Architect
ANZSCO 232111 (MLTSSL) — core skilled occupation eligible for Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.
Australia PR · Skills assessment guide
AACA Skills Assessment: Complete Guide for Architects
The Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) is the designated assessing authority for Architects (ANZSCO 232111) and Landscape Architects. MovesEdu helps international architects navigate the AACA Overseas Qualifications Assessment (OQA).
Please note: MovesEdu provides immigration consulting; the AACA conducts independent professional architectural assessments.
Section 01
What is the AACA?
The AACA evaluates overseas architectural education against the National Standard of Competency for Architects.
OQA Stage 1 & 2
Overseas Qualifications Assessment involves desktop review (Stage 1) followed by a portfolio interview (Stage 2).
Five-Year Degree Standard
Requires a professional qualification requiring at least 5 years of full-time architectural study.
Design Portfolio
A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating design and technical competency is central to assessment.
Assessment criteria, occupation lists and requirements are set by Architects Accreditation Council of Australia and the Australian Government and are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements on the official website before applying.
Section 02
What AACA assesses
AACA Assessment Stages
AACA Assessment Steps
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Provisional | Review of 5-year degree qualifications and academic transcripts. |
| Stage 2: Interview / Portfolio | Review of professional architectural project portfolio by two architect examiners. |
Indicative only. Your eligibility depends on your specific qualification, role and years of experience matched against the current ANZSCO occupation description.
Section 03
Who can apply?
Requires a minimum 5-year professional degree in architecture and a structured design portfolio.
Degree Duration: Equivalent to an Australian Master of Architecture (minimum 5-year full-time study pathway).
Portfolio Standards: Portfolio showcasing academic and professional design work meeting National Competency Standards.
English Requirement: IELTS Academic or PTE Academic for migration points.
Section 04
Required documents checklist
Document requirements vary by occupation and individual profile. A personalised checklist is prepared after a professional profile review.
- Certified passport identity page
- B.Arch / M.Arch degree certificates and marksheets
- Detailed university curriculum and course handbook
- Comprehensive architectural design portfolio (PDF)
- Employment reference letters and project lists
Section 05
The assessment process, step by step
How a AACA application moves from profile review to outcome.
- 01
Portfolio Review
Curating architectural projects according to AACA design standards.
- 02
Stage 1 Submission
Submitting academic credentials for desktop qualification assessment.
- 03
Stage 2 Assessment
Presenting portfolio to AACA panel of registered architects.
- 04
Outcome Letter
Positive outcome letter issued for General Skilled Migration.
Section 06
Processing time
Stage 1 desktop: 4–6 weeks. Stage 2 portfolio review: 8–10 weeks.
Section 07
Fees
Published AACA rates, as at July 2026. Figures exclude visa charges and MovesEdu professional service fees.
AACA Fees (AUD)
| Stage | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 Desktop Qualification Assessment | $500 AUD |
| Stage 2 Assessment / Portfolio Review | $1,600 AUD |
Fees are subject to change without notice — always confirm current fees on www.aaca.org.au before applying.
Section 08
Common reasons for a negative outcome
A negative or partial result can significantly affect your points score and visa eligibility — which is why accurate preparation from the outset matters.
- Degree duration under 5 full-time academic years (e.g. 3-year interior architecture diplomas)
- Portfolio lacking technical working drawings or construction detail evidence
Section 09
Why choose MovesEdu Immigration?
MovesEdu provides experienced guidance on AACA portfolio formatting.
Portfolio Optimization: Ensuring your design portfolio highlights AACA competency criteria
ANZSCO Strategy: Accurately distinguishing Architect (232111) from Architectural Draftsperson
MovesEdu Immigration is an independent migration consultancy. We are not Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, the Department of Home Affairs, or any Australian government body, and we do not determine or influence assessment outcomes.
Section 10 · Frequently asked questions
AACA, answered.
Yes. Five-year Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Council of Architecture (COA) recognized institutions in India regularly receive positive AACA outcomes when accompanied by a compliant portfolio.
Keep exploring
Other Australian assessing authorities
Your assessing body is determined by your nominated ANZSCO occupation.
Get your AACA assessment right, the first time.
A AACA skills assessment is a critical foundation for your Australian PR application — and getting it right the first time saves you time, money and uncertainty.
MovesEdu is a private migration advisory firm. We are not a government body; all final decisions rest with Australian and Canadian immigration authorities.