• Heritage Conservation – Restoration and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. 
• Landscape and Environmental Design – Integration of ecological systems and outdoor spaces. 
• Architecture and Ecology / Climate Change – Design responses to environmental challenges. 

These specialisations appear in undergraduate studios, electives, minors and postgraduate concentrations at leading universities like UBC, Toronto, McGill and Carleton, allowing students to tailor their training to a chosen career path. 

Leading Universities Offering Architecture Courses in Canada 

Architecture Courses are offered by many leading universities of Canada which are worldwide reputed. These institutions combine strong academic pedigree, CACB-accredited curricula and excellent studio-based learning. Given are some of the top ranked universities/Institutions for offering best architecture courses in Canada. 

Types of Architecture Courses Offered 

Mostly there are three types of courses offered in Canada if you study architecture in Canada. Those are bachelor’s course, Master’s course and diploma or certificate course. Let’s cover them one-by-one: 

Bachelor’s Courses to Study Architecture in Canada 

The Bachelor’s course offered at Canadian universities are of majorly 4 years in duration. Some mostly chosen courses are: 

1. Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS): Offered at universities such as Carleton University and University of Waterloo, the course if of 4 years duration. Several different majors can be offered like Design, Conservation and Sustainability, and Urbanism or a co-op option that includes work terms in the industry. 
2. Bachelor of Architectural Science (B.Arch.Sc.): It is of 4-5 years duration and offered at Toronto Metropolitan University and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). 
3. BA or BSc. in Architectural Studies: Duration 3-4 years, a pre-professional degree that leads into their Master of Architecture program. 
4. Bachelor of Design (BDes): Offered at University of British Columbia for a duration of 4 years. 

Master’s Level Courses for Architecture in Canada 

In Canada, the most common master’s degree for architecture is Master’s of Architecture (M.Arch). It is an essential degree if you want to become a licenced architect in Canada. The duration depends on the course you opted at bachelor’s level. 

• Two years: This is typically for students who have already completed a four-year, pre-professional bachelor's degree in architectural studies (like a BAS or B.Arch.Sc.). This program focuses on advanced design studios, research, and professional practice. 
• Three Years: This is for students who have an undergraduate degree in a different field (e.g., arts, science, or engineering). The first year of this program acts as a "foundation year" to bring students up to speed on architectural fundamentals before they join the professional stream. 

Several other master’s level courses offered are: 

1. Master of Urban Design (M.U.D or M.Arch in Urban Design) 
2. Master of Landscape Architecture 
3. Master of Environmental Design (M.Env.D. or M.E.D.) 
4. Master of Science in Architecture (M.Sc. in Arch.) 
5. Master of Engineering Leadership (M.E.L.) in High-Performance Buildings 

Architecture Diploma Courses in Canada 

Apart from professional architectural degrees (bachelor’s or master’s), many colleges offer certificate or diploma programs in architecture related fields. These programs are practical, career-focused, and train students for roles as architectural technologists or technicians. Some of those programs are: 

1. Architectural Technician Diploma: Typically of 2 years duration. Students learn to prepare architectural drawings, specifications, and models using industry-standard software like AutoCAD and Revit. It is offered at Sheridan College, Mohawk College and Algonquin College. 
2. Architectural Technology Advanced Diploma: 3 years duration (6 semesters). This is an advanced version of technician diploma. 
3. Architectural Drafting Certificate: For a short duration of 10 months to 1.5 years. These course concentrate on specific skills such as computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting. Good option for people wishing to quickly enter in workforce. 

Eligibility Requirements for Architecture Course in Canada 

To pursue an architecture course in Canada, you must fulfil some eligibility requirements to get admissions. 

Academic Requirements: 

• Grade 12 (or equivalent) mark sheet with at least 70% marks for bachelor’s and a four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute for master’s admission. 
• GPA: For Master’s admission, a strong academic record is essential, with a minimum GPA or final-year average of at least a "mid-B" from a recognized university. 
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio of creative work is often a mandatory component of the application. It demonstrates an applicant's creative ability and design potential. 

Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 is generally required, with no band score less than 6.0. Some universities, like Dalhousie, may have a higher requirement of 7.0. 
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90-100 on the internet-based test (iBT) is often required, with specific minimum scores for each section (e.g., reading, writing, speaking, listening). 
• Other tests like Duolingo Exam (DET) or PTE may also be accepted but applicants should always check the specific requirements of the university they are applying to. 

Supporting Documents for Applications 

The other documents other than degrees, diplomas or marksheets which are required during admissions are: 

• Portfolio 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs) 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume 
• Transcripts 

Cost for Living and Studying Architecture in Canada 

The cost of study includes university fees, lab fees, study material fees and other costs required to complete the course or program. The cost of study is: 

Other than cost of studying, you also have to manage cost of living, which is accommodation, food & groceries, transport, utilities, health insurance etc. The average cost of living can be classified in two: for costlier cities and for cheaper cities, which are as follows: 

• Costlier Cities (Like Vancouver, Toronto etc): CAD 1700 – 2900 per month (INR 1L – 1.85L) 
• Cheaper Cities (Like Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax): CAD 1200 – 1700 per month (INR 76,000 – 1L) 

Scholarships and Funding Options for Architecture Courses in Canada 

For those who are needy or can’t pay their expenses but are greatly interested to purse the course, there are several options by which they can make the course really affordable – by applying for scholarship programs. Some which are offered for architecture programs are: 

Career Opportunities After Architecture Courses in Canada 

A degree in architecture from a Canadian university opens up a wide range of career opportunities, extending beyond the traditional role of a building architect. The interdisciplinary nature of the education, which combines design, technology, and critical thinking, makes graduates well-suited for diverse roles in the built environment. 

Some top professions with their salaries are listed below: 

Top Recruiters hiring Architecture graduates in Canada 

Canada has a vibrant architectural industry with many renowned firms, ranging from large, multi-disciplinary companies to smaller, specialized studios. When looking for top recruiters, it's helpful to consider the type of work they do, their reputation and their location. 

• Diamond Schmitt Architects 
• B+H Architects 
• Lemay 
• NORR 
• Hariri Pontarini Architects 
• Henriquez Partners Architects 
• Omar Gandhi Architects 

and many more