Architecture at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies. In one of North America’s top schools of architecture, you’ll get a broad education that covers everything from building materials and construction techniques to cultural history, social context, green architecture, and more. Not to mention you'll combine it all with paid co-op work experience. However, the core of this pre-professional program is design courses, starting right in year one. Offered as a co-op programme only.

Faculty: School of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering | Study mode: co-op | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Your upper-year courses will explore architectural design, building construction, structural systems, environmental technologies, and urbanism. You'll also have the opportunity to spend a term studying in Rome, Italy. Sample upper-year courses include Cultural Encounters 600-1600, Architecture of the Urban Environment, Digital Fabrication, Contemporary Architectural Theory.

Career pathways

Graduates commonly pursue careers in architecture, design, consulting, and project management. They often work in architectural firms, construction and design firms, engineering and manufacturing companies, and more.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario applicants: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English (ENG4U) (A minimum final grade of 78% is required); Advanced Functions or Calculus and Vectors (A minimum final grade of 70% is required); Physics (A minimum final grade of 70% is required); Admission average: Individual selection from the mid-80s; Selected students will be invited to submit a portfolio of creative work as part of the Architecture application process; Recommended courses: Grade 11 or 12 art courses: Independent art studies; Creative and cultural studies such as visual arts and history. How to apply: Apply directly to this program on your application.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August). Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies can start in the winter, spring or fall term.

Applications for September 2027 entry close on 1 February 2027 for programs other than Engineering (documents due 15 February 2027) and on 15 January 2027 for Engineering programs other than Architecture (documents due 1 February 2027). International students have the same deadlines. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies: winter 2027 applications close 30 October 2026 for degree and non-degree (13 November 2026 for post-degree); spring 2027 applications close 26 February 2027 for degree and non-degree (12 March 2027 for post-degree). Optometry closes 12 November 2026 and Pharmacy closes 6 January 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/how-to-apply

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