Accreditation of Architecture Programs
Program accreditation
The Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure (the Procedure) in Australia and New Zealand sets out the peer review process through which all architecture programs in Australia are assessed against the accreditation standard. The eight State and Territory Architect Registration Boards have statutory responsibility for the accreditation of architectural programs of study within their jurisdictions. Programs accredited in one jurisdiction are recognised in other jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand. For the purposes of accreditation, architecture programs are required to demonstrate that graduates meet the Performance Criteria in the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA).
Governance and management of the Accreditation Procedure
The Board of the AACA, on behalf of the State or Territory Architect Registration Boards, is responsible for the governance of the Procedure. Where appropriate, matters are referred to the relevant State or Territory Architect Registration Board for consideration. Specific governance responsibilities relating to the Procedure are delegated to the Accreditation Management Committee.
The Accreditation Management Committee provides strategic advice on the management, implementation and continuous improvement of the Procedure. Its role is to support the delivery of a transparent, nationally consistent and fair accreditation process for architecture programs across Australia. The Committee does not make accreditation decisions. Further information is available in the Accreditation Procedure and the Committee’s Terms of Reference.
The Committee membership is comprised of a representative from each of the 5 stakeholder organisations noted in the Accreditation Procedure.
The Committee membership as of December 2025:
- Mr Paul Berkemeier (Chairperson) – nominee of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia.
- Dr John Ting – nominee of the Australian Institute of Architects
- Dr Francesco Mancini – nominee of the Australian State and Territory Architect Registration Boards
- Dr Jane Burry – nominee of the Australian Deans of the Built Environment
- Dr Cecilia Bischeri – nominee of the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia
The Accreditation Standing Panel
The Accreditation Standing Panel comprises independent experts with the necessary expertise and capacity to serve on Accreditation Review Panels.
Appointments to the Panel are skills-based and follow a nomination, endorsement and selection process. Members are generally appointed for a five-year term commencing on 1 July.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals at any time using the Online Nomination Form. Nominations are considered annually, with stakeholder endorsement sought between April and June. Applicants must demonstrate the attributes and competency outlined in the Terms of Reference.
The Accreditation Review Panel
Accreditation assessments are undertaken by an Accreditation Review Panel comprising practising architects and academics appointed from the Accreditation Standing Panel. Following its assessment, the Accreditation Review Panel make a recommendation on whether a program should be accredited and, if so, the accreditation period.
State and Territory Architect Registration Boards consider the Panel’s recommendations when making accreditation decisions but are not bound to accept them.
The Procedure outlines the assessment process in detail. These resources provide an overview of key activities, timeframes and associated reporting processes.
Accredited architecture qualifications
In Australia, the accredited qualification is the Master of Architecture. Bachelor-level qualifications are not accredited. Students generally complete a recognised Bachelor degree that provides the foundation for entry into the provider’s Master of Architecture program, although providers may also admit students with other qualifications in accordance with their admission policies.
The Accreditation Procedure only applies to qualifications delivered in Australia and, under licence, New Zealand. Qualifications gained outside these jurisdictions are assessed individually through the Overseas Qualifications Assessment process, except where recognised under an applicable Mutual Recognition Agreement.
List of accredited qualifications.
Resource
First Nations Performance Criteria
From 2023, University Providers are required to incorporate the NSCA into their programs. The NSCA includes new and expanded areas of knowledge such as understanding and respecting Country.
AACA has three resources to assist University Providers engage with the updated NSCA and valuable insights into course planning.
In the AACA/AASA webinar, Dr Daniele Hromek (Budawang/Yuin), author of the 2021 NSCA Explanatory Notes relating to First Nations Performance Criteria, and AACA National Advisory Panellist Sarah Lynn Rees (Palawa) discussed the 7 First Nations Performance Criteria – covering both the definitions and how they can be demonstrated, with particular reference to University Providers.
In the University of Sydney video, Dr Michael Mossman (Kuku Yalanji), and Genevieve Murray step us through a university design studio that addresses the 7 First Nations Performance Criteria.
University programs do not have to limit themselves to these examples, you can expand and interpret to suit your program.
