The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) and the Architects Registration Board of the United Kingdom (ARBUK) allows for the mutual recognition of relevant educational qualifications, making it easier for eligible individuals to have their educational 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 ARBUK-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 an 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 Part 1 and Part 2 will only need to complete the PA.

Eligible individuals who hold an 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 an HKIA-accredited degree and master’s level degree will only need to complete an ARBUK-accredited Part 3 qualification to be eligible to join the UK Register, while those with a degree level qualification will only need to complete Part 2 and Part 3.

The Architects Registration Board Hong Kong (ARBHK) will also accept the relevant ARBUK-accredited Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications for the purpose of establishing eligibility for the PA to pave the way for 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 ARBUK’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 ARBUK or HKIA-accredited qualifications to satisfy registration requirements in full.

Who is eligible to apply for recognition?

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 ARBUK to have their HKIA-accredited qualifications mutually recognised will need a certificate or statement from HKIA confirming that their qualification(s) are in scope of the agreement.

Recognition of ARBUK-accredited degree level and master’s level qualifications in Hong Kong

The MoU provides for the recognition of ARBUK-accredited UK Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications by HKIA. Those wishing to apply to HKIA to have their ARBUK-accredited qualifications mutually recognised will need a certificate from ARBUK confirming that their qualification(s) are in scope of the agreement.

Applicants holding ARBUK-accredited qualifications at degree level and master’s level must be able to provide copies of both qualifications when requesting certification from ARBUK. Additional certification fees will be chargeable for any qualification requiring certification which is not provided at the time of application.

How to apply

Hong Kong to UK

1. Confirm eligibility

Review the eligibility criteria on the Eligibility for the HKIA/ARBHK Professional Assessment (PA) for the Professional Architectural Programmes accredited by HKIA/ARBHK.

2. Complete the HKIA certificate application form

Having checked that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can complete your HKIA certificate online application form here:

Click here for Online Application Form for HKIA Verification Certificate

There is a fee payable to HKIA for provision of a certificate, and payment details will be instructed after online submission. For details of the ARBUK fees that will apply to your application after you have completed all of the registration requirements, please visit ARBUK website for details.

Note for attention:

1. The qualification verification and certificate printing process will take about FOUR weeks. Applicants are advised to allow ample time for the next steps in their application with ARBUK.

2. There will be charges for certificate printing (HK$800) and postage (if applicable).

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(s) are in scope. The qualification verification and certificate printing process will take about FOUR weeks. Applicants are advised to allow ample time for the next steps in their application with ARBUK.

4. ARBUK confirmation

Having received your certificate, you must send it to ARBUK, along with your request for recognition of your qualification(s). ARBUK 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 proceed with your study and go on to apply to join the Register in the UK.

• If you have had an HKIA-accredited degree level qualification recognised, you will need to complete Part 2 and Part 3 qualification to apply to join the UK Register.

• If you have had an HKIA-accredited degree level qualification and master’s level qualification recognised, you only need to complete an ARBUK-accredited Part 3 qualification to make an application to join the UK Register.

UK to Hong Kong

For more details, please visit: https://arb.org.uk/international-routes/arb-and-hkia-mou/

ARB & HKIA MoU FAQs

1. How will I receive my HKIA certificate?

Once your application form has been reviewed and accepted, your certificate will be mailed to you by registered post (postage to be charged) or you may pick it up at HKIA Premises ( Monday to Friday between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm / Saturday between 10:00 am - 12:00 noon / Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays)

2. Where can I see the full text of the Memorandum of Understanding?

The full text of the MoU can be downloaded here.

For more information, you may refer to FAQ about the MOU of HKIA and ARBUK or contact us at joinhkia@hkia.org.hk.