Checkout the Masters in Architecture in UAE....
Apr 28, 2025 02:50:15
American University of Sharjah (AUS)
Program: Master of Urban Planning
Related fields: They also offer strong undergraduate architecture programs.
Language: English
Accreditation: NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board - USA)
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
Program: Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
Focus: Advanced technical and research aspects of architecture.
Language: English
University of Sharjah
Program: Master in Conservation Management of Cultural Heritage
Program: Master in Urban Planning
Focus: Preservation, urban planning, sustainability.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Program: MSc in Architectural Engineering
British degree offered in Dubai campus.
Focus: Sustainable design, energy efficiency.
Abu Dhabi University (ADU)
Program: Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture
Focus: Environmental design, green architecture, sustainability.
Canadian University Dubai
Program: Master of Architecture (MArch) - Launching soon / available for certain intakes.
Focus: Design, urban studies, professional practice.
Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or closely related field.
Minimum GPA (varies, but usually 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
English proficiency: IELTS (typically 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL equivalent.
Portfolio: Required by most architecture programs.
Letters of recommendation.
Statement of purpose or personal statement.
Updated CV/Resume.
Tuition: AED 50,000 to AED 90,000 per year (~ USD 13,600 to USD 24,500).
Some universities offer scholarships for international students.
Modern architecture hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Exposure to cutting-edge urban design and sustainable architecture.
Culturally diverse environment.
Access to top-tier internships in world-famous architecture firms (e.g., Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects offices, local firms).
UAE's major cities are rapidly growing, offering real-world learning opportunities.
University |
Program Name |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
Master of Urban Planning |
Strong architecture background, NAAB-accredited BArch program; Master’s linked to urban/architecture fields. |
|
University of Sharjah |
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering |
Both focus on design, heritage, and technical aspects. |
|
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering |
Emphasis on architectural technology, building systems. |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
MSc Architectural Engineering |
UK degree style, focus on sustainable and technical design. |
|
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) |
Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture |
Focused heavily on green and energy-efficient architecture. |
|
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) |
Master of Architecture (MArch) (under launch/early stage) |
Full MArch planned; check latest intake updates. |
|
Ajman University |
Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Studies |
Focuses on design innovation and urban studies. |
|
Al Ain University (AAU) |
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering |
Engineering + architecture balance. |
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
Must have a Bachelor’s in Architecture (B.Arch) or related field (Architectural Engineering, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering sometimes accepted). |
|
GPA Requirement |
Minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 out of 4.0 (varies by university). Some top universities like AUS may prefer higher GPAs. |
|
English Language Proficiency |
IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall (some require no band less than 6.0) or TOEFL 79–90 iBT equivalent. Exemptions possible if previous degree was taught in English. |
|
Portfolio |
Required in most cases — must showcase academic and/or professional work (design projects, sketches, drawings, technical reports). |
|
Recommendation Letters |
Usually 2 academic or professional references required. |
|
Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
A written essay explaining why you want to study architecture, your goals, and why the specific university fits you. |
|
Work Experience |
Not always mandatory, but professional experience is valued (especially for research-heavy or practice-oriented programs). |
|
Interview |
Some universities (especially AUS, University of Sharjah) may conduct an online or in-person interview as part of the selection. |
|
Additional Exams |
GRE is NOT required for architecture programs in UAE (unlike some US programs). |
Study Mode |
Duration |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Full-Time |
2 years |
Standard for most universities (4 semesters). |
|
Part-Time |
2.5 to 3 years |
Available in some universities; suitable for working professionals. |
|
Accelerated (Rare) |
1.5 years |
Some programs allow faster completion if taking extra credits (less common in architecture). |
Important Details:
Thesis/Final Project: Most Master’s in Architecture programs require a design thesis or final research project in the last semester, which is part of the overall duration.
Internships: Optional at some universities — internships or practical training might extend your study time slightly if taken.
Entry Terms: Most programs have Fall (September) intakes; some allow Spring (January/February) entry too.
University |
Online / Hybrid Options |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Some coursework is available online, but studio work must be in-person. |
MSc Architectural Engineering, not full Architecture MArch. |
|
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) |
Some lectures are offered online/hybrid (especially theoretical classes). |
Master's in Sustainable Architecture, but design projects must be physical/in-person. |
|
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) |
Considering blended options. |
MArch program in development; not fully online yet. |
|
University of Sharjah |
No fully online program. |
Full-time campus attendance required. |
No UAE university currently offers a 100% online accredited Master’s in Architecture.
This is mainly due to international accreditation standards: architecture education typically mandates physical model making, studio critiques, and site visits, which are hard to deliver online.
