RIBA validation is an internationally recognised benchmark for excellence in architecture.
Schools of architecture all over the world invite the RIBA to consider their programmes for validation because the process offers a high quality, robust and objective peer review service, the result of over 100 years at the forefront of validating architectural education.
The RIBA aims to offer a rigorous and systematic inspection of architectural courses to ensure parity on an international scale, whilst respecting the local systems within which schools operate. This is a key factor in the Institute's mission to advance architecture and promote excellence in the profession.
The breadth and depth of current architectural teaching and practice is represented in our Validation Panel, whose members are highly experienced educators and practitioners.
Over 90 courses in 23 countries worldwide are now recognised by the RIBA (sometimes in collaboration with the Commonwealth Association of Architects) and this number is increasing.
Services we offer
RIBA Visiting Boards
RIBA Visiting Boards review course content and the work of students to determine whether the course can be granted exemption from the RIBA examinations.*
RIBA Exploratory and Monitoring Visits
Members of the Validation Panel will explore with the school the possibility of the school hosting a Visiting Board. It will give advice on appropriateness of standards, or monitor and advise on appropriateness of standards to an already recognised course, outwith the standard visiting board procedure.
RIBA International Education Consultancy
Our Validation Panel members are also available to undertake consultancy work, offering schools advice on general education issues, for example standards, course structure, curriculum and so forth. This operates beyond the standard visiting board procedure and is available to all schools, whether they are recognised by the RIBA or not.
More information on this service will be supplied on request.
International Validation Procedures and Criteria
Overseas schools are validated according to the same criteria as UK schools.
Overseas validation charging
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Overseas candidate course exploratory visit: €1500 one off fee
NB: the fee is paid in advance, and non refundable in the case of cancellation
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Overseas candidate course initial validation visit: €2000 one off fee
NB: the fee is paid in advance, and non refundable in the case of cancellation
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Overseas educational consultancy (per person): €500 per person, per diem
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Full overseas revalidation €500 p.a. retention fee
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Full cost recovery of members' (and consultants') expenses at cost
The charges apply to all overseas institutions who have contacted the RIBA for discussion of possible candidate course status after 6 April 2009; VAT will be applied where appropriate at the prevailing rate. If an institution has contacted the RIBA before 6 April 2009, and no visits have been carried out, these rates will still apply and the institution advised of the uplift in charges. If an institution has contacted the RIBA before 6 April 2009, and visits carried out, those rates prevailing between 28 November 2007 and 6 April 2009 will apply.
In all cases, schools will be encouraged to make the necessary travel and accommodation arrangements for the visiting board in advance of the visit.
Contact details
We welcome validation enquiries from all schools of architecture. If you are interested in inviting an RIBA Visiting Board to your school, or wish to discuss the process with us, please contact Stephanie Beasley-Suffolk|.
*Note:
Non-EU qualified architects are still required to fulfil the requirements of the Architects' Registration Board| (ARB) if they wish to register and practise in the UK.