Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) in Sustainable Urban Design at Saveetha College of Architecture and Design (SCAD), a constituent unit of Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) Deemed University, Chennai, is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme focused on the principles and practices of urban design, sustainable planning, and architectural theory. The programme equips students with advanced skills in urban analysis, design studios, sustainable development strategies, and research methodologies, preparing them for careers in urban planning, architectural consultancy, academia, and government bodies. The total fees for the programme are Rs. 1,80,000 over two years, making it one of the more affordable M.Arch programmes in Tamil Nadu. With a seat intake of 20, the programme offers a focused and personalised learning environment. Admission is merit-based on the last qualifying examination, and the course is offered in full-time on-campus mode at the SCAD campus in Thandalam, Chennai.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open. Applications for the Summer 2026 batch opened in March 2026. Candidates are advised to apply at the earliest as seats are limited to 20. The batch is expected to commence in June 2026.

Key Points

SCAD is a constituent college of SIMATS Deemed University, which holds NAAC A++ accreditation and is ranked 13th among universities in India by NIRF 2025.
The M.Arch programme specialises in Sustainable Urban Design, a niche and high-demand area combining architecture, urban planning, and environmental sustainability.
The programme uses a Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) allowing students to select courses and faculty of their choice each semester.
SCAD offers international exposure through national and international tours, winter and summer programmes, and collaborations with global partner institutions.
The campus is spread across the 180+ acre SIMATS campus in Thandalam, Chennai, with dedicated architecture studios, model-making workshops, and design labs.
The programme is approved by the Council of Architecture (CoA) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).
With only 20 seats, the M.Arch programme ensures a highly personalised and studio-intensive learning experience.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

SCAD M.Arch Fees

The M.Arch (Urban Design) programme at SCAD has a total fee of Rs. 1,80,000 over two years, as per the 2026-27 fee structure. The fee comprises tuition fees of Rs. 25,000 per year and lab fees of Rs. 65,000 per year, totalling Rs. 90,000 per year. This makes it a competitively priced postgraduate architecture programme in Chennai. Hostel accommodation is available separately on the SIMATS campus.

Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Year 1 (Rs.)	Year 2 (Rs.)	Total (Rs.)
Tuition Fees	25,000	25,000	50,000
Lab Fees	65,000	65,000	1,30,000
Total Fees	90,000	90,000	1,80,000

Hostel Fees (Optional)

Room Type	Annual Fees (Rs.)
Super Deluxe Single Room (Female)	90,000
Single Suite Room (Female)	75,000
Single Room with Bath	45,000
Single Room	35,000
Double Room	30,000
Super Deluxe Single Room (Male)	1,50,000
Ultra Super Deluxe Sharing (Male)	1,25,000
Super Deluxe Sharing (Male)	90,000

Hostel fees are optional and not mandatory for the M.Arch programme.
Lab fees cover design studio materials, model-making workshops, software licences, and other practical course requirements.
Fee payment modes include online transfer, demand draft, and other modes as prescribed by the institution.
Fees marked as refundable are subject to the institution's refund policy.
Candidates should verify the refund policy at the time of admission.
For the latest fee structure, candidates should verify directly with the admissions office at admissions.simats@saveetha.com or call 1800 123 746287 (Toll Free).

SCAD M.Arch Admission 2026

Admissions to the M.Arch (Urban Design) programme at SCAD are merit-based, with selection based on the marks obtained in the last qualifying examination (B.Arch or equivalent). There is no mandatory national-level entrance exam for the M.Arch PG programme at SCAD. Applications for the 2026 batch are open, with the Summer 2026 batch expected to commence in June 2026. Given the limited intake of 20 seats, candidates are advised to apply early.

SCAD M.Arch Admission Schedule 2026

Event	Tentative Date
Application Opening (Summer 2026)	March 2026
Application Closing (Summer 2026)	April - May 2026 (tentative)
Merit List / Shortlisting	May 2026 (tentative)
Counselling and Document Verification	May - June 2026 (tentative)
Batch Commencement	June 2026 (tentative)

NATA 2026 Exam Dates (for reference)

Event	Date
NATA 2026 Registration Start	March 9, 2026
NATA 2026 Phase 1 Exam	April 4 - June 13, 2026 (every Friday and Saturday)
NATA 2026 Phase 2 Exam	August 7 - 8, 2026
Result Declaration	Within 7 days of each exam

Note: NATA scores are required for B.Arch (UG) admissions at SCAD. For M.Arch (PG) admissions, selection is merit-based on the qualifying B.Arch degree marks. No entrance exam is mandatory for M.Arch admission.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must hold a B.Arch degree (5-year programme) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university.
A minimum aggregate of 50% marks in the qualifying degree is required (45% for SC/ST candidates).
Candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree in architecture or planning from a UGC/CoA-recognised institution are eligible.

