The Best Architecture Schools in Europe: A Guide for Aspiring Architects

Architecture is more than just an educational journey; it's a transformative process that demands personal growth at every step. It’s a process that never stops, and along the way, it opens your eyes to new ways of thinking, inspiring your artistic vision and deepening your understanding of the world around you. Today, architecture is accepted as a respected, challenging, and sought-after profession.

A 2022 study found that Europe is home to 619,700 architects, which is about 100,000 more than ten years ago, and the number keeps growing. The countries with the most architects include Italy (151,000), Germany (119,000), Turkey (72,500), Spain (50,000), the UK (42,000), and France (30,000).

Some of these schools can be considered the best architecture schools in Europe based on factors like the quality of education, living conditions, and student satisfaction. However, architectural education shouldn't be limited to the confines of a university. As the field constantly evolves, staying current with emerging technologies and industry demands is essential. Architects can keep up to date by participating in workshops offered by online platforms like PAACADEMY. Whether you would like to learn computational design, AI in architecture, parametric design, 3D printing, or advanced digital tools, these workshops, you can attend workshops led by globally recognized architects and learn their workflows from anywhere in the world, at a fraction of the cost of traditional tuition fees.

The ranking of the best schools in Europe, according to QS World, which takes into account the quality of education, living conditions, and student satisfaction, is as follows:

Delft University Technology - Netherlands

1st in Europe
3rd in the World

Delf Technical University was founded on January 8, 1842, by King Willem II. It is the largest technical university in the Netherlands. Delft University of Technology is a university that provides high-quality education and produces expert solutions for academic excellence at world standards. The TU Delft campus is a green park, sheltering its students and visitors in a comfortable environment. 

Their vision is to train engineers who can tackle global challenges while being socially responsible. They also strive to push the boundaries of engineering sciences. The architecture program is particularly strong in its technical focus, with a carefully designed curriculum. Delft University offers a master's program in English, titled Architecture, Urbanism, and Building Sciences, while the bachelor's degree is taught exclusively in Dutch.

For application acceptance, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, a TOEFL score of 90, or a Cambridge Assessment English certificate is required. For the 2023-2024 academic year, fees for undergraduate programs range from €4,500 to €18,750. However, these scales apply to students who live in the Netherlands or are citizens of the European Union (EU). Students from abroad have to pay higher fees.

ETH Zurich University - Switzerland

2nd in Europe
4th in the World

The university was founded in 1854 by the Swiss Confederation and began providing education in 1855 with 6 departments. The first departments were architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, forestry, and chemistry. Later, new departments were added to the university, and new departments were opened in the fields of political science, mathematics, science, and literature. ETH Zurich has two campuses. The main building was built between 1858 and 1864 just outside the city's eastern border and above it, but today it is in the heart of the city.

The bachelor's education takes three years. During this time, six months of internship have to be completed before graduation. The language of instruction is mainly German. Classes and examinations take place in German or English (for courses held in English). However, ETH Zurich University does not offer a bachelor's program solely in the English language.

Requirements for admission include taking the undergraduate entrance exam administered by ETH Zurich and obtaining the required score for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or the European Baccalaureate Diploma. Also, depending on the language of the program, a certificate of proficiency in English or a certificate of proficiency in German is required.

Manchester School of Architecture - UK

3rd in Europe
5th in the World

Founded in 1996 as a collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester, the Manchester School of Architecture remains a leading institution in the field. It is one of the largest architecture schools in England and continues to play a major role in shaping the future of architecture.

In the UK, architecture is regulated by the PSRBs (Professional, Statutory, Regulatory Bodies), who are involved in prescribing and approving architecture courses.

Unlike other universities, MSA requires a letter that outlines your reasons for wanting to study there, your personal review of a recent exhibition or building you've visited, and a statement about your favorite architect or building. Additionally, you must submit 10-12 images showcasing your creativity and design skills. These images should demonstrate your proficiency in drawing, creativity, ability to work with various media, and the creative process from concept to final design.

Politecnico di Milano - Italy

4th in Europe
7th in the World

Founded in 1863, the university is also the oldest university in Milan. The Polytechnic University of Milan is the largest technical university in Italy, with approximately 42,000 students.

The Polytechnic University of Milan is built on seven campuses, two in Milan and five in the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions. Politecnico di Milano mainly gives education in architecture, design, and structural programs. For architecture programs, the duration consists of 3 years, and there are plenty of programs available for students.

Politecnico offers a curriculum with many English-based programs, making it one of the top choices for international students.

The school requires English language qualifications, such as an IELTS score of 5.0 or a TOEFL score of 59 (IBT). If you don’t meet these requirements, you'll need to take mandatory English courses as part of the program. Additionally, the architecture program requires an exam as part of the application process.

