Architecture Schools and Programs in Canada

Architecture Studies in Canada

Montréal - The Bay on Saint-Catherine StreetAre you a current or prospective architecture student who is thinking about studying abroad?  Have you considered Canada as a possible destination for those studies?  Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime, and Canada’s high academic standards and rigorous quality controls mean that you’ll be earning a high-quality education that will open doors for your future and benefit your career over the long term.
 
Canada is a vast and beautiful country, situated in the northern part of the North American continent.  The country stretches all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans and northwards into the Arctic Ocean.  It shares a common border with its southern neighbor, the United States, creating the longest land border in the world.  A federal state, governed as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories.  The country is officially bilingual and very multicultural, and its advanced economy is one of the largest in the world.  With a total area of over 3.8 million square miles (9.9 million square kilometers) it is the second largest country in the world by area, and its population of roughly 35 million ranks 35^th among the world’s countries.  The capital and seat of the Canadian government is Ottawa, while Toronto is its largest city.

Architecture Education in Canada

There are essentially two paths to becoming an architect in Canada.  According to the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada, you can take the apprenticeship Syllabus Program offered by that institute or you can follow the route that most professional architects take and earn a professional degree accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).
 
Architecture is a very important field of study in Canada, and as such, it is offered as an undergraduate and graduate degree program by most of the country’s major universities.  Undergraduate programs help prepare students for entrance into the graduate-level degree program, which are the only degrees recognized and certified by the CACB.  An undergraduate degree provides students with a solid base for future studies, by introducing them to the history and theory of architecture, as well as basic design techniques.

Students pursuing an architecture degree at one of Canada’s many top-notch universities, including the University of Toronto, home to one of the nation’s largest architecture faculties, receive a comprehensive education in the field of architecture.  Among other topics, these programs focus on the current state of the architectural discipline—the present-day issues and emerging practices—all considered from critical, theoretical and historical perspectives.  Students are additionally given the opportunity to take studio courses in design and visual communications; courses that provide them with the chance to learn practical, formal and analytical skills.  These courses are augmented by advanced classed in allied design arts, such as landscape, furniture, graphic and stage design.

Why Study Abroad in Canada

The number of reasons to choose Canada as your study abroad destination is immeasurable.  From an academic standpoint, a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate can position you for a world of professional opportunities, as these achievements are globally recognized and generally considered equivalent or more prestigious to those degrees earned in the United States and Commonwealth countries.  Also attractive is the affordability of a Canadian education.  While the quality of education and living standards in Canada are among the highest in the world, the cost of living and tuition fees for international students are generally lower than in other countries such as the U.S. and United Kingdom.  These cost savings have rapidly made Canada one of the most popular study abroad destinations for architecture students.
 
Studying in Canada will also expose you to a very diverse culture.  With nearly all of the world’s ethnic groups represented in the country, it is not difficult to find and learn about different cultures and ethnicities—the customs, traditions, cuisine and recreational activities associated with specific cultures.  You can also study a new language while visiting the country. As a bilingual country, Canada is considered a world leader in language training, and since teaching French and English as a first language and second language is an integral part of a Canadian education, you will be able to improve your fluency and capacity for either language as you further your studies.
 
Canada is a very friendly and healthy place to live and the lifestyle of its many universities is fun and exciting.  The country is consistently ranked one of the best places to live by the United Nations, and as an international student, you’ll enjoy all of the same freedoms which protect Canadians – respect for human rights, equality, and a stable and peaceful society.  Its campuses are wired with the latest and sophisticated technology and loaded with wonderful amenities, including Olympic-quality sports facilities, public concert halls and art galleries.  The comfortable setting at its universities will provide you with countless opportunities to meet and befriend like-minded individuals and gain valuable insight into their cultures and lifestyles.