Bachelor of Architectural Design

This is the first stage of studying architecture, built around design studio projects that grow more complex each year.

Compare 10 providers

How long it takes: 3 years; full time
Entry ATAR: From 59.15; Lowest offered at Griffith University, 2026
How you can study: Online or on campus
Leads on to: Architect; $120,000 median pay
Taught by: 10 providers; 5 states and territories

Is this course right for you?

What the Bachelor of Architectural Design asks of you, and what you might want to check first.

It helps to have

an interest in how buildings and spaces are designed
a habit of looking closely at the built environment
creative thinking and problem solving skills
good communication skills for sharing design ideas

Before you start

Each provider sets its own entry requirements, so check the ones you are considering.

Where this course can take you

The study that can follow this course.

Jobs you can do with it

Architect
Architects design buildings and the spaces around them, turning a site, a brief and a budget into something that can actually be built.
A step towards this job. What else you need
Median pay$120,000

Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list.

Where you can study this course

There are 10 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.

Monash University
Caulfield, VIC
4.3from 1,955 Google reviews
ATAR
66.4 lowest
(75.2 median, 2026)
How you study
On campus
Next intake
Feb 2027
Course page for Monash University (opens in a new tab)
What students like
- Staff are supportive and resolve issues quickly
What to weigh up
- Admin replies can be slow
- Feedback from teaching staff can be limited
Western Sydney University
Parramatta City, NSW
4.2from 1,872 Google reviews
ATAR
65.1 lowest
(70.1 median, 2023)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Website for Western Sydney University (opens in a new tab)
What students like
- Staff are friendly and supportive
- Good academic experience and learning
What to weigh up
- Admin can be slow to respond
Griffith University
Gold Coast, QLD
4.3from 1,317 Google reviews
ATAR
59.15 lowest
(67 median, 2026)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Fee
$9,600 a year
(Government-supported place)
Website for Griffith University (opens in a new tab)
What students like
- Lecturers and tutors are supportive and approachable
What to weigh up
- Tutors can be slow to reply to emails
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
Victoria University
Footscray Park, VIC
3.9from 1,562 Google reviews
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Next intake
Feb 2027
Charles Darwin University
Casuarina, Waterfront Darwin, NT
4.2from 619 Google reviews
ATAR
59.7 lowest
(62.95 median, 2026)
How you study
Online or on campus
(full or part time)
RMIT University
City, VIC
More about RMIT University
3.8from 1,757 Google reviews
How you study
On campus
Next intake
Feb 2027
Adelaide University
Adelaide City, SA
4.5from 1,262 Google reviews
ATAR
69.15 lowest
(74.45 median, 2026)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Next intake
Feb 2027
What students like
- Lecturers and staff are helpful and professional
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
Queensland University of Technology
Gardens Point, QLD
4.5from 896 Google reviews
ATAR
73.15 lowest
(80.3 median, 2026)
How you study
On campus
(full or part time)
Next intake
Feb 2027
Fee
$9,970 a year
(Government-supported place)
Website for Queensland University of Technology (opens in a new tab)
What students like
- Students are friendly and approachable
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Some find staff less helpful