Architecture and design programs in Canada, ranked by admission average
25 programs at 18 universities, each on its own page. Ranked by the average each school publishes: the top of its range, or its minimum.
Which architecture and design programs ask for the highest average?
Each school's own published average or minimum, in its own words.
| Rank | Program | School says | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ArchitectureMcGill, Quebec | Low to high 90s (top 6); low to high 90s (math and science courses) | $12,986 |
| 2 | Architectural ScienceTMU, Ontario | 90%+ | $9,742 |
| 3 | Architectural StudiesToronto, Ontario | High 80s and above | $6,100 |
| 4 | ArchitectureWaterloo, Ontario | Individual selection from the mid-80s | $9,322 |
| 5 | Bachelor of DesignMacEwan, Alberta | Competitive range low 70s to mid 80s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages) | $8,790 |
| 6 | Design in City InnovationUCalgary, Alberta | Average that secured an offer in Fall 2025, Bachelor of Design in City Innovation: 83% | Not published |
| 7 | Interactive Arts and TechnologySFU, British Columbia | Low 80s | $6,618 |
| 8 | Bachelor of Communication: Information DesignMRU, Alberta | Competitive average range for Fall 2027 applicants (two best Group A courses): 70 to 80% | $7,044 |
| 9 | Architectural StudiesCarleton, Ontario · 3 tracks, all on Carleton's page | 78% | $9,806 |
| 10 | Industrial Design (BID)Carleton, Ontario | 75-77% | $9,740 |
| 11 | Game Design and DevelopmentLaurier, Ontario | Mid 70s | $6,180 |
| 12 | User Experience DesignLaurier, Ontario | Mid 70s | $7,222 |
| 13 | Architectural StudiesLaurentian, Ontario | A minimum overall average of 75% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses | $9,903 |
| 14 | Bachelor of Interior DesignMRU, Alberta | Competitive average range for Fall 2027 applicants (two best Group A courses): 65 to 75%, plus a directed portfolio | $9,252 |
| 15 | Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design: Experiential Learning (4 years)Ottawa, Ontario | 75% minimum (English program); 75% minimum (French program) | $8,421 |
| 16 | Visual Arts & the Built EnvironmentWindsor, Ontario | Minimum average 75%; mean average of entering students 82% | $5,916 |
| 17 | Design d’intérieurMoncton, New Brunswick | Minimum average of 70% over the five admission courses (French at least 65%, the others at least 60%); meeting it does not guarantee a place in a limited program | $8,601 |
| 18 | Landscape ArchitectureDalhousie, Nova Scotia | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $9,570 |
| 19 | Planning (Honours)Dalhousie, Nova Scotia | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $9,435 |
| 20 | Planning StudiesDalhousie, Nova Scotia | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $9,435 |
| 21 | DesignConcordia, Quebec | High school: C+ (Ontario 67 to 69% on Concordia's scale) | $12,986 |
| Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and UrbanismUBC, British Columbia | No average published; 70% overall is the minimum to be considered | $9,993 | |
| Landscape ArchitectureGuelph, Ontario | No average published | $9,429 |
What Grade 12 courses do you need for architecture and design?
Counted across the 23 architecture and design programs that list their courses. "Required" means the program names the course outright; "one of" means it appears in a choice.
| Course | Required by | One of a choice at |
|---|---|---|
| ENG4UEnglish | 74% of programs | 17% of programs |
| MHF4UAdvanced Functions | 30% of programs | 22% of programs |
| SPH4UPhysics | 35% of programs | 13% of programs |
| EAE4UEnglish (EAE4U) | 17% of programs | 9% of programs |
| MCV4UCalculus and Vectors | 9% of programs | 17% of programs |
| ETS4UStudies in Literature | 9% of programs | 9% of programs |
| FRA4UFrançais | 9% of programs | 9% of programs |
| MDM4UMathematics of Data Management | None | 13% of programs |
| SBI4UBiology | None | 13% of programs |
| SCH4UChemistry | None | 13% of programs |
| ENG3UGrade 11 course | 4% of programs | None |
| MCF3MGrade 11 course | 4% of programs | None |
Picking Grade 12 courses? Keep every course in the top rows, and check the program pages above for the exact list and minimum marks. The finder checks your courses against every program.
What careers do architecture and design programs lead to?
- ArchitectDesign buildings and take legal responsibility for them. Two degrees, a long internship and an exam before you can use the title.$81kTypical pay9 to 11 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Industrial DesignerDesign the objects people buy: products, furniture, vehicles. A 4-year degree and a portfolio. A small market in Canada, a big one in the US.$75kTypical pay4 to 5 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- UX DesignerUX (user experience) designers decide how an app or website works before anyone writes code. A portfolio gets you hired, not a diploma.$70kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Architectural TechnologistTurn an architect's ideas into drawings a builder can use. A 2 or 3 year college diploma, Revit and the building code.$63kTypical pay2 to 5 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- GIS AnalystTurn location data into maps and answers. GIS (geographic information systems) work sits behind city planning, utilities, mining and emergency response.$79kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Interior DesignerPlan the inside of buildings so they work, pass code and look right. A 4-year degree, two years of practice and a national exam. Not decorating.$60kTypical pay6 to 8 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
Other fields in Canada
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Business
- Nursing
- Health sciences
- Life sciences
- Math and physics
- Social sciences
- Arts
- Education
- Fine arts
- Undecided
Or every university on its own page: the full list.