Frequently Asked Questions
You can find detailed information about all of our academic portfolio on each programme webpage. We also recommend downloading the booklet of your programme of interest to review information about the academic structure, program goals and more.
Visit our Educational Programmes page to review all our educational portfolio.
Most of our masters programmes can be taken as a 1, or 2-year option. 1-year masters award 90 ECTS, while 2-year masters award 120 ECTS.
1-year option
The first year of the Masters includes the main academic load of the programmes and follows a structure of 3 terms, each 3 months long. During the 1- year options students take lectures, seminars and design studios equivalent to 90 ECTS.
2-year option
Students who chose to pursue a 2-year program continue their studies for an additional 9-10 months where they will have the unique opportunity to work on an individual thesis project focused on the development of a research or pilot project based on the student’s interests and learnings of the first year.
Students interested in pursuing the Master in Advanced Architecture (MAA01) or Masters in Robotics and Advanced Construction (MRAC01) can combine either of these programs with IAAC’s 3D Printing for Architecture postgraduate programme (3DPA), which is an intensive applied research programme that combines academy and industry and focuses on developing innovative solutions in a wide range of fields (architecture, design, construction interaction, technology).
The MAA+3DPA or MRAC+3DPA programmes award 90 ECTS for MAA01 OR MRAC01 + 45 ECTS for 3DPA
The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design (MACAD) is a fully online masters programme that awards 60 ECTS and it is composed of 3 modules + a master thesis.
As an alternative to the full MACAD programme, students can complete each module independently to obtain a University Expert diploma, which awards 15 ECTS separately.
All IAAC activities and academic programmes (with the exception of Maestría en Urbanismo Próximo (MaUP) are conducted in English. Therefore, applicants are expected to be proficient in their use of English.
The program coordinators will share the final academic calendars with the students upon registration at the beginning of the academic year in October of each year.
General dates to keep in mind for the 2024-2025 academic year include*:
IAAC 3DPA Pre-courses Kick-off – Last week August 2024
IAAC On-Campus Programmes Pre-courses– last 3 weeks of September 2024
IAAC Kick-off// Welcome Day – 1st of October 2024
1st Term Begins – October 2024
1st Term Ends – December 2024
Winter Break – End of December / Beginning of January (depending on the Holiday Calendar)
2nd Term Begins – January 2025
2nd Term Ends – March 2025
Spring Break – End of March / beginning of April (depending on the Holiday Calendar)
3rd Term Begins – April 2025
3rd Term Ends – July 2025
IAAC Graduation – July 2025. Exact date to be confirmed
*Dates are subject to change.
** Students must confirm the exact dates with their coordinators for any personal or travel arrangements.
Grades are awarded for courses at the discretion of the professor responsible for the course. Students are required by IAAC to have a Pass or higher grade (5.0 or above) in each of the courses they follow, as well as maintaining at least a 5 grade point average. Students who fail to meet this standard, or who in other respects do not make normal progress toward the degree, are subject to dismissal.
The grading system goes from 1 to 10:
9.0 – 10 Excellent/Distinction
7.0 – 8.9 Good
5.0 – 6.9 Pass
0 – 4.9 Fail (this means that the student is not going to get his/her/their Master Degree. In case of MAA02, MRAC02, MAEBB02, MDEF02 and MaAI02 students they will not be allowed to pursue the second year of the Master. This grade will be justified and well explained by the course’s tutor)
The grading system is based on:
I. Attendance
II. Effort/Commitment
III. Discussion/Participation
IV. Final outcome/achievement (depending on seminar’s requirements)
V. Blog Posts (depending on seminar’s requirements)
VI. Public presentations (depending on seminar’s requirements)
ALL IAAC Educational programmes run with a minimum enrolment of 11 students.
IAAC reserves the right to cancel any programme if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Between 30 and 10 days prior to the start of a programme IAAC will let the students know if the minimum number of participants is met or not. If IAAC cancels a programme, the student will be given a full refund of any amount paid for the cancelled course, without losing administrative fees. If a programme is cancelled, a student may decide whether to be transferred to another programme or to receive a full refund of any amount paid for the cancelled course without losing administrative fees.
GSS – Global Summer School
Every summer during the month of July, IAAC hosts its Global Summer School (Link) where participants have the opportunity to engage in workshops focusing on the latest digital tools and software, covering topics such as, advanced computation design, urban analytics and artificial intelligence for regenerative design, among others. Most modules last one week and are hosted online. Depending on the year, some modules might be hosted in Barcelona covering topics related to digital fabrication or computational design.
Visit the GSS webpage (Link) to learn more about this program.
CIEE Visiting School
IAAC partners with CIEE (U.S.A) to offer the semester-long study abroad programme Global Architecture & Design. Visit the CIEE Global Architecture & Design programme webpage (Link) to learn more about this program.
