Advice for international students
The first thing to warn international students wishing to continue their architecture studies in the UK is that it is a complicated process.
As ‘architect’ is a protected title in the UK, there is a strict qualification and training route (more information).
This means that students who have begun their architectural education outside the UK system, and wish to continue studying to become an architect here, will need to have their existing qualifications assessed for equivalence by the Architects Registration Board (Arb).
This process, which involved Arb both examining your portfolio and conducting an interview, costs around £1,000.
Download the Arb initial guidance
Full set of Arb crossover guidance booklets
There isn’t really a way to avoid paying this fee.
Some schools allow students to join the final year of an Arb/RIBA approved undergraduate degree, and if they pass will then have their Part I, but a year spent living and studying inevitably costs more than the equivalence fee. But, this can be a very good option for students whose undergraduate education may not meet Arb’s requirements.
The vast majority of UK schools will require a student to have gained this Arb exemption before entering a Part II or III course, though some may allow students to gain it within the course of their studies. As always, the best advice is to talk to the school for their advice.
Important caveat: EU Qualified architects
Since October 2007, EU, and only EU, architects who are fully qualified within their home system, may have their qualifications recognised in the UK, without having to go through the equivalence process. More information
Common student scenarios
In recognition that this is a complicated situation, here are a couple of common student scenarios.
Scenario one
Student A has either no degree, or a non-architecture degree, from an international university and wants to study architecture and become an architect
Student A needs to apply to the Part I course and meet the school’s normal entry requirements for international students. No contact with ARB/RIBA is needed. See our guide on Choosing a Course
Scenario two
Student B has a three year undergraduate degree in architectural studies from a non-UK university and wants to become an architect.
Student B needs to apply for a place on a part II course validated by Arb and RIBA. They will also need to have their undergraduate degree assessed by Arb for equivalency.
Scenario three
Student C has a three year undergraduate degree in architectural studies from a non-UK university and wants to study a masters in the UK. They are not decided on whether they want to practice architecture in the UK.
Whilst qualifications can be assessed for equivalence at any stage, it can be an expensive route to go down to take a non-accredited masters – and then decide you wish to practice as an architect.
The advice therefore is for Student C needs to decide whether or not they wish to practice architecture in the UK.
If they do not, then they can simply apply for the masters course of interest to them as a student in the normal manner.
However, if they do want to become an architect, or at least leave that career route open, they will need to have their undergraduate degree prescribed by Arb, and then apply for a masters that is validated by Arb.