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A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) allows for the mutual recognition of relevant qualifications, making it easier for eligible individuals to have their qualifications recognised in both the UK and Hong Kong.
It allows individuals to access further study and apply to join the Register in both jurisdictions.
- Eligible individuals who hold ARB-accredited Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications can benefit from direct recognition of their qualifications in Hong Kong. UK graduates with a Part 1 will only need to complete a HKIA-accredited master’s level qualification and the HKIA/ARBHK Professional Assessment (PA) to be eligible to join the Hong Kong Register, while those with both a Part 1 and Part 2 will only need to complete the PA.
- Eligible individuals who hold a HKIA-accredited degree and master’s degree level qualifications will benefit from direct recognition of their qualifications in the UK. Hong Kong graduates with both a HKIA-accredited degree and master’s level degree will only need to complete an ARB-accredited Part 3 qualification to be eligible to join the UK Register, while those with a degree level qualification will only need to complete a Part 2 and Part 3.
- The Architects Registration Board Hong Kong (ARBHK) will also accept the relevant ARB-accredited Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications for the purpose of establishing eligibility for the PA to pave the way of registration in Hong Kong.
This MoU replaces former arrangements under which graduates holding HKIA-accredited qualifications were required to make applications for Part 1 and/or Part 2 equivalence through ARB’s Prescribed Examination route as well as completing any additional requirements for registration in the UK.
Please note that this MoU only operates at degree and master’s levels. Graduates will still be required to undertake further relevant ARB or HKIA-accredited qualifications to satisfy registration requirements in full.Â
Before applying, check your eligibility below:
Who is eligible to apply for recognition?
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Recognition of HKIA-accredited degree level and master’s level qualifications in the UK
The MoU provides for the ‘freestanding’ recognition of HKIA-accredited degree level and master’s level qualifications issued in Hong Kong. Those wishing to apply to ARB to have their HKIA-accredited qualifications mutually recognised will also hold a certificate or statement from HKIA confirming that their qualification or qualifications are in scope of the agreement.Â
Recognition of ARB-accredited degree level and master’s level qualifications in Hong Kong
The MoU provides for the recognition of ARB-accredited UK Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications by HKIA. Those wishing to apply to HKIA to have their ARB-accredited qualifications mutually recognised will also hold a certificate from ARB confirming that their qualification or qualifications are in scope of the agreement.Â
Applicants holding ARB-accredited qualifications at degree level and master’s level must be able to provide copies of both qualifications when requesting certification from ARB. Additional certification fees will be chargeable for any qualification requiring certification which is not provided at the time of application.Â
UK to Hong Kong
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Confirm eligibility
Review the list of ARB-accredited qualifications here to make sure your degree level qualification or degree level and master’s level qualifications are ARB accredited and thus in scope.
If you cannot find your qualification listed but still think it may be ARB-accredited, please contact us by email at info@arb.org.uk
Who: Applicant | Queries: ARB
2
Complete the ARB certificate application form
Having checked that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can complete your ARB certificate application form on the MyARB portal
There is a fee of £120 payable to ARB for provision of a certificate.
Who: Applicant | Queries: ARB
3
ARB review and certificate preparation
ARB will review your application and your qualifications, and will confirm whether you meet the relevant MoU requirements. ARB will then issue you a certificate confirming that your qualifications are in scope.
Who: ARB | Queries: ARB
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HKIA Confirmation
Having received your certificate, you must send it to HKIA, along with your request for recognition of your qualification or qualifications. HKIA will inform you of the next steps you need to take to progress your study or to go on to join the Hong Kong Register of Architects.
If you have had an ARB-accredited Part 1 qualification recognised only, you will need to complete a HKIA-accredited master’s level qualification and the HKIA/ARBHK Professional Assessment (PA) to be eligible to make an application to join the Hong Kong Register.
If you have had ARB-accredited Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications recognised, you will only need to complete the PA to be eligible to make an application to join the Hong Kong Register.
Who: HKIA | Queries: HKIA
Hong Kong to UK
1
Confirm eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria on the HKIA website and contact HKIA to begin the certificate application process.
Who: Applicant | Queries: HKIA
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Complete the HKIA certificate application form
Having checked that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can complete your HKIA certificate application form on the HKIA website.Â
There is a fee payable to HKIA for provision of a certificate. For more information, contact HKIA at joinhkia@hkia.org.hk
For details of the ARB fees that will apply to your application after you have completed all of the registration requirements, please see our fees page here. Â
Who: Applicant | Queries: HKIAÂ
3
HKIA review and certificate preparation
HKIA will review your application and your qualifications, and will confirm whether you meet the relevant MoU requirements. HKIA will then issue you a certificate confirming that your qualification or qualifications are in scope.Â
Who: HKIA | Queries: HKIA
4
ARB confirmation
Having received your certificate, you must send it to ARB at info@arb.org.uk, together with valid ID and your request for recognition of your qualification or qualifications.
ARB will reply with a letter confirming our recognition of your degree level and/or master’s level qualifications, along with more information about how you can progress your study and go on to apply to join the Register.
If you have had a HKIA-accredited degree level qualification recognised, you will need to complete a Part 2 and Part 3 qualification to apply to join the UK Register.
If you have had a HKIA-accredited degree level qualification and master’s level qualification recognised, you only need to complete an ARB-accredited Part 3 qualification to make an application to join the UK Register.
If you hold a UK Prescribed Part 3 qualification you are eligible to make an application to join the UK Register of Architects. You can learn more about registering for the first time here.
Who: ARB | Queries: ARB
ARB & HKIA MoU FAQs
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What is the relationship between the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Architects Registration Board Hong Kong (ARB HK)?
Will my ARB-accredited Part 3 qualification/Hong Kong Professional Assessment qualification be recognised under the MoU?
For example, you may use the MoU to work towards your HKIA-accredited Professional Assessment qualification, based on the recognition of your UK degree and/or master’s level qualifications. This will eventually allow you to register and practice architecture in Hong Kong provided you complete all other requirements necessary for registration in Hong Kong. However, if you then wished to practice in the UK, you would still need to obtain an ARB-accredited Part 3 qualification. Â
I have an overseas qualification which has been recognised by ARB or HKIA. Will this be recognised under the MoU?
No. The scope of the MoU does not include provisions to recognise ‘third country’ qualifications that have been deemed equivalent by ARB or HKIA.
How will I receive my MoU certificate?
Once your application form has been reviewed and accepted, your certificate will be emailed to the address you provide by either ARB or HKIA.
Does ARB accredit qualifications issued outside of the UK?
No. However, some UK providers deliver some elements of their ARB accredited qualifications from overseas locations. For example, the Advanced Diploma in Architectural Practice, which is run by the RIBA’s North West Region, includes a pathway which is delivered in Hong Kong. This qualification is accredited by ARB but does not fall within the scope of the MoU.
Where can I see the full text of the Memorandum of Understanding?
The full text of the MoU can be downloaded here.