Visit our Fees and Scholarships page to review the programmes´ tuition fees.
The enrollment fee is a NON-refundable payment. Accepted students must confirm enrolment by paying the enrolment deposit within four (4) weeks after receiving the acceptance letter. The enrolment deposit is deducted from the programmes´ tuition fees.
Visit our Fees and Scholarships page to review the enrollment deposit fees.
Applicants must submit their application and supporting documents electronically via our Applications Portal. In order to access the portal, applicants need to register using their email address. There is a non-refundable application fee of 50€.
IAAC accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning applications are reviewed and accepted as they are submitted. Early applicants have a higher chance of securing a seat. As spaces are limited, we strongly encourage early applications.
Important: Non-EU students should apply early to allow sufficient time for their Spanish student visa process.
For the academic year 2025-26, the application periods are:
- First application period – November 4th, 2024 – January 18th, 2025
- Second application period – January 20th – March 22nd, 2025
- Third application period – March 24th – May 31st, 2025
- Fourth application period* – June 2nd – August 9th, 2025
*The fourth period is mainly for online programmes. On-campus programme applications submitted after May 31st will be reviewed based on availability.
Applicants can apply to a maximum of two programmes. Each programme application must be submitted separately. During the application process, applicants will also be asked to select their primary programme of interest.
Yes, you can apply during the final year of your undergraduate studies. You will need to submit a transcript or letter from your current university confirming that you will graduate before the start of your IAAC programme. Admission will be conditional, and you must submit a certified/legalised copy of your degree certificate before the programme starts.
Is there a template for the letters of recommendation?
There is no specific template for these documents. However, the letter of recommendation should include:
- Introduction (Who the recommender is and their relationship to the applicant)
- Overview of the applicant’s skills, work, or research
- Assessment of the applicant’s character and abilities
Note: Recommendation letters are submitted electronically via our application portal. Applicants must enter the recommender’s email address, and the system will send them a request. Ensure that your recommenders are aware in advance.
IAAC welcomes students with diverse academic backgrounds including architecture,urbanism, design, engineering and other related fields. Depending on the programme of interest, and technical skills of the applicant, other majors will, and have been accepted to our programmes. These majors/backgrounds include, but are not limited to business, biology, environmental science, social sciences. IAAC´s programmes are multidisciplinary and are enriched by the diverse cultural, academic and professional backgrounds of our students.
Please note that some programmes may have specific eligibility criteria and technical skills requirements. Check the webpage of your programme of interest for more information.
The primary resource interested applicants is our Admissions Webpage. It contains useful information about IAAC, as well as our application and admissions processes.
For additional questions, you can contact our Admissions team at [email protected]. You can also book a 30-minute video call with our admissions manager.
On-campus students:
Non-EU citizens who plan to study in Spain for a period of more than three months must apply for an “open”, multiple-entry student visa. This type of visa (Visado de Estudios) is valid for entering the European Union’s Schengen Area for three months from the date of issue.
Visa applications are processed by the Spanish consulate(s) in the country of residence of the applicant. We strongly encourage applicants from outside the EU to apply well in advance to allow for sufficient time to process their Spanish student visa.
Note: To apply for your student visa, you will need to submit some apostilled or legalised documents. To avoid delays with your visa application, please start researching the required list of documents as soon as possible.
Online students:
Students participating in online programmes do not need to process a visa as they will be attending their studies virtually from their country of residence.
IAAC does not offer accommodations for students pursuing a programme of study at our Pujades campus (Poblenou neighbourhood). Students are encouraged to explore external options.
Students accepted into the Masters in Ecological Buildings and Biocities (MAEBB) will reside at the Valldaura Campus located in Collserola Natural Park.
You can find more information about accommodation options and resources in our admissions webpage.
The average monthly expenses can vary depending on each student’s lifestyle and personal choices. We offer an illustrative monthly budget to help you plan your finances while studying in Barcelona in our admissions webpage.
While having some knowledge of Spanish or Catalan is a great advantage while you are living in Barcelona, IAAC’s official language is English. This means that all of our courses, lectures, and guest speakers are conducted in English. Barcelona is also a very international city, and many people speak English fluently.
Yes. IAAC requires all students to have their own computer (laptop). If you are accepted into a program, we can provide you with minimum computer performance recommendations.
Pre-courses are introductory intensive courses offered to accepted applicants who may need to refine their proficiency in the software and tools central to the IAAC curriculum. Some accepted students may be required to take preparatory courses before the start of the academic year.
Pre-courses are offered for the following programmes : Masters in Advanced Architecture (MAA), Masters in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities (MAEBB), Masters in City & Technology (MaCT), Masters in Design for Emergent Futures (MDEF), and Masters in Robotics & Advanced Construction (MRAC), Postgraduate degree in 3D Printed Architecture (3DPA), and Masters in Advanced Computation for Architecture and Design (MACAD).
