The 12 Hidden Costs of M.Arch Abroad You Should Know (+ A Better Alternative)

The Allure of an International M.Arch

It is hard to put a price tag on an international M.Arch. Despite the extravagant cost, many students dream of earning their master’s degrees abroad.

The allure of getting a degree from a foreign university (brownie points if it’s a prestigious one!) has attracted many aspiring architects to pursue their M.Arch abroad. Some came for education, some for the name, and some for the international opportunities and network.

The diverse experiences and perspectives gained during a master’s abroad are undeniable. There are also many architects who pursue a more specialised degree other than M.Arch that may not be offered in their home country. Regardless of the reason, many Indian graduates and architects are going abroad for their master’s.

Credit: The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture

12 Hidden Costs of Pursuing an M.Arch Abroad

Tuition Fees: Beyond the Advertised Numbers

Let’s face it – some of the best M.Arch colleges in the world are expensive. The USA and the UK are known for their world-class education. But, their prestigious universities also come with a solid price tag for tuition fees.

Most NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board)-accredited programmes in U.S. universities run for 2 years full-time. Usually, tuition fees are stated per semester or year, and the first and second years can have different tuition fees. Moreover, depending on the country and university, the tuition fees may be different for local residents and international students. For example, the University of Idaho in the U.S. charges USD 11,132 for Idaho residents and USD 30,368 for non-Idaho residents. So make sure you’re calculating the correct fees.

Here are estimates of annual tuition fees for international students from M.Arch colleges abroad:

For M.Arch colleges in Europe, or the EU more specifically, check each university directly, as the fees are different across all countries.

Other Hidden Fees to the University 

Now, there is another cost that many students tend to forget – the administrative fees. This isn’t the application fee, which is the amount you pay to apply to the university. Certain universities like SCI-ARC charge a one-time international student fee of USD 800, as well as an administrative fee of USD 600. 

Also read: Architect vs. BIM Architect: A Comparative Guide to Careers & Salaries

Living Expenses: Accommodation, Food, and Daily Costs

The living expenses for students comprise accommodation, food or groceries, daily commute and other miscellaneous costs.

Depending on the university location, students can find a range of accommodation choices, from on-campus hostels to shared rooms and studios. If you are planning to attend universities in L.A., New York, London or Amsterdam, to name a few, be prepared for high rental fees. 

Credit: Unsplash

Academic Materials and Studio Supplies

Academic materials can go up to several hundred to thousands of dollars per year, and this fee depends on the university. You may most likely have to buy your own studio supplies too, including model-making materials and printing.

Health Insurance and Medical Expenses

Health or medical insurance is a must-have, especially in a foreign country. In fact, certain countries or universities require students to get health insurance as part of the visa application.

The cost and the coverage vary by provider and province. Schools like SCI-Arc in the U.S. charge a mandatory annual SCI-Arc Student Health Insurance Fee of USD 3112, but it can be waived with proof of comparable insurance. 

Medical expenses are only ‘what-if’ cases, but all students need to be prepared to pay for medical emergencies that may or may not be covered by the health insurance.

Travel and Relocation Costs: Flight and Visa

Once you are accepted into an M.Arch programme, you will then have to start planning and paying to relocate to a new country. Obviously, there are flights to buy and visas to be applied. Travel insurance may be required to apply for a visa. All of the above are part of the cost incurred for your M.Arch abroad.

Now we have the costs in the list above. But, there is something international students cannot forget – the exchange rates. Fluctuation in exchange rates often follows political and economic changes. It’s best to maintain a buffer in your budget to account for potential currency fluctuations when estimating total expenses.

Opportunity Costs: Time and Lost Income

How about the opportunity cost? Opportunity cost refers to the income or benefits lost due to a decision made in favour of another option. In this case, we are talking about the income lost during the 2 years of M.Arch studies. Master in Architecture is a strenuous course that requires rigorous dedication. Even doing part-time or freelance work will be tough with all the coursework deadlines chasing after you.

For an architect earning an average or higher salary, the lost opportunity cost will be evident to notice. So now ask yourself; is M.Arch worth losing your income for 2 years?

Credit: Unsplash

Post-Graduation Financial Considerations

Assume you resigned from your job before starting your master’s. You need to start applying for jobs and internships even before you graduate. Here’s the ugly truth – having an M.Arch doesn’t guarantee a good job or better pay immediately. 

Most countries allow recent graduates an extension of stay by 1-2 years with a graduate visa. By staying, you will be adding more visa fees and living expenses. 

Novatr’s BIM Professional Course: A Cost-Effective Alternative

Although we can’t help you solve all the financial matters, we can share a better solution to getting better opportunities than a master’s degree. Enter Novatr’s BIM Professional Course – the cost-effective alternative to upskilling and getting better job opportunities.

With the BIM Professional Course, you are ready to take on real-world BIM projects in just 7 months. And it’s all part-time study of weekly lessons so you can keep your job (no opportunity cost). Then, is it effective? Yes, because the course is planned and delivered by architects and BIM professionals working in international firms. 

Within 7 months and USD 3500, learners will explore the basics of Revit, then BIM workflows for architects, ending with a RIBA and ISO-certified capstone project. BIM isn’t just about designing and 3D modelling; that’s why we also offer a specialisation studio in 4D, 5D and 6D BIM Dimensions.