Diverse Architectural Styles: South Africa presents a rich tapestry of architectural styles reflecting its complex history and cultural diversity. From traditional indigenous structures to Dutch colonial, British colonial, and modern designs, the variety offers a comprehensive learning environment for architecture students.
Sustainable and Innovative Practices: South Africa is at the forefront of sustainable building practices due to its unique climate and biodiversity. This makes it an ideal place to learn about sustainable architecture, green building techniques, and urban planning.
Practical Experience: Many South African universities and colleges have strong connections with local and international architecture firms, offering students practical experience through internships and projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable in the architectural field.
Affordable Education: Compared to many Western countries, South Africa offers a more affordable education, including lower tuition fees and living costs. This financial accessibility makes it an attractive destination for international students.
Vibrant Cultural Context: South Africa's multicultural society provides a dynamic environment that influences architectural designs and concepts. Studying here allows students to engage with a variety of cultural perspectives and community-focused architectural solutions.
Growing Job Market: With ongoing development in urban areas and a focus on improving infrastructure, the demand for skilled architects and building professionals is growing in South Africa, potentially leading to job opportunities after graduation.
Beautiful Landscapes and Sites: South Africa's landscapes offer incredible natural sites that inspire innovative architectural designs that harmonize with the environment. From the coastline to the mountains and bushveld, students can explore how architecture interacts with various ecosystems.
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies |
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design |
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Architecture |
Urban Design, Landscape Architecture |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies |
Architecture |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Architecture |
Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities, Urban and Regional Planning |
|
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architecture |
|
University of Pretoria |
Master of Architecture |
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architecture |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Master of Architecture |
Architecture, Sustainable Design, Urban and Regional Planning |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Master of the Built Environment in Architecture |
Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies |
Architecture |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Master of Architecture |
Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Master of Architecture |
Architecture, Urban Design |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies |
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design |
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Architecture |
Urban Design, Landscape Architecture |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies |
Architecture |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Architecture |
Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities, Urban and Regional Planning |
|
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architecture |
|
University of Pretoria |
Master of Architecture |
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architecture |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Master of Architecture |
Architecture, Sustainable Design, Urban and Regional Planning |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Master of the Built Environment in Architecture |
Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies |
Architecture |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Master of Architecture |
Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Master of Architecture |
Architecture, Urban Design |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
Architecture |
|
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Arch) |
Architecture |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) |
Architecture |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
Architecture |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Bachelor of Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Technology (BTech) |
Architecture |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
Urban Design, Landscape Architecture |
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of City and Regional Planning |
City Planning, Regional Planning |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities, Urban and Regional Planning |
|
University of Pretoria |
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
Architecture, Sustainable Design, Urban and Regional Planning |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Master of the Built Environment in Architecture |
Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
Architecture, Urban Design |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
PhD in Architecture |
Architecture, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
PhD in Architecture |
Architecture, Sustainable and Energy Efficient Cities, Urban Planning |
|
University of Pretoria |
PhD in Architecture |
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture |
|
University of Johannesburg |
PhD in Architecture |
Architecture, Sustainable Design, Urban and Regional Planning |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
PhD in the Built Environment |
Architecture, Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
PhD in Architecture |
Architecture, Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
PhD in Architecture |
Architecture, Urban Design, Sustainable Architecture |
University/College |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Diploma in Architectural Technology |
Architectural Technology |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Diploma in Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Diploma in Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Diploma in Building |
Construction Management, Quantity Surveying |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Diploma in Architecture |
Architecture |
|
Central University of Technology (CUT) |
Diploma in Construction |
Construction Management, Quantity Surveying |
|
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) |
Diploma in Building |
Construction Management, Quantity Surveying |
Institution |
Course |
Duration |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Short Course in Principles of Sustainable Construction |
1 week |
Sustainable Construction |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Short Course in Urban Design |
2 weeks |
Urban Design |
|
University of Pretoria |
Short Course in Green Building |
1 week |
Green Building, Sustainable Architecture |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Short Course in Architectural Drawing |
2 weeks |
Architectural Drawing |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Short Course in AutoCAD for Architecture |
1 week |
AutoCAD, Architectural Technology |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Short Course in Construction Project Management |
2 weeks |
Construction Management |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Short Course in Building Information Modeling (BIM) |
1 week |
Building Information Modeling |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Short Course in Sustainable Urban Planning |
1 week |
Urban Planning, Sustainability |
University |
Course Programs |
|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
|
|
Master of City and Regional Planning |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
|
|
Master of Urban and Regional Planning |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
|
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Arch) |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture |
|
|
Master of the Built Environment in Architecture |
|
|
PhD in the Built Environment |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Bachelor of Architecture |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Technology (BTech) |
|
|
Diploma in Architectural Technology |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Short Course in Sustainable Urban Planning |
University |
Program |
Intake Period |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
February |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
February |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
Rolling admissions (year-round) |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
January |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
