Architecture Schools and Programs in Australia

Architecture Studies in Australia

University of SydneyAustralia is a beautiful country and a wonderful destination for architectural students planning to study abroad.  Officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, the country comprises the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. With nearly 3 million square miles of total geographic area, it is the world's sixth-largest country by total area, and its population of nearly 22.9 million ranks 52^nd worldwide.  Australia shares borders with  Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north; the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia to the northeast; and New Zealand to the southeast.

Architectural Education in Australia

Students planning to study architecture in Australia have a number of educational options.  In total, there are 17 universities in Australia offering architecture programs—programs that are recognized by the country’s Architect Institute and accredited by the relevant State/Territory Architecture Boards covering a wide range and depth of study. The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) maintains a comprehensive list of accredited architecture programs in Australia.
 
The course duration at institutions offering architecture as an academic and professional major varies from five years, for full-time students, to six years, for those students planning to study part-time, with some courses requiring a year’s work experience between the first and second tiers of the program. The two-tier programs offered by Australia’s universities consist of an undergraduate degree course, typically spanning three years in duration, followed by a two-year Master’s degree. This system gives flexibility to the student and provides broader career choices on completion of the first degree.  It also provides student an opportunity to take time out or gain work experience between degrees, and/or choose to pursue the second component of study at another institution.   The reason for this is that the first degree is not professional, but rather an education about architecture, allowing universities to expose the study of architecture to a wider group of students.

Why Study Architecture in Australia

In addition to Australia’s excellent system of higher education, there are many other reasons to study in this wonderfully scenic country, especially for lovers of architecture.  The opportunity to meet new friends and learn about their culture is an adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime, and during school breaks you’ll have plenty of time to discover and explore this wonderful country commonly referred to as the “land down under.”
 
A trip to Australia offers an abundance of unique sightseeing opportunities, including a chance to see firsthand the architectural landscape of its many towns and cities.  Although for the most part, the architecture of Australia has been rather consistent with architectural trends in the wider Western world, there are a few special changes of note—changes to compensate for the distinctive Australian climate and cultural factors. Notable Australian structures include the Sydney Opera House, listed by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site; the Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building; and the eleven remaining penal colony sites selected for World Heritage protection in 2010.