UCLA Architecture and Urban Design (AUD) is now welcoming applications to AUD's Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design (MSAUD), and MA/PhD programs, with an application deadline of January 6, 2026 for Fall 2026 matriculation.

If you are applying for the Architectural Studies B.A. (Fall 2026 admission cycle), the regular University of California application is due November 30, 2025, and the supplement is due January 20, 2026. For more information, please see the UCLA Arts Undergraduate Admission FAQ.

Official application for MArch, MSAUD, MA, PhD: click here

As you consider and prepare your materials, AUD is eager to assist in the process.

The basics

Applications for the MArch, MSAUD, and MA/PhD programs are completed via the UCLA Application for Graduate Admission, and are due January 6, 2026.

Candidates will be notified of admissions and financial decisions in March 2026.

Admitted candidates who wish to accept the offer of matriculation must submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by April 15, 2026.

Please review our application checklists for each respective program:

MArch application checklist
MSAUD application checklist
MA/PhD application checklist

Join our Fall 2025 admissions events

We are pleased to offer a variety of online events this fall to help you get to know UCLA AUD.

We'll hold our Fall 2025 Virtual Open House for graduate programs (MArch, MSAUD, MA, and PhD) on Tuesday, October 28, 5:00 to 6:30 pm PST. Bookmark the Open House event page to learn more. Please register via Zoom.

Then, we'll hold a series of online Info Sessions, Office Hours, and a Portfolio Workshop to assist you in preparing your application materials. We also welcome prospective students to Perloff Hall for our annual Open Studio Day on Monday, November 3, starting at 1:00 pm in Perloff Gallery. AUD's Vice Chair Kutan Ayata will offer a brief program presentation, followed by student tours of Perloff Hall's studio and fabrication spaces, and a chance for visitors to check out some of our midreview sessions. Please email admissions@aud.ucla.edu to reserve your spot.

Please review our Admissions page for all dates and details.

GRE is optional

The GRE standardized exam is NOT required as part of your application to UCLA AUD. No preference will be given to those who choose to submit GRE scores as part of their application. More information on this standardized exam can be found via the ETS website.

However, if you do take the GRE exam and wish to include it as part of your application: In addition to uploading your GRE scores, please direct ETS to send us your official score sheets. We recommend you take the exam at least three weeks before the application deadline as it usually takes 2-3 weeks for ETS to send us the test scores. AUD's ETS codes for the GRE are:

UCLA Architecture and Urban Design
Institution Code: 4837
Department Code: 4401

Tips

While there is no "perfect application," we offer some general guidance and tips that might enrich your application.

Your statement of purpose and your personal statement offer an opportunity to present not only your accomplishments and your studies, but also your goals and interests. We review these with great care, alongside your portfolio and other application materials, so we encourage you to begin drafting these written statements early.

Applicants must upload a scanned copy of the official transcripts from each college or university you have attended both in the U.S. and abroad. If you are accepted into the program you will be required to submit hard copies. These can either be sent directly from each institution or hand-delivered as long as they remain in the official, signed, sealed envelopes from your college or university. As a general rule, UCLA Graduate Division sets a minimum required overall grade-point average of 3.0 (B), or the foreign equivalent.

For MArch and MSAUD candidates: Your digital portfolio of original creative work is a central part of your application. Please upload your portfolio in the “Architecture” section of the online portal. Your portfolio should be formatted at 8-1/2" x 11", and saved as a single PDF file no greater than 15 MB. We suggest designing your portfolio as single sheets, with your name clearly stated on the cover page. Image sizes should be at least 150 dpi and no more than 300 dpi for print. Content is not restricted to any particular subject area, the material should form a cohesive presentation and represent your previous experience and creative abilities. It can be used to showcase both academic and professional work and can include both graphic and written material. If you are including professional work please be sure to properly credit others and / or explain your role as part of a team.

Tip: check out our Fall 2023 Portfolio Workshop, led by Natasha Sandmeier, as you work on your portfolio

What happens AFTER you apply

Applications for all AUD graduate programs (MArch, MSAUD, and MA/PhD) must be submitted online by January 6, 2026 via the UCLA Application for Graduate Admission

AUD admissions committees will meet throughout January and February 2026 to review applications and reach admissions decisions.

All MArch, MSAUD, and MA/PhD applicants will be notified of an admissions and, if applicable, departmental aid decision in March 2026, via UCLA's Division of Graduate Education; your admissions decision and departmental aid decision will most likely arrive in separate letters. You will hear and receive information directly from AUD throughout the process, too -- however, please note that you will receive the official notification and all terms of your admission from UCLA's Division of Graduate Education. We at AUD will ensure your admissions communications are as efficient and informative as possible.

AUD will hold a Spring Open House session in Spring 2026, with details to be shared as soon as they are available.

Admitted students will have until April 15, 2026 to submit what's called a Statement of Intent to Register, or SIR, in order to confirm their place at AUD; the SIR is submitted and administered through the Division of Graduate Education.

Be in touch

If you wish to visit AUD at our Perloff Hall home, please contact AUDOffice@aud.ucla.edu.

If you wish to get more information about the application process or resolve any admissions questions, please contact Admissions@aud.ucla.edu.

Further details for each program's application process are available via our program webpages:

MArch
MSAUD
MA/PhD