January |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
Rolling admissions (year-round) |
|
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Arch) |
January |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
January |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
Rolling admissions (year-round) |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) |
February |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
February |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
Rolling admissions (year-round) |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture |
January |
|
|
Master of the Built Environment in Architecture |
January |
|
|
PhD in the Built Environment |
Rolling admissions (year-round) |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
February |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
February |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
Rolling admissions (year-round) |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Bachelor of Architecture |
January |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
January |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
Rolling admissions (year-round) |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Technology (BTech) |
February |
|
|
Diploma in Architectural Technology |
February |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Short Course in Sustainable Urban Planning |
Various (depends on the course schedule) |
University |
Program |
Approximate Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
University of Pretoria |
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Arch) |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
$5,500 - $7,500 |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
$2,500 - $4,500 |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
$2,500 - $4,500 |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
|
|
Master of the Built Environment in Architecture |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
|
PhD in the Built Environment |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
$2,500 - $4,500 |
|
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) |
Bachelor of Architecture |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
|
|
Master of Architecture (Professional) |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
|
PhD in Architecture |
$2,000 - $4,000 |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) |
Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Technology (BTech) |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
|
|
Diploma in Architectural Technology |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Short Course in Sustainable Urban Planning |
$500 - $1,000 (varies per course) |
Criteria |
Undergraduate Programs |
Postgraduate Programs |
|---|---|---|
|
Educational Qualification |
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor's pass |
Relevant Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field |
|
Mathematics Requirement |
Minimum score in Mathematics (varies by institution) |
Good academic record in the undergraduate program |
|
English Language Proficiency |
Minimum score in English (varies by institution) |
Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students) |
|
Portfolio |
Required by most institutions |
Required, showcasing previous work and experience |
|
Admission Test |
Some universities require admission tests (e.g., NBT) |
Some programs may require GRE or equivalent tests |
|
Work Experience |
Not usually required |
Relevant work experience may be advantageous or required |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Not usually required |
Usually required |
|
Personal Statement |
Not usually required |
Usually required |
|
Interview |
Some institutions may conduct interviews |
Some programs may conduct interviews |
|
Additional Requirements |
Specific requirements may vary by institution |
Specific requirements may vary by institution |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
Application Requirements |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NRF (National Research Foundation) Scholarships |
South African citizens, high academic performance |
Tuition, accommodation, study materials |
Academic transcripts, reference letters |
Offered for undergraduate and postgraduate levels |
|
Canon Collins Trust Scholarships |
Students from Southern Africa, demonstrated academic merit |
Tuition fees, living expenses |
Academic transcripts, personal statement, references |
Focus on social justice and development |
|
Fundi (formerly Eduloan) |
South African citizens, financial need |
Tuition and study-related costs |
Financial need analysis, academic records |
Offers loans that can be converted to bursaries |
|
DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) Bursaries |
Financially needy and academically deserving students |
Tuition, books, accommodation |
Financial need analysis, academic records |
Available for various fields including architecture |
|
SAICE Patrons Engineering Bursary Scheme (SPEBS) |
South African citizens, studying towards civil engineering or related fields |
Tuition, prescribed books, accommodation |
Academic transcripts, proof of enrollment |
Focuses on civil engineering and related disciplines |
|
AGSA (Auditor-General South Africa) Bursaries |
South African citizens, studying a relevant course |
Tuition, accommodation, prescribed textbooks |
Academic records, personal statement |
Includes a service contract after graduation |
|
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) |
South African citizens, financial need |
Tuition, accommodation, study materials |
Financial need analysis, academic performance |
Available for undergraduate studies in public universities |
|
Murray & Roberts Bursary |
South African citizens, pursuing engineering/architecture |
Tuition, accommodation, prescribed books, laptop |
Academic records, personal statement, interview |
Includes vacation work and possible employment |
|
Old Mutual Imfundo Trust Scholarship |
South African citizens, studying towards degrees in commerce, finance, technology, and architecture |
Tuition, accommodation, prescribed books |
Academic records, financial need analysis |
Focus on commerce and technology, including architecture |
|
Career Path |
Description |
Potential Employers |
Skills Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Architect |
Design and oversee the construction of buildings and structures. |
Architectural firms, self-employment, government agencies |
Design, technical drawing, project management |
|
Urban Planner |
Develop plans and programs for land use in urban areas. |
Government agencies, consultancy firms, NGOs |
Analytical skills, urban design, GIS software |
|
Construction Manager |
Oversee construction projects from inception to completion. |
Construction companies, property developers, government |
Leadership, project management, budgeting |
|
Interior Designer |
Plan and design interior spaces for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. |
Design firms, architectural firms, self-employment |
Creativity, spatial awareness, CAD software |
|
Landscape Architect |
Design outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and recreational areas. |
Architectural firms, government, self-employment |
Design, environmental planning, botany |
|
Quantity Surveyor |
Manage costs and contracts in construction projects. |
Construction companies, consultancy firms, government |
Cost management, contract law, negotiation |
|
Building Inspector |
Ensure that construction projects comply with building codes and regulations. |
Government agencies, private consultancies |
Attention to detail, knowledge of building codes |
|
Sustainable Design Consultant |
Focus on creating environmentally sustainable building designs. |
Architectural firms, consultancy firms, NGOs |
Knowledge of sustainable practices, innovation |
|
Project Manager |
Plan and execute construction and development projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. |
Construction companies, property developers, consultancy firms |
Leadership, scheduling, risk management |
|
Academic/Researcher |
Conduct research or teach in the field of architecture and building sciences. |
Universities, research institutions |
Research skills, teaching, academic writing |
|
Property Developer |
Develop residential, commercial, or industrial properties from concept to completion. |
Real estate companies, self-employment |
Market analysis, finance, project management |
|
Facility Manager |
Ensure that buildings and their services meet the needs of the people who work in them. |
Corporations, property management firms, hospitals |
Operations management, maintenance, safety |
|
Restoration Architect |
Specialize in the restoration and conservation of historic buildings. |
Heritage organizations, architectural firms, government |
Historical knowledge, design, attention to detail |
