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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.
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 to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
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)
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 #43, 2024 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.
1. Students are not permitted to take two Design Studios or Architectural Design Studios concurrently.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
