Architecture at Carleton: Admission Average
Carleton University · Ottawa, ON
What average do you need for Architecture at Carleton?
Architecture at Carleton University typically admits students with averages in the high 80s, roughly 85–89%, plus portfolio. It ranks #2 of 15 Carleton programs by admission average.
Portfolio required, strong urban and sustainable design focus.
How competitive is it?
Of the 7 universities we track that offer it, none ask for a higher average and none ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 85% up to 89% is inside it, and 81% up to 85% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Architecture at other universities
- University of Toronto – high 80s
- University of Waterloo – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- Université de Montréal – high 80s + portfolio
- Université Laval – high 80s + portfolio
- University of Manitoba – high 80s + portfolio
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Physics (recommended)
- Portfolio of creative work
- One additional U/M course
First-year courses
- Design Studio I
- Architectural History
- Structures I
- Environmental Systems
- Drawing & Representation
These are typical for Architecture programs across Canada. About the Architecture degree
After a Architecture degree
Architecture usually takes 5-year BArch or 4-year BA + 2-year MArch.
- Architect – $55,000 to $120,000
- Urban Planner – $60,000 to $120,000
- Studio culture means very long hours - architecture students consistently report the highest workload of any program.
- The portfolio is the single most important admission component - start building it in G10.
- Waterloo's architecture program co-op is unique - students alternate between school and practice every semester.
Applying to Carleton
Carleton University is Ottawa's second major university and is known for exceptional engineering, journalism, public policy, and cybersecurity programs. Its proximity to the federal government and National Capital Region tech sector makes it a genuine advantage for co-op placements. Carleton has an outstanding tunnel system connecting virtually every building on campus - a much-appreciated practical detail in Canadian winters.
Carleton University is in Ottawa, ON, was founded in 1942 and has about 31,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,100 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- Carleton's cybersecurity programs have direct connections to the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and RCMP.
- The co-op program places heavily in federal government, tech firms, and aerospace - an Ottawa advantage that's hard to replicate.
- Carleton's tunnel system connecting all buildings is genuinely useful in harsh Ottawa winters.
Other Carleton programs
- Aerospace Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Software Engineering – high 80s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s
- Civil Engineering – high 80s
- Computer Systems Engineering – high 80s
- Journalism – mid-to-high 80s
- Public Affairs & Policy Mgmt (BPAPM) – mid-to-high 80s
- Industrial Design – high 80s + portfolio
- Psychology – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science – mid 80s
- Law & Legal Studies (BA) – mid-to-high 80s
- Criminology & Criminal Justice – mid 80s