Dubai · Bachelor's
College of Architecture, Art and Design, University of Sharjah
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
College of Architecture, Art and Design, University of Sharjah
Course Overview
University of Sharjah's Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is delivered through the College of Architecture, Art and Design — the only UAE university with a 5-year NAAB-substantially-equivalent BArch (the US National Architectural Accrediting Board pathway for professional architectural registration). The programme is the most academically-rigorous Architecture Bachelor's in the Gulf, with curriculum grounded in regional context (Islamic architecture, desert vernacular, environmental design for hot-arid climates, contemporary Gulf urbanism) alongside global design theory. Students complete twelve design studio sequences, building science modules, computer-aided design and parametric design (Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, BIM), structures and construction, history and theory of architecture, and a thesis design project in Year 5. The college operates dedicated fabrication workshops, a digital fabrication lab, and partnership programmes with regional firms including Killa Design, Dewan Architects + Engineers, X Architects, and the Gensler Dubai office.
Sri Lankan applicants choose University of Sharjah BArch over UAE-based US branch campuses (AUS Architecture, AUD Architecture) because the AED 79,000/year tuition is significantly more affordable while academic quality is at-par, the regional vernacular curriculum is uniquely valuable for applicants planning Indian Ocean / South Asian practice (which shares similar tropical-arid climate concerns and Islamic / Buddhist architectural heritage), and the NAAB-substantially-equivalent accreditation is recognised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) for Chartered Architect pathway. UAE post-study work is via the 2-year Job Seeker visa on graduation. Sri Lankan returnees route into senior architectural roles at SLIA-registered firms (MICD, Channa Daswatte Associates, Palinda Kannangara Architects, Design Consortium, PWA Architects, Senanayake Associates), the Urban Development Authority of Sri Lanka, and into independent practice.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan Cambridge / Edexcel A-Levels: BBC-AAB with at least one of Mathematics, Physics, Art, or Design Technology.
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 3 Cs (any stream) with strong Mathematics or Art / Design portfolio.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 28-32 points overall.
- check_circle Portfolio of creative work — 10-15 pieces showing range, design thinking, and observational drawing — submitted with the application.
- check_circle Admissions interview (remote for Sri Lankan applicants); personal statement (500 words).
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.0 Overall (no element below 5.5).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 71 Overall.
- check_circle EmSAT English 1100+ (UAE-administered English standardised test).
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution — most Sri Lankan applicants qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AED) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AED 79,000 | Rs. 6,873,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Sharjah) | AED 35,000 | Rs. 3,045,000 |
| Student Visa, Emirates ID & Health Insurance | AED 6,000 | Rs. 522,000 |
| Studio Materials, Models, Site Trips & Software Licences | AED 5,000 | Rs. 435,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AED 125,000 | Rs. 10,875,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for UAE's 2-year Job Seeker visa on graduation, with conversion to the 2-year Green Visa for graduate-level employment. University of Sharjah BArch grads route directly into senior architectural assistant / junior architect roles at Killa Design (Shaun Killa, Dubai), Dewan Architects + Engineers, X Architects, Gensler Dubai, Foster + Partners Dubai, AECOM Dubai (architecture division), DAR Group, Atkins Middle East, plus into the regulatory roles at Dubai Municipality and Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport — AED 12,000-22,000/month starting (LKR 12.5M-23M/yr; UAE tax-free salaries). Sri Lankan returnees gain SLIA Chartered Architect pathway eligibility (the NAAB-substantially-equivalent BArch counts toward Part 2 equivalence) and route into senior practice positions at MICD, Channa Daswatte Associates, Palinda Kannangara Architects, Design Consortium, PWA Architects, Senanayake Associates, the Urban Development Authority of Sri Lanka, or set up independent practices.
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