At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
The Master of Architecture (MArch) is a two-year graduate program designed for students who have completed a pre-professional degree in architecture. This program builds upon foundational knowledge, preparing you for professional accreditation. If you hold the University of Waterloo's Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) or an equivalent degree, you may complete the MArch in as little as three terms. For other applicants with a pre-professional architecture degree, two terms of transitional coursework will be required before beginning your thesis year, with a maximum completion time of six academic terms. The program has a Fall intake only. Waterloo also offers a unique collaborative Master of Architecture (Water) program, focusing on multi- and inter-disciplinary perspectives related to water issues, jointly offered by ten departments. Additionally, you can pursue a Master of Architecture with a Structures Certificate, which involves undergraduate civil engineering courses in structural engineering, though this does not grant professional engineering accreditation.
Curriculum
The program structure includes coursework and a thesis year. Students with a pre-professional degree from Waterloo or an equivalent may complete the degree requirements in three to six terms. Other students will undertake two terms of transitional coursework before their thesis year, with a maximum of six terms to complete the degree.
- Year 1 (for some students)
- Transitional Coursework
- Thesis Year
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Architecture program?
- You must have completed a pre-professional architecture program. If your first language is not English and you haven't studied in an English-language system for the last four years, you'll need to provide English proficiency test scores like IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing and speaking) or TOEFL iBT (90 overall, 25 in writing and speaking).
- How long does the Master of Architecture program take to complete?
- If you have a pre-professional degree from Waterloo or an equivalent, you may finish in three terms. Other applicants will complete two terms of transitional coursework before their thesis year, with a maximum completion time of six academic terms.
- When can I start the Master of Architecture program?
- The Master of Architecture program has a Fall intake only. Check the program page for specific application and document deadlines for the Fall 2026 intake, as some may be extended.
- Where can I find information on tuition fees?
- Tuition fees are assessed based on residency status. Specific amounts are not listed here, but you can find estimates for the Fall 2026 term start using the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website.
- How do I apply to the Master of Architecture program?
- You need to apply online through the applicant portal, submit official transcripts and other required documents by the program's document deadline, and provide English language test scores if required. Visit the program page for detailed instructions and deadlines.
Entry requirements
Pre-professional architecture program degreeApplicants must have completed a pre-professional architecture program. Students with a BAS from Waterloo or an equivalent may have a shorter duration. Other students require transitional coursework.
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 January 21, 2026)
English language proficiency test scores are required if your first language is not English AND your four most recent years of full-time education have not been in an English-language school system. Exemptions may apply. Test scores must be from tests completed on or after May 1, 2024. Official scores must be sent directly by the testing agency.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fee estimates are available via the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website. Specific amounts are not listed here.
Tuition (home)Tuition fee estimates are available via the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website. Specific amounts are not listed here.
LivingThe Tuition Fee Estimator does not provide estimates for off-campus housing, groceries, textbooks, or equipment.
Tuition fees are assessed based on domestic residency or international immigration status. The Tuition Fee Estimator provides an estimate for the Fall 2026 term start and does not include costs for preliminary English language training programs.
How to apply
1. Check Program PageVisit the specific program page for detailed admission requirements and application deadlines. Some deadlines may be extended for Fall 2026.
2. Apply OnlineSubmit your application through the applicant portal. You will complete a Declaration of Academic Experience to determine if an English language test score is required.
3. Submit Transcripts and DocumentsOfficial transcripts and other required documents must be submitted by the program's document deadline. If claiming an exemption from English language requirements, provide official letters from previous schools.
4. English Language TestIf required, ensure your official English language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) are sent directly from the testing agency to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar by the document deadline. Test results must be from tests completed on or after May 1, 2024.
5. Await DecisionAfter submitting all required materials, your application will be reviewed by the admissions committee.
Accreditation
The Master of Architecture program is designed to meet requirements for professional accreditation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Architecture program?
+
You must have completed a pre-professional architecture program. If your first language is not English and you haven't studied in an English-language system for the last four years, you'll need to provide English proficiency test scores like IELTS Academic (6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing and speaking) or TOEFL iBT (90 overall, 25 in writing and speaking).
How long does the Master of Architecture program take to complete?
+
If you have a pre-professional degree from Waterloo or an equivalent, you may finish in three terms. Other applicants will complete two terms of transitional coursework before their thesis year, with a maximum completion time of six academic terms.
When can I start the Master of Architecture program?
+
The Master of Architecture program has a Fall intake only. Check the program page for specific application and document deadlines for the Fall 2026 intake, as some may be extended.
Where can I find information on tuition fees?
+
Tuition fees are assessed based on residency status. Specific amounts are not listed here, but you can find estimates for the Fall 2026 term start using the Tuition Fee Estimator tool on the University of Waterloo website.
How do I apply to the Master of Architecture program?
+
You need to apply online through the applicant portal, submit official transcripts and other required documents by the program's document deadline, and provide English language test scores if required. Visit the program page for detailed instructions and deadlines.