Oslo School of Architecture & Design
- Last Updated on: June 5, 2025 by
- Sridhar Kongara
The Oslo School of Architecture & Design (AHO) is a specialized institution addressing the contemporary challenges in the field of architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design. The institution is well regarded globally, offers research-oriented education with adherence to sustainability and advanced technology. The campus has urban vibrancy, fostering creativity and innovation, with limited intake every year, the school provides focused and personalized education. It has a diverse student community, emphasizing collaborations and exchange programs.
Courses Offered
** Fees mentioned here are approximate and are per year, Unless specified otherwise
Why Choose this Oslo School of Architecture & Design
Research-Oriented Education & Focused Learning
- AHO offers research-based programs, ensuring students receive practical training and top-notch education simultaneously. The programs like, Master’s of Design with specialization in multiple disciplines equips students with relevant knowledge and skills.
- The school has strict admission policy, allowing only 15 new enrollments in each specialization every year. The students receive personalized attention and ample mentorship from the faculty. The optimum balance of student-faculty fosters innovation and creativity.
Read MoreLess
International Reputation & Global Collaborations
- The school is well regarded internationally, with ample national funding base and global rankings, it provides a conducive environment for students to pursue top-notch academic programs. In global subject-wise rankings, the school has maintained top slot ranking since many years.
- AHO has robust academic ties with many international institutions, allowing students to pursue global exchange programs. The students are encouraged for networking opportunities and collaborative research. Moreover, partnership with concerned industries ensures professional opportunities and rewarding careers.
Campus Facilities & Prime Location: The school provides advanced studios, academic workshops and cutting edge laboratories to support world-class education and research activities. The campus is based in Oslo, renowned for its contemporary architecture and sustainable urban development, ensuring students get both modern amenities and enriched learning experience.
Take first step towards your Study Abroad Journey
Campus Facilities at The Oslo School of Architecture & Design
Library & Research Facilities: The library at the campus is fully-equipped with relevant resources related to architecture and design. Students get access to vast collection of books and literature, including research database and archives, supporting projects and collaborative research activities of students and faculty.
Read MoreLess
Design Studios & Exhibitions
- AHO boasts specialized design studios for individual disciplines, enabling students to learn on innovative projects in a professional atmosphere. Workshops for metal, wood and plastic works, including a full-fledged construction hall for students to experiment with realistic material. It also provides 3D printers, laser cutting and laboratories for digital prototypes.
- Separate exhibition spaces, including auditorium and canteen at the campus allows students to collaborate for innovative projects. The school promotes students exhibitions and projects showcasing of student’s innovative and creativity work.
Modernized Campus & Student Life
- AHO has modernized campus that provides advanced academic and research facilities. The school is in process to expand the campus to accommodate growing student community. The expansion includes new academic buildings and administrative blocks, enhancing the learning experience of students.
- The students at the campus get access to various facilities such as bookstore, cafeteria, fitness centers and specialized cabins for relaxation. Career guidance, health services and counseling is provided for holistic development of students. It also offers affordable accommodation at nearby lodges and apartments in Oslo.
Student Services Offered by Oslo School of Architecture & Design
Career Support & Academic Guidance
- AHO provides comprehensive career support services to students such as, job application guidance, CV refinements and network opportunities. In addition, students get internships and professional opportunities to gain real-time experience to broaden their career prospects.
- The study advisors at the campus help students with academic guidance like, course selection and study strategy. Personalized counselling is provided by the advisors for coursework, exams and diploma. Extended support is available to students with disabilities, chronic illness and other personal hindrances.
Read MoreLess
Well-Being Support & International Exchange Opportunities
- SiO a student organization of Oslo and Akhershus provides concessional health services, mental health services and fitness centers for students. Free of charge counseling is provided to students struggling with personal and psychological challenges. AHO promotes safe and secure environment for all students at the campus, thereby any form of harassment or bullying has zero tolerance, robust mechanism is available to deal with these issues promptly.
- The school boasts strong partnership with more than 50 institutions worldwide, offering exchange opportunities to students. Students are encouraged to participate or get engaged in international collaborations in the field of architecture and design.
Social Activities & Student Council: The student council at the campus actively organizes various social and cultural activities, participates in students welfare activities. Moreover, students can explore multiple clubs, organizations and extracurricular activities to broaden their network and learn new skills.
Course Finder
Search from 1500+ English taught programs offered by French Institutions.
its easy, search by program name of by stream, specialization & Education level
Student Life at The Oslo School of Architecture & Design
Student-Led Organizations & Cultural Activities
- AHO boasts multiple student-led organizations, clubs and associations that promotes architecture, design and urban planning and sustainability. The Student Council called ‘SAHO’ which actively conducts various social and cultural events, networking opportunities and recreational activities. SiO a student organization of Oslo and Akhershus provides concessional health services, mental health services and fitness centers for students.
- Exhibitions, workshops and guest lectures are regular norm at the school, allowing students to showcase their talent and work. AHO encourage students to participate at national and international design competition. This ensures students gain international experience and global perspectives. Moreover, the city of Oslo is cultural headquarter of Europe, offering many museums, cultural landmarks and theatres within close proximity to the campus.
Read MoreLess
Interactive Campus Atmosphere & Outdoor Activities
- The campus of the school is based in metropolitan limits of Oslo, it is modern, open and bright, fostering spaces for innovations and collaborations. The school follows optimum balance of students and faculty, ensuring personalized attention and beneficial classroom interactions. The studio-based learning methods enhances hands-on learning and encourage teamwork.
