Architecture as a topic is concerned with the conceptualization, preparation, and creation of designs for the construction and renovation of commercial, manufacturing, and residential structures. However, studying Architecture in Canada could be a worthwhile opportunity for applicants since the country has more than ten globally ranked universities that offer the course, according to QS TOP UNIVERSITIES in 2020. Listed below are the Top 20 Architecture colleges in Canada.

Architecture in Canada, unlike Engineering, Medicine, Business, or any other mainstream field of research, does not have many specializations to choose from and must be pursued as a full subject in the form of an undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree. Canada adequately addresses the needs of students wishing to obtain a graduate degree in architecture.

1. University of British Colombia

The University of British Columbia, located in Vancouver, offers architectural programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. These programs are part of the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture.

Facilities @ University of British Columbia –

• Arts and Culture
• Athletics
• Clubs and Recreation
• Hostel
• Cafeterias
• Libraries

University of British Columbia Admission Process –

• If your entire degree was not completed in English, you must submit an English language proficiency test.
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of each and every single applicant whose first language is not English.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Completion of Higher Secondary School Education (Standard XII) The minimum academic qualification for admission is secondary school graduation from a recognized secondary school, including the following Grade 11 and 12 courses –
  1. Grade 12 – English
  2. Grade 11 – English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Physics or Chemistry.
• Resume – A 1 or 2-page summary of your experiences in education, work, travel, volunteering, and other relevant areas.

2. University of Toronto

The Daniels Faculty of Architecture at the University of Toronto is the second most renowned among Canadian schools for architecture. They offer multiple undergraduate and graduate programs.

Facilities @ University of Toronto –

• Cafeteria
• Athletics and Sports
• Libraries
• Recreation
• Hostel

University of Toronto Admission Process –

• Students must be qualified in IELTS or TOEFL and PTE.
• Successful completion of one of the following is sufficient to demonstrate English-language proficiency –
  1. At least one or two years of study in English at a recognized university/college.
  2. A one-year post-graduate certificate at a recognized college in English.

Eligibility Criteria –

• All applicants are required to present a senior level/Grade 12 English course for admission consideration.

3. McGill University

In Canada, architecture schools tend to lie in cities known for their beautiful structures. That’s certainly the case with McGill University, located in Montreal — a city known for its stunning churches and residences ranging in style from Art Deco to Gothic Revival and everything in between.

Facilities @ McGill University –

• Athletics and Recreation
• Cafeterias
• Hostel
• Clubs
• Libraries

McGill University Admission Process –

• Along with the minimum eligibility requirements, international students hailing from non-English speaking countries need to prove English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL/any equivalent test.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Applicants will be considered for admission on Class X Board exams (if written), school transcripts for Grade 10, 11 and mid-year 12 or, if already written, on the final Class XII Certificate.
• Subjects must include Mathematics and Physics in Class 11 and 12.
• The minimum requirements are an overall average of 60% in each year, as well as in all prerequisite subjects. 
• Portfolio.

4. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is a public research university with the main campus in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Among the best Canadian architecture schools, the University of Waterloo has a reputation for its tough curriculum.

Facilities @ University of Waterloo –

• Restaurants, Cafes
• Laboratory
• Libraries
• Hostel

University of Waterloo Admission Process –

• English Language Requirement Scores like TOEFL, IELTS,..etc.

Eligibility Criteria –

• First or Second Division standing in one of the following –
  1. All India Senior School Certificate awarded by CBSE.
  2. Indian School Certificate awarded by CISCE.
  3. other pre-university certificate awarded after 12 years of academic studies.
• Standard XII Mathematics, Standard XII Physics, Standard XII Chemistry, Standard XII English, and one other Standard XII course, a minimum final grade of 70% in each.
• Overall 85% in the above 5 required courses.

5. Carleton University

Carleton University offers several courses, including Architectural Studies and Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Engineering. The acclaimed curriculum of these programs has contributed to Carleton’s globally high-ranking position.

