Program Overview

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Master of Architecture (MARCH)

The Master of Architecture (MArch) graduate degree program offers an accredited three-year curriculum. This professional course of study is highly demanding with a large proportion of the curriculum being required coursework. Design studios are integrated with courses in architecture history and theory, technical and material systems, and design media and representation. Within this challenging program, opportunities to develop individual identity and special skills are made possible through the selection of special topic design studios, thoughtful engagement with electives, and especially through the execution of the Graduation Project.

Program Structure

The full program is 119 credits. Students entering the program with an undergraduate degree normally take three and one-half years of full-time study to complete the requirements. Students holding a pre-professional architecture degree will be considered for advanced placement. At the time of application, the program's Admissions Committee will determine the extent of advanced placement on the basis of the applicant's undergraduate transcript and portfolio.

Quick Facts

• Faculty: Faculty of Applied Science
• Academic Unit: School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture
• Specialization: Architecture
• Mode of delivery: In person at UBC Vancouver
• Program Components: Coursework + Major Project/Essay required
• Tuition (First Year):
  • Domestic: $6,310.62
  • International: $54,595.90

Admission Information & Requirements

Check Eligibility

Minimum Academic Requirements

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

• TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based
  • Overall score requirement: 100
  • Reading: 22
  • Writing: 21
  • Speaking: 21
  • Listening: 22
• IELTS: International English Language Testing System
  • Overall score requirement: 7.0
  • Reading: 6.5
  • Writing: 6.5
  • Speaking: 6.5
  • Listening: 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

• The GRE is optional.

Prior Degree, Course and Other Requirements

Prior Degree Requirements

Applicants to the MArch program must hold a degree in almost any discipline [BA, BSc, BFA, BASc, etc.] that is academically equivalent to a UBC four-year Bachelor's degree.

Meet Deadlines

• Program Name: Master of Architecture (MARCH)
• Intake: September 2026
• Canadian Applicant Deadline: 15 January 2026
• International Applicant Deadline: 15 January 2026

Prepare Application

Transcripts

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

Applicants have to submit 3 references to apply to this graduate program.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest, sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Course-based programs do not have a thesis component. While they may assign academic advisors to students, they do not require applicants to reach out to individual professors / faculty members to seek commitment as their thesis supervisor.

Citizenship Verification

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Tuition

• Fees:
  • Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat:
    • Application Fee: $118.50
    • Tuition per year: $6,310.62
  • International:
    • Application Fee: $168.25
    • Tuition per year: $54,595.89
• Other Fees and Costs:
  • Supplementary fees (yearly): $350.00
  • Student Fees (yearly): $1,144.10 (approx.)
  • Costs of living: Estimate your costs of living with our interactive tool in order to start developing a financial plan for your graduate studies.
• Deposit to accept offer (if admitted): $1000.00

Financial Support

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options.

• Employer support: Organizations may provide their employees with tuition benefits as part of an employment package to support lifelong learning of their workforce.
• Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding): Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. Some programs may offer bursaries.
• Financial aid (need-based funding): Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies.
• Foreign government scholarships: Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad.
• Working while studying: The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students.
• Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals: Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Career Options

While the majority of our graduates have gone on to careers directly in architecture, that path is by no means the only one. Over the course of your studies here, you’ll gain invaluable skills in:

• design and visualization
• a variety of digital media tools
• communication and presentations
• project management and organization

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

ENROLMENT DATA

• Applications: 421 (2023), 513 (2022), 639 (2021), 416 (2020), 440 (2019)
• Offers: 126 (2023), 126 (2022), 114 (2021), 121 (2020), 114 (2019)
• New Enrolment: 57 (2023), 49 (2022), 55 (2021), 60 (2020), 56 (2019)
• Total Enrolment: 166 (2023), 156 (2022), 181 (2021), 181 (2020), 174 (2019)

Completion Rates & Times

This program has a graduation rate of 92% based on 200 students admitted between 2015 - 2018. Based on 191 graduations between 2020 - 2023 the minimum time to completion is 1.7 years and the maximum time is 6.49 years with an average of 2.77 years of study.

Related Programs

Same Specialization

• Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture (MASA)
• Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture (MARCLA)

Same Academic Unit

• Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Technology and Society (PhD)
• Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture (MASA)
• Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture (MASLA)
• Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture (MARCLA)
• Master of Engineering Leadership in High Performance Buildings (MEL)
• Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
• Master of Urban Design (MUD)

Related Disciplines

• Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture (MASA)
• Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture (MARCLA)

Further Information

Specialization

Architecture: Architecture examines built environments relative to artistic, technical, social, cultural, and political circumstances. Our students design locally and globally, and approach architectural practice and research with critical inquiry.

Program Identifier

VGMMCR

Classification

Humanities and the arts » Arts (arts, history of arts, performing arts, music), architecture and design » Architecture

Program Website

The program website provides detailed information about the Master of Architecture (MARCH) program, including admission requirements, program structure, and career options.