AU · Bachelor's
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Design (Architecture major)
University of Melbourne
Course Overview
Melbourne's Bachelor of Design with an Architecture major is a three-year degree taught from the Melbourne School of Design — a Stirling Prize-shortlisted building on the Parkville campus and one of the leading architecture schools in the Asia-Pacific (#13 globally in QS by Subject for Architecture). The degree is the first half of the Melbourne Model: students complete this Bachelor, then progress to the 2-year Master of Architecture for full RIBA/AIA accreditation as a registered architect.
Sri Lankan applicants who target Melbourne usually do so because of the Melbourne Model itself — the freedom to switch majors during years 1-2 (a student can pivot from Architecture to Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning or Construction Management without losing credit). The university is also a 100% Group of Eight institution with the largest South-Asian architecture cohort of any Australian school.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan GCE A/L: 3 As (or AAB) — roughly equivalent to ATAR 90.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 35 points overall (no portfolio required).
- check_circle Cambridge / Edexcel A Levels: ABB minimum.
- check_circle Direct Year 2 entry not available — this is a stand-alone 3-year programme.
- check_circle Online application via Melbourne's Apply portal; no portfolio or interview required for the Bachelor of Design.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 79 Overall (min 21 Writing, 18 Speaking, 13 Reading, 13 Listening).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 58 Overall.
- 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 53,500 | Rs. 11,235,000 |
| 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 87,210 | Rs. 18,314,100 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Bachelor graduates typically progress to Melbourne's 2-year Master of Architecture for full AIA registration — the combined 5-year qualification leads to Architect (ANZSCO 232111) on the MLTSSL, with direct PR pathway. Top employers: Hassell, Bates Smart, Cox Architecture, Woods Bagot, Grimshaw, ARM Architecture. Architectural Graduate salaries in Melbourne: AUD 65,000-75,000.
Related Programs
Bachelor of Architectural Design
RMIT University
Bachelor of Applied Science (Interior Architecture)
Curtin University
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication
American University in Dubai
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our counsellors have helped hundreds of Sri Lankan students secure placements in AU. We handle everything from applications to visa processing.