The AACA Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA) – determines whether an overseas academic qualification compares with a current Australian accredited qualification in architecture.
Skills Assessment – There is NO requirement to complete an Overseas Qualifications Assessment if an individual has obtained an accredited Master of Architecture program from Australia, New Zealand or Hong Kong. A Skilled Migration Assessment may be obtained by applying for a Verification of Australian Qualification. View the list of the accredited architecture qualifications.
AACA only assesses architectural qualifications obtained by coursework that would permit a graduate to proceed to registration as an architect in the home country of the awarding institution.
Purpose
Architect Registration
Once an Applicant’s qualification has been deemed comparable to an Australian qualification, they are eligible to apply for the Architectural Practice Examination (APE), subject to eligibility criteria (including practical experience), successful completion of which is required before applying for registration as an Architect with an Australian state or territory Architect Registration Board.
Alternative pathways to registration (if eligible) include the National Program of Assessment and the Experienced Practitioner Assessment – or via existing Mutual Recognition agreements.
Migration Skills Assessment
Applicants may also use a successful Outcome of an AACA assessment to support an application for the purpose of immigration to Australia under the Australian Government Skilled Migration Program for the occupation ‘Architect’, ANZSCO code 232111.
From March 2022, Skilled Migration Assessments can ONLY be issued to Applicants who have successfully completed both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Overseas Qualifications Assessment.
Timeframe
Applications are generally finalised within 16 weeks subject to a complete and eligible application.
Application Fees
- Overseas Qualifications Assessment – New applicants: AUD $4,900
- Overseas Qualifications Assessment – Stage 2 only*: AUD $3,000
- Appeal/Second Interview fee (case by case): AUD $1,200
- Renewal of OQA Skills Assessment Letter: AUD $420
A card transaction surcharge applies to all payments (1.49% for Australian cards and 2.9% for international cards).
*Available to returning applicants who have applied for Stage 1 before 1 March 2022.
Expiry Date
There is no time limit for successful OQA – Stage 2 or New Applicants who wish to apply for the Australian Architectural Practice Examination.
A Skilled Migration Assessment for immigration purposes is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue. This also applies to our discontinued provisional Skilled Migration Assessment (Overseas Qualifications Assessment Stage 1 program). Although the AACA no longer offers this program, applicants’ Skills Assessment outcomes remain valid until the expiry date noted on the letter.
Renewing your Skills Assessment letter
Applicants who have previously received a successful Outcome for OQA Stage 2 may renew their Skilled Migration Assessment via this link. If you have only successfully completed Stage 1 of the OQA Assessment, AACA recommends that you apply for Stage 2.
A Skilled Migration Assessment renewal will be issued by email with a revised date, within approximately 10 working days.
FAQs
The AACA considers applications on a case-by-case basis. The AACA cannot provide advice on the eligibility of a qualification until a complete application, together with supporting documentation and payment of the fee has been received. Refer to the new applicant page for information on the AACA Overseas Qualification Assessment process, guides and application forms.
No. Applications must be complete when submitted, with all supporting documents in the required format.
For a Provisional Assessment AACA has no English language requirement.
For an OQA Assessment, a standard English proficiency test is required if the qualification obtained was not undertaken in English. An IELTS Test Certificate (scoring 6.5 or above) or equivalent, or a letter from an employer certifying that English language proficiency is adequate, will be accepted as sufficient evidence.
You do not have to provide the Bachelor degree documents if your Master’s qualification is listed as an Accredited Australian Architecture Qualification. You should apply for a verification of your Australian qualification.
