UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO · CANADA
Architecture (Bachelor of Architectural Studies)
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Co-op only programWork Experience
- Up to two years of paid co-op work experienceCo-op Experience
- Study abroad opportunity in Rome, ItalyInternational Study
- Accredited professional education pathwayAccreditation
- Dedicated studio space for all studentsStudio Environment
- Located in historic Cambridge, OntarioCampus Location
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies program at the University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive education in architecture, blending design principles with a deep understanding of cultural history, social context, and sustainable building practices. This pre-professional program emphasizes hands-on studio work from the first year, providing students with dedicated space to develop their ideas and skills. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including building materials, construction techniques, visual and digital media, environmental design, and urbanism. The program is unique in its integration of a robust co-op component, offering significant paid work experience. The School of Architecture is located in a historic building in Cambridge, Ontario, separate from the main Waterloo campus, and is equipped with studios, labs, galleries, and a specialized design library. Students have the opportunity to study abroad for a term in Rome, Italy, further broadening their academic and cultural perspectives. This program is designed to prepare students for further professional study towards becoming a licensed architect.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured around design studios, complemented by courses in architectural history, visual and digital media, environmental design, building construction, and urbanism. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through studio projects and a mandatory co-op program.
- First Year
- Design StudioARCH 192
- Visual and Digital Media 1ARCH 110
- An Introduction to Architectural Ideas and CommunicationsARCH 120
- Introduction to Cultural HistoryARCH 142
- Building Construction 1ARCH 172
- Portfolio DevelopmentPDARCH 1
- Design StudioARCH 193
- Visual and Digital Media 2ARCH 113
- Environmental Building DesignARCH 126
- Settlements, Sanctuaries, and CitiesARCH 143
- Building Construction 2ARCH 173
- Upper Years
- Cultural Encounters 600-1600ARCH 246
- Architecture of the Urban EnvironmentARCH 327
- Digital FabricationARCH 212
- Contemporary Architectural TheoryARCH 442
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the architecture and design fields. The program's strong emphasis on design, combined with practical co-op experience, equips students for roles in architectural firms, design studios, urban planning, and project management.
- Associate Architect
- Project Manager
- Architectural Designer
- Urban Designer
- Product Designer
- Intern Architect
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
- For IELTS Academic, you need an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening. For TOEFL iBT, you need an overall score of 90 with 25 in writing and speaking, for tests completed before January 21, 2026.
- What academic qualifications are required for admission?
- You need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including six Grade 12 U and/or M courses. This must include English (ENG4U, min 75%), Advanced Functions (min 70%), Calculus and Vectors (min 70%), and Physics (min 70%).
- How do I apply to the Architecture program?
- You apply directly through the University of Waterloo's admissions portal. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio of creative work.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fee estimates are available through the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website. Specific amounts are program-dependent and vary annually.
- What career opportunities are available after graduating?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Associate Architect, Project Manager, Architectural Designer, Urban Designer, or Intern Architect in architectural firms, design studios, and urban planning.
- Does the program offer work experience opportunities?
- Yes, the program has a mandatory co-op component, offering up to two years of paid work experience in the field.
Entry requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent)Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English (ENG4U, min 75%), Advanced Functions (min 70%), Calculus and Vectors (min 70%), Physics (min 70%). Recommended: Grade 11 or 12 art courses, independent art studies, creative and cultural studies.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening
TOEFL iBT90 overall, 25 in writing, 25 in speaking (for tests completed before Jan 21, 2026)
Selected students will be invited to submit a portfolio of creative work. The English précis will not be used for students applying to start in September 2026.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fee estimates are available through the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website. Specific amounts are program-dependent and vary annually.
Tuition (home)Tuition fee estimates are available through the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website. Specific amounts are program-dependent and vary annually.
LivingThe Tuition Fee Estimator does not provide estimates for living expenses such as off-campus housing, groceries, textbooks, or equipment.
The Tuition Fee Estimator provides an estimate based on a Fall 2026 start and does not include costs for preliminary English language training programs.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationApply directly to the Architecture program via the University of Waterloo's application portal.
2. Portfolio SubmissionSelected candidates will be invited to submit a portfolio of creative work as part of the application process.
3. Declaration of Academic ExperienceComplete the Declaration of Academic Experience in the applicant portal to determine if English language test scores are required.
4. Submit Test Scores (if required)If required, ensure official English language test scores are sent directly from the testing agency by the document deadline.
Accreditation
Waterloo's pre-professional Bachelor of Architectural Studies and the professional Master of Architecture programs provide a fully accredited professional education pathway. The Master of Architecture program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
For IELTS Academic, you need an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening. For TOEFL iBT, you need an overall score of 90 with 25 in writing and speaking, for tests completed before January 21, 2026.
What academic qualifications are required for admission?
+
You need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including six Grade 12 U and/or M courses. This must include English (ENG4U, min 75%), Advanced Functions (min 70%), Calculus and Vectors (min 70%), and Physics (min 70%).
How do I apply to the Architecture program?
+
You apply directly through the University of Waterloo's admissions portal. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a portfolio of creative work.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fee estimates are available through the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website. Specific amounts are program-dependent and vary annually.
What career opportunities are available after graduating?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Associate Architect, Project Manager, Architectural Designer, Urban Designer, or Intern Architect in architectural firms, design studios, and urban planning.
Does the program offer work experience opportunities?
+
Yes, the program has a mandatory co-op component, offering up to two years of paid work experience in the field.