Facilities @ Carleton University –

• Parks
• Restaurants, Cafes
• Museums and Galleries
• Libraries
• Hostel

Carleton University Admission Process –

• English Language Requirement Scores like TOEFL, IELTS,..etc.

Eligibility Criteria –

• First or Second Division standing in one of the following –
  1. All India Senior School Certificate awarded by CBSE.
  2. Indian School Certificate awarded by CISCE.
  3. other pre-university certificate awarded after 12 years of academic studies.
• The Applicant’s admission average will be calculated on 5-6 academic subjects completed in the XII level. The minimum entrance averages range between 67-85%.
• Prerequisite subjects must be taken at the 12^th level – English, Physics and Mathematics.
• Portfolio.

6. Université de Montréal

The Université de Montréal is North America’s primary French-speaking educational institution. It offers two architectural degree programs.

Facilities @ Université de Montréal –

• Restaurants, Cafes
• Libraries
• Hostel
• Metro Stations

Université de Montréal Admission Process –

• To be eligible, all candidates must provide proof of a level of knowledge of French corresponding to that required for this program of study. To this end, he must –
  1. Have passed the Uniform French Language and Literature Test, at the college level, from the Quebec Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
  2. Either have obtained at least 850/990 in TFI or C2 in oral comprehension and in written comprehension at TEF, TCF, DELF or DALF during the 24 months preceding the start of the semester of studies covered by the admission request.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Higher Secondary School Certificate with one year of university studies including mathematics.

7. Ryerson University

Ryerson University isn’t just considered one of the best Canadian architecture schools, it’s also one of the best Canadian universities.

Facilities @ Ryerson University–

• Dining and Housing
• Health and Wellbeing
• Athletics and Recreation
• Student Learning Centre

Ryerson University Admission Process –

• Ryerson reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency, in the form of an acceptable English language test score or alternate documentation, from any applicant or admitted student (regardless of background).
• All applicants, including those who must submit proof of English language proficiency, are required to present a senior level English course (equivalent to a Grade 12 U English course in Ontario). Ryerson will not accept Grade 12 U English, the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), or equivalent in lieu of a test of English language proficiency.
• Minimum English Proficiency Requirements –
  1. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – 70.
  2. Cambridge Assessment English – 180 and above on C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency.
  3. Duolingo English Test – 115.
  4. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – 6.5.
  5. Pearson Test of English (PTE) – 60.
  6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – 92-93 iBT.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Ryerson University will accept the All India Senior School Certificate Examination (awarded by CBSE) or the Indian School Certificate (awarded by CISCE). Students presenting Year 12 State Board Exams (Higher Secondary School Certificate; Intermediate Certificate) with high standing will also be considered for admission.
• Higher Secondary School Certificate with compulsory subjects English, Mathematics with calculus, Physics and Chemistry.

Also, read the related article – Architecture salary: Highest paying firm for architects around the world?

8. University of Calgary

In Canada, architecture schools aren’t just confined to the east and west coast. The University of Calgary is also one of the best Canadian architecture schools, ranking in the top 10 of most lists.

Facilities @ University of Calgary –

• Stadium and Olympic Volunteer Centre
• Astrophysical Observatory
• Ranches
• University Research Park
• Field Stations
• Research Station
• Science Centre
• Regional Centres
• Healthcare
• Cafeterias and Parks
• Hostel

University of Calgary Admission Process –

• An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways –
  1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 105.
  2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5.
  3. Pearson Test of English (PTE)  score of 59, or higher (Academic version).
  4. Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 70.
  5. Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Four-year undergraduate degree, ideally with experience in design, the humanities, social sciences, arts, engineering, biological and/or physical sciences – including, wherever possible, studio, laboratory and collaborative learning experiences.
• A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0-point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
• 4-year Bachelor’s Degree – First Class Division, or 8/10 (or 7.5/10 for IIT’s only). Students with 3-year Bachelor’s Degree must also hold a Master’s Degree.
• Portfolio.
• CV.

