Australia continues to attract talented professionals from around the world. For Indian architects aiming for skilled migration to Australia, completing the AACA Skills Assessment is a very important step. Many Indian architects in Australia are building successful careers through the AACA skills assessment pathway. This blog provides a clear roadmap for understanding the process and requirements.
Table Of Content
1What is AACA Skills Assessment in Australia?2Who is Eligible for AACA Skills Assessment?3AACA Skills Assessment Requirements for Architects4How to Apply for AACA Skill Assessment5AACA Skill Assessment Fees6AACA Skill Assessment Processing time7Common Challenges of AACA and How to Overcome Them8Frequently Asked Questions
What is AACA Skills Assessment in Australia?
The AACA Skills Assessment is an evaluation conducted by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) to verify the qualifications, skills, and professional experience of overseas architects. This skill assessment is essential for architects seeking skilled migration to Australia or employment in the architectural field. It will make sure that applicants meet Australian standards of practice.
Who is Eligible for AACA Skills Assessment?
Architects from overseas, including Indian architects are eligible, those who wish to work in Australia or apply for permanent residency must undergo the AACA Skills Assessment. For skill migration to Australia the ANZSCO code for the occupation ‘Architect’, is 232111. It is mandatory for candidates applying through skilled migration Australia pathways, including:
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
AACA Skills Assessment Requirements for Architects
To complete the AACA Skills Assessment, Indian architects need to prepare the following requirements:
1. Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch, 5-year program) or Master of Architecture (M.Arch) from universities recognized by the Council of Architecture (COA), India
- Qualification must be coursework-based and allow eligibility for architectural registration in India
- Submit degree certificates and transcripts for verification
2. Professional Experience
- Minimum six months of full-time, post-graduation paid experience.
- Integrated internships in your degree do not count.
- Submit employment letters and references detailing responsibilities and project involvement.
3. English Language Proficiency
- Required if your education was not in English.
- Accepted tests:
- IELTS Academic – Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0.
- PTE Academic – Minimum 61.
4. Identity Documents
- Valid passport and recent photographs as per AACA requirements.
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed CV covering education, professional experience, and project involvement.
6. Portfolio of Work
- 3–4 projects (academic or professional), including at least one complex project.
- Must demonstrate involvement across project stages from concept to completion.
- Address AACA’s competency areas.
You can also find more about other Australian skill assessments here.
How to Apply for AACA Skill Assessment
To apply for the AACA Skills Assessment, Indian and other overseas architects must complete the OQA online application, submit approved documents and portfolios, attend an interview, and secure a positive outcome. This skill assessment serves as both a migration prerequisite and a career recognition tool for pursuing registration in Australian architecture.
The AACA Assessment process involves several stages that Indian architects should understand:
Stage 1 – Check Eligibility
Before applying, make sure that you:
- Hold a tertiary qualification in architecture that allows registration as an architect in your home country (e.g., COA-recognized B.Arch or M.Arch from India).
- Have at least six months of paid architectural work experience after graduation.
- Meet the English language proficiency requirement (normally IELTS Academic with a minimum overall score of 6.5, or PTE Academic 61).
- May apply from within or outside Australia.
Stage 2 – Prepare Documentation
You will need:
- Certified copies of your degree certificate(s) and academic transcript(s).
- Proof of architectural registration eligibility or COA registration (if applicable).
- Passport identification page and proof of identity documents.
- Employment reference letter(s) confirming post-graduate professional experience.
- A portfolio of 3 to 4 architectural projects (including at least one complex project) with written summaries addressing the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA).
- Proof of English proficiency (if degree not taught in English).
- A Curriculum Vitae detailing education, employment, and project roles.
Stage 3 – Initial Application
Submit your online application through the AACA portal with all required documents, including certified copies of your academic transcripts, degree certificates, and passport.
Stage 4 – Document Verification
AACA reviews your educational qualifications to ensure they meet Australian standards. They may contact your university directly for verification. This stage typically takes 6–8 weeks.
Stage 5 – Assessment of Experience
Your professional experience and portfolio are evaluated. AACA assesses whether your work demonstrates competency in architectural practice areas such as design, documentation, project management, and regulatory compliance.
Stage 6 – Interview (if required)
In some cases, AACA may request a video interview to clarify aspects of your application or discuss your experience in greater detail.
Stage 7 – Outcome
Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive your outcome letter. A positive assessment confirms your qualifications are suitable for migration purposes.
In addition to AACA, VETASSESS is a recognized Australian authority that conducts skills assessments for various trade and professional occupations. To know more about the VETASSESS Skills Assessment read our detailed guide.
AACA Skills Assessment Fees
Currently, the AACA Skills Assessment fee is approximately AUD 1,200–5,000. Additional fees may apply for portfolio review or verification of documents.
Also keep in mind that the fees may vary depending on the assessment type.
Below are the official fees for overseas architects (including Indian applicants):
| Type of Application | Fee (AUD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas Qualifications Assessment – New Applicants | $4,900 | For first-time applicants completing the full AACA Skills Assessment process. |
| Overseas Qualifications Assessment – Stage 2 Only* | $3,000 | For applicants who have already completed Stage 1 and are proceeding to Stage 2 assessment. |
| Appeal / Second Interview Fee | $1,200 | Applicable on a case-by-case basis if a review or second interview is required. |
| Renewal of OQA Skills Assessment Letter | $420 | For renewing an expired or expiring AACA Skills Assessment outcome letter. |
Fees are subject to change. Applicants should confirm the latest costs on the official AACA website.
AACA Skill Assessment Processing time
The AACA Skills Assessment processing time typically ranges between 12 to 16 weeks for a complete and eligible application, depending on document completeness and assessor availability.
Common Challenges of AACA and How to Overcome Them
Challenge 1 – Document Verification Delays.
Indian universities may take time to verify your qualifications.
Solution: Contact your university’s registrar office in advance, inform them about the Australia immigration and AACA verification process, and provide AACA’s contact details..
Challenge 2 – Portfolio Requirements
Many struggle to meet AACA’s expectations.
Solution: Include 3–4 quality projects showing your design, documentation, and project management roles.
Challenge 3 – Experience Proof
Incomplete experience letters can lead to rejection.
Solution: Get detailed letters on company letterhead with roles, duration, and projects handled.
Challenge 4 – English Proficiency
Meeting the language benchmark can be tough.
Solution: Prepare well for IELTS or PTE; meet minimum scores in all four skills.
Challenge 5 – Understanding Australian Standards
Lack of knowledge of local codes affects the outcome.
Solution: Study the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian practice standards.
Challenge 6 – Incomplete Applications
Missing or uncertified documents cause delays.
Solution: Use AACA’s checklist and review your application before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
