AA School International Postgraduate Fellowship
The AA School of Architecture is one of the world's most influential independent architecture schools — its alumni include Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, and Richard Rogers. The International Postgraduate Fellowship offers up to 50% tuition discount across the AA's MA, MArch, MSc, and MFA programmes (Design Research Lab, Housing & Urbanism, Sustainable Environmental Design, Emergent Technologies & Design, Landscape Urbanism, History & Critical Thinking). The fellowship is highly competitive — selection is portfolio-driven, with strong weight given to design experimentation. Sri Lankan applicants from Moratuwa's Faculty of Architecture have been admitted historically.
Architectural Association School of Architecture
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
Up to 50% Tuition Discount
Duration
1 to 2 Years (Programme)
Application
Portfolio + Essay Required
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Application to an AA Postgraduate Programme
You must be applying to one of the AA's 12-month or 16-month postgraduate programmes (MA, MArch, MSc, MFA). PhD applicants apply through a separate AA School research funding route.
Strong Portfolio + Academic Record
Architecture portfolio (15-25 pages of design work) demonstrating conceptual depth and experimentation. Plus an undergraduate or earlier postgraduate qualification in architecture, design, urbanism, or a related discipline — Sri Lankan applicants typically from Moratuwa Architecture or City School of Architecture.
International Fee Status
Open only to overseas fee-paying students. Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka are eligible. UK and EU domestic-fee applicants apply through a separate UK student support pathway.
English Proficiency
Meet the AA's standard postgraduate English requirement — IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or equivalent TOEFL iBT 92+ / PTE 62+. The interview is conducted in English.
account_tree Application Process
Apply to the AA postgraduate programme
Submit your application via the AA School's online portal — including portfolio, transcripts, CV, two reference letters, and a 750-word personal statement. Indicate that you wish to be considered for the International Postgraduate Fellowship.
Interview round
Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by programme directors — typically online for Sri Lankan candidates. The interview focuses on portfolio work, research interests, and motivation for the chosen programme.
Fellowship review
Admitted applicants who indicated fellowship interest are reviewed by the AA Fellowship Committee. The committee assesses portfolio strength, programme fit, and financial need (a brief financial statement is required).
Award and enrolment
Successful applicants receive a fellowship letter alongside the admission offer. The discount is applied to the first-year tuition invoice, with the second-year continuation (for 2-year programmes) subject to satisfactory progress.
Why the AA School?
The AA is the UK's oldest independent school of architecture (founded 1847) and arguably the world's most influential — Pritzker Prize laureates Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, and Richard Rogers all trained or taught there. Bedford Square premises in central London put students in the heart of UK architectural culture.
1847
Founded
Pritzker
3+ Pritzker Laureates
Up to 50%
Tuition Discount
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