Verification of Australian Accredited Architecture Qualification
The AACA assesses academic qualifications awarded in Australia and overseas for the purpose of migration under the Australian Government Skilled Migration Program, for the occupation Architect – OSCA code 241131 (previously ANZSCO code 232111).
This Verification program is for applicants who hold an accredited architecture qualification from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong or Singapore and require a Skilled Migration Assessment for migration purposes only. Applicants whose qualification/s are not on the list are required to undertake the Overseas Qualifications Assessment.
Applicants who wish to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa Post Study Work stream (subclass 485), please be informed that the Department of Home Affairs does not currently require applicants to have a nominated occupation or obtain a Skilled Migration Assessment. Applicants who wish to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa Graduate Work stream (subclass 485), please be informed that the Department of Home Affairs does not require applicants to have a nominated occupation or obtain a Skilled Migration Assessment if lodged before 1 July 2023. If you have any queries regarding visa policy, please contact the Department of Home Affairs.
Accredited Architecture Qualifications
See here for the list of accredited qualifications. In Australia, the accredited qualification is normally the Master of Architecture degree. Bachelor-level degrees are not accredited. The Architecture Program Accreditation 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 over five years or ten semester equivalence of learning cycle. This assessment is made by an independent Accreditation Review Panel, composed of practicing architects and academics, which then makes a recommendation on whether and for how long a program should be accredited.
Key Documents
Eligibility
Applicants must have completed an AACA Australian accredited academic qualification in architecture.
Submission Checklist
Refer to the Verification Applicants Guide:
- Original copy of Testamur (Degree) as issued by the awarding institution (digitally verified is preferred)
- Original copy of Academic Subject Transcript, as issued by the awarding institution (digitally verified is preferred)
- Three proof of identity documents
- Evidence of change of name (if applicable)
- Authorsing letter for agent (if applicable)
Application Process
Applications follow the below process and are generally finalised within 4 weeks.
- Submission of application
- Receipt of application
- Verification assessment by AACA
- Outcomes: Suitable or Not Suitable
Application Fee
- Verification of Australian Accredited Architecture Qualification: AUD $420
A card transaction surcharge applies to all payments (1.49% for Australian cards and 2.9% for international cards).
Outcome
A Suitable (successful) Outcome [Skilled Migration Assessment] can be submitted as evidence of a skilled migration assessment to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs (DOHA). A Suitable verification outcome applies only to the status of your academic qualification(s) and does not offer any guarantee of employment in Australia in the profession or any entitlement to use the title ‘Architect’.
Information about how to lodge your migration application is available from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
A Not Suitable (unsuccessful) Outcome: Applicants may submit an Appeal to AACA.
Appeal
Refer to the AACA Appeals Policy – AACA website Homepage: AACA-Policies.
A candidate can only appeal the outcome of an AACA program on the ground that procedural fairness was denied to the candidate. Procedural fairness requires the decision maker to comply with established assessment procedures, and to act fairly, impartially and without bias in the making of a decision.
Appeals will not be accepted on any other grounds. Disagreement with an assessor’s judgment or general dissatisfaction with an outcome alone is not a ground for appeal. Causes or issues external to the assessment process (such as personal circumstances or comparisons to other candidates’ results) are not valid grounds for appeal.
FAQs
You do not have to provide the Bachelor degree documents if your Master of Architecture qualification is listed as an Accredited Australian Architecture Qualification.
Refer to the Verification Applicants Guide for submission requirements.
More information: contact the AACA at [email protected].
