Study Architecture in Australia

Topic:

• Why study architecture in Australia?
• What architectural engineering courses are available in Australia?  
• What are entry requirements to study architecture in Australia?  
• How to become an architect in Australia?  
• How to pass a skill assessment for an architect in Australia?  
• What is the PR pathway for an architect?  

Follow the four steps below to register as an Architect in Australia: 

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor Program in Architecture 

The first step is to get an accredited degree in architecture, which can be a Bachelor of Architecture, a Bachelor of Design in Architecture, or a Bachelor of Architectural Studies.  

Step 2: Complete a Master of Architecture  

In Australia, the accredited qualification for an Architect is normally the Master of Architecture degree. Most educational providers provide a pathway for students to dovetail their bachelor qualification with the master program, so that students will be progressively exposed to the necessary knowledge and skills, and can meet the required qualification for an architect. If you do not have background of Architecture from your previous study, you can consider taking Graduate Diploma in Architecture as a pathway to Master of Architecture.  

Bear in mind that you should study the course accredited by Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) because the Architects Registration Board will rely on these courses to assess your architect application. 

For the full list of accredited courses, please refer to the section “What architectural engineering courses are available in Australia?” or Contact our Education Counsellors for free counselling. 

Step 3: Prepare for registration  

Before being able to register as an architect, beside gaining the accredited qualification, you are required to:  

• complete two years of practical work experience with an architectural firm in Australia 
• Pass the Architectual Practice Examination set by AACA  

Step 4: Register as an Architect with the Architect Registration Board 

Each State has its own Architect Registration Board, and you are expected to register with the Board in the state where you will practise.  

AACA is the assessing authority nominated by the Australian Government to provide expert advice to the Department of Home Affairs about qualifications and skilled employment experience with the skilled occupation ‘Architect’ (ANZSCO 232111). The skill assessment for architecture will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue. 

Step 1: Check your degree accreditation 

If one of your qualifications is on the list of accredited architecture qualifications, then you can obtain a Skills Assessment letter through a simple verification process. 

Step 2: Complete and submit the Application Form with payment and all required certified documents to AACA. The application process is generally finalized within 4 weeks. 

After completing Bachelor or Master course of Architect, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream). You are required to have at least IELTS overall 6.5 with no band score under 5.5 in the past 1 year before you lodge your visa application.

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-5 years depending on your degree and nationality. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR.

Below are the examples: 

• 189 – Skilled Independent – is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65. 
• 190 – Skilled Nominated – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states and you are required to work for the nominated state for at least 2 years. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.    
• 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa – is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.   
• 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa – allows you to work and stay indefinitely in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must be nominated by an approved employer and have at least 3 years of work experience. 
• 482 – Temporary Skilled Shortage, Medium Term Stream – allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years. To apply for this visa, you must have an employer who is willing to sponsor you. You will have a high chance of getting a PR after a 482 visa.    

• 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) – is applicable for you if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. You must accumulate at least 3 years of work experience and obtain a relevant skills assessment.   

For the 189, 190 and 491 visa subclasses, you will need to have a minimum of 65 points under the Skilled Migration Points Test. For the 186, 482 and 494 visa subclasses, these are not points test based but you need to have a sponsor and are usually required to have at least 2-3 years of experience in the nominated occupation you are wishing to apply.