AU · Bachelor's
RMIT University
Bachelor of Architectural Design
RMIT University
Course Overview
RMIT's School of Architecture and Urban Design is ranked #15 globally for Architecture / Built Environment in QS World Rankings by Subject and is widely regarded as Australia's most experimental architecture school — with deep links to firms like ARM Architecture, Lyons, McBride Charles Ryan, and Searle x Waldron. The Bachelor of Architectural Design is a 3-year degree taught from the City Campus on Swanston Street, central Melbourne. It is the first half of the standard 5-year path to a registered architect — students continue to the 2-year Master of Architecture for full AIA accreditation.
Sri Lankan applicants pick RMIT because the studio culture is uniquely intense and project-based (10-12 students per studio, multiple full-scale public installations per year), and the school is the only one in Australia where the entire faculty practises alongside teaching — meaning students learn current contemporary work, not historical case studies. Combined 5-year qualification is ARB Australia accredited and recognised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) for chartered membership pathways.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 3 passes including 2 Cs or above; rough ATAR equivalent 70.
- check_circle Cambridge / Edexcel A Levels: BBC minimum.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 28 points overall.
- check_circle Folio of creative work — sketches, photography, models, design projects, or any visual portfolio piece — 10-15 items submitted via RMIT folio portal.
- check_circle Online application via RMIT International apply portal or via VTAC.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall.
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall.
- check_circle RMIT English Worldwide offers ELICOS packaged with the degree if your IELTS is 0.5-1.0 below requirement.
- check_circle Waived if your school qualification was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan applicants from Edexcel/Cambridge International streams qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (AUD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | AUD 43,000 | Rs. 9,030,000 |
| OSHC Health Cover (per year) | AUD 700 | Rs. 147,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Melbourne) | AUD 29,710 | Rs. 6,239,100 |
| Student Visa & Setup | AUD 1,800 | Rs. 378,000 |
| Studio Materials, Models & Software | AUD 1,500 | Rs. 315,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | AUD 76,710 | Rs. 16,109,100 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Bachelor graduates typically progress to RMIT's 2-year Master of Architecture for full ARB Australia accreditation — the combined 5-year qualification leads to Architect (ANZSCO 232111) on the MLTSSL, with direct PR pathway via Skilled Independent (189) or State Nominated (190) visa streams. Top hirers: ARM Architecture, Lyons, McBride Charles Ryan, BVN, Hassell, Woods Bagot, Bates Smart. Architectural Graduate salaries in Melbourne: AUD 65,000-75,000.
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