A perfect combination of arts, creativity, and science, the field of architecture makes for a rewarding and respected career choice. If you’re considering Australia for architecture studies, we are here to help you figure out everything you need to know, from entry requirements to costs, program structures, and the best Australian universities in the field of architecture.
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Benefits of Studying Architecture in Australia
Here are some benefits of studying architecture in Australia:
- A future architects’ ideal destination. Home to iconic architectural buildings and sights such as the famous Sydney Opera House, the Shrine of Remembrance, and the Q1 Tower, Australia is a future architects’ ideal destination.
- Top-notch universities. If you’ve decided to study architecture, Australia not only has some excellent architectural sights but also some of the best universities in the world in this field. In fact, four Australian universities rank among the top 100 universities in the world for Architecture and Built Environment studies. These universities are renowned for their top-notch facilities, knowledgeable professors, and superior curricula.
- Promising career and job growth. Apart from offering great study programs in architecture, Australia also offers a promising labour market for architecture students who wish to work in Australia after graduation.
- According to Labour Market Insights, Architects and Landscape Architects are a very high-skill level category with a projected growth rate of 16.8% during the 2021-2026 period.
Careers with an Architecture Degree
An architecture degree equips you with useful knowledge and technical skills that qualify you to work in a variety of roles and industries. Here are some of the most common jobs you can get with an architecture degree:
- Building Architect
- Commercial Architect
- Industrial Architect
- Interior Architect
- Landscape Architect
- Urban Planner
- Lighting Architect
- Building Inspector
- Historic Sites Architect
Entry Requirements for Architecture Degrees in Australia
In order to be accepted into an undergraduate or graduate architecture program in Australia, you will need to meet certain requirements and prerequisites. These are set by universities, therefore they can vary depending on the type of program and the university you want to apply to. For more detailed information, you can check the university’s website or enquire directly from a representative.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Most undergraduate degree requirements for architecture programs in the top Australian universities will typically include advanced mathematics knowledge and English proficiency.
The majority of universities will require Year 12 Units 3 & 4 English and Mathematics knowledge or equivalent qualifications. You can also prove your English proficiency through approved English language tests.
For example, most universities require a 6.5 or 7.0 IELTS overall score with a minimum of 6.0 scores in each band. A lot of universities also accept or require selection tasks to prove your knowledge.
Postgraduate Degree Requirements
Architecture master’s degree program requirements can also vary depending on the university, however, most require you to have completed a recognised undergraduate degree in architecture, with a weighted average mark of at least 65%.
If you don’t meet all the requirements, some universities allow you to submit proof of work experience combined with studies in architecture. You may also have to submit a portfolio of your previous work together with other application requirements.
Cost of Architecture Degrees in Australian Universities
When you’re still deciding on which university you want to study at, tuition fees are an important factor to consider if you’re on a strict budget. The cost of architecture degree fees in Australia can vary depending on the type of program and the university.
- In general, fees for undergraduate architecture degrees at the top Australian universities in this field range from AUD 33,000 per year to AUD 48,000 per year.
- Architecture master’s degree programs at these universities have fees that range from AUD 34,125 per year to AUD 47,040 per year.
Here is the full list of 2023 fees for undergraduate architecture degrees at the top Australian universities in this field:
| University | Degree | Cost |
| The University of Melbourne | Bachelor of Design (Architecture major) | Around AUD 37,032 – AUD 48,760 per year |
| The University of Sydney | Bachelor of Design in Architecture | AUD 46,500 per year |
| RMIT University | University Bachelor of Architectural Design | AUD 48,000 per year |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Bachelor of Architectural Studies | AUD 41,625 per year |
| Curtin University | Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science) | AUD 33,681 per year |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | Bachelor of Design (Architecture) | AUD 33,000 per year |
| The University of Queensland | Bachelor of Architectural Design | AUD 42,064 per year |
These are the 2023 master’s degree fees for architecture programs at the top Australian universities for architecture:
| University | Degree | Cost |
| The University of Melbourne | Master of Architecture | AUD 46,304 per year |
| The University of Sydney | Master of Architecture | AUD 42,000 per year |
| RMIT University | Master of Architecture | AUD 47,040 per year |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | Master of Architecture | AUD 42,125 per year |
| Curtin University | Master of Architecture | AUD 34,125 per year |
| Queensland University of Technology (QUT) | Master of Architecture | AUD 35,800 per year |
| The University of Queensland | Master of Architecture | AUD 44,960 per year |
Architecture Degree Program Structures and Duration
When choosing a university to study architecture, it is crucial to know more about the programs it offers and its course structure. This will help you narrow down your choices depending on the courses you are more interested in and the commitment you can make toward your studies.
