Information for prospective migrants

AACA has the responsibility for assessment of overseas qualifications in architecture for the purposes of migration to Australia under the Australian Government's Skilled Migration program.

AACA has been specified by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship in accordance with the Migration Regulations 1994 as the assessing authority for the occupation 'Architect', ASCO code 2121.11.

If you live overseas and have academic qualifications in architecture gained outside Australia and you intend to migrate and work as an architect in Australia, AACA recommends that you contact Australian migration authorities about the requirements for skilled migration to Australia, as the skills assessment provided by AACA is only one component of a migration application. The website for the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship is www.immi.gov.au.

If you hold Australian post graduate qualifications in architecture or in a field related to architecture, and you would like these qualifications considered as part of your application for a skills assessment, you will need to forward certified copies of:

• the course transcript(s), and
• the actual course award
  (If the award has not been conferred at the time of your application you will need to obtain a letter from the institution
     - confirming that all requirements for the award have been met and
     - providing details of the anticipated award conferral date.)

Please note: AACA only assesses qualifications obtained by course work.

If you are already in Australia but need a skills assessment to support an application to change your immigration status, you should seek the advice of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in your State or Territory.

For full details of Fee Structure and Processing Time please scroll down the page.

If you require an assessment of your overseas academic qualifications in architecture for migration purposes, or if you have accredited academic qualifications in architecture from an Australian university and you require them verified for migration purposes, you should complete a Form M. This document may be downloaded from this site (Adobe Acrobat PDF) by clicking here. Information about the documentation you need to provide in support of your application is included on the Form M.

Fee Structure

Applicants requiring a provisional assessment of their overseas qualifications or a verification of Australian qualifications are required to pay a fee. The current fees payable are:

• AUD$1050 for a Provisional Assessment of Overseas Qualifications in Architecture;
• AUD$550 for a Verification of Australian Qualifications in Architecture.

The fees are payable to the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA).  If you are residing overseas, the fees must be paid by a 'bank draft' in Australian currency or 'International money order'. If you are residing in Australia, the fee must be paid either by Australia Post 'money order' or 'bank cheque'.

Processing Time

Overseas Qualifications
Currently, the waiting period for the outcome of an assessment of overseas qualifications for migration purposes is at least 15 weeks from the date AACA receives your application. However, this time period may be extended if all the required documentation is not included with your initial submission.

Australian Qualifications
If you have a qualification that is contained on the Listing of Accredited Australian Academic Qualifications in Architecture (Refer to Architect Registration - Australian Educated) please allow at least four (4) weeks for verification.

Assessment Result

You will be advised of the assessment result, which is for migration purposes only, and does not guarantee your employment or registration as an architect in Australia.

You should be aware that this assessment is provisional only. Upon arrival in Australia you will be required to submit for the Review of Academic Equivalence (RAE), undertake work experience preferably in an architect's office, and submit for the Architectural Practice Examination (APE) before being eligible for registration. (Refer to Architect Registration - Overseas Educated)

New Zealand
If you are registered as an architect with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, you are entitled to be registered in any jurisdiction in Australia under the terms of the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act, without having to submit qualifications for assessment, undergo additional practical experience, or sit for the Architectural Practice Examination. Further details may be obtained from the Board in the State or Territory in which you are seeking registration.