Mutual recognition of architect title between Switzerland and Quebec

In 2022, an initiative was launched under the auspices of SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation) with a view to signing a mutual recognition agreement on architectural education between Switzerland and Quebec; This is intended to facilitate access to the professional market for architects whose professional qualifications have been recognised in either territory.
After a preparatory phase of collaboration between Swiss architecture schools (EPF, HES and Accademia de Mendrisio) to describe the various training programmes and conditions for access to professional practice currently in force, and a phase of work with Quebec partners (schools and institutions, notably the Order of Architects), a Swiss delegation visited Quebec in May 2023 to visit the various architecture schools (Laval, University of Montreal, McGill) and meet with institutional representatives there.

The mutual recognition agreement was finally signed in November 2024 during a visit by a Quebec delegation to Switzerland, by the Secretary of State, Ms Martina Hirayama for Switzerland, and by the President of the Ordre des architectes du Québec, Mr Pierre Corriveau.
We are pleased to announce that the agreement came into force on 1 October 2025.

Given the differences between our professions in terms of qualifications, compensatory measures have been put in place.
Under this agreement, a graduate of a Swiss school holding a master's degree, with an appropriate knowledge of the French language, and having practised as an architect for at least three years, may settle in Quebec, where they will be granted the right to practise as an architect.
If these conditions are not met, they must practise for one year in an architectural firm in Quebec, in accordance with the rules of the Ordre des architectes du Québec, or pass the Canadian Architectural Examination.
Following this recognition, the architect must complete a series of training courses within one year.

In return, a Quebec-qualified architect who is legally entitled to practise architecture in Quebec will be able to practise architecture in Switzerland.
This agreement is part of a broader policy of mutual recognition agreements for a whole range of professions. We hope that this new arrangement will benefit some of our architects who wish to explore other cultural and professional contexts, and that it will enable us to welcome our colleagues from Quebec.
Quebec is a privileged partner because of our shared French language, the size of its population and its economic structures, which are similar to ours.
We are very pleased with this step forward in the professional prospects for our graduates and in opening up new horizons. As an educational institution, we would like to thank SEFRI for having directed all the steps necessary to bring this arrangement to completion.