9. Université Laval

Another Quebec-based entry on this list is the Université Laval’s undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture. The school’s declared mission is to encourage a balance between modern design and respect for history, something that can certainly be seen in the most successful architectural pieces of Laval. 

Facilities @ Université Laval –

• Sports Centre
• Hostel
• Library
• Cafeteria

Université Laval Admission Process –

• Students admitted to this baccalaureate must comply with the Provisions relating to the application of the Policy on the use of French at Laval University.
• The candidate whose language of instruction for primary and secondary studies is not French must, in order to be eligible, provide proof when submitting the application for admission of a minimum level of knowledge of the French language by the success of the  Test of knowledge of French for all audiences with –
  1. A result equal to or greater than 600/699 in the compulsory tests (TCF-TP).
  2. And a result equal to or greater than 14/20 on the written expression test (TCF-TP / EÉ).

Eligibility Criteria –

• Applicants must hold one of the following class XII certificate with training deemed satisfactory in Mathematics and Physics.

10. Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is a public research university in Nova Scotia, Canada with three campuses in Halifax, a fourth in Bible Hill, and medical teaching facilities in Saint John, New Brunswick. Dalhousie was established as a nonsectarian college in 1818 by the eponymous Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Dalhousie. 

Facilities @ Dalhousie University –

• Laboratories
• Health and Wellness           
• Residence and Housing
• Libraries and Bookstores
• Cafeteria

Dalhousie University Admission Process –

• For students whose first language is not English: An English-language test score (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 92 iBT, or equivalent; Duolingo is not acceptable).

Eligibility Criteria –

• Completion of secondary school (Grade 12) with a minimum overall average of 70% in five academic Grade 12 courses.
  1. Academic English – 12.
  2. Academic Mathematics – 12.
  3. Academic Biology – 12.
  4. Three additional academic subjects.
• Portfolio.

11. McMaster University

McMaster University is a public research university in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The university bears the name of William McMaster, a prominent Canadian senator and banker who bequeathed C$900,000 to its founding.

Facilities @ McMaster University –

• Residence and Housing
• Dining and Cafeterias
• Resources
• Clubs and Athletics
• Libraries and Museum

McMaster University Admission Process –

• The English language proficiency test requirements –
  1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System (Academic) – 6.5 Overallwith a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening).
  2. CAEL – Canadian Academic English Language – 70 Overallwith no component score below 60.
  3. Duolingo English Test – 115 for all direct-entry undergraduate programs.
  4. CAE – Cambridge Advanced English – 190 Overall with minimum score of 180 in each component.
  5. CAEL CA – Canadian Academic English Language Computer Edition – 70 Overallwith no component score below 60.
  6. PTE – Pearson Test of English Academic – 60 Overallwith minimum score of 60 in Writing and Speaking.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Students must hold a four-year engineering undergraduate degree or equivalent, with at least a B- average (equivalent to a McMaster 7.0 GPA out of 12) in the final year in all courses in the discipline, or relating to the discipline, in which the applicant proposes to do graduate work.
• Students with a degree in Science, Technology or Mathematics will also be considered.
• CV and Portfolio.

12. University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge is a public comprehensive and research university, founded in the liberal education tradition, located in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, with a second campus in the city of Calgary, Alberta.

Facilities @ University of Lethbridge –

• Resources
• Hostel
• Library
• Cafeteria
• Athletics
• Art Gallery

University of Lethbridge Admission Process –

• Proof of English Language Proficiency if your first spoken language is not English.
• A satisfactory score on a standardized English test such as –
  1. TOEFL
  2. IELTS
  3. PTE
  4. CAEL
  5. CAE
  6. CPE
  7. MELAB

Eligibility Criteria –

• Academic Standard XII certificate (e.g. Higher Secondary School Certificate, All-India Senior School Certificate, Indian School Certificate) with Second Division standing. 
• Vocational Standard XII certificates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

13. University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture is the first faculty in Canada to offer four post-graduate, built-environment degree programs. Through its focus on design excellence, teaching, and research, the faculty demonstrates its commitment to improving the quality of the built environment and associated ecological, economic, physical, and social well-being of the global community.

