Indian students head overseas for architecture studies

Seeking excellence in courses beyond STEM & MBA

It is not just STEM and MBA courses that attract Indian students overseas, but the demand for excellence has spread to niche areas like architecture as Indian students seek to benefit from advanced curriculums and practical experiences. Countries such as the UK, Germany and Netherlands offer distinct chances for innovation and professional connections, improving their grasp of worldwide architectural trends.

As the global demand for skilled architects continues to rise, Indian students are increasingly considering international programmes that provide enticing opportunities offering exposure to diverse architectural styles and innovative practices.

“The educational environment in India is the opposite of what you would need to be creative, that is why I opted to pursue my degree in architecture from London. Here the professors have a set idea of what is correct which is why at the end of the year everyone’s project looked more or less the same. I wanted to study particularly at Architecture Associate because of the way they teach, very open and creative,” Prakriti Saini, Intermediate programme student, Architectural Association School of Architecture, London tells Media India Group.

From the United Kingdom to Germany, Indian students are drawn to the various countries for its advanced architecture curriculum which often includes hands-on experience in real-world projects and access to cutting-edge technology.

“The opportunity to experience global architectural trends, access cutting-edge research and resources, and develop a network of professional contacts from around the world gives exposure to enhance my creativity and broaden my understanding of the built environment,” Nabeel Jamal, student of MSc in Architecture, RWTH Aachen University, at Aachen in western Germany, tells Media India Group.

Graduates from reputed foreign institutions often have better job prospects both internationally and in India due to their advanced skills and global perspective.

“I’ve looked into COA (Council of Architecture) accreditation in India. Since my program is more technology-focused, I might need additional exams, but for now, I’m more focused on gaining experience here in Canada,” says Riya, student of Architecture Technology, Sheridan College, at Mississauga in Canada.

Another student, Latika Joshi who is pursuing MA in Interior designing at Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England says she was attracted by flexibility and openness of the syllabus that allows individuality to blossom.

“There are no restrictions as such in terms of our designs and we are motivated to explore the country. Studying at an international university made me realise that sky is the limit and we can be as creative as possible with our ideas. Here in Manchester, we can broaden our horizon and also network with locals to understand the infrastructure and architecture better,” Joshi tells Media India Group.

Top 5 countries offering Architecture courses:

United States

United States hosts several of the globe’s most renowned architecture schools. Institutions such as Harvard University, Columbia University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) regularly achieve high rankings due to their cutting-edge programmes and research prospects. United States presents a wide variety of architectural styles and techniques, enabling students to investigate different design philosophies. Additionally, the architecture market in the US is extensive, offering numerous job prospects after graduation.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom is home to numerous prestigious architecture schools, such as The Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London and the University of Cambridge. The UK is recognised for its extensive architectural heritage and modern design approaches, making it a desirable location for students eager to explore both classic and contemporary architecture.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has become a favoured destination for architecture education, with schools such as Delft University of Technology regularly earning a place among the top worldwide. The nation is famous for its creative architectural approaches and eco-friendly design methods, which align perfectly with contemporary architectural trends.

Tuition costs in the Netherlands are comparatively lower than those in the US or UK, rendering it a financially feasible choice for Indian students. The Dutch education system focusses on hands-on experience, with numerous programs including internships and joint projects with industry collaborators.

Germany

Germany provides a strong education in architecture, with institutions such as Technische Universität München and Technische Universität Berlin at the forefront. Well-known for its engineering excellence and dedication to sustainability, Germany offers a distinctive combination of technical expertise and innovative design. It is also highly cost-effective for students compared to other countries.

Australia

Australia is noted for its exceptional architecture programmes at institutions like the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University. The nation’s varied terrains and cityscapes offer a valuable setting for architectural research.

The blend of excellent education, varied opportunities, economic conditions, and international exposure positions nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany and Australia as top choices for Indian students studying architecture. As these trends keep progressing, an increasing number of students are expected to pursue international education in this vibrant area.