The Minimum Cost Housing Group of the McGill University School of Architecture is an educational and research unit with an international orientation that focuses attention on the human settlement problems of the poor.

Housing research is a paramount activity of MCHG. The Group has participated in several international cooperation projects with the support of Canadian and International aid agencies. Research has been carried out on construction materials, small building components, low-cost sanitation and servicing systems, urban agriculture, urban upgrading, and human settlements planning. Field projects have been conducted in Argentina, China, India, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Uganda. In addition, MCHG staff has worked as consultants to the World Bank, the United Nations Environmental Program, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Banco de Mexico, and the Housing and Urban Development Corporation in New Delhi, among others.

In parallel, three graduate programs are offered: an eight month Graduate Diploma in Minimum Cost Housing in Developing Countries, a three-semester program leading to a Master's of Architecture degree and a graduate program leading to Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).