Facilities @ University of Manitoba –

• Library
• Sports and Recreation
• Hostel
• Cafeteria

University of Manitoba Admission Process –

• International students hailing from non-English speaking countries need to prove English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL/any equivalent test.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Students must meet the minimum requirements in English and maths subjects up to 60%.
• Students will need to submit school results for Class XI showing a competitive average and course registration for Class XII, or Class XII mid-year results.
• Students in CBSE or CISCE schools, they present 75%+ on their final Class XII exams.

14. University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1964 after the amalgamation of Ontario Agricultural College, the MacDonald Institute, and the Ontario Veterinary College.

Facilities @ University of Guelph –

• Library
• Art Gallery
• Athletics
• Hostel
• Cafeteria

University of Guelph Admission Process –

• Students educated in a language other than English should reference our English Proficiency Requirements –
  1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.
  2. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum overall band score of 70.
  3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-based: minimum total score of 89 with no individual scaled score less than 21.
  4. TOEFL iBT®  Special Home Edition – Internet-based: minimum total score of 89 with no individual scaled score less than 21.
  5. Pearson Test of English (PTE) – Minimum overall score of 60 and no score less than 60 for any individual component.
  6. Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) – Successful completion of the University of Guelph, Open Learning Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (Levels 9 and 10).
  7. Cambridge English: C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency – Minimum overall score of 176 with no band less than 169.
  8. Duolingo English Test – Minimum overall score of 110.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Completion of a Class 12 State Board Certificate in the required academic stream with strong First Division standing (minimum aver-age of 80%) –
  1. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) OR Indian School Certificate (ISC).
  2. Higher Secondary Certificate (ISC).
  3. Punjab School Education Board (PSEB).

15. Athabasca University

Athabasca University is a Canadian public research university that primarily operates through online distance education. Founded in 1970, it is one of four comprehensive academic and research universities in Alberta and was the first Canadian university to specialize in distance education.

Facilities @ Athabasca University –

• Library
• Research
• Hostel
• Cafeteria

Athabasca University Admission Process –

• For applicants whose native language is not English, a score of at least 92 (iBT), 580 (paper and pencil test) or 237 (computer-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an overall band score of 7.0 on the International English Testing System (IELTS) examination is required for admission.
• Take the SAT or ACT exam with the writing or essay component.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Applicant must have passed year 12 or Higher Level pass in Chemistry or Mathematics or Physics or Physical Science. (CBSE, ISC and State boards).

16. Thompson Rivers University

Thompson Rivers University is a public teaching and research university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees and vocational training. Its main campus is in Kamloops, British Colombia, Canada, and its name come from the two rivers which converge in Kamloops, the North Thompson and the South Thompson.

Facilities @ Thompson Rivers University –

• Libraries
• Conference Halls
• Athletic Facilities
• Club and Recreation
• Hostel

Thompson Rivers University Admission Process –

• For courses offered in English – Those with the required TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB.

Eligibility Criteria –

• BC Grade 12 or equivalent or Mature Student Status.
• Foundations of MATH 12 or Pre-Calculus 11 or equivalent with 67 percent or higher.
• BC Physics 11 or Physics 0500 or equivalent.
• English 12 with a 73 percent on the combined English 12 and Government Exam (within the last five years).

17. Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University is a Canadian public university serving Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia. Starting as Malaspina College in 1969, it has grown into a university that plays an important role in the educational, cultural, and economic life of the region.

