How to become an architect

First Step - Secondary Education
The usual first step is the completion of Year 12 to enable entry into a degree program in architecture. Articulation from TAFE courses varies according to different university requirements.

We suggest that you contact individual architecture schools to check if they have any pre-requisites before selecting your Year 11 subjects and before applying to a program.

There are a number of secondary school subject areas that can give a good background to the study of architecture. These include: art, design, graphic art, environmental studies, history, geography, physics, mathematics, business studies, communications and information technology. Students interested in a career in architecture are encouraged to develop broad interests in many areas.

AN ABILITY TO DRAW OR USE COMPUTER AIDED DRAWING SOFTWARE IS NOT ESSENTIAL.

Second Step - Work Experience
If you are interested in a career in architecture you might consider doing work experience in an architect’s office.

Third Step - Tertiary Education
The next step is to enrol in an accredited architecture program. Your Careers Advisor can help you with information on how to enrol at a university. Architecture courses vary in duration (5 years minimum), flexibility and content. You can obtain up to date information directly from the universities or visit architecture.com.au. The Institute office in your state/territory can put you into contact with architecture students to find out what it is like to study architecture. Shop around and find the program which suits your interests and needs.

Fourth Step - Post Tertiary Training and Registration
Graduates of architecture programs must complete 2 years’ practical work experience before they can apply to become a registered architect. Prior to registration, it is expected that graduates can undertake an architectural project competently through all its project phases and have a sound knowledge of legal and contractual issues related to the practice of architecture. For further information about registration, contact the Architects Registration Board in your state/territory. Contact details are available from the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia website at www.aaca.org.au.

Fifth Step - Further Education
The Institute encourages architects to update and broaden their knowledge and skills continuously through professional development programs. Universities, institutes of technology, and programs offered by other allied professions all help to open new doors to wider opportunities for architects and foster lifelong learning.

The National Education Committee has developed a package "Work Experience for Secondary School Students"
(84KB PDF format) designed to assist secondary students seeking work experience.