A popular choice for college students, architecture is a competitive major, and it opens a lot of learning and work opportunities. Yearly, many incoming students around the globe enroll in architecture programs at various universities, aiming to build a career in this industry.
Architecture is about building and designing places. Even if you’re not an architect, you’ll see houses, buildings, and other places every day. Globally speaking, this industry is continuously growing, and more architects are needed in the future as more places are being constructed.
If you’re an incoming architecture student, you can consider studying abroad. By studying this program in another country, you’ll be exposed to different places and gain a new perspective on architecture. But what country should you go to? In this article, we listed some countries for studying architecture that you might want to consider, together with their best universities.
Is it Hard to Study Architecture?
Studying for an architecture degree is quite an intriguing choice, as it can lead to a great career with the potential for great financial rewards, but at the same time, it is considered one of the most demanding programs in the field that requires great dedication to graduate. Architecture is quite a useful degree as its applications are limitless and it is needed in almost every area of life when we talk about expansions, planning, or building. That is why even though it is hard to attain a degree, it is quite useful in the long run, even though the tuition fees may be high.
Which Country Pays Architects Most?
When it comes to the profession of an architect, it is known that the reward is quite high and the profession is well respected, and Switzerland is one of the countries that pay the highest salaries for this profession. They may range up to 80,000 dollars a year, which based on the living costs and conditions is considered the best salary for the profession. There are quite a few professions that are highly paid, and architecture is well worth it for students to study. We, unfortunately, do not have any courses to recommend for students who want to pursue Architecture in Switzerland, but you can check out these Courses Available in Europe for students from your country or browse through our Open Courses Page for available subjects worldwide.
Feel Free to Check: Free Architecture Schools with No Tuition
Best Countries to Study Architecture
1. Netherlands
- Reason: Innovative educational programs, high-quality research and teaching, and affordable cost of living and tuition fees
For decades, the Dutches have created a huge impact on the architecture industry. They had a significant influence on today’s architectural designs worldwide, and with modernization, the Netherlands continues to improve this industry. In combination with their high-quality education, the Netherlands is an excellent option for international students taking architecture.
Universities in the Netherlands are known for their innovative college programs. They have a long history of quality education that produces world-renowned scientists, artists, and other professionals. Also, one good reason why the Netherlands is a good country to study architecture is that they are affordable. You can guarantee that you’ll get a high-quality education at a reasonable price. The best Dutch universities for architecture are the Delft University of Technology, the University of Groningen, and the Eindhoven University of Technology.
2. China
- Top-performing universities, strong academic background, and work opportunities
Have you ever visited the Great Wall of China? It’s one of the country’s tourist spots, and aside from its historical influence, it has a huge impact on architectural history. Chinese architectural design and places such as temples and palaces are globally known for their unique features. Because of China’s strong influence on architecture and the academe, international students explore the architectural culture while developing their knowledge and skills through theory and practice.
Additionally, there are numerous work opportunities for architects in China. Since the government allows international students to work after graduation, they can practice their profession here. Chinese universities have a good global ranking in terms of teaching, research, and practice. For example, Tongji University in the heart of China offers a comprehensive Architecture program, and Southeast University takes pride in its architecture program, as it has a long history of giving high-quality education.
3. Germany
- Reasons: Outstanding technical universities, modernized educational facilities, and low cost of tuition fees
Located in the heart of Western Europe, Germany is another great country to study architecture for international students. Since Germany has a strong economy and government, it is a perfect option for foreign students because their education has an excellent reputation globally. Students aiming to study architecture are exposed to numerous outstanding technical universities with innovative and technological facilities to help them learn more.
Compared to the United States and other parts of Europe, tuition fees in a German university are low or free at all! The government removed the tuition fees for local and international students in public higher education. So, studying in Germany will save your pockets without sacrificing the quality of your education. Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is known for its specialty in the arts and technical fields. RWTH Aachen University is the largest technological university in Germany.
4. France
- Reason: result-focused learning, multicultural environment, and broad career choice
With its famous monuments and buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, France can give the best experiences for future architects. For the past decades, France has contributed significantly to the development of architecture. Their contributions are world-renowned, and it is highly discussed in other countries. Being an architecture student in this country will give you the first-hand experience of a world-class education.
Architecture majors also have a broad career choice in the country. Since the country has a lot of schools and companies related to architecture, students can be exposed to a lot of learning and work opportunities. LISAA School of Art & Design is a private institution that caters to both local and international students, and they offer various programs, including Architecture.
Check Also: The Cost of Studying and Living in France for International Students
5. Italy
- Reason: English-taught programs, top-performing universities, and low cost of tuition fees and living.
Aside from pasta and pizzas, Italy is known for its contribution to the Arts. They are the birthplace of Renaissance arts and have famous architectural buildings such as the Palazzo Conte Federico and the Leaning Tower of Pizza. Students majoring in architecture here enjoy a combination of studying at top-performing universities while being exposed to great places to learn more.
Italian universities have English-taught programs, and they are very affordable. The Polytechnic University of Milan offers architecture programs in undergraduate and graduate degrees. On the other hand, the Sapienza University of Rome is considered one of the oldest universities in Italy.
See Also: Best Scholarships in Italy for International Students
6. Russia
- Internationally recognized degrees, and quality education
Russia is another great country to study architecture. This country is highly recognized in different educational fields such as mathematics, physics, and others. Since they highly value education, the quality of their college programs is highly regarded. Russian universities prepare their students academically and practically while building the skills they need as an architect.
The Moscow State University offers architecture and other related programs. It is the top university in Russia, and it has a good reputation in Europe. Another university, Saint Petersburg State University, is also one of Russia’s leading schools for architecture.
7. Mexico
- Reasons: A variety of college programs, affordable cost of tuition fees, and diverse student community
Located in North America, Mexico is a good country for studying architecture. Mexican architecture is diverse, and international architecture students will have the chance to explore its various cultural backgrounds. For their universities, Mexico offers a wide range of programs, and these programs and schools have a high reputation in the continent. Today, they continuously provide excellent higher education at a reasonable price.
If you’re aiming to study here, you’ll meet a diverse community in Mexico. You’ll easily adapt to their culture and way of living. The University of Colima and Don Vasco University have several degrees and programs in Architecture.
In conclusion, architecture is quite a good degree, and there are quite a few good countries that provide great opportunities for students to take advantage of this degree so that they can be successful in their degree. If you are interested in studying in this direction, you can check out the best schools in the world that offer this degree.
We hope this article on the best countries to study architecture abroad was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