Pre-courses incur additional fees not included in the programme tuition. Applicants who are accepted to a program under the condition of the mandatory completion of the pre-courses must pay the corresponding fees and make sure to arrive in Barcelona 3 weeks before official start of the programme if attending an in-person programme.
You can find more information about our precourses here.
All IAAC programmes award Lifelong Learning Postgraduate Diplomas accredited by the Universitat de Lleida (UdL), adhering to the standards of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
The Master in Advanced Architecture is accredited by UdL with:
- 90 ECTS credits for the Master in Advanced Architecture I
- 120 ECTS credits for the Master in Advanced Architecture II
The Master in City and Technology is accredited by UdL with:
- 90 ECTS credits for the Master in City and Technology I
- 120 ECTS credits for the Master in City and Technology II
The Postgraduate in 3D Printing Architecture (3DPA) is accredited with 45 ECTS credits.
The Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities is accredited by UdL with:
- 90 ECTS credits for the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities I
- 120 ECTS credits for the Master in Advanced Ecological Buildings & Biocities II
The Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction is accredited by UdL with:
- 90 ECTS credits for the Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction I
- 120 ECTS credits for the Master in Robotics and Advanced Construction II
The Master in Design for Emergent Futures is accredited by UdL with:
- 90 ECTS credits for the Master in Design for Emergent Futures I
- 120 ECTS credits for the Master in Design for Emergent Futures II
The Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment is accredited by UdL with:
- 90 ECTS credits for the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment I
- 120 ECTS credits for the Master in AI for Architecture & the Built Environment II
The Master in Advanced Computation for Architecture & Design (MACAD) is accredited by UdL with 60 ECTS credits.
The Postgraduate in Fab Academy BCN: Applications and Implications of Digital Fabrication is accredited with 45 ECTS credits.
The Postgraduate in Fabricademy BCN: Textile and Technology Academy is accredited with 45 ECTS credits.
The Master’s Degree in Design for Distributed Innovation is accredited with 60 ECTS credits.
The Maestría de Formación Permanente en Ciudades: El Urbanismo Próximo is accredited with 60 ECTS credits.
All the IAAC Masters programmes are awarded by Universitat de Lleida (UdL) according to the university’s own standards for postgraduate studies. Spanish regulation specifies that universities can instruct studies that lead to obtaining other degrees apart from the Graduate, University Master or Doctorate.
Every country has its own system of accreditation, therefore, we suggest that each student should pass the above information to the ministry of education in their home country to assure compatibility.
ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System, the standard adopted by all universities in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to ensure the homogeneity and quality of the courses they offer.
An ECTS credit is equal to 25 hours of work, counting class hours and in addition, all the other activities carried out during a student’s learning process (studying, assignments, practical work, etc.).
In Spain, a postgraduate master degree, as the one we offer at IAAC, does not lead to an Architectural License. However, if you hold an architecture degree from another country, you may apply for recognition (Homologación) through the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport.
Note: Each country has its own accreditation system. We advise checking the compatibility of your diploma with your country’s Ministry of Education if you wish to pursue an architectural licence in your home country.
Upon successful completion of the first year, students with outstanding academic performance may apply for research or teaching assistantships.
The IAAC Alumni Network provides exclusive job placement opportunities for graduates. Beyond this network, the professional relationships you build during your studies at IAAC will also unlock numerous opportunities in both professional and academic fields.
In this regard, 70% of IAAC Alumni find employment (either in the professional realm or academia) within six months of completing the Master’s programme. Moreover, 90% of graduates secure a job within one year of completing the Master’s programme due to the strong professional networks they build through IAAC.
The IAAC Alumni Community is a vibrant global network of forward-thinking professionals, embodying the principles of IAAC. Spanning continents, this dynamic group continues to collaborate with IAAC on academic and research initiatives, driving innovation and impact in the fields of architecture, urbanism, computation, design, fabrication, robotics and construction.
In the past 25 years, over 2,000 students from 128 countries have passed through IAAC’s doors, contributing to a diverse and multicultural environment. Alumni hail from all corners of the globe, including China, the UK, USA, Australia, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Iran, Thailand, Russia, and many more.
The IAAC Alumni Network connects its members to exclusive global job opportunities and offers and encourages them to lead initiatives worldwide, with the IAAC network promoting and amplifying these efforts through its global connections.
Every two years, the IAAC Alumni gather for a dedicated Alumni Meeting and Symposium, a unique platform for showcasing post-IAAC achievements and exchanging ideas, ensuring a connected and thriving community.
Together, the IAAC Alumni Community not only shapes the future but also fosters a lifelong connection to a global network of visionary innovators.