Recognition agreement opens up new pathways for students and architects between the UK and Hong Kong
UK Architects Registration Board and Hong Kong Institute of Architects sign memorandum of understanding
22 October 2024
The UK Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) have today signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will allow for the mutual recognition of relevant architectural qualifications in the United Kingdom (UK) and Hong Kong.
The MoU recognises the high educational standards of both jurisdictions and the importance of public protection, and will make moving and working between the UK and Hong Kong easier for eligible graduates and architects. It will also create new opportunities for collaboration and potential for business for practices in both jurisdictions.
This memorandum of understanding is particularly welcome because it enables eligible students to combine education in Hong Kong and the UK as part of a pathway to accreditation
Dr Sam Austin, Director of Architecture said, “We know our students really value the opportunity to enrich their experience by studying in the UK as well as in their home country, and that they value the flexibility to choose where they work once they become registered architects. This memorandum of understanding is particularly welcome because it enables eligible students to combine education in Hong Kong and the UK as part of a pathway to accreditation, while also providing an easier route for architects already qualified in one country to be able to practice in the other.”
This agreement between the UK And Hong Kong follows mutual recognition agreements recently concluded with architectural accreditation bodies in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, which open up routes for eligible architects qualified in the UK to practice in those countries and vice versa.