Facilities @ Vancouver Island University –

• Student Housing
• Campus Recreation
• Campus Store
• Food Services
• Health and Wellness
• Mariners Athletics

Vancouver Island University Admission Process –

• Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs – complete an ESL language assessment test (or equivalent) –
  1. TOEFL Paper Based Test – 550 (No section below 56).
  2. TOEFL iBT – 88 (No section below 20).
  3. IELTS – 6.5 (No band based below 6.0).
  4. CAEL – 60.
  5. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) – 176 overall.
  6. Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) – 176 overall.
  7. English Studies 12 (BC) – Min. “C”.
  8. Pearson (PTE) – 60 (no section below 60).
  9. International Baccalaureate English A1/A2 – Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher.
  10. VIU English Language Centre – Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5.
  11. Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition – grade 2 or Higher.
  12. Recognized university where English is the language of instruction – Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of “C”.
  13. General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) – English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4.
  14. CAEL online (Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 only) – 60.
  15. TOEFL iBT Home Edition (Fall 2021/Spring 2022 only – 88 (no section below 20).

Eligibility Criteria –

• To be admitted into the program, students must hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized university in any discipline, and meet the following admission criteria –
  1. A minimum average of “B” calculated in the last two years of the undergraduate degree, with a review of the entire degree.
  2. Résumé.

Also, read the related article – Top 10 Architectural Websites Useful for Architecture Students

18. Kwantlen Polytechnic University

The school operates largely as an undergraduate polytechnic university but also serves as a vocational school offering apprenticeships for skilled trades. as well as diplomas in vocational education for skilled technicians and workers in support roles in professions such as engineering, accountancy, business administration, nursing, medicine, architecture, and criminology.

Facilities @ Kwantlen Polytechnic University –

• Libraries
• Hostel
• Labs and Halls
• Workshops
• Cafeterias

Kwantlen Polytechnic University Admission Process –

• All applicants to undergraduate/graduate studies must satisfy KPU’s Undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement through an acceptable High school course, undergraduate course, KPU course, or testing option. 

Eligibility Criteria –

• Students have graduated high school (secondary school) OR completed 24+ credits of undergraduate-level credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Satisfy the Math requirement at Level E1 of the Mathematics Alternatives Table; or through successful placement by the CADD Math Placement Test at a minimum of 60%.

19. George Brown College

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology is a public, fully accredited college of applied arts and technology  George Brown opened in 1968, but it’s history stretches back to the early 1950s with the formation of two provincial organizations that later amalgamated to form the college.

Facilities @ George Brown College –

• Libraries
• Hostel
• Labs and Halls
• Workshops
• Cafeterias
• Medical Facilities

George Brown College Admission Process –

• English language proficiency –
  1. George Brown English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program – Level 8.
  2. IELTS (Academic) – 6.0, minimum; 5.5 in each skill band.
  3. TOEFL – 80 (online); minimum 20 in each skill band.
  4. Duolingo English Test – 105.
  5. PTE (Academic) – 54, overall minimum; 50 in each skill band.
  6. CAEL – 60 (overall).
  7. Cambridge English Exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) – 169 or more (with no individual skill below 162).

Eligibility Criteria –

• Graduated from senior secondary school.
• Minimum overall of 60% in 10th and 12th Grade for all streams.
• Minimum overall of 50% in English in 10th and 12th Grade.
• minimum overall of 50% in Mathematics in 10th AND 12th.

20. Laurentian University

Laurentian University is a mid-sized bilingual public university in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Facilities @ Laurentian University –

• Athletics
• Recreation
• Culture and Lifestyle
• Library
• Hostel
• Cafeteria

Laurentian University Admission Process –

• English Language Proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE.

Eligibility Criteria –

• Secondary School Certificate with Marks Statement (Standard X).
• Senior School Certificate with Marks Statement (Standard XII).
• 1 grade 12 English U/M course and 2 grade 12 U/M Math courses.
• Portfolio.

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