- If you want to enrol in a bachelor’s degree in architecture, you can expect a duration of studies from three to four years full-time or six to eight years part-time.Â
- The duration of master’s degree programs in architecture is typically two years full-time or four years part-time.
If you want to become a registered architect in Australia, the route will usually involve completing a master’s degree program, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Architectural Practice Examination.
Both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in architecture will include core, design studio, and elective courses. Core courses are mandatory subjects that you must complete in order to meet the requirements of the programs and will typically include courses such as Spatial Materiality and Building Structures.Â
Design studio or architecture studio courses will involve classes during which you will receive hands-on instruction and complete your own design projects. Elective courses in architectural degrees offer specialised knowledge outside of the core subjects and can include courses such as Architecture in Australia, Aboriginal Architecture, and more.
Here are some courses you may encounter in undergraduate architecture programs:
- Introduction to Architecture
- Architecture and Interior Architecture Methods
- Buildings in History & Culture
- Sustainability and Structures in Architecture
- Architectural Documentation and Detailing
- Architectural Design Tectonics and Precision
- Construction and Structures
- Architectural Design Studio
These are some courses commonly included in architecture master’s degree programs:
- Contemporary Architecture
- Practice Management for Construction Industry Professionals
- Architectural Practice
- Advanced Architectural Design
- Architectural Systems and Research Methods
- Architectural Practical Experience
- Advanced Construction and Structures
Best Universities to Study Architecture in Australia
Studying architecture can be demanding and a big responsibility, therefore, it is important to choose a university that offers quality study programs and facilities.Â
According to world rankings, these are the top Australian universities in the field of architecture:
The University of Melbourne
As a leading Australian university overall and in architecture (among other fields), the University of Melbourne is the ideal institution for aspiring architects. You can choose from a variety of architecture undergraduate and postgraduate programs:
- Bachelor of Design (Architecture major)
- Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture major)
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Design
- Graduate Certificate in Design for Health and Wellbeing
- Specialist Certificate in Design for Health and Wellbeing
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Architectural Engineering
- Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture (double master degree)
- Master of Architecture/Master of Urban Design (double master degree)
- Master of Architecture/Master of Urban Planning (double master degree)
- Doctor of Philosophy – Architecture, Building and Planning
- Master of Philosophy – Architecture, Building and Planning
The University of Sydney
Situated in Sydney, one of Australia’s best student cities, the University of Sydney is a nationally and globally leading university with plenty of excellent architecture programs. Some of the architecture undergraduate and graduate degrees offered include:
- Bachelor of Design in Architecture
- Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honours)
- Bachelor of Architecture and Environments
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Urbanism (Urban Design)
- Master of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture, Design and Planning)
RMIT University
Founded in 1887 as the Working Men’s College, RMIT University has come a long way through its exponential growth and numerous contributions to Australian society. RMIT University’s School of Architecture and Urban Design offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs for you to choose from:
- Bachelor of Architectural Design
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Landscape Architecture
- Master of Urban Design
- Master of Interior Design
- Master of Disaster, Design and Development
- Master of Design (Architecture & Design) (Research)
- PhD (Architecture & Design)
- PhD (Built Environment)
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Ranked in the top 50 best universities in the world, the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) is recognised for its quality research and education. If you’re interested in studying architecture, UNSW Sydney offers plenty of programs:
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Honours)
- Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
- Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)
- Graduate Certificate in City Planning
- Graduate Diploma in City Planning
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Landscape Architecture
- Master of City Planning
- PhD in Arts, Design & Architecture
Curtin University
With over 50,000 students enrolled and excellent research output, Curtin University is another great choice for future architecture students. Some of the architecture degree programs offered here include:
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Architectural Science)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture)
- Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning
- Master of Philosophy (Design and Built Environment)
- Doctor of Philosophy – Architecture and Interior Architecture
- Doctor of Philosophy – Urban and Regional Planning
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Tackling global challenges and making a difference in Australian education, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) offers more than 400 courses and research programs. Here are some of the choices for architecture programs:
- Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
- Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
- Bachelor of Design (Landscape Architecture)
- Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours) (Urban and Regional Planning)
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Philosophy (Urban Development)
The University of Queensland
Founded in 1909, the University of Queensland is a leading Australian educational institution with a wide range of programs in architecture. Here are some of your options:
- Bachelor of Architectural Design
- Bachelor of Design (Buildings and Environments major)
- Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning
- Graduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning
- Graduate Certificate in Urban Development and Design
- Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning
- Master of Architecture
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning
- Master of Urban Development and Design
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy
High-quality education programs, great career prospects, and vibrant student cities are just a few of the reasons to study architecture in Australia.
With more than half a million international students choosing to study here, making new friends and adjusting to student life will be plain sailing.
