Bricks and mortar, sand and stone — that’s what you’d expect when someone says the words “architecture course” or similar.
But to some, architecture is a way to define who we are, from the places we spend time in, to the streets and cities we live in.
Magda Seifert, a Porto Business School graduate, viewed it as a tool for social change, as she believed that architecture could influence how humans interacted with the world and one another. “Studying architecture was a starting point for exploring the connections between disciplines and their impact on practice,” she says.
Just take a look at the impressive buildings and structures that grace our world today, like the tall towers of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Merdeka 188 in Malaysia, or the historical Pantheon and Colosseum in Rome. Architects constantly go above and beyond, designing structures that represent the spirit of their time.
If you want to leave your mark on the world, consider pursuing an architecture course or degree.
The best part? It doesn’t have to be expensive.
Outside of hosting architectural masterpieces, Italy is home to some of the cheapest universities to study the subject. Source: AFP
The cheapest countries to pursue an architecture course
Italy
When pursuing architecture in Italy, you won’t just study it but also live it. It is the land of “la dolce vita” after all.
Italy is home to brilliant architectural masterpieces such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Milan Cathedral, Florence Cathedral and many more. Many also know the country for its delicious cuisine.
Tuition fees at Italian universities vary depending on the university, as there are public and private options available.
The majority of undergraduate courses in the country range between 1,000 to 3,500 euros per year (approximately US$1,103 to US$3,862). This would total about 10,500 euros (US$11,585) for the whole programme.
Italy is a great place to pursue an architecture course as it boasts some of the world’s leading architecture universities, with nine Italian institutions ranking among the top 200 globally. Examples include:
- Politecnico di Milano
- Politecnico di Torino
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Iuav University of Venice
- University of Bologna
Located in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands dedicated to Dutch art and history. Source: AFP
The Netherlands
From the Erasmus Bridge to the Rijksmuseum, and from the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ to the Forum Groningen, the Netherlands boast a range of eye-catching architectural sights.
As a student destination, the country is well known for its high-quality education that is more affordable than in the US and UK. The average cost of pursuing an undergraduate programme in the Netherlands starts as low as 6,000 euros (US$6,621) per year.
In the last few years, architecture has become one of the most in-demand career fields in the Netherlands. Graduates can expect to stay on and find work without much trouble.
Delft University of Technology, in particular, was ranked the third-best university in the world for architecture according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Other options for an architecture course include:
- University of Groningen
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Leiden University
Norway
Norway isn’t a stranger to fantastic architectural creations.
One of the fundamental principles of Norwegian architecture is that every creation should always be in a constant dialogue with its surroundings, including the country’s breathtaking nature.
Some examples are the Tromsdalen Church (also known as the Arctic Cathedral), the Trollstigen Visitor Centre, the Astrup Fearnley Museum, and the Oslo Opera House.
So, for those intending to pursue an advanced architecture course abroad, consider Norway.
If you already have your bachelor’s degree, consider pursuing your postgraduate degree at OsloMet, a public universiti. They have a two-year master’s in transport and urban planning, which costs 285,000 Norwegian kroner (US$27,475) per year.
Other options include:
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway
- Molde University College
- The Oslo School of Architecture and Design
Germany
Aside from being one of the most affordable and welcoming countries for international students, it’s also home to a rich variety of architectural wonders.
From Berlin’s Reichstag Building, Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein Castle, Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, and Cologne’s Cologne Cathedral, Germany’s range of architectural sights is one to be swept away by.
The best part? Tuition fees here can be as low as 1,500 euros (US$142) per semester, or some universities might not charge at all. Yes, even for international students.
Do note that you might have to pick up some German language skills though, but hey, that’s just another thing to add to your resume.
The Technical University of Berlin is ranked as the best university in Germany for architecture at #27 on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Close behind on its heels is the Technical University of Munich, ranking #29 on the list.
These universities also offer great programmes:
- RWTH Aachen University
- Berlin University of the Arts
- University of Stuttgart
Portugal
Portugal is decidedly cheaper than other European countries to study, live and work in, and offers plenty of architectural wonders.
Whether it’s the Manueline style of the Jerónimos Monastery or the modernist Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), Portugal boasts pretty sights and even prettier architecture.
Even the country’s University of Coimbra has been noted as one of the nicest universities in the world. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s also home to one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
And yes, it also offers architecture courses. A PhD in architecture costs 2750 euros (US$3136) annually.
In other universities, tuition fees would range from around 1,000 to 3,500 euros per year (approximately US$1,103 to US$3,862).
Other options for architecture programmes include:
- University of Lisbon
- University of Porto
- University Institute of Lisbon
- Lusíada University
Aside from having some of the best food in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is also home to some incredible architecture. Source: AFP
Malaysia
With Thunderbolts* slated to hit the big screens within the next couple of weeks, most Marvel fans have seen previews and trailers promoting the movie.
One particular trailer included Florence Pugh jumping off the world’s second-tallest building, the Merdeka 118 in Malaysia.
That’s not the only iconic structure that the country has — there’s also the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers, the Petronas Twin Towers. You’ll find other towering skyscrapers in the cities amidst old European architectural remains in Malacca, neoclassical hotels and clubs, and even Gothic-style cathedrals.
It’s safe to say that Malaysia offers a competitive edge for those seeking an architecture course. It’s also affordable — on top of a cheap cost of living, a bachelor’s degree starts from US$1,967 annually.
Several universities have architecture programmes ranked within the global top 200, such as:
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on April 29, 2025.
