In 2017-18 the architectural sector generated an income of approximately $5.8 billion. An average annual growth of 0.5% per annum is forecast for the years to 2022-23 according to business analysts IBIS World. IBIS World estimates there are around 13,000 enterprises with 40,000 employees in the Australian architectural sector, but that only 1.6 percent of firms employ 20 or more people.
According to the 2017 Census, 31% of architects were women (up from 28 % in 2011), 80% are working full time, 52% worked more than a 40 hour week, and 34% were business owners or sole traders.
And architects, it is not only a high paid job it is also an occupation which could lead you to become a permanent resident in Australia, so how the pathway will be?
Architect Registration Boards regulate the practice of architecture in their respective state/territory.
An architect has 5 years professional education, a minimum of two years practical experience, has successfully completed the Architectural practice Examination and is included on a Register of Architects.
Pathways to Registration as an Architect
The most common pathway to registration is completion of an accredited Australian architecture qualification followed by the Architectural Practice Examination. In consultation with the State and Territory Architect Registration Boards AACA has developed a number of alternative pathways. Local and overseas experienced practitioners may be eligible to complete the fast-track assessment before applying to the local Architect Registration Board. The National Program of Assessment provides access to the Architectural Practice Examination for practitioners who have not completed an accredited architectural qualification. For practitioners who completed an architectural qualification outside Australia the Overseas Qualifications Assessment provides access to the Architectural Practice Examination.
The Architectural Practice Examination is conducted twice each year. It comprises three parts. Once all requirements of the three-part Architectural Practice Examination have been satisfactorily met, candidates can apply to the architect registration board in the state or territory in which they wish to practice. Once students complete the register, they could start to preparing their Sub 189/Sub 190/Sub 482 visa.
Now let’s talk about the most important part: Education.
As I explained before accredited Australian architecture qualification will be the most common and easiest way to complete your registration. As a result, when you chose to study Architecture design you have to choose the accredited course and you also have to be ready to study until a Master degree.
PS. In Australia, the accredited qualification is normally the Master of Architecture degree. Bachelor-level degrees are not accredited. However to into Master of Architecture degree normally request student have to complete Bachelor-level architecture degrees.
Australasian schools of architecture
In Queensland, There are 4 universities offering architecture programs recognized by the Institute and accredited by the relevant state/territory architecture board.
- Queensland University of Technology
- University of Queensland
- Bond University
I would recommend Bond university to the students who really want to have a high-quality education. Because:
*Only at Bond University, you could finish your architectural within 3.5years(up to Master degree), at the rest of the University, at least you have to spend 5 years for your study. This is due to Bond offering 3 semesters a year. So you can finish your degree with a shorter time.
*Only Bond University offering very small size class in Australia. Normally only 10-12 student in one class. So compare to the other university student who studies here will always get the chance to use the school facilities. and also because of this, one professor could always cover with each student, he/she could mentor each student hand by hand.
* As part of the School’s focus on creating graduates who push the architectural profession forward, students work on practical hands-on projects within The Workshop and Digital Fabrication Lab and immerse themselves in a collaborative design studio environment
*Bond University is utilizing new and emerging tools and technologies for design and construction. (3D printer/ Laser Cutter/Co2 Laser Cutter…)
Overall, At bond university, you will feel the quality of teaching is definitely worthy of the tuition you pay, and even more than that.
You may have these questions:
- Did I choose the right course to study?
- Is this the right course for me?
- How to do the registration?
- Am I eligible to apply for this course?
- What the English requirement for the course?
- Should I become a Psychologist?
- How is the pathway for me in the future?
If this is what you are wondering or you actually have more questions, please consult with our experienced specialists. Australian education system and migration Law is more than complicated, you need an expert to sure you are under safe processing and lead you the pathway to your Permanent Residence.
We are here to help you!
Kate LEE
Kate migrated to Australia in 2007, going on to become a qualified education counsellor in 2009. Throughout her career, she has helped hundreds of international students achieve their academic dreams in universities across Australia. Kate helps her clients successfully complete their school enrollments and student visa applications. For clients outside Australia, she is always available for regular contact through Skype or Facebook.