Partial online + campus-based workshops ("hybrid programs").
Online architecture-related master's (e.g., Sustainable Design, Urban Planning) — these sometimes allow full or majority online study.
Study from foreign universities offering online MArch degrees (e.g., some UK or Australian universities) and live in UAE while studying remotely.
Intake |
Start Month |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake |
August–September |
Main intake for almost all universities. Most students start here. |
|
Spring Intake |
January–February |
Available at some universities (but fewer programs open). |
|
Summer Intake |
May–June |
Rare for Architecture; only a few universities may offer it (mostly for non-studio-based courses). |
Intake |
Priority Deadlines |
Final Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall 2025 |
April–May 2025 (priority) |
June–July 2025 (final) |
|
Spring 2025 |
October–November 2024 (priority) |
December 2024 (final) |
Important:
Earlier you apply, better your chances (especially for scholarships, visa processing, and course seat availability).
Portfolio review and interviews (if required) happen after your initial document submission, so applying early helps.
University |
Priority Deadline |
Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
May 1, 2025 |
July 15, 2025 |
|
University of Sharjah |
May 30, 2025 |
July 30, 2025 |
|
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) |
June 15, 2025 |
August 1, 2025 |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Rolling admissions (apply early) |
August 2025 |
|
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) |
Rolling until seats full |
Mid-August 2025 |
University |
Program |
Estimated Total Tuition Fees (AED) |
Approximate USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
Master of Urban Planning (closest to MArch) |
AED 110,000 – 130,000 |
USD 29,900 – 35,400 |
|
University of Sharjah |
Master of Architectural Engineering / Urban Planning |
AED 90,000 – 105,000 |
USD 24,500 – 28,600 |
|
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
MSc in Architectural Engineering |
AED 80,000 – 95,000 |
USD 21,800 – 25,900 |
|
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) |
MSc in Sustainable Architecture |
AED 80,000 – 90,000 |
USD 21,800 – 24,500 |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
MSc Architectural Engineering |
AED 85,000 – 100,000 |
USD 23,100 – 27,200 |
|
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) |
Master of Architecture (expected) |
AED 90,000 – 100,000 |
USD 24,500 – 27,200 |
|
Ajman University |
MSc in Architecture and Urban Studies |
AED 75,000 – 85,000 |
USD 20,400 – 23,100 |
|
Al Ain University (AAU) |
MSc in Architectural Engineering |
AED 70,000 – 80,000 |
USD 19,000 – 21,800 |
Application fees: AED 300–500 (~USD 80–140)
Student services fees: AED 1,000–2,000/year (~USD 270–540)
Health insurance: Often mandatory for visa purposes (~AED 1,500/year)
Many universities (especially AUS, ADU, UAEU) offer partial scholarships (up to 50%) based on academic merit or portfolio quality.
Early applications often have better chances of winning a tuition discount.
Most universities allow tuition to be paid semester-by-semester rather than all at once.
Category |
Estimated Cost (AED) |
Approximate Cost (USD) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tuition Fees |
70,000 – 130,000 |
19,000 – 35,400 |
Depends on university and program. |
|
Housing (shared apartment / hostel) |
20,000 – 35,000/year |
5,500 – 9,500/year |
Depends on city (Dubai/Abu Dhabi higher). |
|
Food & Groceries |
12,000 – 18,000/year |
3,300 – 4,900/year |
AED 1,000–1,500 per month. |
|
Transportation |
3,000 – 5,000/year |
800 – 1,400/year |
Metro/bus or car sharing. |
|
Books, Materials, Printing (architecture-specific) |
5,000 – 8,000 total |
1,400 – 2,200 total |
Portfolios, modeling, printing. |
|
Health Insurance |
1,500 – 2,500/year |
400 – 700/year |
Mandatory for visa. |
|
Visa Fees & Emirates ID |
3,000 – 5,000 total |
800 – 1,400 total |
Paid at admission time. |
|
Miscellaneous (personal expenses) |
5,000 – 8,000/year |
1,400 – 2,200/year |
Mobile, clothes, leisure, etc. |
Low Budget (shared housing, modest lifestyle):
AED 160,000 – 190,000 (~ USD 43,500 – 52,000)
Moderate Budget (private room, comfortable lifestyle):
AED 190,000 – 230,000 (~ USD 52,000 – 63,000)
Choose universities in Sharjah or Ajman (lower cost of living compared to Dubai/Abu Dhabi).
Find shared apartments instead of living solo.
Apply for scholarships and early-bird discounts (many universities offer up to 20%-50% tuition scholarships for good academic records).
Use student discounts for transportation, food, and entertainment.
Dubai — most expensive for rent, transportation.
