Study Bachelor of Architectural Studies at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DBAE

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 37,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
060207K

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Norway GPA	3
Pakistan HSSC	85
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	7
Sweden GPA	13
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	7
Vietnam	7.5
Australia	70
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1110
India (best 4) State Board	75
India (best 4) Central Board	65
HKDSE	15
Nepal NEB	2.61
Bangladesh HSC	4
Canada High School (OSSD)	65
Eynesbury FSP	330
German Abitur	3.5
Kenya KCSE (average)	B+
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	30

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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This degree can be packaged with a masters degree. For more information and SATAC codes visit Fast-track to Masters.

Degree overview

Work in award-winning, purpose-designed facilities including dedicated design studios and workshops.
Learn from internationally-renowned and experienced teachers with industry-leading expertise and experience and world-class leaders in research - UniSA's research in design is ranked world-class¹.
Study at a university that is No.1 in South Australia for Graduate Careers in Architecture².
Engage in real-life projects through our unique award-winning student Design and Construct courses where you will collaborate in designing and building real-world projects across Australia - the longest-running and largest practice-based teaching program of its type in Australia.
Benefit from our strong relationships with local, national, and international architectural practices through experienced practitioner teachers.
UniSA is home to Australia’s only Architecture Museum filled with over 200,000 items, including records, drawings, and photographs of Australian architecture.
UniSA is No.1 in South Australia for Architecture Facilities³.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities⁴, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
²ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Architecture and Built Environment - Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
³ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Architecture and Built Environments – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.
⁴UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

A career in architecture is immensely rewarding, giving you the opportunity to shape and transform the built environment around you.

Taught by a highly respected and skilled team, you'll learn from educators with real-world experience that will teach you the critical foundational skills and knowledge necessary to shape the sustainable environments of tomorrow.

Our Bachelor of Architectural Studies is a globally competitive degree focusing on the relationship between architecture, communication, technology, culture, and natural and built environments. Our alumni network spans the globe, from award-winning local architectural practices to international practices with offices worldwide.

What you'll learn

This bachelor-level degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge to understand design principles and methods; building structures and construction systems; digital design and communication methods; sustainable design strategies; and the social and cultural history that shapes our world.

This degree has a strong practical focus – in architectural design studio classes, you will design real and speculative projects informed by contemporary architectural practice and construction, as well as undertake research and hands-on learning through industry-led and practically-focused coursework.

As well as the opportunity to gain relevant practical experience, you will gain the skills needed to design architectural environments that range in scale and complexity and develop:

Research methods and skills to integrate theoretical, behavioural, environmental, and ethical issues within your architectural projects.
Understanding of the social and political context of architecture.
Verbal, written, and graphic communication skills, including traditional drawing methods and 2D and 3D computer-based representation skills that will enable you to explore your designs using Virtual and Augmented Reality and game engine environments such as Epic’s Unreal.
Conceptual and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge in contemporary design culture, including Aboriginal and First Nations cultural practices.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Design Studio (Foundation)	ARCH 1034	9
Design Construction Principles	ARCH 1007	4.5
Design, Culture and Environment	ARCH 1021	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Architectural Design Studio (Dwelling)	ARCH 1032	9
Architectural Documentation	ARCH 1033	4.5
Architecture and Environment	ARCH 1020	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Architectural Design Studio (Context)	ARCH 2051	9	Note(s): 2
Design Communications (Digital)	ARCH 2053	4.5
Architecture and Modernity	ARCH 3053	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Architectural Design Studio (Communications)	ARCH 2052	9	Note(s): 2
Design Construction Multistorey	BUIL 2006	4.5
Advanced Design Media	ARCH 3054	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Architectural Design Studio (Construction)	ARCH 3049	9	Note(s): 2
Architecture and Technology	BUIL 3004	4.5
University-wide Elective		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Architectural Design Studio (Integrated)	ARCH 3050	9	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 3
Architecture and Ecology	ARCH 3028	4.5		Rule(s): 3
Contemporary Design Theory	ARCH 2021	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are not permitted to take two Design Studios or Architectural Design Studios concurrently.

2. Students must normally complete the degree within 6 study periods of full time study (or its equivalent of part-time study) from the date of their initial enrolment, not including any periods of approved leave of absence or enforced suspension.

3. This course contributes to a Planning and Urban Design minor. Graduates of Bachelor of Architectural Studies who have completed a Planning and Urban Design minor will receive 18 units of credit into the Master of Urban and Regional Planning. Student must enrol in ARCH 5011 as their elective to complete the minor.

4. This program requires students to purchase additional materials at their own cost as part of their Program Materials Kit. Information regarding the program kit will be provided to students during their Program Orientation and should be purchased at the earliest opportunity.

5. Any variations to the sequence of study requires approval from the Program Director.

Notes

1. All students must complete one Elective as part of their undergraduate program. The Elective may be studied in any Study Period (1 - 7), not necessarily as specified in the above program schedule. The Elective may be chosen from any discipline within the University. See undergraduate elective courses.