Admission Process:

Visit the official admissions portal at simatsadmissions.saveetha.com and fill in the online application form.
Upload required documents including B.Arch marksheets, transfer certificate, conduct certificate, and passport-size photographs.
Shortlisted candidates based on merit will be called for counselling and document verification at the SCAD campus.
Final selection is based on merit in the qualifying examination.
Selected candidates must pay the admission fee and submit original documents to confirm their seat.
Documents required: B.Arch degree certificate and marksheets, proof of date of birth, transfer certificate, community certificate, nativity certificate, and government-issued ID proof.

SCAD M.Arch Scholarships 2026

SCAD students are eligible for both government-sponsored scholarships and SIMATS institutional scholarships. The NSP (PM-USP) Yojana and the National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (UGC) are the primary government scholarships available to M.Arch students. Additionally, SIMATS offers merit-based and research-based scholarships to outstanding students. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden for eligible candidates.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefit
NSP (PM-USP) Yojana	80% in Class 12; AICTE-recognised UG/PG course; parental income up to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs/year; 50% marks and 75% attendance	Rs. 82,000 per annum
National Scholarship for PG Studies (UGC)	First-time PG students under 30 years; UGC-recognised full-time programme	Rs. 10,000 per year or Rs. 15,000 per month (as applicable)
SIMATS Merit Scholarship - 1st Rank	Securing 1st position in university exams	40% tuition fee waiver for that year
SIMATS Merit Scholarship - 2nd Rank	Securing 2nd position in university exams	30% tuition fee waiver for that year
SIMATS Merit Scholarship - 3rd Rank	Securing 3rd position in university exams	20% tuition fee waiver for that year
SIMATS Research/Innovation Scholarship	Patent filing, publication, competition winner	Partial to full tuition fee waiver (amount varies)
SIMATS Freeship (Benevolent)	Economically weaker students with strong academic merit	Full tuition fee, hostel fee, and other compulsory fee waiver

NSP (PM-USP) Yojana applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) typically between July and October each year.
UGC PG scholarships are disbursed through the university; candidates should contact the SCAD scholarship cell for application details.
SIMATS merit scholarships are awarded based on performance in SIMATS university examinations and are applicable for the subsequent academic year.
All scholarships are subject to approval by the respective scholarship committees, and decisions are final.

SCAD M.Arch FAQs

Ques. Is a B.Arch degree mandatory to apply for the M.Arch (Urban Design) programme at SCAD?

Ans. Yes, the M.Arch (Urban Design) programme at SCAD requires candidates to hold a B.Arch degree (5-year programme) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree in architecture or planning from a UGC/CoA-recognised institution may also be considered.

Ques. Is NATA required for M.Arch admission at SCAD?

Ans. No, NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture) is required only for B.Arch (UG) admissions at SCAD. For the M.Arch (PG) programme, admission is purely merit-based on the marks obtained in the qualifying B.Arch degree. No entrance exam is mandatory for M.Arch admission.

Ques. What is the difference between M.Arch in Urban Design and a regular M.Arch programme?

Ans. The M.Arch in Sustainable Urban Design at SCAD focuses specifically on the design and planning of urban spaces with an emphasis on sustainability, environmental sensitivity, and community-centred design. Unlike a general M.Arch which may cover a broader range of architectural specialisations, this programme is tailored for students who want to work in urban planning, smart city development, landscape architecture, and sustainable infrastructure design.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after completing M.Arch (Urban Design) from SCAD?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as urban designers, urban planners, landscape architects, sustainable design consultants, project managers in real estate and infrastructure, and faculty in architecture colleges. They can also work with government bodies such as CMDA (Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority), TNHB, and Smart City Mission projects, as well as with private architectural firms and urban development consultancies.

Ques. How many seats are available for M.Arch (Urban Design) at SCAD, and how competitive is the admission?

Ans. The M.Arch (Urban Design) programme at SCAD has a seat intake of 20 students per batch. Given the small intake, admission is competitive and merit-based. Candidates with strong academic records in their B.Arch programme and relevant design portfolio experience are preferred. Early application is strongly recommended.

Ques. What facilities are available for M.Arch students at SCAD?

Ans. M.Arch students at SCAD have access to dedicated architecture design studios, model-making workshops using clay and various materials, a well-equipped library, computer labs with design software, and seminar halls. The campus is part of the 180+ acre SIMATS campus in Thandalam, Chennai, which also offers hostel facilities, canteens, sports facilities, and a 24/7 library. Students also benefit from national and international study tours and workshops organised by the college.