Abu Dhabi — slightly less than Dubai but still high.
Sharjah / Ajman / Al Ain — much cheaper, ideal for students.
Shortlist universities that offer Master's in Architecture (or related programs like Architectural Engineering, Sustainable Architecture, Urban Planning).
Check specific program entry requirements: GPA, portfolio, English scores, etc.
Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts (Architecture or related field).
Portfolio of your design work (mandatory for most architecture programs).
CV/Resume (highlight any internships, jobs, or projects).
Statement of Purpose (SOP) (why you want to study, your goals).
Two Letters of Recommendation (academic or professional).
Passport copy.
English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL) — unless exempted.
Passport-size photos (for ID and visa processing).
Equivalency certificate (if required) from UAE Ministry of Education.
Visit the university’s official website.
Create an application account.
Fill out the online application form.
Upload all required documents.
Pay application fee (usually AED 300–500).
Submit a digital portfolio with drawings, designs, models, and projects.
Some universities might schedule a portfolio interview (online or in-person).
Some programs (especially AUS, University of Sharjah) may invite you for a short interview about your background and motivation.
You will receive an Offer Letter if accepted.
If conditional, you may be asked for extra documents (like final transcripts, equivalency).
Confirm your place by paying a seat reservation deposit (part of the tuition fee).
After accepting, the university will help you process your UAE student visa.
Prepare medical tests and Emirates ID registration once in UAE.
University |
Scholarship Name |
Coverage |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
American University of Sharjah (AUS) |
Graduate Assistantships |
33% to 100% tuition waiver + stipend (for teaching/research work) |
Highly competitive. Must apply early and have a strong academic record and portfolio. |
|
University of Sharjah |
Postgraduate Scholarships |
25% to 50% tuition reduction |
Based on GPA and portfolio quality; sometimes for cultural diversity too. |
|
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) |
Academic Excellence Scholarship |
20% to 50% tuition discount |
Automatically considered upon application; must have a strong GPA. |
|
Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Postgraduate Merit Award |
Up to 35% tuition discount |
Based on academic performance and early application. |
|
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) |
Academic Excellence Scholarship |
20% to 50% tuition waiver |
Available for first semester; renewable with high GPA. |
|
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) |
Full Graduate Scholarships |
100% tuition + stipend + housing |
For very strong candidates (GPA 3.5+/4, high portfolio); limited seats. |
|
Ajman University |
Merit Scholarships |
20% to 30% tuition discount |
Based on undergraduate academic results. |
Minimum Bachelor’s GPA: usually above 3.0/4.0.
Strong portfolio (for architecture programs).
Good English proficiency scores (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80+ preferred for top scholarships).
Some require maintaining a certain GPA during the master's studies to keep the scholarship.
Early applications (before the priority deadline) increase chances a lot.
Apply for the Master's program first.
Indicate your interest in scholarships during or immediately after application.
Submit any extra documents if needed (like financial need forms, personal essays).
Attend interviews if required (especially for assistantships).
Career Path |
Description |
Salary Range (AED/month) |
|---|---|---|
|
Architect |
Designing residential, commercial, or public projects; working in firms or independently. |
8,000 – 18,000 |
|
Urban Planner |
Designing city layouts, transportation systems, public spaces. |
10,000 – 20,000 |
|
Landscape Architect |
Designing outdoor spaces, parks, resorts, public gardens. |
9,000 – 17,000 |
|
Architectural Project Manager |
Managing teams, budgets, and construction projects. |
12,000 – 25,000 |
|
Interior Architect |
Designing interiors for offices, homes, hotels (more technical than interior design). |
8,000 – 15,000 |
|
Sustainability Consultant |
Specializing in green building certification (LEED, Estidama, etc.). |
10,000 – 18,000 |
|
BIM Specialist |
Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Revit to lead digital construction projects. |
9,000 – 16,000 |
|
Heritage Conservation Specialist |
Working on restoring historical architecture (big demand in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi). |
8,000 – 14,000 |
|
University Lecturer / Researcher |
Teaching architectural courses or conducting urban research. |
10,000 – 20,000 |
Architecture and Design Firms (e.g., Foster + Partners, RMJM, Gensler)
Government Urban Planning Departments (Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi DMT)
Real Estate Developers (Emaar, Aldar, Damac)
Consulting firms (AECOM, Atkins, Arup)
Universities and Research Institutes (for academic roles)
Huge demand for architects specialized in sustainability, smart cities, and green buildings (especially for Expo 2020 legacy projects, NEOM nearby, Dubai 2040 plan).
BIM and digital skills (Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper) are highly valued.
Fluency in both design creativity and technical documentation boosts employability a lot.