2. Each design studio will require students to demonstrate an ability to integrate all other subject areas of the program into the design process.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate assessment through both speculative and practical learning activities that are designed to provide you with professional agility to respond to any challenge your career in Architecture throw at you, primarily in the form of:

Design-based architectural and urban projects of varying scales and complexities presented and assessed through design portfolios and oral presentations
Research and analysis into architecture and cultural history and design precedent, including Aboriginal and First Nations, presented and assessed through essays, reports, and oral presentations
Demonstrating 2D and 3D skills in composing digital and analogue drawings and models, including Virtual & Augmented Reality and game engine environments.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Architectural Studies

This degree focuses on developing skills and knowledge by studying the relationships that are shared between architecture, digital and analogue communication, design and construction technologies, cultural history, and natural and built environments. An emphasis on current architectural practice in Australia and overseas means you graduate with knowledge of the ever-changing nature of architecture globally.

You will also have the opportunity to take part in the unique award-winning Design and Construct coursework, where you’ll collaborate, design, and build real projects in locations across Australia and overseas with students from other design disciplines. Some of the projects students have designed and built include the visitor accommodation at Port Resolution (Tanna Island, Vanuatu); Aboriginal ranger accommodation and research facilities in Fish River (Northern Territory, Australia); and accommodation and research facilities at Witchelina Station (South Australia, Australia).

Real-world connections

Our courses are supported by an extensive teaching team of over 100 architectural practitioners. Half of your learning occurs in the architectural design studio where your skills and knowledge are applied to real and speculative design projects drawn from industry, developing your relevant real-world learning experiences and enabling you to productively transition into your professional careers after graduation.

Additional social and professional networks are formed while you study through multi-disciplinary coursework where you will learn side-by-side with students from other disciplines and during national and international study tours where you will learn first-hand what it’s like to work as a designer in other cultures and countries.

UniSA also offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus, and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Study at UniSA

Hear from Subook and Harshada as they share their experiences studying Architecture at UniSA.

Career outcomes

Your career

Architects are creative problem solvers by nature. They immerse themselves in new design technologies and construction materials, and push boundaries of what is possible. They work collaboratively with their clients and other planning, design, and construction-related professionals to realise their client’s design imagination. A career in architecture is rewarding because you get the opportunity to shape and transform the world around you.

Careers to consider:

*Architect: combine creative design with technical knowledge to create sustainable solutions for the built environment
Urban designer: design at the urban scale and participate in educating civic leaders and public about shaping our streets, suburbs, and cities
Heritage consultant: develop sustainable re-use practices in design to protect and maintain heritage projects and sites of important ongoing cultural value
Project or construction manager: involves initiating, planning, and managing a team to deliver projects of varying scales and complexities

* The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (DBAE) is a recognised pathway program to professionally accredited Master of Architecture qualifications (or equivalent) across Australia and New Zealand. The Master of Architecture qualification (or equivalent) is required under the Architectural Practice Act (SA, 2009) to seek future registration as an ‘architect’ in South Australia. Only those practitioners registered with architectural registration boards in each State and Territory in Australia, including the Architectural Practice Board of South Australia, are entitled to use the title ‘architect’ by law.

Industry facts

Architect and landscape architect roles in Australia are expected to increase by 16.8 per cent by November 2026¹.

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Occupational Employment Projections 2021

The architectural services sector in Australia is worth $4 billion in annual revenue¹.

¹IBISWorld’s Architectural Services Market Research Report 2023

Employment for architects, designers, planners and surveyors in Australia is projected to increase by 17,000 (16.8 per cent) by November 2026¹.

¹Australian Government, National Skills Commission, Occupational Employment Projections 2021

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Creative Studies (Architecture)
SAIBT Diploma of Arts

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts
see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As an architecture student you will have access to:

dedicated safe and secure design studios that are accessible 24/7
Australia’s only Architecture Museum to research about Australian architectural design
digital and traditional workshops to make models of your design projects
specialised computer suites on--campus in addition to access to industry-leading 2D and 3D computer-design software on your own computers

Your program director

Architects fulfil a critical role in society through shaping the environment in which we live. Architecture brings together the technical, the cultural, and the creative – a combination that makes studying and working in architecture challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Dr Chris Brisbin

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Chris Brisbin

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How to apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I was a paramedic for nine years before I decided I wanted to study architecture. UniSA is guiding me to be industry ready, strengthening the beginning of my career, and challenging me to think differently, to solve problems using a strong and evolving toolkit.

Christopher Pongrac

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Master of Architecture

Christopher Pongrac

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Master of Architecture

UniSA graduates have practical all-round professional skills, display good work ethic, and show initiative and a willingness to learn. My advice is to get as much work experience in your studies as possible, develop a relationship with a professional mentor and travel widely to broaden the mind.

Tony Materne

Partner | MPH Architects

Tony Materne

Partner | MPH Architects

Hear from UniSA graduates and Co-Founders/Directors of Studio Gram, Dave Bickmore and Graham Charbonneau, about their experiences studying Architecture at UniSA and how it has helped them reach their career goals.

Ivan, a student from Hong Kong, talks about his experience as an Architecture student at the University of South Australia.

Bachelor of Architectural Studies - Mimili Traces

In 2005, the Design Construct Program was engaged by the Department of Families and Communities to design and construct Single Men’s Housing for the Mimili Aboriginal Community.

Mimili student architecture project building

In 2005, the Design Construct Program was engaged by the Department of Families and Communities to design and construct Single Men’s Housing for the Mimili Aboriginal Community.