- The campus is amply surrounded by parks, lakes and hiking trails. Students can explore these natural facilities to main balance between academic pursuance and recreational activities. The school encourage students for hiking, cycling and outdoor activities, necessary for maintenance good health and wellbeing.
International Community & Student Exchange: AHO welcomes international students from different universities across the world under exchange program, helping to create an inclusive and multi-cultural atmosphere at the campus. Moreover, students at the school get opportunity to study at over 50 institutions worldwide under exchange program.
Scholarships Offered by The Oslo School of Architecture & Design
Government & Private Grants: Students can seek government and private sponsored scholarships and grants such as, We Make Scholars grants, offering a plethora of 34 scholarships pertaining to concerned disciplines of the school. The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen), educational loans are available to students from specified countries subjected to satisfaction of academic and residence requirements.
Read MoreLess
AHO Scholarships: The school offers scholarships to students who have exceptional academic performance in the programs of master’s of architecture, landscape architecture and design. The scholarships provides partial tuition fee waivers or fund the research projects.
External Funding & Independent Scholarships: The Oslo School of Architecture Scholarship provides grants to students pursuing architecture programs. The Global Architecture Scholarships support international students who are pursuing architecture programs. While the Dash Tickets Foundation Scholarships are available for students pursuing bachelor’s programs in architecture and design.
Procedure to Apply & Eligibility Criteria: Students must check the deadlines of scholarships, as they differ. Scholarship application along with relevant documents such as, academic transcripts, letter of recommendation and statement of purpose must be submitted to official websites of external scholarships or to school’s portal only.
Internships & Placements at The Oslo School of Architecture & Design
Industry Collaborations & Internship Program
- AHO lays strong emphasis on practical learning along with academic excellence, therefore it provides valuable and beneficial professional opportunities to students by partnership with leading organizations. Students are placed at leading architecture and design firms, allowing students to grasp appropriate skills and relevant experience. Additionally the school organizes career fairs, professional events and workshops, enabling students to connect with industry experts and alumni.
- Structured internship is provided to students at the school, most of the students undertake internships at prestigious architectural, design and urban planning firms, strengthening their skills by working at real-world scenarios. Many students pursuing master’s of design program were placed at leading organizations both in Norway and internationally.
Read MoreLess
Job Placement Assistance & International Opportunities
- The school has its own job portal, where students can browse innumerable postings, freelancing opportunities and full-time employment. Further, AHO provides comprehensive guidance and career services such as job application guidance, refining interview techniques and portfolio development.
- AHO encourage and assists students to compete at international level in design competitions. The global competitions help students to augment their portfolios and international recognition. Ample opportunities are provided for students to participate in academic and research collaborations at global level.
Get Expert Guidance
Study in Norway with Expert Guidance
With over 8+ years of experience and 30+ Norway Counsellors, We can get admission into your dream Norwegian Institution.
Entry Requirements at The Oslo School of Architecture & Design
For Undergraduate Entry: The applicants must have a secondary school qualification at par with Norwegian higher education entrance qualification. International applicants must satisfy both the academic and language proficiency requirements as specified by Norwegian regulations.
For Postgraduate Entry
- Applicants who are seeking entry in master’s of design program must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 180 ECTS credits, in addition, they must have minimum 80 ECTS credits in design related course. They must also be able to work on physical model as part of design process
- Applicants seeking entry in master’s of architecture and master’s of landscape architecture should possess a bachelor’s degree concerned subjects or related fields. A strong portfolio showcasing previous architecture and design work is also mandatory
Read MoreLess
English Language Proficiency Requirements: Since AHO is an international institution, the postgraduate programs are entirely taught in English language only, therefore the applicants must demonstrate prescribed English language proficiency via following tests. TOEFL iBT – minimum score of 80 or IELTS – at least overall score of 6.5 or CEFR Scale – minimum B2, preferred C1.
Application Process: Applicants are advised to submit all required documents in either English language or Scandinavian languages. The documents required for admission process are, completed application form, academic transcripts and diploma, English language proficiency certificate, portfolio (for architecture & design program), curriculum vitae and statement of purpose.
Rankings & Awards of The Oslo School of Architecture & Design
International Rankings: AHO continuously ranks as one of the top institutions of Norway as per different agencies. Subjects such as Architecture and Built Environment was placed in the bracket of 201-240 worldwide as per QS World University Rankings by Subjects in 2023.
Domestic & Global Recognition: AHO is recognized as one of the premier institutions in the world, primarily due to modern learning approach and futuristic facilities. It receives funds by Norwegian government regularly, ensuring top-notch academic and research activities. It has been bestowed with numerous awards in the category of sustainability, urban planning and design.
Read MoreLess
Notable Achievements: The faculty at the school received recognition at both national and international levels, it won several awards and competitions in the category of architecture and design projects. The school has partnership with leading firms, organizations and agencies all over the world, strengthening its global presence.
Acceptance Rate of The Oslo School of Architecture & Design (AHO)
- The acceptance rate of The Oslo School of Architecture & Design is around 10-15% only, thus making it one of the most selective institutions of architecture and design in Europe. In fact, few sources has suggested acceptance rate as low as 9%, reflecting its extreme admission policy.
- The main factor that influence the extremely low acceptance rate is allowing less number students in different programs. The school allows only 15 intakes every year in each discipline, ensuring individualistic attention and high standards of academic impartation.
- The master’s of design specialization program allows only 15 applicants to pursue education, thereby making the entry process extremely competitive. Other factors that influence the rigorous entry process at the school are, robust portfolio requirements, academic excellence and language proficiency requirements.
Apply Today
Gallery
Written By
