The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO)

The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO) is located in Norway's capital, Oslo, and was established in 1961. It is one of Norway's three architecture schools and comprises four main faculties: Architecture, Urban Planning and Landscape, Industrial Design, and Form, Theory, and History.​

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Related Program List​

​AHO offers programs in three major areas: Architecture, Landscape, and Design, all falling under The Oslo School of Architecture and Design faculty.​

Programs frequently applied for by students in the architecture-related fields:​

  1. Master of Architecture - Duration: 11 semesters (2.5 years of graduate study, preceded by undergraduate education)
  2. Master of Design - Duration: 2 years​
  3. Master of Landscape Architecture​ - Duration: 4 semesters

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Admission Requirements​

​Program-Specific Requirements​

  1. Master of Architecture (MArch)​
    Students with a bachelor’s degree in architecture or an equivalent undergraduate education of at least 3 years may apply for admission directly into the 4th year (master's level) of the one-tier Master of Architecture program at AHO.​
    Requirements:​
    Material technology – 5 ECTS​
    Structural mechanics and building construction – 10 ECTS​
    Architectural history – 30 ECTS​
    Urbanism – 60 ECTS​
    Engineering/Planning/Projecting – 80 ECTS​
    Introduction to philosophy and method – 10 ECTS​
    Some of the disciplines may overlap – you must have completed a total of 180 ECTS.​
    You must submit course descriptions in English for all required courses. (If your university does not have an English version of the course descriptions, they must be translated into English by an authorized translator.)​
    If your university uses a different credit system than ECTS, you must submit a conversion guide.
  2. Master of Design (MDes)​
    Students with a bachelor’s degree in design or equivalent undergraduate education of at least 3 years (180 ECTS) may apply for the Master of Design.
  3. Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)​
    Students with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent undergraduate education in landscape architecture, architecture, or other related spatial design studies are welcome to apply for admission to the International Master of Landscape Architecture at AHO.​

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Language Requirements​

  1. TOEFL iBT​
    Minimum score: 80 points​
    AHO TOEFL code: 5000​
  2. IELTS​
    IELTS Academic version, International English Language Testing Service (British Council), with a minimum score of 6.5 points.​

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Application Materials​

  1. ​CV
  2. Transcript of records/diploma/diploma supplement from relevant higher education (university level) (in English or a Scandinavian language)​
  3. Portfolio​
  4. Documentation of knowledge of the English language​
  5. Letter of Motivation​

For applicants to Master in Architecture (MArch), additional documents are required:​

Application form for recognition of previous studies​

Course descriptions in English​

Credit conversion guide (only for systems other than ECTS)

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Common Questions Regarding Application Materials:​

  1. Transcript of Records/Diploma/Diploma Supplement
    The transcript should clearly show the school, study period, results, and courses completed.​
    If the transcript or diploma supplement is not available in English, it must be translated by an authorized translator.
    High school diplomas should not be uploaded, unless you have taken relevant courses outside your undergraduate degree.​
  2. Portfolio​
    Your portfolio should be a single PDF file of maximum 15MB.
    The portfolio should feature a selection of works/projects from both your studies and work experience, showcasing your own creations.
    MArch: The portfolio should demonstrate your understanding of various aspects of architecture, your skills, and your ability to represent ideas clearly. Focus on structure, clarity, and the conceptualization of projects rather than only completed assignments.
    MDes: The portfolio should show your design background and include 5-10 design projects with a description of each, highlighting the process and your role in group projects.​
    MLA: The portfolio should reflect your work in landscape architecture/architecture, demonstrating sensibility, variety of representation, and clarity.
  3. Application Form for Recognition of Previous Studies
    This form details how your previous courses meet AHO's course requirements. If space is limited, include course codes and full names in the explanatory section.
  4. Course Descriptions in English​
    Required only for courses that are part of the program prerequisites. Include credits awarded for each course.
  5. Credit Conversion Guide
    If your institution uses a credit system other than ECTS, provide a guide that explains how your credits translate into ECTS.​
    Full-time undergraduate studies at AHO are equivalent to 180 ECTS credits.
  6. Application Guidelines for International Applicants:​

    AHO Application Guidelines​

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    Important Notes​

    1. Application Submission
      All applications must be submitted digitally through the online application service, Søknadsweb. Registration for applications begins in early January.​
      In Søknadsweb, you must register as an international applicant. After registration, you will receive an email with login credentials. Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline.​
    2. Response to the Application​
      You will receive the assessment results by April 20th. Log in to Søknadsweb to check the status of your application.​
    3. Undergraduate Diploma Inspection
      All applicants admitted to AHO must present the original diploma and transcript of records from their undergraduate studies for inspection upon arrival at AHO.​
    4. Frequently Asked Questions​
      For more details, visit the official FAQ section: AHO FAQ

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