Design for a changing world at one of Europe's most international, design-forward schools. Taught entirely in English in the heart of Madrid, IE's studio-based master blends architecture, technology and sustainability — and opens a 12-month post-study permit across the EU.
15 months
Full-time duration
€31,000
Tuition (programme)
Sep 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.5
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at one of Europe's most international, design-forward schools — taught in English
✓Studio-based learning blending architecture, technology and sustainability
✓ Study in the EU — 12-month post-study permit and Europe-wide mobility
IE's Master in Architecture is intensive and hands-on: you'll work through design studios and real briefs, developing skills in advanced design, computation, materials and sustainable urbanism. The cohort is genuinely global, and the faculty draws from leading international practice.
Graduates work across architecture, urban design, computational design and consultancy in Europe and worldwide. Studying in the EU opens a 12-month post-study job-seeking permit and pathways to practise across the continent.
Bachelor's in architecture or a related design/engineering field
Portfolio
Portfolio of design work required
English
IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 (English-taught)
Interview
Admissions interview / assessment
💡
Portfolio is the heart of a strong application. Your counsellor helps you curate and present your best design work to IE's standards.
What you'll study
Core areas
01 Design Studio
02 Computational Design
03 Materials & Construction
04 Sustainable Urbanism
05 Theory & History
06 Final Thesis Project
After you graduate
Career outcomes
€30k+
Typical starting salary in the EU
12-month permit
Post-study job-seeking in Spain
Fields
Architecture, urban & computational design
EU mobility
Work across the European Union
How to apply
Application timeline
Rolling from autumn 2025
Prepare your application
Assemble your portfolio, transcripts and English test, and draft your statement. IE admits on a rolling basis — earlier is better for places and scholarships.
Within weeks
Submit & interview
Submit your application and portfolio, then complete the admissions interview and assessment. Decisions typically follow quickly.
Spring – summer 2026
Offer & scholarships
Receive your offer and any scholarship award. Your counsellor helps you weigh funding and confirm your place.
Summer 2026
Accept & student visa
Accept your offer, then apply for your Spanish Type D student visa with proof of funds and insurance at the nearest consulate.
September 2026
Orientation & start
Arrive in Madrid for orientation and begin your Master in Architecture.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Full 15-month programme
€31,000
Reservation fee
To confirm your place
Varies
Student visa fee
Type D (national)
~€80
Health insurance
Required for visa
~€50/month
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
IE Talent & Merit Scholarships
IE University · Merit & portfolio
Partial tuition
Coverage: Tuition reduction, tiered by merit
Eligibility: Strong academic & design profiles
Duration: Programme
Deadline: Apply early — limited funds
Source: ie.edu financial aid, 2026
La Caixa Foundation Fellowship
Private foundation · Merit-based
Up to €18,000/yr
Coverage: Tuition + monthly stipend
Eligibility: Outstanding international postgraduates
Duration: 1–2 years
Deadline: Typically October–February
Source: fundacionlacaixa.org
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti MOHE, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International postgraduate loans · No collateral
Collateral-free loans for international students at leading European schools, assessed on your future earning potential rather than a cosigner.
Work during studies
Student visa holders · Up to 30 hrs/week
With a work authorisation you may work up to 30 hours per week during study — useful for studio-adjacent roles and internships in Madrid's design scene.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Madrid
Madrid is one of Europe's more affordable capitals — sunny, safe and social, with excellent transport and a rich architectural fabric to learn from. Sharing a flat keeps costs down.
Rent (shared flat)€500–€800
Food & groceries€250–€350
Transport (abono joven)€8–€55
Health insurance€50
Materials & supplies€60–€120
Personal & leisure€150–€300
Estimated total€1,050–€1,600/month
Student-visa financial requirement: €600/month (100% IPREM) in addition to tuition — via bank statements or a sponsor letter.
Student visa
Spanish student visa requirements
Visa type
Student Visa (Type D, national)
Acceptance letter
Admission letter from IE
Application fee
~€80
Financial proof
€600/month (100% IPREM) + tuition
Health cover
Private health insurance required
Post-graduation
12-month job-seeking permit (modificación de residencia)
Student stories
Hear from our students
"IE's studios felt like a real practice — global classmates, live briefs and tutors from top firms. Madrid is beautiful and affordable, and the 12-month permit gave me time to land a design role after graduating. My counsellor shaped my portfolio."
RH
Rania H.
MSc Architecture, IE — Class of 2026 · 🇦🇪 UAE
"Studying in English in the EU opened doors across Europe. The computational design work was exactly what I wanted, and living in Madrid on a student budget was very doable."
KM
Karim M.
MSc Architecture, IE — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an architecture background to apply?
Yes — the master builds on a prior degree in architecture (or a closely related design/engineering field) and requires a portfolio of your work. IE assesses your creative potential as much as your grades. Your counsellor helps you shape a strong portfolio and application free of charge.
Why study architecture in Madrid?
IE is one of Spain's most international, design-forward schools, taught fully in English with students from dozens of countries. Madrid is a vibrant, affordable European capital with rich architectural heritage — and studying in the EU opens Europe-wide practice and mobility.
Can I stay and work in Spain after graduating?
Yes. Spain offers a 12-month post-study job-seeking permit (modificación de residencia) that lets you stay to find work or start a business after your degree. You can also work up to 30 hours per week during study with a work authorisation.
Is the degree taught in English?
Yes, the program is delivered in English, so you don't need Spanish to study. Picking up conversational Spanish will help daily life and internships, and IE offers language support — but it isn't required for admission.
How much does living in Madrid cost?
Madrid is one of Europe's more affordable capitals — budget roughly €1,050–€1,600/month all-in, with shared rent the main cost. The student-visa financial requirement is €600/month (100% IPREM) plus tuition.
