USA · Master's
MIT School of Architecture and Planning
Master of Architecture
MIT School of Architecture and Planning
Course Overview
MIT's Master of Architecture is the oldest architecture programme in the United States (founded 1865) and a NAAB-accredited Path A degree — the professional qualification required to sit for the US Architect Registration Examination (ARE). The standard 3.5-year (7-semester) track is for applicants without a Bachelor of Architecture; advanced placement is available for those with a Part 1 / B.Arch. degree (reducing duration to 2.5 years). MIT's pedagogy fuses computation, fabrication, sustainability and urbanism — the school is celebrated for its work with mass timber, AI-assisted design, and equitable urban systems.
Sri Lankan applicants who target MIT do so because the degree opens doors that nothing else does — alumni include I.M. Pei, Robert Venturi, Frank Gehry (visiting), and dozens of contemporary firm principals. The school's location in Cambridge means access to Harvard GSD studios, MIT Media Lab, and MIT.nano for cross-disciplinary work. MArch graduates are NAAB-accredited for US licensure and the degree is recognised by RIBA and the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) for chartered membership pathways.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (any field) from a recognised university — Sri Lankan applicants typically present BSc/BArch from CHEC, UoM, or international universities.
- check_circle Strong design portfolio (15-20 projects) — heavily weighted; portfolio submitted via the SlideRoom platform.
- check_circle GRE General — NOT required for 2026 cycle.
- check_circle Three academic / professional letters of recommendation.
- check_circle Statement of objectives (max 2 pages); personal essay; CV.
English Proficiency
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall (no section below 23). // VERIFY
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (no band below 6.5). // VERIFY
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan applicants from CHEC, UoM, or international universities qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount ($) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | $62,000 | Rs. 19,840,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Cambridge MA) | $26,000 | Rs. 8,320,000 |
| Health Insurance & Fees | $5,500 | Rs. 1,760,000 |
| Studio Materials, Models, Fabrication | $3,500 | Rs. 1,120,000 |
| F-1 Visa, SEVIS, Travel & Setup | $2,500 | Rs. 800,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | $99,500 | Rs. 31,840,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for 12 months of F-1 OPT — the Architecture (NAAB-accredited) MArch is STEM-designated, so graduates qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension (36 months total). Top hirers: SOM, Gensler, KPF, HOK, Foster + Partners, BIG, Snøhetta, OMA. Architect Intern salaries in New York / Boston: $70,000-90,000. Returnees gain SLIA Chartered Architect status via RIBA-equivalent registration.
Related Programs
Master in Design Studies (MDes)
Harvard Graduate School of Design
AA Diploma (5-year integrated Master of Architecture)
Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA School)
Master of Architecture (MArch)
UCL Bartlett School of Architecture
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