University of Waterloo
university
University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo School of Architecture is a leader in design education and research, offering a fully cooperative professional program.

7 Melville St S, Cambridge, ON N1S 2H4, Canada

About University of Waterloo

The School of Architecture at the University of Waterloo is a nationally and internationally respected design school dedicated to educating top architects. Located in a beautifully restored historic silk mill along the Grand River in Cambridge, it offers wonderful spaces for design studios, labs, a design library, exhibition galleries, a public auditorium, and a cafe. The school focuses on a dynamic center of research and teaching in construction, development, built heritage, 'green' architecture, visualization, prototyping, and computer-assisted design. It offers a fully cooperative professional program, providing students with valuable work experience in Canada and abroad, and is the only Canadian architecture school with a permanent international facility in Rome, Italy. The curriculum integrates design, cultural history, building technology, environmental design, and digital design.
Program NameDetails
Honours Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Bachelor

This pre-professional program provides a foundation in design, visual media, cultural history, technology, and urbanism, preparing students for professional studies in architecture. Students gain practical experience through co-op work terms and can study abroad in Rome.

4 years (8 academic terms with 5 co-op terms)
English
Estimated tuition and incidental fees for two terms: Canadian citizens and permanent residents: $13,000, International students: $74,000
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Master of Architecture
Master

This professional degree prepares graduates for architectural practice, extending their knowledge with independent research and a design thesis. It builds on a commitment to architecture as a cultural act, fostering critical thinking and debate.

Minimum 3 terms (1 year) for students with BAS degree from Waterloo, Up to 6 terms (2 years) otherwise
English
Approximately $27,632 CAD per year for international students, $5268 CAD per year for national students
Deadline: January 15 for September admission
Master of Architecture (Water)
Master

This program combines architectural studies with a focus on global water challenges, encouraging innovative solutions in landscape, urbanism, technology, and sustainability. Students develop an independent research and design thesis related to water issues.

24 months
English
Tuition fees apply
Deadline: January 15 for September admission, document deadline February 1
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD

The University of Waterloo offers a unique research-based Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) collaborative program in Water. This program, jointly offered by ten departments across the Faculties of Arts, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics and Science, is intended to promote multi- and inter-disciplinary perspectives related to water.

Unspecified
English
Tuition fees apply
Deadline: Unspecified

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
4
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Waterloo's Master of Architecture program is fully accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) since 2002. The program in Architecture at the University of Waterloo received accreditation for a 6-year term by the CACB in 2024, with the next review scheduled for 2030. Waterloo also offers an integrated two-degree professional architecture program, accredited by the CACB and NAAB. The professional Master of Architecture in conjunction with the pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree from the University of Waterloo comprises an accredited professional education.
Admissions
53% (for University of Waterloo generally, specific architecture acceptance rate is described as 'very low' but not specified)
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
master_application_deadline
January 15 (for admission in September)
undergraduate_application_deadline
January 30, 2026
master_document_submission_deadline
February 1
undergraduate_document_submission_deadline
February 13, 2026
Requirements
graduate: {"academic_degree":"A four-year, honours pre-professional undergraduate Architecture degree or professional Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minimum overall average of 75% (B).","additional_requirements":"Online application form, two academic letters of reference, CV/resume, Supplemental Information Form (including statement of proposed research interest), portfolio (uploaded electronically), academic transcripts, degree certificates (if obtained). English Proficiency may be required."}
undergraduate: {"academic_courses":"Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English (minimum final grade of 75%), Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70%), Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70%), Physics (minimum final grade of 70%).","admission_average":"Individual selection from the mid-80s.","recommended_courses":"Grade 11 or 12 art courses, independent art studies, creative and cultural studies such as visual arts and history.","additional_requirements":"Selected students will be invited to submit a portfolio of creative work and participate in an in-person or virtual interview. English précis test not required for September 2026 intake."}
Recent Rankings
QS World University Rankings by Subject
2015 · Architecture
#Top 100
QS World University Rankings by Subject
2025 · Architecture & Built Environment
##101-150

University of Waterloo Academic FAQ

University of Waterloo is The University of Waterloo School of Architecture is a leader in design education and research, offering a fully cooperative professional program.

The acceptance rate for University of Waterloo is 53% (for University of Waterloo generally, specific architecture acceptance rate is described as 'very low' but not specified), reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: [object Object].

University of Waterloo provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Honours Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Master of Architecture, Master of Architecture (Water), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 1:15 (target studio faculty-to-student ratio), ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

University of Waterloo is situated in Cambridge, Canada, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, University of Waterloo holds accreditations from: Waterloo's Master of Architecture program is fully accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) since 2002. The program in Architecture at the University of Waterloo received accreditation for a 6-year term by the CACB in 2024, with the next review scheduled for 2030. Waterloo also offers an integrated two-degree professional architecture program, accredited by the CACB and NAAB. The professional Master of Architecture in conjunction with the pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree from the University of Waterloo comprises an accredited professional education..