University of Cambridge

5th in Europe
10th in the World

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is one of the oldest universities in England and the third oldest in the world. Located in Cambridge, England, it is a renowned public research university. Most undergraduate programs in England last 3 years. While there’s no specific exam requirement for admission, strong language proficiency is important. If your language skills aren’t quite up to standard, you can still gain admission by completing pre-sessional courses, foundation programs, or pre-master courses.

The Cambridge Architecture degree combines the intellectual challenges of both the arts and sciences with the opportunity to explore the possibilities of creative design. The subjects are planned with creativity, curiosity, and strong intellectual interests at their core. The program is balanced with teaching in the history and philosophy of architecture, contemporary culture and urbanism, and construction, structural and environmental design.

Starting fees for the Russell Group, the group of England’s top schools that Cambridge is a part of, are in the £35,000 per year range.

EPFL Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

6th in Europe
11th in the World

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne was founded in 1969 with the mission of "producing talented engineers in Switzerland". It is a public research university in Lausanne, Switzerland. Like its sister institution, ETH Zurich, EPFL is part of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology Area.

It has an urban campus along Lake Geneva. Architectural Studies are structured in detail, and teaching is based on a continuous dialogue between practice and theory. In the first year of their studies, students take courses on the history and theory of architecture, the city and the terrain, construction techniques, and representation and modeling tools, all working in parallel in the workshop where they develop an architectural project. Sciences such as geometry and physics are also part of the training. 

The fee per period is CHF 780, which is about 831.79 euros. However, the amount may vary depending on the program and the student's country.

Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (UPM) - Spain

7th in Europe
20th in the World

The Technical University of Madrid, founded in 1971, is a public institution located in Madrid, Spain. It was created through the merger of several technical schools of engineering and architecture that originated in the 18th century. Today, the university’s Higher Technical School of Architecture is situated in a modern building within the Ciudad Universitaria.

Their mission is to train professionals qualified to carry out activities associated with planning and directing work in the fields of architecture and urbanism; restoring buildings listed or protected by virtue of their environmental or artistic and historical features; regional planning; and land, landscape and environmental management, who are also able to direct the work resulting from such projects.

Unlike other schools it consist of 5+1 years of education with 360 credits are split into a 300-credit degree and a 60-credit master. Non-EU/EEA international students typically receive between €1,000 and €5,000 per year, depending on the program and university. But Scholarship options are available for these numbers to reduce.

Politecnico di Torino - Italy

8th in Europe
21st in the World

The Polytechnic University of Turin was founded in 1859 as a technical school for engineers, and became a polytechnic in 1906. It is currently ranked as one of the best universities in Italy and in the world, and is the oldest Italian public technical university. The university offers a variety of courses in Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning and Industrial Design. The Polytechnic University of Turin has its main campuses in the city of Turin in the Piedmont region.

The Architecture education program lasts three years. It focuses on the application of architectural design in a variety of ways, both humanistic and disciplined. Traditionally structured courses include laboratories and workshops that provide opportunities for practical application of theoretical learning. In the first year, students will study mathematics, history, technology, design and English.

The university requires proof of English proficiency, either through an IELTS score of 5.0 or a TOEFL score of 59 (IBT). If students don’t meet these requirements, they must take mandatory English courses during the program. The architecture program also requires an entrance exam. Tuition fees at Politecnico di Torino vary based on family income and the student’s country of origin, ranging from €150 to €3500.

However, Italy is one of the countries that offer the most scholarship opportunities in Europe. Scholarship opportunities vary depending on the university and department you will apply to.

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) - Germany

9th in Europe
21st in the World

Technical University of Berlin, founded in 1879, is a technical and research university located in Berlin, Germany. It has approximately 30,000 students, making it one of the largest technical universities in Germany. The Technical University of Berlin has the highest percentage of foreign students in Germany. Language qualification is required also in this school, if you want to take your education in German, you must have a C1 level of German. It is also considering the English based programs the person need to have B2 English certification. 

The Institute of Architecture is dedicated to the critical, creative and innovative design of buildings, cities and territories, focusing on resource justice and the common good. The education consists of 6 semesters and the semester fee is planned as 463.78 euros.

Technical University of Munich

10th in Europe
24th in the World

Technical University of Munich is considered one of the best universities in Germany. TUM is unique in Europe with its departments and department combinations, which are in constant contact with leading technology companies and institutions in its research disciplines. It is among the universities that provide ‘superior’ education in Germany and is a leading educational institution among entrepreneurial universities in German higher education institutions. Technical University of Munich has 3 different campuses: Munich, Garching, Weinhestephan.

The Bachelor of Architecture program at TUM is focused on practical experience while also addressing current research topics. The program lasts 4 years, spanning 8 semesters. Tuition fees for international students are €2,000 per semester. However, there are scholarship opportunities available, which may help students have their fees waived or receive financial support.